The Best Breakfast in Portland: Wake up with These 11 Brunch Spots!

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Although getting brunch in the morning is hands down one of my favorite activities while I’m traveling, I hardly EVER wake up early enough for breakfast while I’m at home. And by home, I mean Portland. Seriously, on my days off from work I probably wake up at noon, then get out of bed at 2pm. It’s…not the most traditionally productive way to start my day, but it’s what I feel compelled to do in this world. Regardless, I understand that for other folks, Portland IS a vacation destination for them, and finding good breakfast in Portland is one of their top priorities.

Ideally, that is where I would come in.

It wasn’t until I intentionally started thinking of all of you that I figured maybe I should haul my sluggish body out of bed and do some local research. In the end, I’m glad having a blog motivated me to eat my way around breakfast in Portland. Not only do I feel like I know more about the city, but I also found some REALLY DOPE spots to wake up to. Like, I legit have favorite restaurants now for breakfast in Portland.

What could be better than that??

So whether you’re a resident or just passing through, I hope you enjoy my following recommendations for breakfast in Portland! (Or, if you’re traveling and want to try multiple at once, you can also sign up for a food tour of various favorite breakfast in Portland spots! Win-win!)

Disclaimer

Last Updated: December 20203

Well, I guess before we officially-officially get to the list, I just want to put a little disclaimer and info about how I created this list, and why some local favorites may or may not be on the list.

As with any food round-up post, mine or otherwise, taste is HIGHLY subjective. What may be the best thing in the world to someone, might be…average at best to someone else. Experience is also subjective. If you only visit a restaurant once (or even twice), the restaurant might be having an outlier day – good or bad. Even the environment is subjective. Some of us like slower paced establishments, where you can sink into your chair and listen to whatever ambient Spotify playlist they have on. Others love the hustle and bustle and energy of faster or more hype places.

In the same boat, a lot of food round-up posts are made by food/travel bloggers on press-trips or have contacted the establishment. So that might impact their food or experience in a way that the average diner might not get. Some bloggers might not even technically visit every restaurant on their list, but just go off of hearsay.

That said – I have visited every restaurant on this list and paid out of pocket for every single one of my meals. I did not reach out to any of the restaurants or restaurants owners of my arrival beforehand. I do know one of the owners on this list, but my visits to their restaurant was always random and when I did see them, they noticed me after I had already ordered/eaten and were surprised (hopefully pleasantly haha) by my visit.

This is not a sponsored post. I will not make any money off of this post either.

Not to say that you shouldn’t trust sponsored content or a round-up made by a blogger on a press-trip, those aren’t inherently biased. But I do want to point out potential discrepancies for your own future comprehension.

Further Disclaimers

Dang B*****, how many disclaimers do you have?? It’s literally a breakfast in Portland post. Okay, real quick (I promise), I also just want to state that if your favorite place to get breakfast in Portland is not on this list – it’s NOT PERSONAL. People can have varying degrees and criteria for labeling something “the best.” Honestly, the only reason people use “the best” is mostly for clickbait and Google analytics. This list, or any list, is not that serious.

Not being on a “best” list does not mean it isn’t good.

Furtherrrr…for this list in particular, I am intentionally not including places that only have weekend breakfast service (Saturday and Sunday). I get that travel for most visitors will probably overlap those days, but is it reallyyyy a breakfast place if it’s not more than two days?

Maybe.

But it’s not going to be on this list. My focus will be on restaurants that serve unique and quality breakfast in Portland on the REGULAR (at leasttt 4 days out of the week). This list will also be shifting and evolving as I try more spots serving breakfast in Portland!

Best Breakfast in Portland!

Alright, now with all the yadda yadda out of the way, let’s get this show on the road. My criteria for what I consider the best breakfast in Portland (aka, my personal favorites) have to have the following: consistency (both in food and in service), unique menu and/or atmosphere, and a repeatable experience. What I mean by that is that there is more than one dish that I would like to go back and try.

ALSO – please note that I am neither a food blogger nor a photographer. My pictures are…not amazing. So please don’t side eye any of the recommendations just because I do not take the most flattering food pics.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are (in my opinion) the restaurants that serve up the best breakfast in Portland!

Urban Farmer

Breakfast Hours: 7am-2pm, everyday

Address: 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204

Menu

Oooo yes. Urban Farmer. Absolute dynamite spot. I’ve been here a few times now and it’s one of my go-tos for grabbing breakfast in Portland. They’re also open for dinner, which I’m sure is equally delicious, but honestly…I can’t imagine NOT going for breakfast haha. The atmosphere is really nice, a little business casual vibe going on. Almost reminded me of grabbing brunch in DC, except there’s no dress code expectation or 2+ hour wait.

Can you pick up on my feelings for DC? But I digress.

I typically order their steak and eggs, though they have a really good shrimp and grits too. If I wasn’t so obsessed with hot breakfast items, then I’d also venture to get their granola and panna cotta (I’ve seen neighboring tables order it and ugh…makes me drool every time). If you have the option, I’d opt to seat at one of the booths, it just makes it feel a bit cozier.

Hunnymilk

Breakfast Hours: 9am-2pm Wed & Thurs, 8am-2pmFri/Sat/Sun, closed Mon & Tues

Address: 1981 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209

Menu

Hunnymilk is another spot that does course menus (if you want), and I LOVE IT. The space feeeels very Portland, and if you’ve been here, you’ll know what I mean. It is a very casual place to get breakfast in Portland, yanno with mix-matched couches and random assortment of mugs, and is very juxtaposed to the intricate and innovative menu. For that alone, it stands out in your mind. It’s kinda weird.

Like Portland.

But when the food arrives, then it DEFINTELY cements as one of the best places to get breakfast in Portland. You can of course order a la carte, but the true gem is their 3-piece drink+entree+dessert/pastry combo. I will warn you though, it’s large. Like…come HONGRY large.

To this day, I still have not finished a full 3-course on my own haha, so I like to eat strategically to have leftovers that keep well for later in the day. Also a helpful tip – the sugar is infused with vanilla bean. They’re not ants. DONT WORRY. Hahah.

Fuel Cafe

Breakfast Hours: 8am-3pm Wed-Mon, 7am-3pm Sat & Sun, closed Tues

Address: 1452 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Menu

I love Fuel Cafe AND they’re located in the Alberta District, so it’s the perfect place to grab breakfast in Portland if you want to explore that area after. It’s thankfully not in the CENTERRR of where all the rush is, so parking isn’t too much of a hassle.

It’s a little on the smaller side, but outside of peak breakfast hours, you should be able to get a table pretty easily. Fuel Cafe definitely has a “local gem” vibe, because it typically isn’t too rushed with tourists and is super relaxed and laid back. It’s also one of the best Black owned restaurants in Portland, and you can definitely tell the heart that was put into this establishment. That’s not the reason it’s on the list, but I do want to highlight it because there are not many in the city, and much less serving bomb breakfast in Portland.

The seasoningggg is what really elevates this spot over others in the area. WHEW whoever is back there with the spices KEEP IT UP. Aside from having a great breakfast and brunch menu, their take on grits is revolutionary. BAKED grits??? And it’s not just a gimmick either, it’s GOOD. Thank you for taking us into the 22nd century.

Kingsland Kitchen

Breakfast Hours: 9am-2pm Thurs-Monday, closed Tues & Wed

Address: 301 SW Pine St, Portland, OR 97204

Menu

Kingsland Kitchen is actually one of the last on this list that I managed to finally get to. Mostly – BECAUSE THEY’RE PACKED! Well, on weekends anyway. If you can, I’d suggest visiting on a weekday OR getting there really early. On the weekends, even if you show up at noon (they close at 2pm), the waitlist might be closed because they’re that busy.

Plus it’s downtown-downtown so finding parking can be less straightforward. Atmosphere wise, it’s a bit more lively and busy than the previous spots I’ve mentioned, so if that’s what you gravitate more towards, this would be a great place for breakfast in Portland.

Food wise, there’s a ton to choose from. Their menu follows a British breakfast, but with a twist. I personally love their French toast and omelets, but if you want a traditional full English fry up, they have that too! I’ve heard it’s amazing, but…I…just don’t like beans. Hahah.

Fried Egg I’m in Love

Breakfast Hours: 8am-3pm, everyday

Address: 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Menu

I first tried Fried Egg I’m in Love at their food truck, but in this post about the best breakfast in Portland, I’m specifically referencing their brick and mortar location on Hawthorne. Parking can be a little touchy (it is Hawthorne), but once you get a spot you’re golden. The lines usually move pretty fast, so once you order you can grab a table and settle in. Because there’s not tooo much seating and it’s in a busy area, I tend to prefer coming here for an early breakfast (8-9am) or a late brunch (1-2pm).

If you’re looking for a GOOD breakfast sandwich, this is always my first recommendation. They have some absolutely heavenly aioli, and I honestly don’t even have a favorite sandwich because they’re all delicious and super unique. There’s also a vegan sandwich and vegan breakfast bowls!

Cadillac Cafe

Breakfast Hours: 7:30am-1:30pm Mon-Fri, 7:30-2:30pm Sat & Sun

Address: 1801 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232

Menu

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m obsessed with Route 66. Which is how Cadillac Cafe quickly became one of my favorite spots to get breakfast in Portland. Cadillacs are synonymous to Route 66 and the decor speaks to it in a very charming but cool way. There’s a lot of street parking and plenty of seating, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it being too busy.

Cadillac Cafe has all of the standard American breakfast favorites done extremely well. One of my favorite things about the menu are their drink selection. They have a FULL cafe (with delicious chai), juices, smoothies, and even breakfast cocktails and milkshakes. I saw a lot of older folks and people with their parents here, which made the restaurant feel very down to Earth and comfortable. Not that older people can’t be “hip,” but it was nice to know that it’s a neighborhood staple that people have been going to for decades. And I see why!

Mermosa

**temporarily closed**

Menu

I know I said I wouldn’t have favorites on this breakfast in Portland list, but honestlyyyy Mermosa has become my go-to just because I live so close that it’s often first on my mind. Mermosa, as the name suggests, has a whimsical and nautical theme serving up cuisine reminiscent of Haiti and the American South.

AND YYOOOOOO the flavor is on point.

There’s free street parking, though the area is fairly busy with all the restaurants and shops nearby, so I’d recommend aiming to arrive at least 5-10 minutes early to account for parking (if you drive). On top of having some of the best breakfast in Portland, Mermosa is also a community space, hosting a ton of cool events like Wednesday wine nights, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and DJ brunches on the weekend. It’s overall GOOD VIBES!

Masala Lab

Breakfast Hours: 9am-3pm Thurs-Sun

Address: 5237 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97211

Menu

So the thing that initially drew me to Masala Lab is the fact that they are the ONLY spot serving Indian-inspired breakfast in Portland. As someone who loves Indian food but has never had Indian breakfast, I was immediately interested. It’s located on MLK Blvd, and while it’s a busy street, there’s plenty of parking (especially on the side streets).

Now, because of its uniqueness, Masala Lab is often the breakfast in Portland I take most visitors when they come visit me. Also – everything on the menu is gluten free and celiac friendly! One of the few breakfast in Portland restaurants that are totally GF.

The menu is extremely interesting and ranges from an Indian take of shrimp & grits to a “Saagshuka” which is -yes- reminiscent of the traditional shakshuka but baked in a spinach curry. While I had one of the bowls for my first time (a wonderful blend of both flavors and textures), there are so many menu items that I’m excited to go back and try. Liiike the saagshuka, haha. On top of that, they have a beautiful restaurant and a great drink menu as well – where else can you get chai-bucha?? (aka kombucha, but with chai)

Sunrice

Breakfast Hours: 10am-3pm Wed-Thurs, 10am-6pm Fri-Sat, 8am-3pm Sun

Address: 585 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Menu

Speaking offffff Filipino breakfast in Portland – YALL KNOW I AM A SUNRICE LOYALIST!!!! This year (2023), they opened a brick-and-mortar downtown and I’ve never been so happy to be alive at this exact moment in this exact place.

Located in the Moxy hotel, there is metered street parking but you can usually find a spot relatively close by. Their brunch rice bowls are hearty and will keep you full and happy literally until dinner, but be sure to add on a cup of their guava juice (I’m a sucker for a good juice) and they usually have a flavor of HeyDay donuts, one of the best donuts in Portland.

There’s not too much seating for larger groups, but diners are welcome to take their food into the comfy Moxy hotel lobby if they want to spread out and jam to the dope music that’s usually setting the mood right. Seriously, props to whoever curates that playlist. Eating at Sunrice is truly a one stop shop experience. Matterofact, lemme go drive down right now.

Proud Mary Cafe

Breakfast Hours: 8am-4pm, everyday

Address: 2012 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Menu

Proud Mary is located up on Alberta, the busy part of Alberta, so…baby go a good 10-15min before you intend of arriving so you can find parking. You know how it is. BUT once you get in, you’re usually seated fairly quickly, especially with their expanded outdoor dining as well. Proud Mary is technicallyyyyyyy an Australian chain, so it’s not the same as supporting a local Portland restaurant, but dang is it good.

For Proud Mary, the thing that they do best (and what put them on my best breakfast in Portland list) is toast. Yes, toast.

It might not sound significant, but idk there must be crack in the butter or something because it’s GOOD. On top of that (literally), they have such delicious toppings, jams, and interesting garnishes. And it’s all plated so beautifully. They also have “Aussie-style” drinks, aka…coffee and tea with ice cream. Plus, as a tea person, I greatly appreciate that their drink menu has lots of teas (obvi), smoothies, and juices. I’m a juice girl.

Speaking of, check out my blog post on the best juice bars in Portland as well!

CLOSEEEEEE Seconds

Okay, I do have some super close seconds that, for a variety of reasons, didn’t quite squeeze their way into the top. I would still overall recommend their food depending on what you like, so they’re not bad, just not my particular all time favorite breakfast in Portland spots.

• Mother’s Bistro and Bar: Probably one of the OG places (along with he who shall not be named), but I really do love Mother’s food. Very traditional American food, very homey…basically the place you’d want to take your mom and meemaw for a nice brunch. The reason why it isn’t one of my favorite spots breakfast in Portland is that it’s always PACKED, and I don’t care too much for crowds (even pandemic aside)
• Grits N’ Gravy: GnG is also solid with their food, but for similar (but not exact) reasons as Mother’s, the space is smaller I just feel too close to people haha. But if you don’t mind go for it! May also be helpful for making friends if you’re a solo traveler.
• Cafe Rowan: The only reason Cafe Rowan is a close second is because I’ve only been once. It’s also been a while since I visited, and it’s one of the breakfast in Portland spots I’m excited to get back to. Who knows…they might be in a different position the next time you read this list…
• Little Griddle: Little Griddle is a very popular spot, but in myyyy opinion, the only menu item that I gravitated towards was there shakshuka. And I’ve been…more than a handful of times. Nothing else quite hits for me, so I usually only visit with friends and I always get the shakshuka.
• Bastion: Okay so personallyyyy I only go here if a friend specifically requests because they are gluten, soy, and sugar free. All things I LOVE. But if you do have one of those dietary restrictions, they have the perfect menu for you.

Breakfast Food Carts

And OF COURSE, you know I couldn’t leave out food carts for the best breakfast in Portland. I mean…it’s PORTLAND. Of course there’s breakfast food carts. I’m not the biggest fan of food carts, mostly because I get fatigued from standing up, but I do have a few food cart recommendations for breakfast in Portland. They’re great if you’re on the go or headed out on a day trip from Portland.

• Eat Balong: I. AM. LITERALLY. OBSESSED!!!!!!! They are currently operating as a pop-up out of Kalesa, but I would prematurely withdraw my 401k to singlehandedly fund them getting their own cart if they wanted. (okay, maybe not singlehandledly since I don’t have that much in my 401k lol).
• Chubby Bunny: I really enjoy Chubby Bunny because they taste great and are surprisingly vegan! Y’all know how rough of a time I have with vegan proteins, but idk what they do with their seasoning because even I like it. There is ample picnic table seating here (covered)!
• La Osita: Yooooo, they have THE BEST breakfast tacos in the cityyy!! I usually have only gone for their bowls (highly recommend the Love Bowl), but their breakfast items slap too. Their also in the process of opening a brick and mortar sooo they’ll prob be moving up on this list soon! There are a few tables to sit at (covered).

Weekend Breakfast

And of course, the weekend favorites. I know I said I would prioritize places that served breakfast in Portland for more than just the weekend, but I do want to highlight a few places that do weekend brunch well. Because, once you taste all of the other fantastic breakfast in Portland, you might want a few extra suggesties for Saturday and Sunday.

• Alberta Street Pub: Absolutely haaaad to include Alberta Street Pub for their amazing gospel Sunday brunches – then you can come back for their soul music Sunday nights with live music. And Saturdays I believe are their drag brunches and stand-up comedy brunches (I work on Saturday so I’ve never been). You’re literally covered for all your bases. Check their calendar for events and bands, plus they are dog freindly on their patio!
• Hey Love: Located in the Jupiter NEXT hotel, it’s super convenient…if you’re staying at the hotel haha. Their brunch is popular, so I’d recommend going early since they don’t do ressies. They have a great menu, including a number of items that are vegan or can be made vegan.
• Jackie’s: Jackie’s is one of the hottest sports bars in Portland, and while I don’t have much experience with sports bars, I do know they have a FANTASTIC brunch. And, naturally, lots of drink options!
• HK Café: GOTS to do it up for dim sum breakfast in Portland!! I haven’t been in a while (since my dim sum buddy MOVED TO THE BAY!!!) but HK Cafe got your back. The last time I went, they had the service where the bring the carts by and you select whatever you want, and I’m pretty sure that’s still how it is.

Special thanks to…

I wanted to give a special shout out to all the people who put up with my nagging and accompanied me to eat breakfast in Portland with me! I was…really annoying about it haha. So thank you Luis, Michael (one of my fav Portland foodies btw, follow him!!!), Francesca, and Ari. Really appreciate y’all haha.

Conclusion: Breakfast in Portland

Wow we’ve finally made it to the end of my best breakfast in Portland list! Thanks for sticking it through and hopefully you’re just the tiniest bit hungry after all of those bangin’ recommendations! Do any of them stand out to you and planted themselves on the top of your breakfast in Portland list to try? OR, if you live in/been to Portland, did any of your favorites make the list???

Let me know in the comments below!

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