I spent a recent weekend near Astoria with some close friends. I've been there a few times before, but this time I was Jonesing for a nice hot cup of coffee. Not just any coffee that I can get at a convenience store. No. I'm talking about coffee freshly pulled by a barista. I wanted to experience the ambiance of a cute little coffee shop. This wish list isn't hard to find in all parts of Oregon, and this Sunday morning I found a little gem at the northwestern tip of the state.
I saw the signs of coffee from the road, driving north, until I was almost out of the city. I was getting worried, because soon I'd be on a country highway and miss my opportunity for that fresh cup of coffee.
Then I found Coffee Girl, at the end of Pier 39 in Astoria, and it was even better than I'd imagined.
I had to drive onto the pier and park in front of an old cannery. There was a small sign in a window which showed I was in the right place. The old warehouse looked like the standard industrial buildings you find along the Oregon piers.
I walked through the vast openness until I reached a sweet little coffee shop at the end of the pier.
I opened the door and walked into a cute little space, with a view over the mouth of the Columbia, the sound of an espresso machine running in the background, and the smell of dark coffee in the air. Fresh pastries sat in rows, and the barista behind the bar was friendly and helpful. I gave my order and walked around admiring this shop.
I found a coffee mug of orange and white, with their logo. It was the perfect shape of mug, one you can easily cup in your hands and sip your hot coffee in delight.
I was pleased to have found an inviting place, and I'm not the only one. I went to their website to find many reviews say the same thing as me about this coffee shop. Friendly service, fresh hot coffee in different varieties, and pastries to die for. The website has a gallery of their coffee art, and along with their pastries, they also have a lunch menu. Next time I stop in Astoria, I'll have to make it there for lunch.
Coffee Girl is open Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, and Saturday/Sunday 8am-5pm.