The Best Places to Enjoy Locally Roasted Artisan Coffee in Bend

"For a time, Bend had the highest number of coffee roasters per capita in the contiguous United States (since surpassed by Portland). These local roasters not only search for great beans but have spent years developing relationships with the growers. As Stewart Fritchman, owner of Bellatazza, describes it, "I'll spend hours with the plantation owners in Guatemala. We're not talking about the beans, we're discussing how the family is doing, like if Uncle Juan had his surgery yet.""

"This kind of care and attention is experienced in these little local coffee houses. These are third-wave coffee roasters. They aim to showcase the beans, taking care to roast them, often on the lighter side, to bring out the nuance of flavors - much like cooking a steak rare rather than well done. To accompany the artisan coffee, many coffee houses bring in the best treats from local bakers like Sparrow, Two Sweet, and One Loaf; others make a sampling of sandwiches and pastries."

"Backporch Coffee offers the lightest roast for real coffee lovers. With a focus on flavors of African beans, the coffee is more acidity-forward with fruit tones. The Westside location has long been a community gathering place, and downtown has a similar design with sofas and chairs in the seating area. The Eastside location has a more business-like vibe, with many guests working on laptops."

Bend once had the highest number of coffee roasters per capita in the contiguous United States, a title since surpassed by Portland. Local roasters cultivate long-term relationships with growers, often visiting plantations and attending to growers' families. Third-wave roasters emphasize showcasing bean nuance through careful, often lighter roasts that highlight acidity and fruit tones. Coffee houses pair artisan coffee with pastries and sandwiches from local bakers such as Sparrow, Two Sweet, One Loaf, and Haven Bakery. Backporch Coffee emphasizes light roasts and African bean flavors across multiple locations with varying atmospheres, offering specialty drinks like strawberry vanilla and Bombay lattes.

Read at Eater Portland