The 460-square-foot shop at 2005 NE Broadway in Portland, Oregon, replaced Saint Simon Coffee after that brand closed its Broadway location in June. The new space is a substantial brightening of the former cozy spot, with white quartz-topped bars and terracotta tile made in Mexico lining the front. Two walls of windows bring in natural light, while a white La Marzocco Linea espresso machine stands against white-tiled walls behind the bar. Cafe manager Shannon Carlson and the baristas keep drinks and pastries flowing in this airy environment. The design clearly prioritizes brightness over the previous dimness, creating a distinct shift for the south edge of the Irvington neighborhood.
A Personal Path to Roasting
Conor Carrigan, the founder, roasts all coffees on a 10-kilo-capacity Proaster roaster at the Buckman Coffee Factory shared facility. He launched his online roasting business in 2023 before expanding into farmers markets and eventually opening this physical cafe. His background is as varied as the coffee menu, having been born in Ireland to an American mother and an Irish-Colombian father. He worked in commodities trading in Switzerland and Latvia, practiced law in New York City, and pursued human rights work in Colombia before settling in Portland. This diverse history inspired the name Cosmopolis, which means a city of different peoples and cultures. Carrigan notes that his great-uncle Rafael Parga Cortes operated a coffee farm in Tolima called La Montana, which was sold in the 1980s. "One of the things that drew me in [to coffee] was that it was going to tie all these different things together," Carrigan said. He credits educator Adam S. Carpenter for his foundation in roasting and cupping, while consultant Mike Nelson helped develop his business skills. Darrin Daniel also confers with him on quality control. I find the depth of his personal connection to the bean more compelling than typical local branding efforts.
Menu Focus and Community Ties
Colombian coffee currently dominates the menu, including three regular options and one decaf sourced through importers like Caravela Coffee, Forest Coffee, and Shared Source. An Ethiopian coffee is currently on its way, with additional origins planned as the program grows. Carrigan explained that the small size of the business meant they had plenty to do with Colombian coffees up to now. "Cosmopolis means a city of different peoples and cultures. That is the way I see the world in general, and the coffee world, as well," he stated. The community aspect is strong, with Carrigan noting that meeting different roasters showed him that support is real in Portland. He previously roasted at the Curate Coffee Collective before moving to a privately shared facility and then to Buckman. Each experience provided specific skills and industry connections that shaped the current operation. The focus remains strictly on the product, as Carrigan wants it to be a very coffee-forward cafe where people enjoy really good coffee. It is a place for locals and visitors from across the city to try their offerings. The commitment to quality control and direct relationships with producers sets a high standard for the neighborhood.
