I went to Doppio for the first time a couple of days ago, and was pleasantly surprised—it’s a wonderful place! The atmosphere is lovely, and some days the large side window is open to the outside seating area.

With a high ceiling and a fairly large venue, Doppio gives off an open and receiving air. Though some of the service isn’t top-par, the people who work here generally echo the atmosphere.

I once read an article comparing Seattle and Portland saying something to the affect of “Seattle has more but does less with what it has, Portland has less but does more with what it has.” I would say that, in Hood River, Dog River coffee is the Portland of that scenario, while Doppio is the Seattle. It’s by nature a beautiful location, almost dead center of the main drag with a great view of the humanity that rushes by.

While I will always probably be more loyal to Dog River than Doppio, the former is rather like my semi-frumpy old husband who I love like crazy (and will always be superior in nearly everyway), while the latter is my illicit love affair, giving it a certain spice.

But seriously, all analogies aside, Doppio is a great place. Plus they make a great cappuccino.