Spella Caffe

Who would have thought a cart could compete with the many excellent espresso roasters and brewers in Portland? Spella has great customer service… they even remembered my name still after a 3 month disappearance due to 1^st trimester coffee aversion! The only thing that could improve is making their hours at least til 5pm and having gelato around more reliably, as the affogatos are my FAV.

Chai (so complex), espresso (so exquisite), affagoto (so refreshing), shakerato (so uplifting).

It was my 29^th birthday. The sun was finally out. I wanted to treat myself before going in to work. I stopped at the Spella Caffe cart in downtown PDX. Damn good choice.
From hot chicks saying «ciao» as they finish their espresso to the friendly workers, my brief stop here was a delight. It sure isn’t a starbucks, or really any brick and mortar coffee shop where you place your order and move on. Here I not only placed my order but they also explained the drink to me and gave me the option of mixing in an array of syrups. It’s the minor details and attention the customer that make an impact.
I got a regular size iced vanilla latte. Yes it was good, even at $ 4.50 which is a tad on the pricey side for a regular sized coffee drink. But it’s a small, independent, local operation so I’m willing to give them the extra business over The Coffee Bean or some other generic chain.
Check these dudes out!

No need for a long list of positives about Spella (and reasons as to why one should frequent this local [note: extremely loca]) coffee establishment.
Hot coffee, delectable chai, cute servers.
Done.

The day has come. I’m giving a 4 star review based on a cup of plain coffee alone.
This is the best coffee I have ever imbibed out of a paper cup through a plastic lid with those weird bubbles to press down to show you what is inside but that no one ever uses. And once I go back and get something more complex to drink, I’m sure that I’ll update to a 5.
I have always passed by the Spella cart when it is closed, so my heart leaped for joy when I was sent out on a mission to the library today from my internship. My mission took me right by the glorious cart. On my way back from the B.O. and cool marble of Central’s Closed Stacks, I stopped to stand in line for a cup of caffe. After waiting for a couple of office worker ladies in GoreTex and dress pants and a regular who just nodded and got his usual, I ordered a 16oz black coffee. The woman asked if I wanted cream or sugar and wasn’t snobby about it. I didn’t want any, but, unlike some places, I wouldn’t have felt bad about getting some.
Sipping it on my way back to the office, I tasted no bitterness, no harsh acidity. Just smooth smooth coffee taste. Seriously. Go get a coffee there right now while the sun is out and they are open and I am still typing this.

I have never in my life met such a personable and talented barista. I ordered a cup of tea from Spella this morning and I’m still looking for the socks it knocked off. The chai requires a wait of about five minutes (during which I was engaged in a very friendly and genuine conversation and offered a glass of filtered water). The slightly longer than average wait I learned is because it is The Best Chai You Will Ever Drink. It would be worth waiting an entire lunch break. I will be returning tomorrow to check out the coffee!
1÷26÷2010
I returned with a friend today. I ordered a cappuccino and he had a latte, which he described as a step above «well-​rounded», a perfect balance between the milk and coffee which allowed the complexities of the coffee to be appreciated individually. I liked the cappuccino, but it’s the chai that will be bringing me back again.

This is hands down THE best coffee experience! The smoothness of the hand-​drawn espresso is unparalleled. After my first taste, I was totally hooked and get down there as often as I can, for usually a cappuccino.
And biscotti… made by a small family bakery. Fig & pine nut??? AWEsome combo! Dipped into a steaming hot Americano on a freezing sunny winter day. I was truly in Heaven today!
The owner Andrea is one of those people who just exudes kindness and real caring for others. Everyone working there is terrific!
I must say, besides having more time available, one of the best benefits of my recent job lay-​off is being able to get to Spella Caffe on weekdays between 9 — 4. I can’t wait for the «indoor café» to open! Soon, please!!! Yahooooooo… :-)

UPDATE: Downgraded to two stars.
Sorry, Spella, but today was twice in less than a week that I had to wait five minutes for a simple cup of coffee because you RAN OUT?
Not because you were busy. I was the only one in line. But you ran out of coffee.
You are in the coffee business. How hard is it to add another coffee pot so you can always have coffee? This makes absolutely no sense to me.
My other complaint is that you don’t offer sleeves to prevent burning your customers’ hands. Double cups don’t really do the trick. Those cardboard sleeves may seem excessive, but they serve a real purpose. I had to keep switching hands to keep from burning my thumb this morning.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Friendly service. Warm. Darling coffee cart. Easy location.
They would have gotten five stars, but they ran out of coffee and I would have had to wait 8 minutes. A coffee cart should be prepared for rush hours, me thinks. They made me a discount Americano instead.
Other than that, it’s good. I’m going back right now for a refill.
I hope they have coffee.

Okay, see, now that is what coffee is supposed to me. I give you my most solemn vow, I will never drink Starbucks again.
I ordered a small Mocha and what a surprise that was! I could taste the coffee, the chocolate was not overpoweringly sweet. It was more of a gentle finish with each sip. It didn’t take me long to finish the cup, it was even good at room temp and there was no icky chocolate syrup sludge at the bottom of the cup.
Someone, please, slap me in the back of the head for not trying this place sooner.

Probably one of the cutest, most personal coffee shops in Portland. Super friendly people are ready to serve handcrafted coffee. I’ve had a cappuccino here, which is one of the better I’ve had in town. I’ve also tried their hand-​made Chai, which takes awhile, but it so worth it!
Interacting with these genuinely nice people is a great way to start your coffee buzz for the day.

oh/​Gelato/​oh/​Shakerato/​oh/​Sorbetto/​oh/​Ristretto
Spella’s espresso is a unique treat in a town flooded with citrus and chocolate. (If you’ve had your tongue soaked in Black Cat or Hairbender you know what I’m talking about) My quest for a savory espresso has been satisfied. Can we talk cloves? Woodspice? Smoked Brisket? Maybe in a low voice. There are children present. When you combine this with sweet creamy milk.. . toes. They curl.
Andrea and his trusty sidekick Amanda (?) are as sweet as the gelato they dish out. They make me feel like an old friend coming for a visit. This level of service goes beyond just smiling and nodding.
They are excited to make you coffee.

Today I waited, literally, for Mr. Andrea Spella to show up so I could try his café.
He pulled a single shot (thank goodness — unlike all the other places who insist on a doppio) espresso macchiato — traditional, not northwest style. Hmm, i didn’t even know «northwest style» existed — but neither did the regular behind me. Sr. Spella explained it’s like a mini cappuccino. or more milk in a macchiato. Either way, the espresso hit the spot.
Great place. Nice people. Real espresso cups. I would go back volentieri.

Stay away from the Mom’s Chocolate Chip Cookie. I was enticed by the name and thought I was going to get a really yummy cookie, but it was not really yummy. It was only okay. I did not have a chance to try any other items or their raved about coffee, so I’ll be back for those.

Why are there so many
raves
about Spella
And what’s on the other side (a parking lot)
Spella’s a vision
It’s not an illusion
Spella’s got nothing to hide (though I love how it just peaks out from behind the brick wall)
So we’ve been told and I chose to
Believe it
Their cappuccino’s great wait and see
Someday we’ll find it
The Spella Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
I wished for twelve ounce chai
Michelle H reviewed that
And I believed it
And look what it’s done so far
It’s so amazing
I felt my eyes glazing (cheesy, but it rhymed)
What a great way to drink tea
Someday we’ll find it
That Spella Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me
Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices (you should seek help)
I’ve heard them calling my name (I should too)
These are the sweet sounds that
Said my coffee’s ready
I think they’re one and the same
I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it
This is where I’m meant to drink
I’ve finally found it
The Spella Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Beautiful hot drinks made and served with love on the corner of 9^th and Alder.

I woke up this morning to three things.
One: a loud black cat. Two: more Portland snow. Three: The realization that the Spella coffee cart downtown, needs to set up a new location. In my bedroom.
I love this little cart. There is something about it that makes me feel like the star of a movie from the ’50’s. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s the little retro cart itself. Or the cast iron table and chairs propped up outside. Or the fact that when the sun shines on that block, it is this cart that is illuminated. Wrapped a halo of sunshine that seems to beckon you towards it and whisper, «Have a quick cup of my coffee.»
And if you do sample what Spella has to offer, you can be satisfied with simple plain coffee. The taste is anything but plain. You can really taste the richness of the beans in a slow and subtle dark roast.
I am not the biggest fan of their Mocha, but others seem to like it. I’m just not a big Mocha lover in general. Also the Chai is quiet good, but not as good as at some other coffee places I’ve tried.
But seriously. Spella is AMAZING and worth a stop on your way past the food carts. Besides, after all that yummy Thai and Greek food, you’re gonna need a hot cup of coffee to avoid a massive FoodComa at work. ;)

Before going to the Spella Cart, I thought I knew what really good coffee was. I mean, I live in Portland, the city of amazing coffee. The city where people who know eschew Starbucks like it’s coffee made from toilet water. My boyfriend had been hounding me for a while this summer to try the Spella Cart but my office building is within one block of FOUR coffee shops that serve Stumptown — including the Stumptown that is in the Ace Hotel. So I didn’t go to the Spella Cart for a long time, despite the almost daily hounding.
Finally, I went and I have to say this: Stumptown is now dead to me. It is as bad as Starbucks in my eyes. I never knew coffee could be so delicious and mellow — but still very RICH and deep with flavor — and have such a sweet aftertaste. Not cloyingly sweet but just sweet.
I love you Spella Cart. I love you so much!

I had probably walked past this place a million times before finally stopping. Once I did stop, it changed my perception of what good coffee is.
Prior to knowing Spella, Stumptown held top marks in my book. Stumptown is good coffee, there is no denying that. Spella on the other hand is mind-​blowing. If you aren’t one for straight espresso, then an eight ounce double shot americano should set you up nicely. Andrea’s espresso has a chocolate-​velvetty quality that I have never experienced in an espresso before. Though his other beans are phenomenal as well, the espresso is the one that seals the deal for me.
Sadly, I’m no longer working downtown and haven’t been able to stop by for months. I miss the excellent coffee and having a chat with Andrea while waiting for my pour. If you are downtown, please do me a favor and get your coffee here, it will make me feel better about the fact that I no longer can.

So great to get an excellent shot of something other than Hairbender in Portland! The staff is friendly and talented, and has mastered straight shots and macchiatos. (Full disclose: I am a barista at a shop that pours Stumptown.)
I can’t wait for the rumors that Spella is someday going to have a full storefront downtown to fruit!
Not a five star review because 5 day old Hairbender will always have my heart of hearts…

Spella! HEY SPELL-​LAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Arriving at 9^th and Alder you can almost miss this little cart on the corner. Protected behind a half height brick wall and with a tiny window elevated so high it requires standing on your tip-​toes, one almost imagines they would have to cry out in agony to be noticed.
But you don’t have to do your best Marlon Brando in «A Streetcar Named Desire» impression to get anyone’s attention here. Walking up to the counter, one is instantly greeted with a sincere and friendly hello. After making the tough decision of what you want (coffee, chai tea, espresso…) it’s hand pulled and served piping hot moments later.
$ 1.50 will get you a 12 oz black coffee, which is fabulous with a pinch of sugar and splash of crème. It’s maybe… quite possibly… the best cup of coffee in town. I’m 99.999% convinced.
So I’d better go back soon, just to be sure.

Better then Stumptown that is really hard to say. But Spella is really good and Andrea is much friendly then the friendless person at Stumptown. It is really cool to find such great coffee out of a truck. The Hand-​pulled espresso is amazing. You have to give it a try! I just wish they were open on the weekends.