Curio Confections

Closed! Oh no! We’ve really lost something here — this was independent, artistic, whimsical, and delicious. So sad to lose it.

Was attending the U District Street Fair so I made a visit to Curio Confections. It is far up University Way in a house which is quite interesting. The homey feel is probably the biggest thing going about Curio.
The selection of baked goodies is a bit sparse. Came here a bit later in the day and most of the items were gone. Apparently quiche is one of the big things sold here, but it was sold out already. They had a couple pies along with some pastries.
I decided to go all blackberry. Got a blackberry pie slice ($ 3.75), a blackberry scone and a blackberry muffin. The pie was a bit too tarty and in need of some sugar. The crust did not seem to be very crispy. The scone and muffin were decent tasting. Though the muffin had sides that were slightly burnt and the scone seemed slightly odd shaped.
It is a quaint and humble bakery so I get that things are made in small batches. But somehow it did not work for me. Maybe it was just the menu items available.

Things to love about Curio:
— Delicious desserts and snacks, including vegan ones.
— Among the vegan options is a vegan «quiche»! And it’s actually good, even to non-​vegans. It’s spicy and yummy.
— Free wireless, of course
— Really cozy converted house that’s comfy to kick it in, neat art from local artists.
— Little handmade crafts for sale including cards, flavored marshmallows and other oddities.
— The usual espresso drinks made skillfully, but interesting alternative ones too. I like the lavender latte
— I get my drinks with soy and the baristas know how to make them properly without burning the soy… something which is sadly rare. Even Stumptown and places like that frequently burn the soy.
— Friendly service, cool people
— Music that I like. Examples of stuff I’ve heard here: The XX, M83, Ulrich Schnauss, a variety of relatively obscure and good electronic music.
— A fair amount of outlets, big tables to spread out on if you need to study or do work
They also do brunch on Sundays from 9:30am-3pm.

Maria and curio are great. Everything she makes that I’ve had a chance to try is delicious. I just finished eating a slice of turkey pastrami quiche; a slice of bell pepper, goat cheese and cashew quiche and a snicker doodle. All of them were as good as I can imagine them being anywhere.
Maria is amazing and there’s a lot of charm to the place because she owns it, runs it and cooks all the food. The environment is comfortable and warm and the decorations from frosting on the windows to the cloth hanging around the skylight in the back complete it’s charm.
That being said the 3 times I’ve been here the ambiance has been strikingly different each time. Once the entire back was filled with people of the nerdiest persuasion during some hack-​a-​thon which I’m not opposed to, but it wasn’t quite what I wanted as background noise while a drank a Rouge Chocolate Stout. Another time it seemed like a quiet reading lounge on a cold winter night. The last time it felt much more like a coffee shop with a mix of people hanging out, working and everything.
I’m going to be back frequently for the atmosphere, tasty treats, and good beer, but I’m also curious how I should think about fitting Curio into my world. Is it a place to work? to hang out? to eat? All of the above?

Yummay! I’m a sucker for sweets, and I had to stop here after a quick errand in the U District. It was later in the afternoon when I came by so unfortunately there were not as many lollipop flavour selections as I’d hoped for, but I did pick up one orange and one watermelon lollipop here, as well as a lavender apple scone, and some peanut brittle.
Prices are very modest/​fair, and the shop itself is very cute. It’s further up north on the Ave, so the area is quieter and much more enjoyable. The lavender scone I grabbed was AMAZING — lots of lovely floral lavender notes, but without being overwhelming, and a nice kiss of sweetness from the apple. The watermelon lollipop was very sweet, but tasted a little more natural than say, a Charms blow pop. I’ve yet to try the peanut brittle or orange lollipop yet, but I’m sure they won’t disappoint. I’ll definitely come back when I’m in the area, perhaps for Sunday brunch next.

The service was fantastic and they have quick wifi which is why I’m giving them a 3. I was just disappointed by the lack of variety in baked goods. and the display shelve didn’t look sanitary. We opted for the Berry Cobbler that was bitter and not sweet.
I feel bad for being one of the few to give this place 3 stars. Sorry!

This place is magic, and in a way that is both surreal and wonderful. The décor is cozy, in the winter the front is covered with frosted windows and decorative lights. The two big chairs are the perfect spot to snuggle up and read a book. The back is great if you need to work. During the day there plenty of sunlight and an abundance of power outlets, a stark contrast to many of the other coffee shops in the area. It’s a great place to hang out.
And while you’re hanging out you’ll want something to eat and drink. Trust me you will! Might I recommend everything. Seriously, the savory dishes are not only amazing, they’re also unique. Maria, the owner/​barista/​baker/​superwoman has a gift for combining ingredients in an unconventional manner. And you’ll be able to wash that food down with a mean cup of joe, a good bottle of beer, or a nice glass of wine. You’ve got options, and they’re all good.
Before you leave, you should probably get something sweet. After all, it is a confectionery and a damn good one at that. You really can’t go wrong. I’d suggest a slice of pie to finish your meal and a cookie or two for the road.

Maria doesn’t serve sandwiches.
You didn’t want a sandwich, anyway.
You want a quiche with some combination of fruits, nuts and meats you hadn’t thought of but realize now was brilliant. Or maybe you want a slice of pie you won’t admit to anyone else but your own conscience that it’s better than the one your grandma makes. You probably want a coffee with that, she might be out of the drip, but she can French-​press some more for you, or make a latte that can go toe to toe with the other espresso places in the neighborhood. What’s that, don’t do coffee after 7? Ask about a wine, then. Or one of the many awesome beers.
Look out for that time machine. Drat, it’s Sunday. You should get some biscuits and gravy then. Don’t worry, they’re in an entirely different league from the truck stop stuff.

This little candy shop is so wonderful! I tried a wide range of items on my visit including a savory vegetable beer pie, a snickerdoodle cookie, and the oreo marshmallows. Everything was delicious and obviously handmade with care. I want to go back in the evening and have some wine with my food. What a great idea for a restaurant. And I love that on their website the owner has encouraged patrons to suggest new ideas for candies, pies, or any other items she might try out. On top of being super tasty the prices here are great and the servings are generous. Can’t go wrong visiting here. I did a post about my visit recently on my website:
with lots of pictures of all the tasty eats and the beautifully decorated interior.

This is the cutest shop I have seen! I walked in and my eyes lit up! It was set up like a cozy living room, like you are walking into someone’s home — with the sweet smell of baked goodies. The owner makes everything herself~! From cookies, pies, tarts, bars, etc — and then has a counter top full of home made lollipops & lovely stationary/​greeting cards! heart it! I want to come here to try out the brunch! Her website is adorable too! Check it out!

My roommate suggested Curio to me, as he started going there once he got a laptop. I’ve definitely found my new favorite coffee shop, and it’s so very close to where I live, so it’s ultra-​convenient.
Things I ate/​drank whilst there last:
* Cappuccino. Delicious, and I was even asked if I liked it dry or wet.
* Ham and rosemary quiche. Beyond delicious. It wasn’t heated up very well, but I really didn’t care.
* Pumpkin pie. Huge, dense, flavorful, filling, and covered in whipped cream that was made when I ordered the pie.
* Pumpkin beer. Not made at Curio, but it was one of the better pumpkin beers I’ve had, and it went great with the pie.
All the food at Curio is made by the girl that owns the place. She also usually runs the counter. The atmosphere is quaint, the music choice is perfect for doing work, and the place is bright and well lit. Although Curio is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, I don’t really consider it a fault — I think the place only has 2 — 3 employees! They deserve a break.
I couldn’t recommend this place more. Go NOW!

I remembered a new place opened on the Ravenna end of University Way and stopped in for a treat in the old renovated house. I had heard they had pies and homemade candies– rarities for me to eat. The house was decorated for the season and homey in nature.
Upon arrival I spied homemade lollipops, marshmallows, candies, and baked goods. From the display case I selected a mini praline, a Madeline poppy seed, and a snicker doodle. I am a sucker for snicker doodles (and ginger/​molasses cookies). The space had a wonderful alcove that extended back were I read out of my book. at one of the tables The snicker doodle was light yet dense and melted in my mouth (really*). I concluded after my taste test that the baked goods at Curio Confections remind me of excellent homemade treats that get ohh and ahhs. Every once in a while I would taste a bit of under mixed sugar or the salt in my treats but I was OK with that.
I know this is a place I will return too… maybe for a piece of seasonal fall pie? or a tea?
FYI’s~
* Many types of marshmallow wrapped in cute packaging (regular, oreo, etc) — perfect for gifts
* Serves brunch on the weekend
* Sells coffee and tea
* Savory quiche is available
* Open late– 10pm (perfect for cookie cravings)

The peach cobbler I had here was surprisingly good. It wasn’t overly sweet, and it was fresh and delicious. There is some nice table seating in back that would be great to study at. They have free wifi. I am docking a star because their Americano was really gross. Maybe their normal coffee is better.
But def come here and try their desserts. It’s pretty far down the ave from the UW, so if you’re lazy, you can hop on the bus, lol.
They sell a bunch of different flavors of marshmallows which are pretty and enticing. They also sell some pretty gift boxes in case you want to gift any of their sweets.

I’ve found my new «spot». This place has a great relaxed atmosphere for hanging-​out or working. They have large tables and free Wi-​Fi. She does not act like you are in the way and encourages you to stick around.
The blackberry pies is great (amazing crust), the kiwi tart was a dream come true, the nouget was great with beer (I reccomend the Rogue chocolate stout) and oh the chocolate chip cookie. Perfectly soft and chewy. My only complaint… it was better than my homemade chocolate chip.

Curio Confections is an absolute dream. The candies, pies, tarts, and brunch items are all incredible. Some of my favorites are coconut marshmallows, strawberry rhubarb tarts, and biscuits & gravy (available at Sunday brunch).
The Lighthouse French press coffee is delicious.
I love the variety of beers (including Rogue! Mmm!).
The atmosphere is magical and sweet and oh so comfortable.

I really like this place and all the fun-​kiddie feelings I get when I enter. The first time I went was with family on my birthday just to check it out. I was not disappointed! The chocolate chip cookie was delish and their shortbread cookie with little snippets of toffee — heaven! We also got two little tarts — one lemon, one nectarine. Get the lemon, seriously.
The only two downers were the coffee cake (a little dry), but I would want to get it again. Heat it up just a little and I know it would rock socks. And I’m sorry — I don’t get the marshmallows. We got a sampler pack and all it tasted like was weird granulated sugar squares.
My hubby and I went another time on some random Sunday. I was thinking about getting some treats for our family dinner, but alas — there was nothing. A+ for the awesome counter help who let me know that Sunday was more hearty, brunch items and they don’t really do the sweets. There was a large rum and cherry tart though, so we got a slice to go. Personally, I’ll pass next time.
Now that I am an educated Curio eater, I am anxious to take another trip down and see what else they have to offer. You should go too, and take a friend.

This is a cute place with a nice variety of tasty-​looking morsels, lollipops, a couple pot pies (when I was in), and beer (incl. Lagunitas IPA). She also had a plate out with two different kinds of marshmallows (one coconut, one something else) that were, quite possibly, the best I’ve ever had.
I had a $ 2 tart with blueberries, and it was tasty and perfectly soft but solid. I was fearing that the creamy part could get messy, and was happy when that wasn’t the case!
The location is a little odd and it was empty when I came in, and I hope it’s busier at other hours. The U-​district doesn’t have enough homey places to munch and hang out (or work or study).
Oh, and they have free wi-​fi!

Came here on a random Sunday with Alice. It’s an odd little white house, with its only distinguishable feature being the red and white life save looking circle around the hot air balloon.
We walked inside, and honestly at first the place seemed a bit unfurnished. Then again, the place had only been open for a couple weeks, so I’m sure they’re just getting started at this point.
Unfortunately, it was a bit too early in the day for eating sweets, so we settled on some of the homemade foods they were serving that day. I don’t even remember what everything was but what we got was really good. One was a bacon and somethingsomething quiche, fantastic is all I’m going to say about that. The other was some cheesy, mushroomy, bready thing that was better than the first! While I was ordering my foods, I also noticed Curio has a pretty good selection of beer. They had Lagunitas, select Rogue ales, all in the bottle.
The one thing I didn’t like about the place was that it was a bit hard to order, because there weren’t descriptions and prices for everything on the menu. Maybe, I didnt see it, but it really seemed like a mom and pop kinda place, where you go in and you have to speak with the owners for awhile before you get a feel of what you want to get. I guess normally that doesn’t sound so bad, but it also helps to have a nice structure to the place.
The very back of Curio is decorated really well, with blankets in the fashioned on the ceiling in a breezy manner. It creates a very homey atmosphere, possibly beneficial for studying?
Anyhow, I’ll definitely be back again to try the sweets, but even if you’re not into sweets, you can treat this place like a café and just hang out with your laptop, get some coffee, food and beer.

I stopped in here just a few days after they opened and had the «Buffalo Brown Ale» pot pie — it was a pot pie with buffalo and they used beer as the broth. Genius, and more importantly, delicious! I am a big pot pie guy, and I have to say that this simple, straight-​forward pie is one of the best I have ever had. The crust was perfect — crisp and flaky on top (imagine a perfect soft but flaky croissant) — and the beer broth really did the buffalo justice.
The space is really cool — I can imagine it being a really comfy space once they get a little more settled. I’m definitely coming back for some more pot pie!

Curio Confections is amazing! It is the cutest little confection shop that also serves brunch, savory items and beer and wine! Yesterday I started with a selection of treats… strawberry rhubarb tartlet, dark chocolate tartlet, fruit jellies, Valrhona marshmallows… all perfect! I then had an amazing pot pie with a summer ale, yum! The web site is genius and I love their logo too. The owner, Maria, is really nice too. If you love sweets you definitely need to make a trip to Curio!