March’s Where to Drink Now: Barista

While most coffee shops brew and sell coffee from one roaster exclusively, recently opened Barista in Portland, Oregon’s Pearl District features a rotating selection of beans from top roasters around the country. Owner and champion barista Billy Wilson (profiled in our March/April 07 issue) crafts velvety cappuccinos and expertly pulled espressos while sleepy-eyed devotees check the chalkboard for a list of the day’s roasts. (We spotted Stumptown Hairbender, Intelligentsia Black Cat Blend and Ethiopia Beloya from Ecco Caffe on a recent visit.) House coffee is brewed every few minutes press-style, while those with a little extra time can opt for the equally delicious vacuum-pot coffee brewed atop a Hario beam heater. Barista also offers a small selection of breakfast pastries and sweet snacks from Two Tarts Bakery and is open from 7 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. 539 NW 13th Ave., Portland, Oregon; baristapdx.com