Ok, we've heard all the jokes about the pumpkin spice latte. But you have to admit that those aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg make you feel like pulling out all your cozy sweaters and welcoming autumn. Last fall, the website The Daily Meal chose the best pumpkin spice lattes from every state, and Flying Cat Coffee was their choice for Oregon.
When you need a good dose of caffeine in a cozy environment, head to Flying Cat Coffee in Portland.
Address: 3041 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
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You'll love this quirky, cat-themed coffee shop. It has tons of comfy seating, and a friendly vibe. And of course, the coffee smells delicious from the moment you walk in the door.
Just one sip of the pumpkin spice latte, and you'll see why The Daily Meal named it the best in Oregon. It's made with real pumpkin puree - not syrup - and it's the real deal.
The pumpkin spice latte is seasonal, so you'll want to get your fill while it's offered. Visit Flying Cat Coffee Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday the baristas sleep in a bit and open at 8 a.m.
A delicious meal is that much more satisfying when it comes from a place that gives us a sense of home, community, and connection. The Humble Pig Cafe in Oregon is one such community restaurant, with a heavy emphasis on “community.” It is hard to imagine a small business, and the owners behind it, showing up to support and care for the people around it more than this one.
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A dream come true for owners Sarah and Joe Selinger, The Humble Pig Cafe first opened its doors in Molalla, Oregon, in August 2019. Each of them had graduated from Oregon schools -- Sarah from Oregon Culinary Industry and Joe from Portland State. Sarah spent several years as a traveling chef, moving to Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. Joe’s path took him to California, where he discovered his passion for food and refined his culinary skills. Eventually, both found their way back to Oregon with a shared dream of creating a community here in Molalla. Hard work, determination, planning, and saving finally paid off, and The Humble Pig was born.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
When it comes to The Humble Pig Cafe’s history, it has not been an easy road, with challenges like the pandemic, wildfires, and family loss, all in a short period of time.
But these trials have only fueled the Selinger's efforts to bring people together. They have put it simply: “We’re all about supporting our community.”
This mantra was put to the test in 2020, when Molalla faced devastating wildfires. The Humble Pig kept its doors open, offering free meals throughout the crisis to first responders and anyone in need of a helping hand (and hot meal), and then to those returning home after evacuations were lifted.
The cafe was offered donations by locals that helped keep the food flowing to whoever was in need. Even being forced to leave their own location at one point did not stop this small business from providing hot meals free of charge and helping out with local warming centers.
As if that were not enough, The Humble Pig created a program called "Love Up" wherein the cafe and their guests donate meals to be used any time by community members who just need a little extra love.
What accounts for the success of The Humble Pig Cafe? In the owners’ own words: “Passion. Love. Thinking outside of the box, to make a meal an experience.”
This beloved cafe has truly become “a place where family and friends can find community and enjoy a meal prepared with love.”
Love and passion come through in everything these (ahem) humble entrepreneurs do - from the connections they make with people from all different walks of life to their desire to share foods and flavors that people may not have a chance to experience otherwise.
Community is the heart of The Humble Pig and adventure is its soul. Guests are invited to “Live fast, eat slow” and to “Take a taste adventure” with a menu full of flavor and creativity - and fantastically fun menu item names like the Rocky Balboa, Fuegettaboutit, Brotherly Love, and Uncle Steve.
With a long list of mouthwatering sandwiches -- Cubanos, Cheesesteaks, Italianos, and Specialties -- as well as stacked burgers, fresh salads, and delicious sides, there is something irresistible for everyone on the menu.
To top it all off, there is a rotating pastry case full of delightful sweets and treats to satisfy any sweet tooth or carb craving, from cupcakes to pies to cannoli - and naturally, fun seasonal and themed goodies.
These dedicated business owners have certainly shown their passion not just for food but for the community they call home - and there is no denying that this is one of the best small businesses in Oregon. We are so thankful to cafe owners Sarah and Joe Selinger for sharing their story with us. Find out more and show your support by checking out The Humble Pig website and following The Humble Pig on Facebook.
Of course, there are many amazing businesses doing great things in Oregon. Do you have another business you would like to see profileD on Only In Your State? Please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Oregon on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems throughout the state.
Looking for amazing pastries, breakfasts, mezze platters, and other delicious delicacies big enough to feed your entire family? Try Family Cafe in Beaverton, Oregon. This family-owned restaurant, which opened in 2023, serves a mix of dishes from classic American and Arabic cuisines.
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Some of the cafe's most popular breakfast items include bagels, omelets, and waffles. The welcoming cafe also serves a variety of Iraqi beef, chicken, and vegetarian dishes.
Another plus of this spot is that its menu will appeal to a variety of eaters. For example, if you've got someone in your group who has a more limited palate (such as a child), they can enjoy simple baked goods, eggs, or pancakes, while others in the family can try something new such as one dish that combines fava beans, eggs, olives, tomatoes, and onions over bread. And the portions are generous enough that everyone can share!
This charming cafe has sidewalk seating as well as ample space inside the restaurant, which offers dine-in service or to-go orders.
I am a huge waffle fan, but I look forward to trying the many other sweet treats on the menu, too, especially the baklava.
For more information, go to the Family Cafe website. And consider planning a staycation around your visit to this lovely eatery, it's definitely one of Oregon's hidden gems. Also, please leave a comment to let us know how you enjoyed your meal.
