Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room

Finally, my hometown has a viable hangout spot! Went to Roscoe's recently on one of my infrequent visits back to R-town. I was pleased to see someone is willing to take on the Starbucks/Timmy Ho's racket that somehow managed to run every other independent shop out of town a few years ago.

I think the easiest review I can give is that Roscoe's would more than hold its own out here in the coffee mecca of the Pacific Northwest.  Hopefully Richmond will be able to appreciate that and help this business thrive! The atmosphere is trendy/kitschy without being forced. Traditional cafe up front, more relaxed seating in the back room. Big stack of boardgames inviting you to get comfortable and stay for a while. Nice art on the walls and local crafts (some upon which a bird has been put) for sale...so very Portland of them. =)

As far as foodstuffs, I did not have food or beer so I can only review the coffee. And the coffee is just that...real coffee! Something you can enjoy black. Proper grind, proper brew, nuanced flavor that let you know you were drinking an Ethiopian bean. Very refreshing. The server was friendly and knowledgeable not only about the coffee, but about all the products being served and the business as a whole.

I don't visit Richmond often, but I can honestly say that whether the next visit is 3 month or 3 years from now, I hope Roscoe's is still there going strong.

Vast improvements in customer service since it's opening.  Innovative sandwiches and coffees, homemeade brownies to die for (andes mint brownies, peanut butter brownies....), local handcrafted beers and wines, all in a hip atmosphere.  Truly one of my favorite spots in Richmond.

--- Atmosphere: 4 stars. High ceilings, exposed brick, really cool seating in the back. Could use some fun vintage posters or paintings on the walls, though.

--- Food: 4 stars. Very tasty... I've had the Edward Mueller both times. I'm down with anything that offers fresh mozzarella as an ingredient. and I love the option of having hummus and corn chips instead of the typical potato chips and pickle.

--- Service: 2 stars. Kind of slow. And the hipsters that work there are a little more interested in checking their smartphones and chatting with each other than being friendly with customers. You get the feeling you're bothering them with your presence.

--- Prices: 2 stars. The sandwiches are a bit on the small side for the cost (between $8 and $9), and the specialty drink prices are through the roof.

--- Beer: 0 stars, because they didn't have any yet. The guy behind the counter said that they were still in the process of obtaining their liquor license. I don't know why you'd open up a tap room with nothing on tap, but whatever.

Average out those numbers on the ol' cackylater... 2.4. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and round up to 3. Basically, if you're okay with shuckin' out some clams for a sandwich and chips, you won't be disappointed.