off-season coffeeneuring: society hotel cafe

On Friday, I rode into downtown Portland to meet my sister for a cup of coffee. I suggested we check out the cafe at the Society Hotel in Old Town. The hotel is co-owned and was remodeled by an acquaintance of mine, and has gained a following for its cozy, hostel-styled rooms and affordable pricing. But I didn't know about the cafe. So we met there.



  I have to say that, while the atmosphere was pretty nice -- and the acoustics still allowed for conversation, an increasingly rare thing in Portland eateries these days -- the fare was merely okay. The coffee was fresh and hot but not amazing; and my sister told me she's had far better Dirty Chai drinks at at least a half down other places. (My coconut macaroon was actually good, moist and substantial.)
I'd say that if you know you'll be in Old Town and need to make a stop, this would work just fine. But as far as cafes go it's not a destination stop, especially with so many other choices nearby.
I'd give it a 7.5 out of 10 stars, with the caveat that it might be worth checking out in the evening when the menu changes up a little. (We were there at 1:30 in the afternoon, kind of a down time for hotel cafes in general.)
Happy riding!