Blue Joe Coffee

My wife and I used to enjoy going to Blue Joe’s. The crowd at the Lake Oswego shop was more likely to be middle-​aged business people having meetings (still is), which will feel different to those of you used to camping out in SE on your MacBooks.
The atmosphere was indeed nicely crafted. It seemed popular too. Then one day the owner walked in and said, basically «thank you everyone, but please be aware that I’m closing the shop in a few hours… permanently.»
Apparently he had decided the previous night with his board that the shop wasn’t meeting his targets (whether it was financial, strategic or both, I don’t recall). He said he intended to move to SoCal and open up a shop there. That area could use more quality coffee shops, so best of luck to him.

I like the sound of this place– and love those 5 star ratings. But when I looked it up on Google Maps, there was a note saying it was closed down (dated January 2009). And the website is down too.

They put a lot of care into crafting the environment at Blue Joe and while I wouldn’t consider myself the typical guy to like «safari /​tommy bamaha» style… It feels well put together and comfortable. The space is huge and is often quite. Great for anyone who wants to enjoy a cup of coffee or some great tea and do some thinking in a roomy and open coffee house. (Bring your ipod… the non stop buffet /​old man rock might make you want to drown yourself in your coffee)