Coffee Stop Spotlight: Awakening
The “Trolley Trail” that connects the cities of Milwaukie and Gladstone is a six-mile multiuse trail that follows the old Portland Traction Company streetcar line right-of-way which operated between 1893 until 1968. The Trolley Trail is a regular route for local walkers, their dogs, and cyclists of all ages. Along the trail is historic downtown Oak Grove (founded 1890), and near the corner of Oak Grove Blvd. and the Trolley Trail is home to a fantastic coffee shop, Awakening Coffee & Tap Room. ✎
The nondescript storefront typically concealed by parked cars hardly tells the story of what’s inside; fortunately, the directional sign at the intersection a half-block away is unobscured. The Awakening Coffee is an especially welcoming and bike-friendly shop! The owner/operator seems to really like our group; imagine that! The full menu of coffee, tea and espresso can be accompanied by a locally made, super tasty pastry. A couple of favorites are the banana-walnut bread and lemon-blueberry cornbread. They also serve Bloody Marys; now that’s a full beverage menu. All of it’s served on classy porcelain cups, saucers, and plates! It’s surprising that they trust us with breakable dinnerware. The cloth napkin and real flatware are equally surprising. 
Indoor seating is available during those months when sitting inside is best. Outdoor seating during inclement weather is protected and heated. There is an appreciable mix of large and small tables to maximize seating. Even better are the outdoor tables and umbrellas for those great weather months that we yearn to enjoy. 
Ample secure bike parking is provided in the enclosed, back picnic area. PBC’s ride leader calls ahead to warn the small shop of our planned arrival. That gives them the opportunity to open a back gate, letting our herd of cyclists access the patio and picnic area directly from the Trolley Trail.
I am happily surprised by everyone’s overwhelmingly positive response to the spotlight on our favorite coffee stops. Please share your favorite, and it might be the next bike ride stop to be highlighted. We habitually return to our favorite places, so we should have plenty of good locations to spotlight. Remember, PBC might be a coffee klatch with a riding problem.
Richard Higgins, Member at Large