The aptly named Electrica Coffee is located inside the Schoolhouse Electric building in the industrial area of Northwest Portland, and just celebrated its one year anniversary. Electrica specializes in Mexican coffee and Japanese tea and was opened by local restaurateur, Angel Medina, just over a year ago (his newest restaurant, Republica, was recently named one of Bon Appetit’s best restaurants of 2022!).
Medina clearly has a mind for business and knew just what kind of establishment would stand out and succeed in a city already saturated with coffee shops. He also strives to bring more diversity to Portland not only with the products offered at Electrica, but by also being committed to promoting diversity with the cafe’s employees, hiring many BIPOC-identifying baristas.
This little shop is great whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or you pride yourself on being a coffee snob. The menu is simple and your coffee choices are a classic drip, flash brew (iced coffee), or pour-over (of which you’ll have a handful of choices), and for teas there’s cold brew, loose leaf, and matcha. They also have standard espresso options including some not-so-common choices like the creamy Saikyo Latte that uses a miso caramel as a sweetener that gives it a nuttier taste than a traditional latte and is topped with black sesame. In addition to their everyday menu they often have fun and unique specials like a strawberry matcha latte or a yuzu espresso soda.
The pastries that Electrica sells are also delicious, with many balancing sweet and salty beautifully and bringing in classic Mexican and Japanese flavors like their corn cotija muffin, mochi brownie, and ube mochi donut.
Most of their coffees are from Reforma Roasters (also owned by Medina), but they love to highlight different local roasters as part of their specials. The baristas are always incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, so feel free to ask questions about the beans or tea blends and experiment with something outside your normal coffee order!
Though it’s set in an industrial building, the space itself is remarkably calm, cozy, and chic. For those who don’t know, Schoolhouse Electric is one of Portland’s most well-known retailers of homewares, selling top-of-the-line, vintage-inspired furniture and lighting for twenty years that’s designed and assembled right in their 100+ year old brick warehouse. It’s always been a fun place to stop in and browse and now you can do it with a cup of coffee in your hands!
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
Address: 2181 NW Nicolai St, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: 971-238-7394
Electrica Coffee stands as a shining example among the numerous local businesses fostering positive change in Oregon. If you’ve got a favorite spot or business in mind, don’t hesitate to nominate them—they might just be highlighted in an upcoming feature for That Oregon Life. Be sure to stay connected with That Oregon Life on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the most remarkable destinations, attractions, and happenings in the Beaver State.
