As fall advances into winter and the trees lose the last of their leaves, I always pack a book or laptop and enjoy a hot black coffee in a cozy cafe in Portland. It’s one of the best ways to leave my perch in the tiny house, when I need a different environment to stretch those creative muscles or just get a change of scenery. As the days grow darker, spending time at a warm cafe is the best thing to do in these colder months.

Here are five cafes in Portland that I personally have tried out and enjoyed.

Case Study

Case Study has multiple locations throughout Portland. I went to the one in Nob Hill. Housed in a repurposed Victorian building, this snug coffee shop really does make me feel right at home. A decorative fireplace adds to the relaxed atmosphere, reminding you to slow down and stay for a while. A lovely green and blue peacock mural graces the main room, which looks out to the street. You can set up your laptop and watch the world go by. Case Study also offers a strawberry-frosted matcha scone, which pairs nicely with hot coffee.

After finishing coffee, you might stroll down NW 23 Ave, which is lined with indie and upscale retail stops.

Other Case Study locations have different vibes. I also went to the one on Alberta Street, which boasts an industrial-chic design with a loft for quiet studying or reading. The location in Downtown has a big living room vibe, which is great for hanging out with a friend or two.

Rose City Book Pub

Rose City Book Pub is practically the neighborhood’s living room. It’s a charming cafe operating as a used book store and community space, while serving beer, wine, and food. During the day, people bring their laptops to work or study; some might curl up in one of the nooks to read. By the evening, the cafe turns into a gathering space, offering live music, events, and art shows. I would say that this is the quintessential cozy cafe in Portland.

Shelves of books line the turquoise and red walls, as natural daylight pours through the large windows. During the rainy days, I sometimes would take my laptop and find the most secluded nook in the cafe. I felt like a cat, just chilling quietly and doing my thing.

There are plenty of non-alcoholic and some vegan options. I had the dry kombucha, which technically has negligible amounts of alcohol in it—but not nearly enough to intoxicate.

I stumbled upon Rose City Book Pub during a morning run. Their illustrative sandwich board showcased the week’s events. That’s when I discovered the local drink and draw group, Digital Dabblers. We gathered at a table with drinks and drew on our tablets and sketchbooks. Meanwhile, a cello player played soft classical tones. What was found by accident turned out to be a relaxing, magical night of creative flow.

The Tao of Tea

The Tao of Tea is a serene teahouse serving small vegan/vegetarian plates and tea drinks from around the world. Stepping inside the first time, I felt immersed in another world. Bamboo pole shelves hold rows of handmade earthenware teacups and pots, as rice paper lamps glow softly, filling the room with a warm ambiance. Relics from around the world—such as Buddha figures, wooden stringed instruments, and artwork—hang on the walls. This whole teahouse feels like a warm hug for the weary traveler.

I had the flavorful chickpea dal over basmati rice, which was absolutely delicious and filling. A samosa—a deep fried pastry filled with seasoned potatoes and green peas—added the perfect finish to the meal.

My friend Aimeé and I shared a pot of the Eight Treasures Tea, which consisted of Chinese dates, goji berries, longan, licorice, raisins, rose petals, chrysanthemum, and some green tea. The pot was clear, so we could see the blended contents. As the tea steeped longer, the dates released their sugars more, mildly sweetening the tea. I have never had anything like it!

Rather than a place to work or study, Tao of Tea would be a better place to have a friend or romantic date. It’s a spot where you catch up on life over tea and nourishing food.

Workers Tap & Cafe

Workers Tap & Cafe is a worker-owned coffee shop and beer bar inside a 1904 Victorian home. This is a place that takes a stand on human rights, including for immigrants, the BIPOC community, unions, Palestine, LGBTQ+, and more. It’s run democratically, and the workers split the profits.

Inside, a few quiet rooms offer ample seating to hang out or chill by yourself. It’s an ideal place to get some work done or curl up with a good book. A lending library offers books on history, leftist literature, and philosophy. You can check a book out with a bartender for free.

The cafe serves pastries, including a couple of vegan options. There’s also a Mexican food cart out back that has some vegan food. Workers Tap & Cafe also hosts community events and meeting spaces.

Rose City Coffee Company

Rose City Coffee Company is a spacious option if you’d like more breathing room. This open-plan coffee shop serves various coffee drinks, which can be made vegan. What caught my eye at first was the mini gift shop of toys, books, art, and trinkets made by local artists. As you wait in line, you might be tempted to get a gift for someone or yourself, while helping support local artists.

Sometimes there’s live music, which adds to the relaxed creative atmosphere. When I went, there were just a handful of people. The more open space was a change of pace, versus the more snug options that I usually enjoy.