Reviewing Upper Left Roasters: Sip on single-origin espresso in historic Ladd’s Addition in Portland.
On a brisk Sunday morning in Portland, my roommate and I were in the mood for a low-key brunch. We were hungry, so we did not want to go somewhere where we would have to wait for a table. Sunday brunch in Portland is always a popular venture, so we knew the most frequented spots would be busy. Already in southeast Portland, we did not want to drive far from our current spot, which limited our options a bit. We scoured Google for suggestions, and Upper Left Roasters popped up. After quickly perusing their website, this seemed like the perfect spot; with delicious drinks and reasonably priced sandwiches and toasts, we were sold.
Upper Left Roasters opened in 2015 by Katherine Harris. She found prime real estate in historic Ladd’s Addition. For those unfamiliar with Ladd’s, it is the oldest planned residential development in Portland and one of the oldest in the Western United States, according to the National Park Service. They also noted that the neighborhood is uniquely set up in a diagonal street pattern that forms the shape of an X which divides the district into four distinct quadrants. While this can make parking a bit precarious, once you secure a parking spot, it is a beautiful neighborhood to walk around in. While walking to Upper Left Roasters, you can take in all of the unique architecture and the grand Oregon trees that line the streets.
Upper Left Roasters is minimalist in its decor. With natural light shining through the big open windows, they do not need to add much to make this space work. The interior cabinetry is natural, light wood with accents of black and white decor. The minimal feel provides for a very relaxing environment to sip and snack. It was a bustling Sunday morning, but given the larger space Upper Left Roasters has, it did not feel overwhelming in the slightest. Plenty of people there were working or reading while others were enjoying the company of a friend.
Upper Left Roasters is a counter service establishment so we ordered our food and drink before getting a table. To drink, I had an iced vanilla latte, and my roommate got an iced Chai with oat milk. While neither drink was incredibly unique, it was exactly what we had hoped for when we ordered. Given that their coffee beans are roasted in-house, it elevated my latte. Their single-origin espresso beans are available online or in-store for purchase as well. They have a wide variety of roast options with very distinct flavor profiles for each one, like the Andino with notes of plum, chocolate, and caramel, or the Dark Roast Blend, with hints of grilled pineapple and graham cracker.
To eat, I was in the mood for something sweet but filling. I ordered one of their toasts, which was served on crunchy spelt bread with housemade hazelnut/almond butter, banana slices, and some sea salt flakes atop. Given just how much is packed onto this piece of toast, you definitely will want to go in with a fork and knife. The nut butter was barely blended, meaning it was extra crunchy, and the flavors of the nuts were apparent. As someone who loves crunchy peanut butter, this did not disappoint. Although it was only one slice, I could barely finish it, I was so full!
My roommate ordered the Nova Lox toast served on sourdough bread spread with housemade poblano schmear, cucumbers, lox, and lemon. It also comes with capers, but she opted to have those left off. As someone who hates spicy food, she was pleasantly surprised by the schmear and noted that it was not spicy. She said the entire dish was refreshing and filling.
We were both surprisingly stuffed after this low-key brunch. It kept us full for most of the day. I will definitely be back to Upper Left Roasters. Maybe next time I will bring my laptop and stay for a while!