No matter where you are in the country, breakfast is probably going to look similar: stacks of pancakes and refreshing glasses of orange juice. But there are a few things that set the brunch scene in Portland apart. Breakfast sausages made in-house, a window that you walk up to and order Belgian waffles. How about a restaurant that specializes in Scandinavian-style breakfast? Portland locals and visitors alike can find breakfast any day of the week, and on the weekends head to the best brunch in Portland. After your meal, explore waterfalls near Portland, go on a hike, or if you’d rather keep the party going, head to one of the city’s many dive bars. There’s so much to do in Portland, and so many good meals to eat, you won’t be bored for a moment. Here are essential restaurants for breakfast in Portland.
14 Warm and Welcoming Restaurants for Breakfast in Portland, Oregon
Café Nell
This petite brunch spot refuses to present breakfast and lunch as any less dignified as dinner. Their Bloody Marys are adorned with shrimp, ham and cheese bites, and the berry puree gives their lemon mascarpone pancakes the essence of an impressionist painting. This is not the cheapest brunch spot in town, but it is rarely overcrowded and the service is always excellent.
Cafe Nell: 1987 NW Kearney St, Portland, OR 97209
Price: $$
Fuller’s Coffee Shop
There is no diner in Portland like Fuller’s. A warmly lit, cup-of-coffee, bar-seating-only throwback whose simple approach to breakfast (various presentations of bacon, eggs, potatoes, toast, and fixings) will take you home in the morning after a long night. The packed seating on the dining room floor gives every visitor the chance to bump elbows with a character; overhear local debates about the weather; and get to know the always fast, always friendly waitresses. Sometimes I order two plates of food just so I can hang out there longer on a dreary Sunday. A single blueberry pancake is my go-to dessert.
Fuller’s Coffee Shop: 136 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Price: $
Broder Cafe
Serving what it claims is the largest selection of aquavit on the West Coast, Broder Cafe celebrates Scandinavian cuisine. Breakfast cocktails include the caraway spiced spirit, and the food all centers around this region’s favorite dishes. Danish pancakes topped with lingonberry jam, Norwegian potato crepes, and Finnish porridge are among the many menu offerings. Just be aware of long waits for a table. Broder Cafe offers a unexpected twist on breakfast in Portland.
Broder Cafe: 2508 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
Price: $$
Gravy
At Gravy, Bloody Marys garnished with a whole stalk of celery keep hungry weekend breakfast patrons streaming through the door. French toast, biscuits and gravy, and oatmeal are all among the favorite dishes. Past patrons say the portions are big enough to share, and you can choose from the breakfast menu all day long. But it does get busy so be sure to show up early.
Gravy: 3957 N. Mississippi Ave. Portland, OR 97227
Price: $$
John’s Cafe
Every once in a while, 21st century Portland can come off a lot like 1970’s New York. There is no single instance where this is truer than sitting by the window of this old school diner with a tuna melt in hand. The $8 steak’n’eggs, pork chop’n’eggs and chicken-fried-steak’n’eggs give this bare-bones place a distinct smell that feels like it should be complemented by a polyester jacket and vaporub. This lovable café is run by an equally darling Greek couple who might stop while taking your order to comment on the Oldtown craziness going down outside. The cafe only accepts cash.
John’s Cafe: 301 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209
Price: $
John Street Café
This place is the gateway to a day of hanging out in St. Johns, the neighborhood most Portland locals visit to affectionately recall what this town was like before it was “cool.” The understated and unpretentious John Street Café does much of the same for guests looking for Portland’s best breakfast cuisine at (slightly) lower prices. Their omelets are among the heftiest of the joints on this list, especially the green chili omelet, which is killer for anyone who searching for a Mexican-American brainchild.
John Street Cafe: 8338 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
Price: $$
Gigi’s Café
Just over the West Hills in Hillside, is a little strip mall café that is home to the best Belgian waffles in the city. Get them with fried chicken, or bacon and Camembert, or banana and Nutella, or roasted turkey and ham: these waffles are a perfect blend of crunchy sweetness and buttery savor. Gigi’s is a family-oriented, sunny hole-in-the-wall whose menu is playful and clientele easygoing.
Gigi’s Cafe: 6320 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239
Price: $$
The Waffle Window
Walk up to this adorable blue window with the red awning to take away Belgian waffles. The Waffle Window serves liege waffles – a Belgian waffle filled with bits of caramelized sugar. There are many sweet and savory varieties served at The Waffle Window. Some are topped with chocolate and sprinkles, others with bacon or fruit. Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast classic, or want something that will satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ll find a waffle to love here. The Waffle Window is attached to Bread and Ink cafe, and there is a seating area inside the adjacent dining room if you don’t want to take your food to-go.
The Waffle Window: 3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Price: $
Mother’s Bistro
One of the more adventurous upscale breakfast joints downtown, Mother’s has it all. From ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls to the more austere matzo ball soup (after 11:30 am), there is little that will disappoint. While many of these dishes can be had elsewhere at a lower cost, the chandeliers, white paneling, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking SW Stark and 2nd Ave will remind you that this restaurant brings class to the most important meal of the day.
Mother’s Bistro: 121 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Price: $$
Cadillac Cafe
Cadillac Cafe has been serving breakfast in Portland for 25 years. It’s signature is of course the vintage Cadillac on display inside the restaurant but the food stands out, too. Custard French toast or a breakfast burrito are one of the many comfort food items that will leave you satisfied before going about your day, but you’re not getting the full experience if you don’t try one of the cafes many spiked coffee drinks, too.
Cadillac Cafe: 1801 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Price: $$
Pine State Biscuits
Buttery biscuits are the signature at Pine State Biscuits, which has locations all over Portland. Of course, the biscuit sandwiches are a must-order menu item. People who have been there before praise the fried chicken and the gravy. To combine all those elements, everyone will tell you to order the Reggie Deluxe – a biscuit sandwich with a piece of fried chicken, sausage gravy, and a fried egg. It’s so popular that it was featured on the Food Network.
Pine State Biscuits: 2204 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Price: $$
Zell’s Cafe
This cozy, cheerful cafe has been a gathering place for Portland locals since 1983. Waffles, egg scrambles, and omelets cover all the classic breakfast dishes available here. However, people in Portland keep coming back here because of the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.
Zell’s Cafe: 1300 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214
Price: $$
Jam on Hawthorne
Family-friendly breakfast restaurant Jam on Hawthorne has been voted one of the best brunches in Portland several years in a row. It’s also a good place to go for a vegan breakfast in Portland. With many different flavors of mimosa
Jam on Hawthorne: 2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Price: $$
Little Griddle
Located inside an adorable little cottage with a white facade and lush green plants hanging from the ceiling inside, Little Griddle is a charming choice for breakfast. Shakshuka served in a skillet, biscuit sandwiches, plus Bloody Marys skewered with vegetables make this a great spot for an intimate breakfast with a close friend.
Little Griddle: 3520 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97213
Price: $$
Where to stay in Portland
Photo: Josemaria Toscano/Shutterstock
If you’re planning a trip to Portland, you’re going to need a comfortable place to rest your head at night. These Portland Airbnbs promise spacious living spaces, multiple bedrooms, and proximity to restaurants and other quirky Portland neighborhoods. Here’s where to book your stay.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Modern home in Hawthorne
Photo: Airbnb
Portland is well known for its pioneering food truck scene, and this home is actually within walking distance of Cartopia, where many of these late night food trucks still congregate. The house itself sleeps six, so it’s a good option for families. The decor has quirky but sleek interiors – like a green velvet couch, leather seats, and abolished hard work floor. If you’re looking for a stylish space, this spot is for you.
Cheerful tiny house
Photo: Airbnb
This guesthouse is perfect for a solo traveler. With a cozy bedroom, small kitchen and a small table where you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by natural light, this oasis is the perfect place to experience Portland in solitude.
Five bedroom home in Alberta Arts District
Photo: Airbnb
If you’re traveling in a big group, consider this five bedroom home which sleeps ten people. Everything in the house is organic – including the sheets. As for the decor, artwork by local artists decorates the walls. There are lots of restaurants nearby in the Alberta Arts District if you want to take your family for brunch or dinner. 