Koreatown cafes: Where to sip tea and coffee in K-town

In the heart of K-town, wedged next to a Korean supermarket, Brew/Well is an unexpected surprise: The lofty, light-filled coffee shop keeps its cuteness factor to a minimal with serious coffee and smart design. The modest-sized storefront channels a Downtown vibe with patterned tiles, geometric wooden chairs and wall-to-wall glass panels. PDX's Coava and local Handsome Coffee are on rotation to satisfy coffee nerds, while those looking for something new can order off the "creative menu." Try honey and cinnamon-flavored latte or lavender-infused, sparkling "lavonade." Baked goods are courtesy of Quenelle—caramelized banana pudding, gelato and scones from lavender pistachio served with apricot jasmine tea jam to cornbread with vanilla honey butter—give the coffee a run for its money.

Inside this unassuming yellow house lays an oasis of shaded patio tables and lofty upstairs lounge where Koreatown locals drop in for lunch, dinner and coffee. The garden patio is perfect for first date nighters. Add s'mores and cozy blankets to cozy up and you're got the stuff of romance (or at least a second date). If you're feeling hungry, double up on Korean pub grub with under $20 combos. The house specialty is rice cake stew aka dukbogi, which you can dress with cheese, seafood or sweet, marinated beef. But there's no booze here: A lengthy selection of drinks from coffee and tea to juices and milkshakes seem to tame this crowd.