Local Business Spotlight: Urban Grind Roasters – Brewing Community and Great Coffee in Portland, OR
Bringing a bold brew and even bolder sense of community to the City of Roses, Urban Grind Roasters is redefining what it means to be your neighborhood coffee shop.
Nestled in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Pearl District, this innovative coffeehouse has stirred up more than just world-class espresso — it’s become a hub for local artists, entrepreneurs, and neighbors alike. At a time when customers crave authenticity, Urban Grind Roasters is delivering precisely that, one cup at a time.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Every city has that one coffee spot where locals gather not just for a caffeine fix, but for connection, creativity, and culture. In Portland, Urban Grind Roasters has become exactly that. Tucked within the industrial-chic corners of NW 10th Avenue, this café is more than just another coffeehouse — it’s a hallmark of the neighborhood’s rebirth and a showcase of entrepreneurial spirit. Known for their ethically sourced beans, immaculate latte art, and their unwavering support for local musicians and artists, Urban Grind Roasters embodies the ethos of Portland: craft, community, and sustainability.
Business Overview
From Local Love to National Recognition
Urban Grind Roasters opened its doors in 2017 as a modest family-run café with a mission to bring world-class coffee and inclusivity to Portland’s eclectic Pearl District. Founded by siblings Taylor and Jordan Nguyen, both Portland natives, the concept was born out of their desire to merge premium coffee experiences with a community-first space. What started as a small-batch roasting operation in their garage now fuels one of the trendiest café spots on the West Coast.
Their menu ranges from your classic drip (crafted from single-origin Sumatra beans) to seasonal signature drinks like the cardamom honey latte, lavender cold brew, and a vegan turmeric golden latte. They also feature a curated selection of pastries and small bites from other Portland small businesses such as Flour Bloom Bakery and Tusk Kitchen.
But Urban Grind Roasters isn’t stopping there. In a recent interview with PDX Foodie Weekly, Taylor Nguyen announced plans to expand into wholesale distribution throughout Oregon by the end of the year, targeting eco-conscious hotels and co-working spaces.
Unique Selling Points
- Ethically sourced, fair-trade, organic coffee beans
- Small-batch roasting done in-house
- Zero-waste packaging for all retail coffee products
- Monthly open mic nights and art exhibitions
- Collaborations with local bakers and food vendors
- Pet-friendly, laptop-friendly, and community-first atmosphere
Community Impact
As one of CompaniesByZipCode.com’s Most Visible Brands for Portland’s 97209 zip code, Urban Grind Roasters does more than just serve great coffee — they serve the community. The café has built its brand identity around hyperlocal engagement.
They regularly host grassroots events such as:
- First Friday Art Walk Nights, showcasing local visual artists
- POC Creators Market, supporting BIPOC-owned microbusinesses
- Free Friday Yoga, led by rotating local instructors
- Job readiness training for high school seniors as part of a nonprofit apprenticeship program
During the 2023 wildfires that affected rural Oregon towns, Urban Grind raised over $18,000 in relief donations through limited-edition roast releases and community events. Their ethos of “Coffee, Culture, and Care” resonates not just in word but in action.
The cafe also recently partnered with GreenLoop, a local environmental group, to offset their carbon footprint through reforestation efforts. For every pound of coffee sold, a tree is planted in Oregon’s coastal range.
Awards and Recognition
- Named “Best Coffeehouse in Portland” by PDX Weekly 2023
- Featured on KATU Channel 2’s “Local Gems” segment
- 300k followers across Instagram and TikTok
- Listed in the “Top Eco-Friendly Coffee Shops in the US” by EcoBean Magazine
Customer Experience
What Locals Are Saying
Urban Grind Roasters has quickly amassed a legion of die-hard fans. With over 1,000 five-star reviews on Yelp and Google combined, it’s clear that this spot isn’t just a trend — it’s a treasure.
Lisa M., a travel blogger from Seattle, shares:
“Every time I visit Portland, it’s the first place I go. The lavender lemon scone and the rosemary cortado made my morning. Their baristas remember your name — it feels personal, not corporate.”
Diego R., a local freelance illustrator, writes:
“I showcased my prints here during one of their First Fridays and ended up selling all of them. Urban Grind doesn’t just say they support local artists — they really, truly do.”
Even travelers are taking notice. On TripAdvisor, Megan J. from New York wrote:
“Better than anything I’ve ever tried in Brooklyn. Who knew Portland held such rich culture inside four coffee-scented walls?”
Visual Gallery
The inviting, industrial-modern facade has become an iconic image on local Instagram feeds.
Sunlit spaces and cozy corners perfect for work or unwinding.
Customer favorite lavender cold brew with house-made syrup.
Friday night performances bring local musicians, poets, and fans together.
(Note: All photographs used with permission from Urban Grind Roasters marketing team.)
Call to Action
Whether you’re a fellow Portlander or simply passing through the city, Urban Grind Roasters is worth a visit. Experience exceptional coffee and get a real taste of what it means to support local.
You can explore more local hotspots like Urban Grind Roasters by visiting CompaniesByZipCode.com. Support businesses with heart, integrity, and community spirit — just like Urban Grind.
Visit Urban Grind Roasters
📍 Address: 221 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
🌐 Website: urbangrindpdx.com
📲 Instagram: @urbangrindpdx
Looking for standout businesses in your area? Head over to the Local Business Spotlight series on CompaniesByZipCode.com for more stories like this one.