Spella Caffè at Woodblock Chocolate Will Close in Portland

The counter at the Spella Caffè location in Woodblock Chocolate in Portland, Oregon. There's a blue counter with lights, lots of product, coffee paraphernalia, and seating in the distance.

It’s true: Spella Caffè at Woodblock Chocolate will close. They are shutting down their cafe operation there (the split is amicable). I’m sorry to pass on this news, since it has been so nice to have them in the Irvington/Sullivan’s Gulch area. Their final day of service will be Sunday, July 27, 2025.

When Spella Caffè at Woodblock Chocolate Originally Opened

Spella Caffè originally set up shop there at the Woodblock Chocolate manufactory last October. It was the first cafe action in that space since March 2020, when Woodblock closed things down because of the COVID pandemic. It was great to see that space active as a cafe again, and you could buy Woodblock’s excellent chocolate while you were there, too.

Here are some of Spella’s sentiments about the closing, posted to their Instagram:

“It’s with both disappointment and deep gratitude that we announce our departure from the Spella Caffè location inside @woodblockchocolate on Portland’s eastside. 7/27—final day!

“After so many of you followed us across the river—celebrated with us, made it part of your weekly rhythm—this decision isn’t easy. We’ve loved serving you there. We’ve felt your support. And we’re proud to have shared this beautiful space at Woodblock combining artisan espresso and handcrafted chocolate!”

Why Spella Caffè at Woodblock Chocolate Is Closing

They’ve decided the time is right to focus their energies on their downtown location—the gravitational pull of the James Beard Public Market has much to do with that. They will be operating inside the Market when it opens.

The Market is a huge project and has the potential to be a major player in the efforts to revitalize downtown. And that’s understandable, as downtowns tend to be major economic drivers in a city. Portland is working to bring more people downtown and it sure feels different there now than it did during the pandemic. I was in the area for the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival on Saturday, and it was good to see so many people out and about enjoying the waterfront and downtown Portland.

Remaining Love for Portland’s East Side

Spella hopes to bring a cafe back to the east side of Portland one day, but for now you can enjoy their coffee over at Pronto Gelato, one of the best gelato shops in the city (their affogatos are killer). Also, J Vein Caffé serves Spella coffee; they are located in the Rose City Food Park. The coffee there is excellent.

The interior of the J Vein Caffe cart in the Rose City Food Park. Lot sof stuff on thew walls, including a sign announcing their serving coffee from Spella Caffè. — See the Spella Caffè sign up in the J Vein cart.

You can also find their beans at Wellspent Market and Market of Choice (where we loved their Turmeric Broccoli and Kale salad during our recent Salad Week).

So while I’m sorry to see them move on from Woodblock, I totally understand their decision. I look forward to seeing their space in the James Beard Public Market, which is likely to partially open in late 2025.

And About Woodblock Chocolate…

You might be wondering what’s next for this cafe space at the Woodblock Chocolate Manufactory. Plans are in the works, so stay tuned for that.

Best of luck to Spella Caffè on their next steps downtown, and please head to Woodblock this week before they leave! And pick up some on Portland’s great local chocolate while you’re at it.

Spella Caffè at Woodblock [closing July 27, 2025]
1715 NE 17th Avenue, Portland
Spella Caffè website | Instagram | Facebook
Woodblock Chocolate website | Instagram | Facebook