Rain and coffee -- nothing is more quintessentially Portland. Some days, their reliable presence can even seem comforting.



Which doesn't necessarily mean you've already found the perfect coffee shop. What's striking about the independently owned coffeehouses in Southwest Portland is that they're all, well, different. Here's a sampling of the best:





If you want Portlandia:

Stumptown Coffee Roasters, 128 S.W. Third Ave.

Young (and young-at-heart) Portland, this is your place. Stumptown is hip to the hilt; the cavernous space, concrete floor, minimalist decor, retro tables and long bar-slash-counter don't scream cozy or comfortable, but who needs comfort when you're this cool? Even the blaring music sounds like it must be in vogue; although "in vogue" is probably a tragically uncool way to put it. There's plenty of seating (though there could be more, with the amount of floor space), a nice-if-small selection of pastries and a wall of magazines. You can grab a stool along the front window for some people-watching. Parents, don't bring your young kids (not cool), but come here if you need a break from the wee ones. You can also check out their other Southwest location in the lobby of the Ace Hotel, 1026 S.W. Stark St. At either place, the clientele consists mainly of college students, business traffic and -- naturally -- tourists.

Free Wi-Fi?

Yes

Kid-friendly?

No

Brewing:

Their own brand, the popular Stumptown Coffee Roasters

If you want a hidden gem:

Rilassi Coffee House & Tea, 3580 S.W. River Parkway



Entering Rilassi on the South Waterfront is like being transported to an Italian cafe in the heart of Rome -- or so I imagine, never having been to Italy. The first thing you see is a peacefully trickling fountain. Head upstairs to the open loft level, which boasts more seating and a view. Cozy? Not really, but definitely serene, and with the added bonus of grand visual appeal. Check out the full coffee menu, bagels, scones, doughnuts (the maple bar was fresh and melty), assorted baked goods and some light breakfast and lunch items.

Free Wi-Fi?

Yes

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Brewing:

Longbottom air-roasted coffees

If you want real food:

Verde Cocina Cafe, 6446 S.W. Capitol Highway



Brothers Don, Jose and Noe Garnica opened Verde Cocina's doors last August. The first impression is misleading: you enter a plain room with one counter and no seating. But wait; head upstairs and there's a quaint, antiquey, out-of-the-way area with plenty of tables and several windows. Back downstairs, you can order breakfast or lunch with your macchiato. The menu, which includes some vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options, is reasonably priced and delicious (huevos rancheros for $9, tofu mole for $9 and quesadillas starting at $8 are a few options). Plus there's a kids menu.

Free Wi-Fi?

Yes

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Brewing:

Nossa Familia Coffee, a Brazilian family-owned company that roasts in Portland

If your focus is the baked goods:

Baker & Spice, 6330 S.W. Capitol Highway



Although it's in a strip mall (and right next to a Starbucks), you'll forget all that the minute you walk through the door. Of all the coffee shops in the area, this might be the cheeriest. A warm palette of yellow, brown and blue makes it seem summery year-round. The place is bustling with restrained activity, and the full spectrum of baked goods is a feast for the eyes: croissants, scones, coconut cream tartlets, whoopie pie, the list goes on.

Free Wi-Fi?

No

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Brewing:

ZBeans, a micro-roaster in Hillsdale

If you're in college, or want to feel like you're in college:

Fehrenbacher Hof, 1225 S.W. 19th Ave.



Despite the name, there's nothing overtly German happening here. Owned by former Mayor Bud Clark and family, the main floor houses the retail counter and some tables, plus heated outdoor patio seating. There's a row of "pour your own" coffeepots and a selection of pastries. Upstairs, the Hof Lounge has a couple more rooms with couches and tables. The rooms invoke a private, homey feel. "The atmosphere is really comfortable, with the different areas," said Lincoln High School student Abby Boulton, chatting recently with her peers in Hof Lounge. "At Starbucks down the street, it's all in one area, one place. I like this better."

Free Wi-Fi?

Yes, plus there's a house computer available.

Kid-friendly?

Yes, though you won't be able to shake the feeling that you could at any moment walk in on a college couple making out.

Brewing:

Ristretto Roasters, with Longbottom for sale

If you want the essence of neighborhood:

Ross Island Grocery and Cafe, 3502 S.W. Corbett Ave.



Kind of a cross between a coffee shop and a corner store. Nothing fancy or hip about this place, which is a big part of its charm. You'll find a basic coffee menu, laid-back decor, a wall cooler of beer, milk and other beverages, shelves of wine along the wall, old distressed hardwood floors and relaxing background music playing somewhere. Breads and pastries are by Lake Oswego's Upper Crust, and scattered seating includes tables, stools by a counter area and a big bench by a long window, perfect for some serious staring time. Stonehenge Studios is next door in case you get the hankering to look at some art.

Free Wi-Fi?

Yes

Kid-friendly?

This place is so laid back you could probably bring in chickens (but please don't).

Brewing:

Stumptown Coffee

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