Review - Juniper Java

Today I made a trip down to Southern Portland for a meeting and decided that I should make the most of my trip and stop at a coffee shop so that I could do another review. Totally selfless you know, strictly for the benefit of my readers ... all two of you (hi Dad!).

After the meeting I asked for recommendations for local coffee shops that I could stop by on my way out of town. The guy I was meeting with pointed and said that there was a nice little place right across the street that he liked to go to called the Juniper Java.

I was thrilled that I would finally be able to review an actual coffee house since, you know, this is a coffee review blog. So I went across the street and found what has become officially my first coffee house review here on PDX Coffee. I'm happy to report that the Juniper Java is definitely on my 'worth it' list.

Finding the place is pretty easy; if you're headed south on Macadam, turn right on Dakota and make the very next left into the parking lot. Inside you'll find that the atmosphere is pretty typical of coffee houses with a mix of couches, comfy chairs, bar stools, and regular old tables and chairs. One side of the shop is plate window so you have a lot of natural light and a good view of Macadam street so you can watch busy folks hurry about their business as you enjoy you brew. Over the bar was a huge mirror which I found a bit unique, but it fit in well with the rest of the shop.

When I walked in I saw that there was already a couple other folks inside, one of which was chatting pleasantly with the Barista. I walked up to the counter and asked for a small cup of coffee and was told it was self-serve on the table by the door. I went over and poured myself a cup, added a bit of cream and sugar, and went back to the bar to order my double shot espresso. After picking up my double and paying, I took a seat in one of the tall chairs to begin the toughest *giggle* part of the review - drinking coffee.

(side note - I think I'll continue to phrase it that way to see what kind of response I get - them, "What can I get for you?"; me, "A cup of coffee, please."; them, "What kind of coffee?"; me, "You know, coffee-coffee."; them, "Huh?" - in my opinion, the term "coffee" should mean house blend drip by default. If it's not, to me, it's a sign that the shop wants you to know that they know what the heck they're talking about and you lowly peons should know to be specific when you ask for your coffee, dangit! But I digress...)

The cup of coffee was good. Not knock-you-on-your-butt good, but it had a good, strong flavor that wasn't overpowering or leave much of an aftertaste. As I sipped away at the cup I listened- ok, eavesdropped on the conversation that the Barista was having with her customer. Based on that conversation, and the conversation that she (the Barista) had with several other customers, I came to the conclusion that the place was pretty popular with the locals since every one of them called her by her first name (which escapes me at the moment) and she responded in kind. Definately high marks for knowing you customers by name!

When I finished the coffee I moved right into the double shot which was outstanding! I don't think I've ever had such good espresso. The whole experience was great. The flavor was very strong, as it should be, but not bitter at all. It was as if the espresso was softly caressing my tongue and telling it that everything was going to be ok as it jabbed a needle full of caffeine into my bloodstream. This was good stuff!

I tried to take my time with the double shot and enjoy it, but it was tough to pace myself and I quickly found that my tongue had been lied to because the goodness came to an end at the bottom of the too-small cup. Don't get me wrong, it was your standard double shot sized cup, it was just so good that I drank it too fast. I like to think that the espresso tried to make it up to me by leaving a wonderfully sweet taste in my mouth. Even hours after finishing the cup, I still have a delicious aftertaste lingering on my tongue.

All told, this was a great coffee house. If I frequented the area I would definitely make it a regular stop and if I do happen be within a 5-mile radius of the place, I will swing by and get a fix.