Rimsky-Korsakoffee House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rimsky-Korsakoffee House |
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The coffeehouse's exterior in 2013
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1980 |
| Current owner(s) | Goody Cable |
| Food type |
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| Dress code | Casual |
| Street address | 707 Southeast 12th Avenue |
| City | Portland, Oregon |
| County | Multnomah |
| State | Oregon |
| Postal/ZIP code | 97214 |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 45°31′04″N 122°39′14″W / 45.51784°N 122.654°W |
| Reservations | No |
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is a super unique coffee shop in Portland, Oregon. It's one of the oldest coffeehouses in the city! This cool spot is named after a famous Russian composer, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
It's known for its delicious coffee and desserts. The coffeehouse is set up in what used to be the living room of an old house built in 1902. People even say the house might be a bit haunted! Goody Cable started this special place in 1980. Before that, she used to host classical music events right in her home.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee has a relaxed and friendly vibe. Sometimes, you can even hear live classical music playing. The house is filled with interesting knickknacks, art, and cool things hanging from the ceiling. Each table is named after a different composer. Some of these tables are "haunted" – they might move, spin, or even shake! This coffeehouse is famous for its desserts and for giving visitors a truly one-of-a-kind experience. People often describe it as "eclectic," "quirky," and even "spooky."
Discover Rimsky-Korsakoffee's Unique Style
Rimsky-Korsakoffee is named after the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. It was one of the first coffeehouses in Portland, Oregon. This place has a classical music theme and serves tasty coffee and desserts. You'll find it in Portland's Buckman neighborhood.
The coffeehouse is in an old Craftsman-style house from 1902. It's almost hidden by all the plants around it. The atmosphere inside is casual and welcoming. The Oregonian newspaper called it a "cozy little place with an easygoing feel."
The inside of the house has interesting wallpaper and lots of unique art. You'll see "odd things" hanging from the ceiling, too! On weekends, you can enjoy live classical music. Guests are even encouraged to write in blank journals found around the house. One unusual thing about Rimsky-Korsakoffee is that it only accepts cash payments.
Meet the "Haunted" Tables
The owner says that each table is named after a different composer. They all have a "pseudo elegant" look. Some of these tables are "haunted," meaning they can move on their own! They might spin or vibrate. One table even rises about 18 inches (46 cm) every 45 minutes, then slowly goes back down.
The table named after Sergei Rachmaninoff shakes when someone presses a button in the kitchen. And the Stephen Sondheim table can completely disappear into a slot in the wall! There are also comfy couches if you want to relax. The bathroom upstairs has a fun "under-the-sea" theme.
The Story of Rimsky-Korsakoffee
The coffeehouse is owned by Goody Cable. She opened it in 1980. Goody said she started Rimsky-Korsakoffee because she wanted "to stop cleaning [her] house for music parties." She had been hosting classical music events at her home for many years before opening the shop.
Goody wanted to create a unique and "homelike" restaurant. She hoped it would be a place where people could chat, enjoy desserts, and listen to music. Goody sets business hours that work for her. She really values "conversation, creation, education, game playing and enjoying nature." She also makes sure to recycle as much as possible. Goody is very firm that the coffeehouse will "never" have a sign to advertise the business.
In 2008, Goody thought that being in Portland was key to her business's success. She said, "I don't think Rimsky's would have worked anyplace else... Certainly not for 28 years."
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the staff and customers started an online fundraiser. They raised money to help the coffeehouse during that difficult time.
