The Great North (Alberta)
AlbertaThe Great North roasts its own coffee here on Alberta — this is both the cafe and the roastery for a small Portland chain started by Coava and Stumptown alumni, and it shows in the espresso, which regulars describe as clean rather than burnt. The former Caffe Vita space is calm and warm-minimalist, with big shared tables, plenty of outlets, and the kind of quiet that makes it a default laptop spot. It's for people who want a real roaster's coffee and a table to work at, not a scene.
The order
An espresso or cortado off the house roast — Deep Waters or Kickstep, or whatever single origin is on — to taste what they actually do. If you're not in an espresso mood, the Great North Chai (whole spices and Assam, simmered to order) or the Orange Bloom Houjicha over ice are the standouts; add an Olympia Provisions ham breakfast sandwich on a Dos Hermanos muffin if you're hungry.
Know before you go
- Open early — 6am weekdays, 7am weekends, both till 6pm. Kitchen runs roughly 6:15am to 5pm.
- Card and digital only in practice; you can order ahead through Square and it's usually ready in about 15 minutes.
- It fills up as a work spot — snagging a table can be tough on a busy day.
- Strong vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options: house oat milk, JUST Egg sandwich, chia parfaits, scratch syrups.
- Street parking only and tight on Alberta; bike parking and a few outdoor tables, and dogs are allowed.
