The other day I was walking home from work. I work near the Lloyd Center Mall, so I try to get my daily exercise by walking. Anyway, as I was walking through the Nike Outlet parking lot I smelled coffee in the air. It’ wasn’t the familiar coffee smell like experienced on a Saturday morning in Goldrush Coffee Bar, it was something different.

I followed my nose and it led me to an ordinary looking building on Knott street just behind the former house that is home to Bridges Cafe. I had seen this building before and even noticed the McMenamins sign, but never bothered to take a close look. On this day the overhead door was open so I took a peek.

Inside two roasters were working away at machines that had coffee beans swirling around.I was watching coffee beans roasting before my very eyes! All over there were bags and containers of beans lying about – some roasted and some waiting for their turn.

I inquired about purchasing a bag. I know little about coffee except I like to drink it and my favorite coffee drink is a mocha. So, my inquiry was followed with “what kind would you like to buy?” I chose between Black Rabbit French Roast, Colombian Dark Roast, House Blend and several other wonderful varieties and blends. Since my wife normally buys the coffee, I decided to play it safe and get the Black Rabbit French Roast – it has turned out to be a great choice!

McMenamins Coffee Roastery is located at 421 NE Knott. You can pickup a bag of coffee Monday – Wednesday 9 – 3 or Thursday 9 -1 or perhaps some other time if the overhead door happens to be open. Stop by to get some coffee and maybe if you’re lucky they’ll be roasting that day.