Wired and Wireless, Coffee and Computers in Southeast Portland

Did you invest in a lap top with a wireless card, but can never get yourself to commit to paying for a high speed internet service provider and buying/figuring out the details of using a wireless router? Well, as they say on those fundraisers for public radio or charitable organizations, “For the price of a cup of coffee a day, you too can have wireless internet access!” In this case, however, that is a literal cup of coffee rather than an imaginary comparison to make you feel guilty for spending money on a tasty, caffeinated beverage over funding the airing of such cultural icons as Tom and Ray Magliozzi (although, sarcasm aside, I love Car Talk and I paid my membership).

In Portland, it is becoming a standard feature for the local coffee shops to provide wireless internet service. The reasons for the growth of this technological service could constitute a separate article all together. For example, the influence of the Personal Telco Project at http://www.personaltelco.net, a non-profit organization whose mission is to wireless-ize the whole of Portland, or the large influx of young laptop-wielding hipsters and yuppies, or as a means for competing with the proliferation of Star Bucks are just a few theories. Whatever the reasons, there are a lot of places popping up, so that I must limit this list to Southeast Portland in order to keep it somewhat manageable. For details on these locations please visit their websites.

Fireside Coffee Lodge
http://www.firesidecoffeelodge.com/
1223 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(503)230-8987

I may as well start with my personal favorite (since this is where this article is being written), The Fireside Coffee Lodge. This place has it all; nature murals, lots of bears carved out of wood, food, coffee, open 24 hours and, of course, wireless access. In addition to the wireless access, there are ethernet ports for the wire dependent (as well as one port with an ethernet cable) as well as three desktops in the shop for the laptop-less. Internet access, including wireless, is not exactly free, since there is a minimum purchase of $2.50 for use, but that is a pittance compared to the $6.00 an hour for services such as the T-Mobile HotSpot offered by places like Star Bucks and Borders. It does get a little crowded at times (especially during the jazz jam on Saturday nights), but the baristas are friendly and the internet service is fast.

Tiny’s Coffee Southeast
http://www.myspace.com/tinys
1412 SE 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97202

This is my old favorite since I used to live down the street from this place. Pinball, panini, pastries, button-making, rotating art by local artists, Simpsons Sunday, live music now and again. I think you get the picture. There is another Tiny’s in Northeast that is supposed to be bigger, but I haven’t made it out to that one yet. The internet service is a little spotty at rare times, but if you sit in the right spot you can always just log on to the wireless service from the Mexican restaurant next door (Aqui Mexican Cafe).

Stumptown
http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/
34th & Belmont and 45th & Division
Portland, OR

For the connoisseurs, Stumptown is the coffee roaster of choice. Many of the local businesses sell Stumptown coffee. There are three cafes in the Portland area, two of which are in the Southeast (the other one is in Southwest). In a word, Stumptown can be best summed up as “classic”. Coffee drinks and pastries and a few other drinks keep the menu simple and straight forward. They also feature local art and photography.

Wired Coffee
2035 SE 39th Ave.
Portland, OR

This is another simple, unassuming coffee shop that serves up the basics. I’ve been to this one a few times and have found one its endearing qualities to be the open mic on Wednesday nights.

The Red & Black Cafe
http://www.redandblackcafe.com/
2138 SE Division
Portland, OR 97202
(503)231-3899

This is a great cafe with lots of bells and whistles. And I mean that in all honesty! Features a lot of live music, local art, interesting and varied all vegan and vegetarian menu, community events and the fastest Wi-Fi in Portland (according to their website!)

Portland Coffee House
2511 SE Belmont
Portland, OR
(503)231-0220

This is a converted old house, with a great relaxed, nuvo-hippie feel. Basic menu with drinks and bread products and nice artwork. There are also has two computers for customer use. This place has moved up considerably in the ranks due to one particular Sunday when the made fresh mini-donuts and handed them out to customers. Mmmmmm….. donuts…..

Chance Of Rain Cafe
http://rain.sitesled.com
1522 SE 32nd Ave. (just off of Hawthorne)
Portland, OR 97214
(503)235-8022

This is a cozy, converted-warehouse-feel organic and fair trade shop. A nice basic menu which includes soup and DJ nights!

Common Grounds Coffee House
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8471470/
4321 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97215-3162
(503)236-4835

This place has a nice food menu, including grilled-cheese sandwich, yum! Features live music now and then.

In reality the cost of buying coffee everyday comes pretty close to the cost of paying for high speed internet. But if you’re going to buy a coffee or a snack anyway, why not have a sit down at a nice cafe where you can get out and interact with people… and then sit behind a computer screen… Well, in the very least, it’s a good excuse to get out of the house for a bit!