Hey there, welcome in! Today, we’re talking about Portal West Coffee in in Akron, Ohio. This shop, like Heartwood Coffee Roasters, is another hidden gem that you need to check out!
Located in a row of shops along the road, you come in by getting down; literally. This shop is located in the lower level of the building, but you hardly ever feel like you’re underground. With modern aesthetics, greenery, and an all-too-familiar feeling that you aren’t in Ohio anymore, this shop does its best to steal you away for a few moments. Along with various plants littered throughout, Portal West also has lots of unique and individual art hanging from the walls, which both match the vibe and helps brighten the shop. While there’s not an overabundance of seating, we found there were plenty of places for every occasion. Whether its sitting over at the bar to catch up with an old friend, lounging on the sofas during a first date, or sitting at the tables to work, this shop had something for everyone.
Speaking of everyone, this place is definitely popular. We had to wait in line a few moments to order, and the queue was fairly consistent during our stay. The good part, though, was the place never felt too packed/busy. The layout and noise level was set up such that it offered a great balance between being able to carry on a conversation while still feeling private.
Enough of the vibe, on to the coffee! First and foremost, their menu was pretty substantial. Espresso drinks were in the traditional sizes (always a plus) and it seemed like they did the essential drinks (i.e., espresso, macchiato, cortado, cappuccino, latte) very well. They also offer a wide selection of tea lattes, teas, herbal teas, and tonics for pretty much everyone. *Mug Alert* this place has mugs to use in house; always a win.
While I (Jason) got my old standby (cortado), Kali decided to branch out today with a flat white. For those who may be unfamiliar with the drink, a flat white typically consists of a double-shot of espresso followed by textured milk. Though it’s similar in size to that of a cappuccino, the key difference resides in the foam: the former typically has little-to-no foam and all textured milk! For the interested, check out this in-depth video description. Kali thought the flat white was really good; nice and enjoyable with a good balance between coffee and cream. Jason’s cortado came with sparkling water and a spoon for stirring (good presentation!). The shot was pulled well and offered a good balance between sourness and bitterness. Like Kali’s flat white, the milk was textured perfectly and had a good overall temperature, though this is more subjective than anything else.
Along with offering a cozy atmosphere and great coffee, Portal West gives you the ability to take a little bit home with you through purchasing their own roasted coffee beans. They had a selection to match your particular flavor profile and we were both interested in trying it (but that’s for a later post!). They have a nice selection of pastries, but not a lot for the savory fans.
All in all, Portal West Coffee is a great place to hang out and live a caffeinated life. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by!
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