On the surface, a nice little neighborhood cafe. But the service is not what you want to deal with first thing in the morning. They lost my order. That happens. But on being reminded, was the response " gee I'm sorry, I'll get that right away for you"? Nope. The barista's position was " I didn't take your order, not my problem." The cashier flatly denied taking the order, then gave surly agreement to making the drink while making clear that I was probably trying to get away with something. So I pulled up the emailed receipt on my cellphone. Did that elicit something approaching courtesy? Not a bit of it. "Not my fault!" says the barista while the cashier actually hides. I had to say, "Look I'm not interested in arguing with you, I just want the drink I ordered". She scrutinized the cellphone screen with the air of an entitled queen soiling her hands, made the drink and dumped it on my table like a load of dung. Not a word of apology.

This is specifically for June 13, 2014. All of my past experience has been great except for the wait. This time...not so much. The wait was longer. Actually the line was completely cleared before I was finally called. Even all the folks in the line behind me were gone. Because I got my food to go, I didn't figure out why it took so long. My 3-cheese grilled sandwich was charred. I don't mean a little on the edge, I mean both sides of the bread were completely blackened. To walk back and get a new one would have taken more time than I had. They should have never even wrapped it up and served it. For the money, the fact that they passed this on to me was just wrong.

Despite not advertising their bagels, they were by far the best I tried in Portland. Coffee wasn't the best, but better than many of the other places I tried. However, the employees were top notch. Absolutely outstanding. If I ever find myself near the Portland convention center again, I'll be making the extra walk to revisit J Cafe.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Features
The employees were wearing masks. Customers were 50/50.
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Not sure
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

J Cafe has the best food and J himself is a very upstanding guy. We will keep coming back when in the area. (I Can't believe how disappointed my husband and I are. We love J cafe and have not been there for years. We found ourselves in the area and we were so excited to finally have a Tillamook panini. Only to show up at 1:45 to find them closed/door locked. The sign on the door said they close at 2pm. We would have been happy to get our food to go so that they could close on time. It's been 7 years since we've been in the area. Hopefully it Won't be 7 more.)

If you have been on the fence about trying due to the crowded conditions do yourself a favor and go!! Friendly staff that puts out a WONDERFUL dish and the coffee is nice and smooth. It's not uncommon for the owner to come out and remember details from the ongoing conversation you've had in the past. He strongly believes in doing the right thing if something isn't up to your expectation. I was not paid for my review but am a loyal customer myself. I'm eating there right now in fact and the food is fantastic!! :o)

I go there whenever I am in the area. Great place for quality, value and atmosphere. the soup and sandwiches are a must. It all has the quality and feel of a Parisian establishment, without the cost of those places. They serve the best coffee that I have tasted in the US, I think it is roasted locally. I know that he is very careful in the sourcing of his products and as a fellow chef, I readily give J CAFE five stars. I would like it more if they bring back the specials. Awesome!!

I’m new to Portland & this is the third coffee shop I’ve tried looking for a really good cup of coffee, & this was definitely it I also tried a panini sandwich since it was close to lunch time, and again, it was so good!! $13 for a large sandwich with a salad & chips made the price worth definitely going back! Staff was also very friendly✌
Meal type
Brunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Portland Pub Dip

Unexpected 48 hours in PDX. Decided I didn’t want to eat at the hotel restaurant and looked at local establishments on Yelp and Google Maps. J Cafe popped up and it was only a 5 min walk. I walked in a bit after 10am, it was slow. I was the only one there to eat. A few walk ins for coffee to go. Breakfast panini was very good. Wet food but next time, skipping the tomato. Sandwich started to fall apart at the end. Definitely returning

I’m visiting from Jersey during the pandemic. North Jersey is also a foodie place so I know good food. While it is difficult to find an informal comfortable place to eat near my hotel J Cafe is a pleasant surprise. I ate there 3 times. The food is fresh and delicious. I believe the person who served me was the owner who was very friendly and provided great service. I ate at one of their outdoor tables in beautiful weather.

I used to love this place. I went to school very close by. But over the years i have become very disappointed in their business ethic. The last 3 times I've come by when I am in the neighborhood they are closing early by at least 2 hours. I walked in and was turned away because they had been too slow. Okay... I'm a customer offering business and you tell me to leave. Doesnt make a ton of sense from a business stand point.

I stop here when I can to get a water on my way home and this place is a treasure. The kind person who is always a treasure saved my wallet one day and I should have said kinder things before this. I've always been treated kindly. It's a true Portland gem for natives and anyone visiting. I can't say how much this place represents PDX. Love you all
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I stopped by to pick up a panini for lunch, it was delicious and the service was very friendly! The cafe has a welcoming vibe inside, but seating is limited. Most of the menu sounds delicious, I'll probably be back!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Coffee too hot to drink no froth no foam on my latte, bagel soggy though had grill marks, wasn’t even toasted. And no, it's not the case that oat milk will not froth up. I've had enough oat milk lattes to know that they foam beautifully if done correctly! If it were soy or almond or coconut milk I could understand but oat milk makes a lovey creamy foam if it's steamed correctly and not overheated.

A very nice cafe. Went here two days in a row for a simple breakfast. Coffee is good, other drinks are solid, and the breakfast sandwiches are fantastic. A good spot for a quick breakfast and some friendly service.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Panini

Convenient location to several office buildings, if you don't mind navigating the bodies of homeless persons. Limited menu is nothing special but the wait time is ungodly slow. A latte and tosted bagel doesn't require 25 minute prep time.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes

FANTASTIC place to get a quick bite of high quality and healthier food in this neighborhood. I had the Tillamook panini for lunch which includes a side salad and chips and I left stuffed. They don't skimp on the quality or quantity of the food here and the service was great. I'll certainly eat here again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I ordered off of GrubHub and after my delivery driver never showed up, Jose was kind enough to call me and let me know what happened and that if I had any issues to give him a call because he doesn’t like his customers to be disappointed. He really was wonderful and the food is as well! I would definitely recommend this place for wonderful service and food.

Great food and friendly service! I went 2 days in a row because I was so impressed - I ordered the J Club and somehow they were able to make something relatively simple taste spectacular!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Soup, J Club

Awesome food, awesome staff, awesome service. Super adaptable to the customers needs and very patient. They respect their customers and make really good food. Overall stellar visit.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
J Club

Great place - friendly and efficient staff and very tasty food. The paninis are delicious but the place can get very very busy at lunchtime, especially if there is a conference on at the Convention Center. Even when it is heaving the people working there are still very polite and friendly. Would highly recommend.

I ordered a large Americano and a panini. Coffee was good. The Portland Pub Dip (panini) was awesome! Light, not too rich, the meat and dipped in the jus added a special touch. I recommend substituting the chips and greens for fruits.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Absolutely delicious food at reasonable prices! The tomato Gorgonzola soup is great, and the J Club panini is amazing. Just be prepared to wait a bit, especially if they are busy. Most definitely worth the wait though consider getting your food to go--this is a relatively small place with limited seating.

Excellent lox bagel and coffee. Well priced and tasty bagels. Good stop for breakfast on the way to work.
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Grilled Bagel with Lox Capers Red Onion and Cream Cheese

No photos. I love posting photos as proof of the experience. I had to make a mad dash for coffee a much needed Americano ❤️ staff offered a hug to my bestie wearing Free Mom Hugs Shirt. Absolutely amazing customer service with a reasonably priced menu. Features Panini, bagels, coffee, and more!

Great lunch stop! On my first time through i tried a 1/2 Canini,1/2 a pecan-apple salad and a Mint-Fennel iced tea. The food was fantastic, service was friendly and was quickly served despite the lunch rush! Definitely worth the stop, and conveniently located right off the 7th avenue max station.

The owner is very kind and attentive. Helped with some gluten sensitivities and with other questions I had about the menu. It's a great small Cafe for a quick satisfying bite near the convection center!! Also omg their bagel sandwiches...
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Extremely friendly staff and fast service. I liked the convenience of the location and being able to walk and and get good food and a nice selection of drinks easily and short wait. Next step is getting all the coffee! We got the Oswego Roma and Rose garden sandwiches and highly recommend.

Great place for a quick lunch or a coffee in the Lloyd district. My favorites are the J Club or Caprese pannini, the hummus plate and the Pretty Salad (the dressing makes the salad). Always fast and friendly!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Great service and good food. The person who was working the front took our orders, delivered my latte to our table quickly. Minutes later brought our food, checked back to ask if the lunch was ok, even came and took our plates away when we were finished. Would give 6 stars if I could.

Superb customer service every single time I go there. Genuinely friendly & caring owner and staff. This makes such a huge difference and I appreciate that so much. Quick panini bites are tasty and the full coffee and espresso menu gets the job done. Excellent lunch spot.

Good lunch paninis. Little pricey.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Panini
Vegetarian options
Capini - Caprese panini - nice

Food is decent but be careful if you are ordering more than 6 sandwiches to go. They charged 15% tip without telling me... For a takeout order! I called them afterward and they acknowledged that is there policy but would not refund me any of the money. Shady.

All of the sandwiches and drinks I've had so far are of high quality and incredibly delicious. Would absolutely recommend for a lovely breakfast/brunch. (They have a restroom for customers inside as well)
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food is pretty good and the service is excellent l. They were so patient with all of us who bombarded their restaurant during our conference lunch. Support this business!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

One of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had - Loyd panini. The ingredients are an amazing match and so fresh. Oh, and the bread.. spot on! My mouth and stomach are so happy after eating that. One more thing.. good coffee too! Thanks J …

Excellent little place. Stayed in our Doubletree Hilton hotel and had their breakfast but it sucked and then I walked around to find some good coffee and stumble upon this little gem. Definitely going to grab a sandwich here next time I’m around.

This place is delightful! The owner is so kind and makes delicious coffee and paninis. The Mexican blend in the mochas is so tasty, with a kick of spice that is quite unique. Amazing service, cozy atmosphere, and I felt so comfortable there! :)

Food is very excellent. Lines get long at the lunch hour and they can run out of things fairly early sometimes. Which I guess means sometimes they close early unexpectedly. So don't plan on a late lunch, just in case, but do try it if you can!

Delicious BLT and hummus platter. Great flavorful espresso.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Classic blt, Hummus Plate

Food is absolutely delicious!!! Being from out of town we were so happy to find somewhere close with quality food. The coffee is bomb and staff was really friendly
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Whoaaaaa! Sooooo delicious! The sandwich super impressed me and I LOVE sandwiches. Especially breakfast sandwiches. Even 4 non-dairy creamer options! Thats like unheard of for me! Music great! Service even better! Absolutely recommend!!

Had a great lunch here first time visiting panini was spicy,warm and flavorful plenty of meat. tomato basil soup was creamy and tasty mocha was great. I will be back coming back here
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Just discovered the J Cafe when brunching with a friend who was attending a conference nearby. Wow! The breakfast panninis for $9 are delicious, the coffee good, and the staff friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is bright and casual.

The server there is very attentive to all his customer's, maybe he is the owner, I'm not sure, but he is really good at connecting and serving the customers . The food was great!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good paninis, however, both times I went the the waiter screwed up the order. Huge cappuccinos. Fair price. Second time I went there I did not get panini bread but normal bread. Not sure if that was because of the mess up or not.

Love J’s! Miss working next door and stopping by for lunch! The J Club is the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Takeout: Yes

Just stopped in to grab a coffee for convenience but even if I would have wanted something else they didn’t really have a selection (no pastries, no fancy items). Basic.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10

I was on trip to Portland in November and When I went to this cafe it was full of girls and I was the only guy, I thought it was only for girls haha. Anyway their sandwiches are delicious and I really recommend this cafe.

Yummy and fresh! Great customer service
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Panini

Awesome! My breakfast panini was incredible, the Chai was delightful, and the water bar was a sweet little perk. Lemon, cucumber, mint water...perfection. Staff is very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended!

Convenient breakfast and lunch cafe for convention goers. Friendly staff and great service! I’ve stopped by the last 2 days and had a delicious breakfast sandwich before heading to the Portland Convention Center.

Good quality salad with good quality ingredients and chicken. Friendly service, maybe the owner. Found a spot with power to sit and work. Very pleasant.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

I didn't like the coffee, the taste was strange to me. The sausage sandwich was bland, expensive and tasted like pre-cooked frozen meat. Service was slow, but friendly. Seating was awkward and cramped.

Glad this place was down the street from my hotel! Good service and really tasty breakfast options. Highly recommend!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

This is a great little cafe within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center. It is perfect for that cup of coffee or a quick bite. You just want to get there before they close at 2:00 pm.

Great neighborhood cafe for sandwiches, soups, and salads. The combos let you pick any two items (i.e. soup+sandwich) for a reasonably priced lunch, less than $10. Everything is really delicious.

Lovely, speedy cafe near convention center with great service. Only one block walk for good coffee and bagels.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Nice cashier experience, and the menu items were very good. Price was representative of the food quality. Paninis were filling. White mocha syrup was not stirred all the way though. :/

Service is fast and friendly, food (especially bagels and sandwiches) are delish, and 20 OZ lattes (hard to find in Portland). Perfect spot for a before work coffee/snack or lunchtime!

My favorite place in the Lloyd District for a quick lunch break. I highly recommend the J Club sandwich served with greens and chips! The ratio of serving size vs. price is perfect!

You can tell the owner cares about the service and his store and that reflects with the cafe almost always being packed!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great place for breakfast. Very friendly staff, good coffee and meals at a reasonable price.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

It's all made fresh so be prepared to wait a couple extra minutes for your sandwich. Drip coffee was good, breakfast paninis were great, can't wait to try their lunch menu!

At first I was like, $7.50 for a panini is kinda steep, then it came out with a salad and a big pile of chips. Staff is super TCB (taken care of business) and friendly.

Over the years I've been coming here I've never had a bad experience or a bad meal. Great breakfast paninis, coffee is the best around. Go, order anything, enjoy!

Nice little cafe with a great lunch menu. Very friendly staff even though they were getting slammed from conference attendees all in a hurry to grab a quick bite.

Loved the decor. They had great music and kind staff. The food was a tasty mix of flavors. They even served me and bussed my table because I'm wearing a splint.

I love their gluten free panini. I'm so thankful you've survived this pandemic!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Consistently delicious paninis! Always the perfect amount of toppings and fresh ingredients. Don't sleep on the breakfast paninis either. I love this place!

Amazing service, food was outstanding AND my mocha was outstanding. Don’t remember the last time I found a place that can do both food and coffee so well.

The owner is rude and cuts people off when they're talking. That clown needs to learn some manners.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Excellent small spot. Bagel sausage sandwich was delicious and very fresh fruit. Highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast

Fantastic coffee drinks and grilled bagels. If you're a fan of lox, you NEED to try the grilled bagel with lox, onions, capers, and cream cheese.

Upgrading my rating to 4 stars. I think they must have just been very busy the first time I came. The beef chili and BLT were really good!

Nice little corner cafe. It was my first visit, and the staff was friendly, the panini excellent. The cafe latte was not good, however.

Tomatoe soup was amazing and the coffee was great. The staff was very friendly.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great service, great food and great environment. Loved hearing Weird Al. Coffee was good and the grilled breakfast bagel was amazing.

Excellent service and coffee and food. But the service was really memorable.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Love this place with my whole heart - delicious food and drinks, great owner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Friendly staff, even when the cafe is super busy. The paninis and salads are consistently great... have never had a bad meal here.

They use those cheap solo cups that collapse and spray coffee all over your car when you lift it out of the cup holder.

A really great spot for lunch. The J club is probably the best turkey club I've ever had. So juicy and flavorful …

Great lunch! Its the only good sand which place in the area. Carry gluten free bread!! Love their Panini's and soups!

Great little cafe, hearty & tasty breakfast at a good price.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Ordered ahead - fast and fresh food! Very kind owner.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Excellent service, coffee and food. 100% recommended
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Used to work in the area and this was a go to favorite. Happy to say it’s still awesome.

Bagels and coffee were delicious, and the staff was friendly, helpful and fast!

A beautiful little cozy café with good food and coffee. Ideal for breakfasts.

Good service, good food, good place …