By Mike Warwick

Susan and I were thrilled when our friends and neighbors opened the Gold Rush coffee shop as it was on our regular morning dog-walking route. Sadly, it has closed. But we found a new walking route and replacement café; Caffe Destino, located on the corner of NE Fremont and 14^th. For dog owners, it is a short walk from the playground at Irvington School and a shorter walk from Irving Park. Whole Foods is on the adjacent block if you need some groceries as is the Irvington Library if you need to select or return library items (or drop off ballots).

Caffe Destino is family owned and operated. Holly Higdon became the owner recently after working the counter for over six years. You will find her at the counter most days.  Her partner, Elias Herrera, works in the back making wonderful homemade pastries daily as well as hot and cold breakfast items and sandwiches, soups, and pies giving the place the family-friendly feel of a neighborhood cafe. Everything is made fresh daily. The biscuits and breakfast cookies are my favorite treats on our walks.

Caffe Destino is open at 5:30 am on weekdays and at 7 am on weekends. Hot food is available after 7, maybe earlier if it isn’t too busy. And, there is pie! They take phone orders at (503) 284-9455 and have a Facebook page and free wifi, which seem popular among some of the morning crowd. They have a loyalty program for regular coffee drinkers. They close at 4:00 pm. 

Caffe Destino
1339 NE Fremont St
503-284-9455