La Perlita

La Perlita is a small, first-generation POC-owned café in Portland that makes Mexican- and Cuban-inspired coffee drinks. It doesn't roast its own beans. The coffee comes from its partner roaster, Reforma.

The drink most people talk about is the True Mexican. The Mexican mocha is the one people come back for, and the Cuban cortadito is worth a try too. Watch for the seasonal specials, which have included flavors like rose and star anise. The menu's short, and the latte art is nicely done.

Get a pastry while you're there. The pan dulce and conchas are the favorites. On weekends there are usually mochi donuts too, from a collaboration with Hey Day.

The room's bright and modern, with big windows, but there isn't much seating. It works better for meeting a friend over a coffee than for settling in with a laptop.