An all-American view out the window of Three Cups Coffee House in Astoria, Oregon

I’m not sure what gives me more of a wakeup jolt at Three Cups Coffee House, in Astoria, Oregon—the double-shot Americano fired straight into my veins or the cheery 7 am welcome as I walk in the door. It’s a friendly, airy place to sip a java in a comfy couch, pull a worn book off the shelf, smell the coffee roasting in the centre of the shop or grab a window seat and look way up to the long, long bridge and causeway that spans the mouth of the Columbia River and connects Washington and Oregon.

Spectacular, foggy bridge spanning the Columbia River outside Astoria, Oregon

The cafe also bakes a nice selection of sweet and savoury scones and muffins, such as my dense pumpkin-chocolate chip muffin. As I’m given a rousing sendoff, the cafe’s motto seems most appropriate: “Where by the third cup, you’re family!”

A hammock is the ultimate way to savour a culpa at Three Cups Coffee House

Three Cups Coffee House and Columbia River Coffee Roaster
279 West Marine Drive, Astoria, Oregon
Monday to Saturday 7 am-5 pm, Sunday 8 am-4 pm