A Visit To All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront

A large menu displayed at All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood.

Earlier this week, I decided to head to the South Waterfront neighborhood to make a visit to All Your Heart Coffee. I met up with Chris and Brycen, the folks behind the business. We had a really nice chat and I learned a little bit more about this popular spot in South Portland.

In my mind, I had actually confused the two, thinking Chris was the son and Brycen the father, but it was the opposite. We sat down together in the little courtyard in the Ella building, which was completed in 2016. It’s a sweet space and a nice amenity for the folks who live in the building. All Your Heart Coffee is situated in the south wing of the building on Bond at Abernathy. They opened August 8.

Part of the interior at All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood.

Chris talked about his background, and some of that was originally published on a sign they affixed to the door of the cafe. That background includes the accident he was in that broke his back; his work with Nordstrom; and his love of coffee. At our meeting I learned he also worked for Target, and while he was with them he was involved with the renovation of the library at Bridger School.

In our previous article, it mentions his work helping to grow Nordstrom’s ebar business. That expansion was a total of 67 stores at a time with Starbucks was only at 36 stores. One of the things Chris helped with specifically at Nordstrom’s ebars was establishing a baking program there. That experience helped a lot as they developed their baking program at All Your Heart.

All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood.

Brycen mentioned in that original note that he would explore Portland while at PSU to get to know the city’s coffee scene, and it sounds like it was really fun for him. He made it to NW Portland (that’s a good walk) on some of those jaunts, and cited Deadstock Coffee as one of his favorites.

And more about the name of the cafe: It has to do with conversations he had with his family about the kind of work he wanted to do. Brycen said, “Well, you said you wanted to do something with all your heart.” And that phrase stuck. They tried out other names, too, but this was the one that was their favorite.

What You’ll Find: To Drink

I ordered an iced latte when I arrived and really enjoyed it. They use Thornton Family Coffee Roasters there, which is based in Beaverton. Yelpers also seem to really like the coffee. You’ll find drip coffee, espresso drinks, and cold brew.

For their tea they use Smith Teamaker teas. Over on their Instagram, they say, “dirty chai has become a favorite amongst everyone.” They also like to mix Smith’s Blackberry Jasmine Tea with their fresh squeezed lemonade for an elevated Arnold Palmer.

Blackberry Jasmine Tea with lemonade at All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood. — Blackberry Jasmine Lemonade

What You’ll Find: To Eat

On the food side of things they have fresh pastries, most of which are made in-house. Comforting, familiar items is the name of the game. For instance, their chocolate chip cookie is so popular, it is hard to keep in stock (in fact, when I arrived there was one available; when I left it was gone). They also offer muffins, banana bread, scones, and other loaf cakes.

Pastries at All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood.

They are also trying out different bagel makers to see which of their products they prefer. Same goes for croissants (I made a suggestion). So look for that aspect to change and evolve over time.

They also offer some pre-packaged foods, including these oatmeals by Mylk Labs.

Oatmeal from Mylk Labs at All Your Heart Coffee in Portland's South Waterfront neighborhood.

They’d also like to offer sandwiches and maybe some other more substantial items.

The Interior and Vibe

The interior was designed by Chris’s wife. It’s modern, warm, and welcoming. That was really important to them, as they want a place where people can spend time at the cafe and enjoy their surroundings while drinking and eating something delicious. It feels good in there.

And customers feeling good at All Your Heart Coffee is, in modern parlance, “goals.” Christ says that hospitality is “super important.” He wants to you to feel seen, to know you will be cared for at the cafe. It reminds me a little of what Josh White of Heretic Coffee Co. told me, about the level of care for their customers. You will be well-taken care of at All Your Heart.

Chris also shared that when he saw this location he was immediately into the idea of establishing his business there. Turns out the place was familiar—family members from his tribe had fished for lamprey when the area was in its more wooded state. Just down the street you meet up with the banks of the Willamette River with a view of Ross Island.