published June 4th, 2021
By Trinity Polk
When I moved from Texas to Oregon during my sophomore year of high school, I was nearly destroyed. I felt that I had lost my entire social group, and everything that felt familiar was gone. During that time, I learned to value the little things. Any experience or activity that brought even an ounce of joy was worth exploring, and, oftentimes, that exploration led to the creation of some magical memories. Many of these memories took place at Ava’s Roasteria.
Ava’s Roasteria is a calm, cozy coffee shop located in Progress Ridge, a popular shopping center in Beaverton, Oregon. Ava’s Roasteria is a chain and has other locations throughout the Portland metro area, but their Progress Ridge location is the most charming. Progress Ridge is a town hub holding a plethora of interesting shops, charming restaurants, and beautiful views. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the coffee shop located within its bounds is just as interesting, delicious, and beautiful.
Walk through the doors and be greeted with a calm and polished charm
Ava’s Roasteria’s atmosphere is phenomenal and incredibly warm. The employees smile when you walk in. The floor to ceiling windows allow for ample sunlight to flow in, and the tables are spread such that the inside, while typically filled with patrons, does not feel at all cramped. The orangey-red wood accents of the chairs and tables brings the comfort of the outdoors inside. The high ceiling and bright, yet golden lights ensure that those within can see without feeling assaulted by a clinical glare. Overall, if I had to describe the internal design and vibe of this particular location, it would be “inviting”.
Further, the community of patrons and employees is very welcoming. Ava’s provides free wireless Internet access (“Ava Roasteria of Progress Ridge”), which attracts businesspeople, students, and those simply wanting a place to scroll through the news on their phone. In fact, I’ve personally seen four separate interviews between local businesses and potential new hires take place within these walls. Further, its calming internal atmosphere and the free wifi makes this location an optimal study spot, and considering its proximity to the local schools, it makes sense that most of the regulars who frequent this coffee shop are students. In fact, I often frequented this place during my time at Southridge High School. Doing homework had never felt more freeing. Something about the warmth of the coffee cup, the softness of the light, and the ambiance of the light jazz playing in the background creates an ideal space for productivity and relaxation. It’s notable atmosphere and connections has even garnered it attention from the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce (Beaverton Chamber). Overall, the atmosphere alone makes Ava’s a worthwhile stop for those seeking a place to rest, study, or work.
What’s a coffee shop without delicious food and drink?
Now, I wouldn’t go around recommending any old coffee shop simply because I find their aesthetic appealing. No, it must be functional as well. And what, you might ask, is the function of a coffee shop? Well, it’s to drink coffee, of course! Any ol’ coffee shop should be held to a very high standard when evaluating the food and drink it serves, and Ava’s Roasteria, in my humble and honest opinion, passes this test with flying colors! Ava’s Roasteria offers a wide variety of affordable (typical prices range from $0-$15) drinks and food, all made from fresh ingredients and served in a timely manner.
Some of their more popular coffees include the mouthwatering milk-chocolate café mocha, the spicy chai latte, the filling matcha latte, and the creamy Spanish cream latte. In fact, this is one of the few coffee shops I’ve ever been to that offers white chocolate and dark chocolate café mochas. This unique take on one of the most popular sugared coffee drinks is very impressive; however, they don’t just limit themselves to coffees. Ava’s serves a variety of teas, iced drinks, and smoothies, as well.
Further, drinks are only one part of their stunning menu. Pastries such as cakes, bagels, ganache, cannoli’s, and tarts also are present within this shop. Not in the mood for sweets? No problem! Sandwiches and more filling meals are also readily available. Personally, my favorite sandwich, one I’ve ordered many, many times, is the Very Veggie Sandwich. It’s toppings include mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic aioli, and pesto, and it never fails to disappoint. If you’re looking for a recommendation, pair the Very Veggie Sandwich with Ava’s delicious Wildberry Smoothie, then sit outside and soak in the wonderful views.
Natural beauties satiate the mind while the stomach eats its fill
One of the many aspects of this location that helps creates the magical vibe I have grown to love is the proximity to the natural world. Sitting on the edge of Progress Ridge, Ava’s Roasteria has direct access to the Progress Lake and Park! Being the intelligent and sensible shop it is, this location takes full advantage of its location and provides outside seating facing the lake. When the sun is out, the shine reflects off of the blue of the lake’s surface in beautiful and entrancing sparkles. One can drink and eat to their heart’s content while the peaceful sounds of nature surround them. People idly chat as they fish, ducks quack calmly amongst themselves as they make their rounds, and the wind stirs the leaves of the trees in harmony with the water’s flow below. If the sun isn’t out, have no fear, for Ava’s outdoor seating is sheltered from the rain! Those who prefer the sprinkles of an Oregon shower rather than the oppressive rays of the sun are welcome to sit outside during their favorite weather. This is not to say the outdoor seating is always available; however, for Ava values its customer’s safety and will not knowingly set up their outdoor seating if a major storm rolls through. Nonetheless, when the seating is available, I highly recommend soaking up the beauty of the natural world while studying and eating.
Don’t just take my word for it! Go try it for yourself!
Now, I could go on and on and on about all the wonderful aspects of this coffee shop, but hopefully, by now, I’ve convinced you lucky readers to go and give Ava’s a try for yourself! Take a drive to Progress Ridge in Beaverton and treat yourself to some yummy food, gorgeous views, and an atmosphere that can’t be beat! Make sure to stay safe as you explore, and I wish everyone reading this guide the best!
Location Contact Information
15135 SW Barrows Road
#137 Beaverton, OR, 97008
Open Daily 7:00am – 8:00pm
Note: These hours have been updated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Store: (503) 352 – 5420
Customer Service: (503) 372 – 5100
Instagram: @avaroasteria
Works Cited
avaroasteria. Instagram. 2021. https://www.instagram.com/avaroasteria/
“Ava Roasteria of Progress Ridge.” Tualatin Valley: Our Oregon. 2021.
Beaverton Chamber. “Ava Roasteria – Fresh Roasted Coffee.” Youtube. 13 July 2013.
Progress Ridge Townsquare. “Ava Roasteria: Fresh Roasted Coffee at Progress Ridge TownSquare.” Progress Ridge Townsquare. 2017. https://progressridgetownsquare.com/shops-restaurants/ava-roasteria/
Workfrom. “Ava Roasteria at Progress Ridge.” Workfrom. https://cdn.workfrom.co/files/usermedia/4958-LsZRI6WTAuEmdoNs44nv-IMG_1985.jpg
