Opened just in time for Día de los Muertos and the spooky season, Memento Mori is a plant-based, goth-themed café that has taken Northwest Portland by storm. With its unique blend of dark aesthetics and delectable plant-based offerings, this establishment is redefining the café experience and inviting patrons to embrace the beauty in the macabre.

Indulge in the Dark Side of Dining

A Culinary Celebration of the Afterlife

Memento Mori's name, which translates to "remember you must die" in Latin, sets the tone for the entire experience. The menu is a testament to the café's commitment to the goth theme, with each item bearing a suitably spooky moniker. From the "Pushing Daisies" iced chocolate chip cookie frappe to the "Crypt Keeper" caramel white chocolate hazelnut latte, every sip and bite is a delightful nod to the macabre.The food offerings are equally captivating, with salads dubbed "cemetery clippings" and bagels referred to as "mourning bread." The pièce de résistance, however, are the fresh-baked, house-made puff pastries, which are shaped like bats and coffins, both filled with a tantalizing strawberry filling. Even the sugar cubes are crafted into tiny skulls, adding an extra layer of gothic charm to the experience.

Embracing the Darkness: The Café's Aesthetic

The café's commitment to the goth theme extends far beyond the menu. Correna Hernandez, the owner, has been meticulously curating the space, collecting items year-round to create a truly immersive atmosphere. Visitors are greeted by a skull and crossbones tic-tac-toe game, a black ceramic flower vase shaped like a human heart, and a gallery wall adorned with images of skulls and various shadowy figures.Hernandez's passion for the dark and gothic is not merely a superficial aesthetic choice. As she explains, "My culture believes in Día de Los Muertos, where we celebrate the dead. So that's kind of part of it." This cultural connection adds depth and meaning to the café's goth-inspired design, making it a space that celebrates the beauty in the macabre and the reverence for the departed.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

Memento Mori is more than just a place to indulge in delectable plant-based treats and revel in the gothic ambiance. Hernandez's vision for the café extends beyond the surface-level aesthetics, as she aims to create a space where people can come to relax and find solace."A lot of people stress over little things, and I just wanted a place where people can come and relax and not worry about all the little things in life," Hernandez explains. By embracing the concept of "memento mori" – the reminder that life is fleeting – the café encourages visitors to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the beauty in the ephemeral nature of existence.Whether you're drawn to the café's dark allure or simply seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Memento Mori offers a unique and captivating experience that celebrates the duality of life and death, and the power of embracing the macabre with grace and reverence.