We all have our vices, and many people in Oregon start their day with a great cup (or two, or three) of coffee to get the day started. Then when quittin’ time is approaching, they’re thinking about where to go for the best brews.
It’s no different for visitors to the area. Are you a slave to the bean? Or a fan of the hops? Or both? Oregon has become a mecca for both the coffee and craft beer revolution, and not just in Portland, but throughout the state. Here are the best places to get outstanding coffee and the craft best brews in Ashland.
The Best Cups O’ Joe
Noble Coffee Roasting. Owners Jared and Carolyn Rennie have gained a loyal following of local residents to make the daily trip to their inviting café on Fourth St in the gallery-rich Railroad District. It has a spacious industrial vibe with a neighborhood feel, with friendly staff. It’s also the perfect spot to grab your cup of coffee-based heaven and sit outside al fresco style. Their handcrafted coffee is organic and roasted on site. On a warm day, nothing is better than their cold brew or ice drip coffees. Their single origin coffees change frequently, which of course requires repeat visits!
Case Coffee Roasters. This sleek and friendly shop located across “the Boulevard” from SOU (Southern Oregon University) offers a definitive list of liquid energy. In the interest of doing things right with every cup, they have narrowed their list of favorite selections from the countries of Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Their ice-drip system conjures up the best cold brew every day, and to add to the ambiance they feature hand-crafted furniture and delectable pastries baked in-house. Not to mention house-made syrups and sauces. They won’t toot their own horn, but in 2020 they earned the coveted Good Food Award for their Ethiopia Dimtu.
Rogue Valley Roasting. The best way to describe the interior of this coffee shop is “a living room away from home.” Just a few blocks from downtown Ashland, they locally roast their beans for the freshest cup around. Grab your customized caffeine cup of goodness and take a seat inside or out on their covered patio.
The Best Craft Brews in Ashland
Caldera Brewing Company. Probably the most popular brewery in Southern Oregon, these guys are famous for their internationally award-winning craft beers. Over 45 beers are on tap to ensure that each and every lover of the suds has a favorite. They also offer a line of non-alcoholic sodas, including root beer, ginger ale, and more, so if beer ain’t your thing, they also have you covered! Caldera is also a restaurant with amazing artisan pizza and gourmet dishes.
Standing Stone Brewery. A family-owned full-service brewpub right in the heart of downtown Ashland. The family atmosphere is evident from the moment you step in. Choose from hoppy IPAs to honey ales and wheats; there is always a nice rotation of half a dozen brews on tap. To pair with your brew, choose from a wide array of pub fare, including woodfired pizza, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and more. They also have a great kid’s menu! For your non-beer-drinking companions they offer cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Growler Guys. Want to expand your craft brew horizons? Get a proper taste of the West Coast, where they offer organic IPAs from Salt Lake City and hard apple ciders from Jacksonville, Oregon. Tastings are available; try them all and take a growler home of your favorite brew.