Brunch is a wholesome Portland pastime that isn’t limited to just weekends or Millennials. We’re fanatic about our favorite brunch places and it’s practically impossible to catch them all as new ones pop up on what seems like a monthly basis. If you don’t want to brave the lines at popular places like Screen Door or Mother’s Bistro but still want amazing food keep reading for my Portland insider recommendations.
Note: The main picture of danish pancakes is actually from Broder that didn’t make my list solely because it’s not underrated- it is one of my favorite places but quite popular in Portland as well. I still recommend eating here but on a weekday or when they first open, and being prepared for a long wait (especially on a rainy day).
Midpoint
Neighborhood: Foster-Powell
Hours- 8 AM- 3:30 PM
Why it’s awesome: This is the place that’s affordable, close to my house, and keeps me bringing friends who then rave about the food. Everything is good here from their toast cooked perfectly crispy to putting just the right amount of vegetables in their omelettes. They also have good specials on bloody marys and mimosas making it hard to order just one!
My favorite dish: Their specials especially the biscuits and gravy with red vegetarian gravy is one of my favorite biscuits and gravy dishes in Portland. For the breakfast sandwich fans the Angry Bird is tasty and Downtowner is my go-to omelette. Make sure to try their homemade chile verde sauce and if you like it you can purchase a bottle!
Helser’s On Alberta
Neighborhood: Alberta
Hours- 7-3 daily
Why it’s awesome: I stumbled upon this place by accident searching for a breakfast place that didn’t have lines out the door on a Friday early afternoon on Alberta.Their reviews were just “okay” on Yelp, not bad but not stellar but after trying it is now one of my favorites as I was subjected to some seriously great food and service.
My favorite dish: They are known for their traditional pancakes, but I had their potato pancakes and they were excellent.
EastBurn
Neighborhood: Kerns
Hours- All week brunch 11-3 PM
Why it’s awesome: Eastburn tries to do a lot- they are most popular for having a good late night happy hour, they have a full dinner menu, and after 5 PM they open their taproom downstairs that has arcade games and a bar. Brunch here is “kiddult” themed with crayons and paper as table mats, birdcage chairs as seating options, and Trivial Pursuit games at every table. However, even with all the angles they’re going for they don’t sacrifice good food and prices are reasonable.
My favorite dish: Biscuits and Gravy (with elk gravy) or the farmers scramble. Make sure to try the beer bread toast that comes with most meals.
Arleta Library Bakery and Cafe
Neighborhood: Foster Powell
Hours- 8:00-2:00 Weekdays, 8:30-2:00 Weekends
Why it’s awesome: This place is the definition of a “hidden gem” as you would have no idea it was in the neighborhood at first glance- it’s cozy cafe setting is library themed, and even hide a mini patio in the back of their space. It’s the least expensive of the places on here and it’s proximity to Mt Scott park makes it a great addition to an afternoon out on the town.
My favorite dish: Their egg dishes such as the Florentine and the Grecian are great. I’m also a big fan of the “library fries” which are their homestyle roasted potatoes. I have yet to try the Portland Biscuits and Gravy but it’s a top seller here.
Off the Waffle
Neighborhood: SE Hosford-Abernethy, Division
Hours- 8 AM-2 PM Daily
Why it’s awesome: So far this is the closest I’ve found to leige waffles in Belgium. They have “savory” options and “sweet” options with toppings like cheese, eggs, and bacon or you can go with their “sweet” options which resemble either a pie or a fruit salad on a waffle- you decide. They also sell their waffles by the 6 pack, AND they deliver via Uber Eats…not much is not awesome about this place!
My favorite dish: Their savory waffle “Deer in the Headlights” is delicious. I can now feel healthy eating avocado, goat cheese and an egg on top of a sugary carb mound.
Gravy
Neighborhood: N Boise and NE Hollywood District
Hours- 7:30 AM- 3 PM Daily
Why it’s awesome: What sets Gravy apart to me was the many sides they had to offer, and not charging extra for salad or fruit in lieu of the potatoes or toast is relatively unheard of. The menu is large and while I haven’t tried it their lunch menu looks quite good as well which is hard to want to try since they serve breakfast all day.
My favorite dish: Corned beef and hash, their omelettes. While Gravy is known for their gravy, I tried both the meat and vegetarian which to me resembled cream of broccoli. While it was actually not my favorite gravy (Midpoint and EastBurn surpass them) the rest of their food was outstanding.
