The Seven Virtues Coffeehouse is on the restored corner of NE 60th & Glisan right in the heart of the Center Neighborhood. B Owner Mike and his wife Misa did a wonderful job taking an eyesore and creating a welcoming, warm, light-filled space! Open just over two years, these guys don’t mess around with normal coffee. They use Stumptown and Intelligentsia roasters and never drip/brew their regular cup of Joe. French press only is spoken here…or as I like to say, ‘narry a drop of drip’.
And you know, sometimes it’s just the little things that stand out. For example, when my dad ordered his cup of coffee, they heated the mug up with hot water first. In all my musings about Portland, I haven’t seen one coffee spot do that yet.B The little things matter! I also love how much light comes pouring in—add to that the comfy leather couches and you’ve found a great hang out spot!
Whether it’s breakfast or lunch–Seven Virtues is expanding their menu to include fresh made sandwiches and hand pies.B Breakfast already offers their special tarts which apparently blow out of there pretty quickly in the am!B Pastries are by Nuvrei, donuts by Coco Donuts, bagels are from Kettlemans….(Personally I can’t get past Nuvrei’s lemon poppyseed scones, I think they are the best in town).
Where did they come up with the name? Well, Mike counseled teens and adolescents–working with troubled youth and their families when he lived in San Fran.B Out of that he observed several basic ingredients for healthy relationships that were missing out of the lives he worked alongside. He felt they were important and thus became part of the mantra for his coffeehouse: Kindness, Gratitude, Patience, Honesty, Humility, Compassion & Forgiveness.B In Mikes perspective, these are all things people can choose to do….. or not.
Here’s the skinny:
- All French Press–no drip/brewed coffee
- Serves Cold Brew Method coffee
- Starting the Pour Over Method coffee soon
- Free Wi-Fi
- Lots of parking around back and on the street
- They compost and recycle wherever possible
- Third Thursday’s they have new artists in
- Small space in back for small groups
Phrase on the back wall today: Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it….Mark Twain.B Nice and deep… I’ll leave you with that.
