Southeast Grind facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southeast Grind |
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The coffeehouse's exterior in 2010
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2009 |
| Closed | October 26, 2019 |
| Current owner(s) | Kacey Birch |
| Street address | 1223 Southeast Powell Blvd. |
| City | Portland |
| County | Multnomah |
| State | Oregon |
| Postal/ZIP code | 97202 |
| Coordinates | 45°30′04″N 122°39′09″W / 45.5010°N 122.6524°W |
Southeast Grind was a special coffeehouse in Portland, Oregon. It was located in the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood. Opened by Kacey Birch in 2009, Southeast Grind was the only coffee shop in Portland open all day and all night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (called 24/7).
Besides coffee and espresso drinks, the coffeehouse served juices, smoothies, teas, pastries, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches, and other snacks. Many people saw Southeast Grind as a "safe, reliable spot" and a "living room." It was a comforting place for different kinds of customers, especially students. The coffee shop closed in October 2019 because of problems with its building's lease and structure. Kacey Birch also wanted to spend more time with her family.
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What Was Southeast Grind Like?
Southeast Grind was found on Powell Boulevard in southeast Portland. It was the city's only around-the-clock coffeehouse until 2019. USA Today said the coffee shop offered free Wi-Fi. It had a relaxed feel with big couches, a fireplace, and outdoor seating.
Inside Southeast Grind
Rachel Dresbeck, who wrote Insiders' Guide to Portland, said Southeast Grind had a "pine-lodge rustic" look. This means it felt like a cozy cabin. The menu included coffee and espresso drinks. You could also get juices, smoothies, and teas.
For food, they had bagels, doughnuts, pastries, quesadillas, salads, and sandwiches. They even offered gluten-free and vegan options. Some unique drinks were the Night Rider, which had coffee, two espresso shots, and white chocolate, and another called the Charging Tiger.
A Welcoming Place for Everyone
In 2017, Jenna Rossiter from The Beacon called Southeast Grind a "hipster" coffeehouse. Rita A. Leonard from The Bee described it in 2019 as a "unique, safe, reliable spot." People could come any time for coffee, healthy snacks, music, and free Wi-Fi.
She added that the place was known for its "well-worn charm." It felt like a "living room" for students and others working on their laptops. Anyone who bought something could stay as long as they liked. It was a special place for "night owls" who needed somewhere to study or gather. The coffee shop also had a community bulletin board and space for local businesses to share their events.
In 2020, Shannon Gormley from Willamette Week said Southeast Grind kept its comfy, worn-out feel. It had slouching armchairs and old couches. It truly served as a "living room" for college students and people working late. Brooke Jackson-Glidden from Eater Portland called it a "respite" (a place of rest) for many. This included college students, people working in different industries, and others looking for caffeine and a place to relax.
History of Southeast Grind
Kacey Birch opened Southeast Grind in 2009. She later met her husband at the coffee shop.
Why Southeast Grind Closed
In mid-October 2019, the staff announced that the coffee shop would close. They wrote a message saying, "With much gratitude and a heavy heart, we are closing our doors. It's been a wonderful decade and we feel so honored to be your baristas. Come on in this last week to say goodbye. We appreciate you all and wish you well!"
After the news, hundreds of people visited for one last time. Southeast Grind officially closed with a party on October 26, 2019. Kacey Birch explained why it closed. She said they hadn't had a proper lease for six years. Also, the building had structural problems that needed expensive repairs. Instead of doing the renovations, she decided to spend more time with her family.
After Southeast Grind closed, another coffee shop called Phoenix Roasters took over. They started operating 24 hours a day on Halloween (October 31) that same year.
