Keep Portland Weird is the enduring mantra of this small, rainy city. People from around the country and the world move here in search of a more fulfilling environment. It’s anecdotal, but most of them seem to find it here. My family goes back several generations in Portland, so I have to say it has been both exciting and intriguing to see how this area has changed.
There is so much creativity beaming throughout these streets that even going out for a coffee feels inspiring. From the Portland Trail Blazers to OMSI, it is also impossible to be bored here. Furthermore, this city goes all out for the holidays.
With Halloween coming up, it is great to see both businesses and private residences create their spooky concoctions to share with everyone. In this city, a longstanding dessert and coffee house stays creepy year-round. Better yet, it’s only open at night.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is a dessert and coffee shop in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood that has been around since 1980. Named after the famous Russian composer, it has a running classical music theme throughout. Additionally, this home, built in 1902, is apparently haunted. I am not someone who believes in ghosts; however, the spooky legend of this place definitely adds to its ambiance.
Inside this craftsman-style home, there are eclectic decorations, making it the most haunted house that is still totally not a haunted house. It’s not scary —just maybe a little eerie —which is perfect for the Halloween season. The blend of classical music and its eclectic decoration makes for a unique Portland experience. It is also a great place to take your teen to, as the official coffee shop hours at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House are Wednesday through Sunday, 7:00 pm to midnight. Your teen will love going there with you.
The menu here is a wonderful mix of the classics and innovation. Sipping an Orange Cappuccino will elevate your senses and make you wonder how to incorporate this drink into your daily life. Or, since you can only be there at night and maybe don’t want the caffeine hit, try their Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. This decadent drink is warm coziness in a mug.
For dessert, there are many options, all delicious. Some possibilities include their Ginger Cake with Warm Caramel Sauce and their Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae. You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, but for the indecisive, I’d recommend the Frozen Lemon Mousse Pie with Raspberries. Changes and Specials to this menu do happen, so please do not commit to one selection before you arrive. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is already a unique place to visit; maybe get something off the menu you usually wouldn’t.
For those who live out in the suburbs like I do, it can sometimes seem daunting to make your way into Portland for something as simple as a dessert (especially if you have kids). That’s why I always recommend checking out other places near your destination as well. The Buckman neighborhood, in which this dessert shop is located, offers an excellent opportunity to explore nearby areas.
Revolution Hall is a former high school that has been converted into a concert hall. My wife and I usually check out a couple of shows there a year, and they are always entertaining. Grand Fir Brewing is right across the street from Revolution Hall. Their menu has something for everyone, including their Fried Chicken Sandwich and Beer-Battered French Fries. This means that you and your teen can grab dinner at Grand Fir Brewing, catch a show at Revolution Hall, and then end the evening with dessert at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House—the ultimate Portland experience.
The Keep Portland Weird slogan is accurate, but it is not all-encompassing. This city certainly has elements of weirdness, but by and large, it has more in common with other places than it does with itself. Where the weirdness shines here is in its details: the locals’ outright refusal to use umbrellas when it rains, quirky doughnuts, and places like the Rimsky-Korsakoffee House. While open year-round, going there in the days leading up to Halloween is a great way to celebrate the holiday and experience what makes Portland unique. Plus, maybe taking your teen here for coffee and dessert will finally make them realize just how trendy you really are.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.