Bad service, good food, wonderful experience

By Nicole Donner

Financially challenged students can eat only so many Junior Whoppers or fries from McDonald’s Dollar Menu. Sometimes you need a break from the normal routine without breaking your wallet.

The Pied Cow Coffee House in Portland is just the type of escape for students and bohemians alike who want to find a quiet corner, enjoy a warm cup of coffee and maybe a few puffs from the hookah.

Located in the ultra-cool Belmont district, walk-ins can choose to sit down in the comfortable, renovated Victorian house with art pieces hanging around you or out on the porch with fairy lights and torches to light the dining area. The porch is the high light of what the Pied Cow has to offer in decor. With it’s surronding shrubs and Victorian houses, you feel like you’re in the middle of a park in New York instead of Portland.Though it’s hard to have a intimate, private conversation with someone because the next table is about three feet away, if you like cozy you will like the overall mood of the Pied Cow.

A rare feature this coffee house offers is the chance to smoke hookahs out on the porch. Beware though: you must be at least 21 years old to purchase the hookah. Pointing to the recent rise in teenage customers and vandalism, the Pied Cow has opted to have all the guests at the table be 21 to order the hookah.

The service could be improved. When sitting on the porch, guests are to serve themselves water or coffee from a nearby table. Seemingly short-staffed, the Pied Cow’s waiters and waitresses are products of their surrounding with every eclectic personality you meet while dining. If you’re patient as they run around helping the dozen others visiting the coffeehouse, you will have a good time. Be cautious though: if you’re bringing a large group, they have a gratuity charge and service may take longer than expected.

The food is what should drive you to this hip coffeehouse. With plates dedicated to several types of cheese and crackers, hummus dips, and dates stuffed with Havarti, the small establishment dedicates itself to serving high-quality, one-of-a-kind snacks. Several of their desserts are a must-try, even if you’ve already filled yourself with their tahini dip and bread. Prices for these can run usually run under $10 per plate, with the exception of the salmon .

Overall, the feel and pure originality of the Pied Cow makes it stand out among the posers and copy cats of its kind. Not the place to look for an entire meal, it’s more of a place to hang out with friends late at night and enjoy a cup of coffee to accompany a lovely cheesecake.

The Pied Cow is located at 3244 SE Belmont St. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. For more information about the Pied Cow Coffee House, call (503) 230- 4866.