A quick note, because I keep forgetting to mention it, but there are now three -Three- establishments that are fighting for the business of a certain group of people, which makes me wonder if this group’s numbers will increase, or will traffic decrease to the Columbian Cafe and The Blue Scorcher and I suppose, The Rusty Cup, which I have not mentioned before since it’s open hours tend to be hours that I work, and thus can not spend much time in, but must state that they (The Rusty Cup) have a jungle mural including a jaguar, toucans, monkeys, birds flying overhead and a small green frog in left lower corner,1 that must (the mural) literally take up all the available wall space and makes this tiny store, which amounts to little more than a large closet, into a fecund, caffeinated cubby hole, which is exactly what the Astoria Coffeehouse really isn’t: It isn’t a cubby hole - there is a enough room and space to spread out, but not too much so that one’s thoughts echo; It’s layout has definately been thought through, much like The Blue Scorcher’s has, and comes off as Zen-Rustic, which is a bit discrepant but eventually pleasing, unlike the Columbian Cafe’s central motiff : Dante’s Hell via Pop/Depression/Edward Hopper artifacts, which you either immediately like or dislike, and somehow seems reminiscent of The Blue Schorcher’s hip proletariat vibe: its unmasked concrete floors and walls, and ovens on display for any to see exactly how their bread is made …
… however, this certain crowd is now minus one, minus the Marble Guy, who I heard came from San Francisco2, set up shop, and immediately became part of Astoria lore, as if he had been here for ages. He was the guy that you took visiting relatives to see to ensure that they saw something different, yet quirkily appealing, and it helped explain to these same relative, why one would choose to be all the way out here …
He is and will be missed.
There is also Coffee Girl–despite not being downtown, they still get my business from time to time.
However, with Astoria Coffeehouse staying open until 9 pm most nights, it’s almost a no-brainer after 4 pm.
Doh! I did forget to mention Coffee-Girl, but I don’t think it gets the same kinds of traffic (qualitative, not quantitative) that the other three do, like the Rogue Brewery doesn’t get the kind of crowd that say, The Blue Schorcher does.
No doubt, but when you consider service and quality–not to mention atmosphere, it’s worth the drive!
That’s true, but do you think they get a different crowd than the other places?
Enjoyed reading your blog today.. take care and have a great rest of Sunday:)
I love all these places, for many different reasons.
Rusty Cup used to be Columbia Chocolates…
The guys at Astoria Coffee House are wayyyy cute, though!
Coffee Girl is nostalgic and what a view!
I’ve been a loyal fan of Uriah’s at Columbian Cafe since 1986, though…again for different reasons!
Great blog.
Oh yeah and we were in the Coffee House one night trying to have a hot dinner before going to our rural home, and the lights kept coming on and off!
And Marble Guy still rocks.
WHAT’S UP, LIZ!!! It’s Nicole! Hahaha, you rock.
What is the name of the bookstore/coffee house next to the Hotel Elliot? I haven’t been there in a while, but none the less look forward to my morning cup of joe there. I stay at the Hotel Elliot with family & on Business.
I am extremely sad about the slides. I wondering if I’ll end up going back to the bank branch on Comm. st. We just did a remod not too long ago on it. Wouldn’t mind going back but prefer to do it for fun. Good luck to all of you this affects!
Dessert Night Starts at the Coffee Girl Friday and Saturday night March 23th and 24th. You want to have some of the best atmosphere along with the tastiest desserts and music featuring Chaka Khan in celebration of the artists birthday get yourself down to the Coffee girl Open until 11pm. Then come burn some calories with me at the GYM.
LOVE the Astoria Coffeehouse. Great article on it and I must say I really agree about the eclectic set-up really grows on you. And it really helps that they have FREE wi-fi and really really really good coffee.
I have been in the other coffee shops of Astoria and reluctantly at the Starbucks in Safeway - - - In my personal opinion either the coffee sucks, WAY to cramped, bad service / unfriendly or they try to charge you 2bucks!!! for internet (Cough - godfathers!)
Astoria Coffeehouse def. has my patronage… and who is this marble guy mentioned above?
It’s amazing to me , everytime I go into the Astoria Coffeehouse they are doing more and more new things! Now they are doing art shows. Lots of specials. We went after the movie & it was full of people !
Collin and Amy, I will have to agree. Astoria Coffee House has won the coffee shop wars for the time being. That and apparently the staff likes working there which makes it easier for them hire in this cramped market.
Not “who is this marble guy “, but “who was this marble guy “.
His name was Stan Brown and he died in a one car accident on the Washington side of the river back in November. He is missed.
Stan was a mentor to me. He gave me a job, taught me the principles of work ethic and showed me how to REALLY interact with people. But more than that, he was my friend. There will never be anyone like him in this world again, but I still try to be. I was able to help his family sort through his shop after his death and got a chance to go to his viewing and say good bye. If I could pass on anything about Stan Brown to other people, it would be The Four Agreements: These are four agreements you make with YOURSELF that make your life easier and eliminate needless suffering. 1.) Be impeccable with your word; mean what you say and say what you mean. 2.) Don’t take it personally; it’s not always about you. 3.)Don’t assume ANYTHING. More often than not, you will be wrong. and 4.) Just always do your best. Afterall, it is the best you can do! I will always miss you, Stan. Thank you for shedding your wisdom on me. I swear to share it with the world for as long as I live.