My favorite hideout Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co. was closed, as it usually is on Sundays, so I took the time to visit our newest coffee shop, Hamley’s, this afternoon. Our fair city of Pendleton, Oregon is steeped in authentic “Old West” culture, and this latest addition just off Main Street plays right into that theme.
You come into this place in a set of double swinging doors, just like you might in a local tavern 150 years ago or so. The woodwork in here is nothing short of spectacular. Wine casks adorn the place, as well as support one end of the “bar” where adult and/or caffeinated beverages are served along side a fair assortment of pastries. The side opposite the bar sports a nice window-side bar with rotating stools. The view is of Main Street and the soon-to-be opened accompanying Hamley’s Steak House. Belly up to the bar to get a latte on this one. There’s even a cozy, but well-built balcony on one end. It’s a corner store, and there are wicker cushioned seats on two sides of the building for outside seating. I don’t see a place for live music, even a small combo. The sound system was tuned to a country music station when I was there.
I didn’t get a good look at the wine list, but it looked like they had mostly local, inland Northwest wineries represented. The small cooler only sported a small assortment of beers and ales, mostly of the mass-produced, domestic variety. I was underwhelmed by the variety of beverages and baked goods that were available.
Hamley’s advertises free wi-fi, but heck if I could get onto it. I could reach their router, but it was blocked to the internet for some reason from there. Boo! At these prices, and with the high standards set forth from their setting alone, wi-fi access should be a given. The friendly staff couldn’t help me out with the technical problems.
I’ll give this place a 3.5 out of 5 stars. My latte was good, and the atmosphere is certainly what you’d expect from an upscale coffee shop. You won’t be able to get into this place the second full week of September, when the Round-up brings in 20,000 out-of-town guests. However, the lack of wi-fi connection (and certainly after it being advertised) was a big downer for me. The limited menu is certainly an issue as well. I like the place, but I’m much more comfortable at the GP, with its counterculture vibe and impressive selection of microbrews. I can see Hamley’s as being the place to be for the more conservative, established population in this town. That’s just not me.
Pros: Nice atmosphere, good coffee, good location, ample outside seating.
Cons: Wi-fi problems, lack of microbrews, potential “select” clientelle.
Bottom line: If you’re into the Old West scene and have some time to kill on a nice afternoon, you might want to check out Hamley’s. Wi-fi may or may not be available.
Posted by Rick 
Posted by Rick 
Posted by Rick 
