Our Story
How a classical-music-loving hostess turned her living room into one of Portland's most beloved — and most haunted — coffeehouses.
From Living Room to Landmark
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House began in 1980, when Goody Cable — who had spent years hosting classical-music evenings in her own home — decided to turn her passion into a place other people could wander into. She found an unmarked 1902 Craftsman house on SE 12th Avenue in Portland's Buckman neighborhood, and opened its front rooms to the public as a coffeehouse with no sign, no advertising, and absolutely no interest in doing things the ordinary way.
Named for the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, the house leans fully into its classical-music theme: every table is named after a different composer, live piano and strings fill the rooms most nights, and the whole building feels like it was decorated by someone with excellent taste and zero interest in matching anything.
Four Decades of Quirk
The Craftsman-style house at 707 SE 12th Avenue is built, and later becomes home to two sisters who reportedly never left — at least according to the staff.
Goody Cable opens Rimsky-Korsakoffee House in the home's former living room, naming it for composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and setting hours around her own life, not the other way around.
The coffeehouse becomes a fixture of Portland's alternative and artistic scene — a late-night refuge for musicians, writers, and anyone chasing dessert and conversation over Wi-Fi and screens.
Rimsky's is still cash-and-card, still candlelit, still without a sign — and still pouring the same handwritten menu of coffee, tea, and desserts that made it famous, now celebrating 45 years.
The Haunted Tables
Every table carries a composer's name, and a handful are rigged (or possessed, depending who you ask) to rock, rise, or rotate mid-conversation.
Live Classical Music
Pianists and string players fill the front rooms on many evenings, keeping the coffeehouse's original spirit alive note by note.
House-Made, Always
Every cake, cream, and sauce is made in-house — the same handwritten recipes the coffeehouse has used for decades.
Before You Come By
Do you take reservations?
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Expect a short wait on weekend evenings — the porch benches are part of the experience.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. Both cash and major credit cards are accepted.
Is there Wi-Fi or laptop seating?
No. Rimsky's is intentionally unplugged — it's a place for conversation, journaling, and dessert, not remote work.
Do you serve alcohol or full meals?
No. The menu is focused on coffee, tea, and house-made desserts — no alcohol and no savory entrees.
What are your hours?
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is open Wednesday through Sunday, 7:00 PM to midnight, and closed Monday and Tuesday.