The coffee is strong, the food is fresh and local and the atmosphere is hip.

Breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch, Community Plate is never a bad option.

The vibe of the restaurant lies in the name, a true community atmosphere.

At Community Plate, orders are taken at the counter and utensils and water are located on the far back wall of the restaurant.

The seating ranges from large, communal wood tables to bar-style seats near the window at the front, looking onto Third Street.

The spacing allows for big groups to dine together or for individual customers to share a communal table and bond over hot coffee and great food.

The staff is very outgoing and friendly and though they don’t personally serve and wait customers, they do go out of their way to make all who walk into the restaurant feel welcomed.

The restaurant has an evident Pacific Northwest feel, from the people to the all-around wood décor, to the coffee.

The daily scramble seems to be a customer favorite for breakfast or brunch, but for lunch, satisfaction guaranteed comes from ordering one of their soups or hot sandwiches.

Community Plate supports local growers, farmers and artisans.

The restaurant also offers milk substitutes such as hemp or hazelnut milks, as well as caters to omnivores and vegetarians, both unique and admirable in my eye.

When it comes to breakfast or lunch, Community Plate does justice to both and is inviting and welcoming to all.

Community plate also does catering. For more information about catering email the restaurant at [email protected].

The restaurant’s hours of operations are from 7:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about Community plate and their food menu, visit their website at community plate.com or on Facebook page.

Or call 503-687-1902. or email [email protected].

Special Lovincey / Columnist

Special Lovincey can be reached at [email protected].