Black Ink Coffee, Oregon City

March 7, 2025

Black Ink Coffee is the coffee shop I have visited the most. The main reason is its convenient location for my monthly coffee meetups, which I’ve been hosting since the summer of 2023.

Black Ink Coffee shares space with White Rabbit Books & Gifts, a charming shop located at the corner of McLoughlin and Main Street in historic Oregon City. White Rabbit is an absolute gem, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of books and gifts. They focus on local artists, small businesses, and equitable representation. It’s a warm and inviting space filled with unique finds—books, stationery, games, jewelry, and craft supplies, to name a few. Their kids’ corner is particularly delightful, with a great selection of books and toys. No matter the occasion or recipient, I always find the perfect gift here.

At the heart of the space is the bar, where all the food and coffee magic happens.

I first visited Black Ink Coffee in the fall of 2019. Back then, the coffee shop had a different layout, with more seating and a different arrangement for the book and gift store.

These days, seating is more limited, making it tricky to meet up with friends—especially if there are more than two of us—during peak hours. Another challenge is the seating itself. The high bench isn’t exactly comfortable for anyone under 5’7”, and while the whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed chairs are fun, they create an awkward height imbalance at the tables. If you take a photo of people at the table, it often looks a little off! Unfortunately, the discomfort is the only reason I don’t visit alone.

Still, I continue to host my monthly coffee meetups here, known in our ladies’ group as Coffee and Chats: A Tranquil Saturday Morning. The space has a charming, vibrant atmosphere—perfect for easing into the weekend. I just wish the seating were more inviting for long conversations, knitting, reading, or simply enjoying some peaceful self-time with a great cup of coffee.

Black Ink Coffee serves coffee from Stumptown, Proud Mary, and Deadstock Coffee Roasters and frequently offers seasonal specials. My go-to order is a latte—two shots of Hair Bender espresso with whole milk, served hot. They also have a great selection of pastries and breakfast options. You can buy whole-bean coffee, loose-leaf tea, kombucha, and even some local beer and cider.

I’m not a fan of drinking coffee from to-go cups, so I was pleased when Black Ink Coffee upgraded from plain white mugs to beautifully designed, high-quality ones last year.

The space is inclusive and welcoming, and parking is convenient. Free parking is available on weekends.

Black Ink Coffee remains one of my favorite spots, not just for its delicious coffee but for its welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community it fosters. Despite the quirky seating, the space is full of charm, warmth, and great conversations. I’ll continue to host my Coffee and Chats meetups here, enjoying the cozy vibes, the wonderful selection of books and gifts, and, of course, my favorite lattes. If you’re looking for a friendly, inviting place to start your day or weekend with good company and great coffee, this is definitely a spot worth visiting!