The Guardino Gallery is a charming art space located right in the heart of Portland’s Alberta Arts District. It first opened its doors in 1997 and has been a local favorite ever since. The gallery is known for supporting both emerging and established artists from the Pacific Northwest. It's a welcoming place where anyone—whether you're an art lover or just curious—can enjoy creative and meaningful works.
Inside the gallery, you'll find a mix of art styles and mediums. There are two main exhibit spaces—one at the front and one in the rear—that feature rotating shows every month. This means there’s always something new to see. From bold paintings and delicate ceramics to woodwork, glass, and jewelry, the range is wide and beautiful. There's also a gift shop area filled with handmade crafts, cards, and small artworks that make for great souvenirs.
People often stop by to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take in the local creativity. And after exploring the gallery, many families, couples, and tourists look for a cozy spot to relax with a drink. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or a cool non-caffeinated treat, the nearby cafes in Alberta Arts District have plenty to offer.
Case Study Coffee Roasters is a cozy and welcoming café, perfect for a break after visiting the Guardino Gallery. The space has a modern but warm feel, with wooden accents and soft lighting that make it relaxing. They roast their own beans and serve top-notch espresso drinks, lattes, and mochas.
KISS Coffee is a bright, cheerful spot and a great place to unwind after a visit to the Guardino Gallery. The café has a relaxed vibe with friendly staff and plenty of seating. They serve smooth espresso, creamy lattes, and strong Americanos. Seasonal drinks like lavender lattes and spiced mochas are worth trying.
If you love sweets with your coffee, Db Dessert Company is a perfect stop after visiting the Guardino Gallery. This cozy café is known for its handcrafted desserts and flavorful coffee drinks. Try their caramel macchiato or vanilla latte with a fresh pastry or slice of cake. They also serve fruit teas, bubble tea, and creamy hot chocolate for non-coffee drinkers.
Proud Mary Café is a stylish and friendly café just a short walk from Guardino Gallery. It’s a great place to recharge after viewing the art. Known for high-quality coffee and fresh food, they serve flat whites, cappuccinos, and pour-over coffee made with single-origin beans. You’ll also find unique drinks like turmeric lattes and fresh juices.
Just Bob is a laid-back café that’s all about good coffee and a relaxed vibe. It’s a great spot to unwind after exploring the Guardino Gallery. The space is small and cozy, perfect for enjoying a quiet drink. Their menu includes espresso drinks, cold brew, and creamy lattes. If you’re not into coffee, try their herbal teas or refreshing lemonade.
The Great North is a cozy café with a friendly, local vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back and relax after taking in the gallery’s colorful exhibits. Their coffee menu includes lattes, cappuccinos, pour-overs, and Americanos made with care. You’ll also find iced teas, fruit-based drinks, and creamy chai lattes if you're avoiding caffeine.
Alberta Street Coffee is a small and lively café that fits perfectly with the creative spirit of the Guardino Gallery nearby. Located in the heart of the Alberta Arts District, it’s a great place to relax after exploring the gallery’s colorful exhibits. The space is cozy and artsy, often showcasing local artwork.
Roseline Coffee is a modern café known for its clean design and carefully brewed coffee. It’s a great stop if you’re visiting Guardino Gallery and looking for a place to sit down and recharge. The atmosphere is bright and calm, perfect for enjoying your cappuccino after a stroll through local art.
Memoire Ca Phe brings a taste of Vietnam to the Alberta Arts District. If you’re visiting the nearby Guardino Gallery, this café is a great spot to unwind after exploring the artwork. The space is small and cozy, with warm lighting and a relaxed vibe. The menu highlights Vietnamese coffee, like strong and sweet cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) and creamy egg coffee.
Abba Coffee Roasters is a modern, minimalist café known for high-quality coffee and a relaxing setting. It's a short drive from the Guardino Gallery, making it a nice place to grab a drink after checking out the art. The space is bright and clean, with a calm atmosphere that invites you to slow down.
Bison Coffeehouse is a Native-owned café known for its welcoming feel and strong community spirit. If you’re heading to the Guardino Gallery, this café is a peaceful spot to relax with a drink. Inside, the space feels rustic and warm, with beautiful Indigenous art on the walls. Their coffee is rich and smooth, with options like lattes, mochas, and macchiatos.
Queer Plants Café is a cozy, plant-filled coffee shop that celebrates community and inclusivity. It’s a perfect place to visit after exploring Guardino Gallery in the Alberta Arts District. The space is full of greenery and has a calm, welcoming vibe. Their drink menu includes smooth espresso, flavored lattes, and a popular lavender honey latte.
Either/Or is a quirky and creative café that fits well with the local art scene. After a visit to Guardino Gallery, this cozy spot is perfect for relaxing with a good drink. The café has a warm, eclectic feel, with a focus on fun and flavor. They serve espresso drinks, seasonal lattes, and their popular mini latte flight, which includes several flavors in one order.
Bastion Coffee Roasters brings a modern, industrial-chic feel to Mississippi Avenue’s coffee scene. This specialty roaster is known for its carefully sourced beans and bold espresso blends. Their house espresso is rich, chocolatey, and balanced—perfect for a classic shot or a creamy latte. If you're adventurous, try their seasonal specialty drinks, like a honey lavender latte or a mocha made with house-made chocolate.