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Cowbell Cheese

4.8 (53 reviews)
Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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Holly T.

Ever since I tried creamy blue cheese at Mood Food, I've been hankering for it. The stuff used to scare me. This store popped up on my Instagram feed, and of course, they were featuring a creamy blue cheese. In the aftermath of the Thurs/Fri storm, we made the trek to this store. We were the only ones in the store at the time, so we had plenty of help and recommendations from the friendly person behind the counter. Yes, we found our creamy blue and tried a sample of an adarre cheese, which was delicious. So we got some of that too. They also have a lot of sauces to check out. We got a green pepper mustard to try. It was pretty tasty! We will definitely be back for unique cheese for special occasions... and just for good eats.

Front of their shop (prior to opening).
Kiley Corrina V.

I've been never been somewhere so busy (even before opening there was a line) that makes you feel at ease and like there is no rush or timeframe they need to get you out in. We were first ones there, a gentleman helped us out with a few cheeses and some meats for our Thanksgiving get together. He was very informative, helpful and friendly. The place is tiny, they have an area to the right of the counter with some jams and pickled items, but otherwise not a whole lot going on. Some fresh baked breads and pastries at the check out counter which is to your immediate left when you first walk in. The prices are moderate, depending on what you get, granted we got every single thing we tried, everything was delicious and unique. I've already recommended this place to a few friends and look forward to going back.

Jason V.

A grungy garage of Gouda? A compact cubby of Camembert and Cheddar? A reliquary of Roquefort and Romano? I seriously had no idea this little slice of Havarti Heaven was even here! And judging by our in-depth interior investigation, these mongers know their Manchego! Whether ordering from behind the counter, grabbing a block to-go from the fridge, picking up a pairing bottle of wine, or perhaps some pasta, crackers, breads, baguettes, oils, jellies, and all manner of other charcuterie components, everything for sale here is an example of pasteurized perfection, a cultured classic, a moldy masterpiece. Unsure of which wonderful wedge to walk away with? Samples are available behind the counter! Just ask! In short, cheeses don't fear the eater, and you definitely need more Cowbell!

Cheese shop line

I ducked in to this cute little shop after a local event, pleasantly surprised to find a shop of this quality on a quiet side street just North of the East Esplanade area. Despite being in a quiet part of town, it had a line already, so I looked around At a huge variety of mustards, sardines, pasta, cookies, and other items. The service was perhaps a bit slow but I may be biased because I was very thirsty. The young woman behind the counter was extremely kind to me, and just very genuine and treated me respectfully even though I only ended up buying a beverage. Based on her kindness alone I will come back to this shop again.

Candice K.

I was having drinks at a nearby bar when the bartender recommended I get some cheese on my way to my next stop from Cowbell. She couldn't say enough positive things about their cheese so even though I very rarely eat cheese, I had to make a pitstop. They gave us a couple of samples that were delicious and we ordered just enough cheese and prosciutto to have as an impromptu charcuterie.

Jessyca M.

I was dying to find an store like this in Portland. It came on my instagram feed one day and I had to stop. All the people behind the counter are knowledgeable and nice. The space is small and well organized. It's so great knowing that there is a specialty store in town that carries all the imported deliciousness.

There was a long line for a reason

Walked down some not-so-great streets to get here but the selection is worth it. Plus they sell small-batch shoyu straight from Japan that I haven't been able to find elsewhere. Great for a picnic or to buy gifts for a foodie friend

Fresh bread - focaccia and baguettes
Emily H.

Incredible find in the east Burnside area! The cheese mongers are a fount of knowledge and equally as delightful. Emily helped us find a great mix of cheeses for a picnic to pair with a lovely fresh baguette. The shop is super charming and offers a wide variety of cheeses, some fresh bread (focaccia and baguettes while we were there), olives, jams, French butter (YUM), etc. Can't wait to try other offerings!

Mary N.

Love this place. Love it even more that it has this feeling of operating out of a garage space. The products are so good. The different variety of cheese from Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland are awesome. They have a lot of variety. Everything from the mildest cheese where you feel like you are just eating solid milk to some funky funk cheese that could remind you of the locker room from your high school. Either way, they have some cheese for every type of cheese eater. The cheese variety board has some from each region and then a few they recommend for the week. They also have a lot of very good imported salamis, oils, vinegars, and crackers from all over Europe. As well as pasta sauces and dry pasta! What I like most is the place has a very knowledgeable staff and they are enthusiastic about having you try before you commit to buying a hunk of cheese! I love this the most about this place! It feels very welcoming and the only danger to me is spending most of my paycheck on cheese and bread for the week! Oh forgot to mention that they have breads from Cafe Ollie and locally sourced.

a shelf full of wine bottles

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3 months ago

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8 days ago

Excellent, friendly assistance even when busy. Extremely knowledgeable. Great selection.

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4 months ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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7 months ago

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6 months ago

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6 months ago

Amazing Cheese! And service is great, the store is very cramped so its way too tight but besides that amazing store!

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2 years ago

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7 months ago

Such a cute shop! Welcoming service and a delightful array of cheese and charcuterie.

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1 year ago

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7 months ago

Highly knowledgeable staff, lots of samples and delicious cheeses and meats! Not to mention other fun imports.

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

Super nice and helpful staff, great selection. Ended up getting a few meats and cheeses and some amazing mustard for a board.

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Literally the best hole in the wall shop in Portland ! The wait in line is worth it !!

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

Amazing cheese and top notch customer service !!' Can't wait to return. This is my second trip !

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2 years ago

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Ask the Community - Cowbell Cheese

Review Highlights - Cowbell Cheese

And lots of other great products including pasta sauce, sides for a great charcuterie board, and an excellent baguette and fresh sandwiches.

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Laurelhurst Market

Laurelhurst Market

4.1(1.5k reviews)
1.5 miKerns, Northeast Portland
$$$

If you're looking for a reasonably priced high-quality steakhouse with a casual/cozy vibe, look no…read morefurther. My partner and I just went to LM to celebrate her birthday and were pleasantly surprised for our first visit. The service was absolutely excellent with no water running empty, a helpful server that answered our questions and made accommodations, and a bonus birthday cookie for my partner we didn't expect. The steaks definitely hold up, too! We both got steak frites, her with flatiron and me with Wagyu and were thrilled. LM is nice and lets you swap your meat with the dish/prep style if you'd like and it was perfect. The fries were nicely seasoned, crispy, and flavorful. Do not sleep on the mac & cheese either! The caramelized onion and creamy cheese were honestly some of the best I'd had. Definitely sit outside if the weather's solid but even if it isn't it's a nice covered tent area with cute lighting that should stay warm year-round. It was a nice space that felt cozy & casual amidst the nicer food.

This market/restaurant is named after the very nice neighborhood you find it in…read more They have a large tent covered patio that to me makes it feel less fancy and overpriced. If you want a nice dinner, sit inside. Our server was rarely seen. Most of my coworkers loved their dish, but my hangar steak was tiny and tough - should have got the NY strip. Deviled eggs decent. Orange cheesecake good, but not great. I wish I could speak more highly.

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Laurelhurst Market
Laurelhurst Market - LM Deviled Eggs

LM Deviled Eggs

Laurelhurst Market

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Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop - Geraldis NY Meatball Sub! Yummm

Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop

4.3(507 reviews)
5.9 miSouthwest Portland
$$

Great service and delicious food! Visited while in Oregon with my sister, who recommended this…read moreplace, and we even had the chance to chat with the owner, which made the experience even better. They're open on Mondays, which is rare since many restaurants are closed, so it was nice to try it before leaving. My sister ordered the spaghetti and cheese with two large meatballs, garlic bread, and the Chicago beef with Italian sausage, and both were great. The meatballs were especially delicious. I just wish more were included, though extras are available to order. I ordered the Chicken Parmesan sandwich which was very cheesey and flavorful. Afterward, we noticed you can add pepperoni and make it a "Chicken Parmeroni," which sounds like a better option. The large antipasta salad with balsamic vinegar was fresh and tasty, and it's nice that you can choose your dressing . I really love the antipasta salad! Overall, a really enjoyable meal and definitely worth recommending! Wish there had been time to try more of the menu.

Let me start by saying I didn't take pictures. For anyone who reads my reviews, that's a big part…read moreof them: ALL THE PICTURES. Presentation, portions, half eaten, etc... but I didn't. Because the food was so damn good. Look - I'm going to start off by saying I grew up practically on The Hill. Out here, you'll have to Google it (make sure to add 'RI' to the search or you'll get some political BS), but back east, "alls you's have ta say" was those two words and anyone would know you knew your Italian, food and otherwise. There isn't anything on this coast that vaguely compares to The Hill's food, but walking into and biting out of Geraldi's was having a little piece of home. There's this little shop in the old town where the owner knew your voice when you called to order... you'd walk in, and you heard "hey cousin!" whether you were or not, and that's the vibe you get from Geraldi's. The food is much the same - you get something that looks like Nonna was at the range all day with her sauce (it's not gravy - no meat) and you came home looking like you haven't eaten in weeks: "I'm gonna fatten you up before you leave" and you walked out the door with a sub (sandwich, that is - not a submarine) that weighed the same as a newborn. We got three of those babies: a Chicago Beef (seal of approval from the orderer - only 'complaint' was that they had to eat it all in one day because the bread was quote too soggy to make it to lunch the next day - travesty), an Italian sausage (just as delicious when 1/2 was reheated the next day) and a Chicken Parmeroni (I thought somehow even better when 1/2 was reheated the next day) and I could have absolutely gone back the next day if it weren't for A. the leftovers 2/3 of us had and B. the meal planning we'd done for the week. I also grabbed a side of giardiniera because I will get it anytime I see it available and I inhaled it - I need to know if I can by it by the vat instead of the side cups because it too was similar to what I can find at home (about practically nowhere out here) and amazing!! I'm still upset I didn't take pictures though!

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Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop - Menu board as of March 2025

Menu board as of March 2025

Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop - Antipasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing (you get to choose your salad dressing)

Antipasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing (you get to choose your salad dressing)

Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop - Classic ham sandwich

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Classic ham sandwich

JinJu Patisserie - Crownkie

JinJu Patisserie

4.8(369 reviews)
2.4 miMississippi, Boise, North Portland, Northeast Portland
$$

One of my favorite bakeries alongside berlu bakery and babcia bread. Their croissants (butter,…read morealmond, chocolate, savory) are my absolute favorite thing to get. If you can't finish the croissants day of, make sure to retoast them in the toaster oven! It will still be buttery and flakey and delicious! I love getting their bon bons as gifts for others (too expensive to just get for myself ) and my favorite pastry is their snickers bar. Gosh, not much else to say because others have such a good job with their reviews. They're currently looking for a new location and I'm sad to see them leave their old spot on Williams.

I haven't actually visited in person yet my cousins were kind enough to grab a to go order for me…read more I've heard the inside is lovely, with pastries practically calling your name from the display. It's clearly a popular spot, and from what I hear, getting there early is key if you want their famous croissants. Everything we ordered was amazing a rocky road cookie, a chocolate croissant, and the ham and cheese croissant. Even two days later, everything was still tasty. The flaky layers were especially impressive. I'm a big rocky road fan and had never tried it as a cookie before this one was a winner and tasted fresh, not processed at all. Definitely looking forward to visiting in person next time.

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JinJu Patisserie - Chocolate croissant

Chocolate croissant

JinJu Patisserie - The L A Y E R S.

The L A Y E R S.

JinJu Patisserie - This beautiful ham & cheese croissant is so delicious. Better than the pastries I had in Paris tbh.

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This beautiful ham & cheese croissant is so delicious. Better than the pastries I had in Paris tbh.

Cowbell Cheese - cheese - Updated May 2026

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