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One of Portland's hippest spots, this coffeehouse doesn't advertise, has no identifying signage and is hidden in a rambling, old Victorian house in a residential neighborhood. Despite all that, the place is full most nights, so you know the owners are doing something right. Named for 19th-century Russian composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, the Korsakoffee House is a decidedly musical place: Nightly performances by classical pianists or small ensembles fill its rooms with sound, and each table is decorated with photographs and memorabilia dedicated to a different composer.

Velvety couches and dimly lit tables tucked into corners keep conversations intimate, while surprises -- like a slowly rotating table and a startlingly decorated bathroom (which frequently elicits yelps of shock from the unsuspecting)-- keep things stimulating. Atmosphere aside, what makes this place a real standout are its amazing coffee drinks and innovative desserts -- try their orange cappuccino, peppered with tangy bits of orange rind, and their mocha fudge cake, voted 'best dessert in Portland' a while back. So come and discover the secret that all true Portlanders know -- just be sure to tip the musicians while you're here. -- Randy Riggs