Breakfast Joints in Portland, Oregon
You wake up to another grey day in the city of roses, food carts, and weirdos. If you've forgotten to take your vitamin D for the last week (we've all been there), you know there's only one sure way to turn the day around. That's right. It's breakfast baby.
This guide will lead you to your morning bliss, from little bites to popping the next belt loop. Geared towards those looking for local, everyday recommendations. Here, we have had one too many maple bacon bars from Voodoo Donuts.
In this guide, I focus on my East of the Willamette haunts. The parking and the vibes are just better. I'm also partial to morning gravy; sweet, sweet gravy. Let's slice into that runny egg yolk and dig in.
Itty Bitty Digs; Donuts & the Like
Keeper Coffee Co, Woodstock-SE Portland
The first time I saw the pastry case at Keeper, I nearly cried. A thing of beauty. A wonder, a delight. From seasonal quiches to sweetheart rose cookies, Keeper is a great quick stop guaranteed to inspire your day. Oh and their lattes are also incredible. Keeper is always a breath of fresh air reminiscent of a quaint market. Herbal, communal, and just good for the soul. Stay a while or just a minute, you will not be disappointed.
Twisted Croissant, NE/SE Portland
If you love a classic or a hint of adventure, Twisted Croissant is constantly innovating new and luxurious pastry flavors. You can taste the mastery in each buttery bite. And boy is whatever you choose gonna be pretty. ‘Gram worthy every time. Originally based on NE Broadway, you can now enjoy one of these delightful treats exploring the streets of Sellwood too. Look out for fun seasonal croissants like the Pride croissant in June.
Doe Donuts, Hollywood/Sandy-NE
Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai, Fremont-NE
Pip's is a special treat for special days, they even have freebies for your birthday! Plan ahead with an umbrella and some time to spare because this place is popular for a reason. The aroma of Pip's is spiced, warm, and wonderful. With campfire vibes and flavors, Pip's is decidedly a PNW classic. Personally, I love getting a Smokey Robinson Chai, Candied Bacon Maple Doughnuts, and any seasonal flavor they've got. Ooo, baby baby.
Cathedral Coffee, St. Johns-N Portland
I dream of Cathedral. I yearn for the days when I wake up in St Johns on a sunny day, feel the breeze, and absolutely devour a cinnamon roll either by myself or with a friend. These are the times I have to remind myself sharing is caring. From decadent desserts to fresh savory foldovers, Cathedral always has exactly what I crave. And don't get me started on their coffee! Cathedral is gentle on my mind and my taste buds.
Champagne Poetry, Hawthorne-SE
It's hard to not have fun at Champagne Poetry. Chances are, you will try something incredible you've never had before. These treats are truly a thing of fantasy. Unreal, whimsical, and fantastical. With dreamy fluffy pancakes and delicate jam-filled rose cakes, Champagne Poetry is the place for eating pretty. If you are in need of a "treat yourself" sugary breakfast, (and mimos of course) look no further than this cute, pink haven.
Breakfast Sammie Pantheon
Flavour Spot, NE
Kind Coffee, Belmont-SE
You will not find a place more Kind, more loving, and more real in all of Portland. I present to you a place for any occasion. Job interview today? I am going to Kind. Friend in town? Let's go to Kind. Horrible day? We are making it better with Kind. Holy cannoli! That's right, I said cannoli. They have 'em, we cherish them. They are holy, they are profane.
The breakfast sammies in question are the Most Perfect Cheese-y Egg (Oh yeah Tillamook) on whatever bread you please. Grab yourself the most perfect little steamy foil that you cradle gently while balancing your cannoli and your cardamom latte. Say less? I could never. Oh yeah on that note, they love dogs and crows. And bubbles. And fun music. And a good time. Go to kind. Have a blast.
Fried Egg I'm in Love, Hawthorne-SE
We love a pun. We love a runny egg. We love The Cure. This sandwich is a must have/ must plan for. I think this is the perfect breakfast sandwich (and don't forget that crispy little potato thang) to take on a day trip. Order ahead of time digitally if you would like this crispy, hot, powerful sandwich on a weekend. They are busy because they know what the hell they are doing with food. And may I recommend anything made with their aardvark sauce blends? WOW!
Speedboat Coffee, Foster-Powell/ SE
Your classic bagel and egg joint. And I mean a big ole egg. My friend and I usually go for an early bird here. If you’re looking for a quick, protein rich breakfast, this is your spot. You may think theres no parking, but you’re just taking it for granted. Like in the Labyrinth, you dig? You're sure to become addicted to their decadent pesto and HVAC latte. I’ll leave it to you to decode which wonderful flavors lie within.
Chubby Bunny, Belmont/ SE
This place is just adorable. Currently stationed off of Belmont, I present to you another secret vegan wonder-cart. You can either get a cafecito here or a lil Stumpin across the street at Stumptown while you wait for your order. So fluffy, so chubby.
Greasy Spoon Royalty
Midpoint, Foster-Powell/ SE
The epitome of a hole in the wall, Midpoint is your salve for hangovers and all of lifes' sins. Like, they literally have drinks for your hangovers. Here's a place you go to not get judge and to not judge others. Absolute heaven. I can hear my favorite waitress say hash or mash now…
Bertie Lou's, Sellwood-SE
This sassy little cafe is not here to f*** around. Truly. This is Portland attitude and quirk at its absolute finest. Here you will find a humble kitchen before your bar seat cooking up the cure for existential dread or anything else that ails you. I promise. Check out the scribbley table art that they have been collecting for years and years. Its truly charming and wonderful.
Pine State Biscuits, NW/NE/SE
Remember that sweet, sweet gravy I promised? Well this is the place.. My gravy hole. I know you wont be able to resist the runny money ball and house made biscuits. Self service coffee available so the servers won’t know how much of a caffeine feind you are. And you’ll never be wanting for anything. Because they have it all.
Little Griddle, SE/NE
Ah, the never ending battle of sweet and savory. I’m always conflicted here because they do both so well. Table pancake it is! Wonderful little places all across town serving up sizzling goodness in, you guessed it, little griddles. A campfire, cast iron vibe without all the dirt and mosquitos. Ooh, lala.
Stepping Stone Cafe, NW
Pancakes, hash browns, and a never ending pot of coffee. Need I say more? Some how, this classic diner is tucked away in the ever bougie NW neighborhood. Perfect for chatting endlessly with old friends or just saving your coins for the rest of the days shopping. Beware that you must pay parking kitty! 😼
Special Breakfast for Special Days
Broder Cafe, Clinton-SE
Adventurous eats that you are sure to drool over. Looking at everyone's plates and watching the chefs cook before you leave you choosing til the last second. I highly recommend sharing a plate of Æbleskiver, you will be very sad if you don't, I promise.
The Hazel Room, Hawthorne-SE
This place is lovely, earthy, and decadent. You're sure to get a unique Portland take on classics. Vegetarian options are available and boy are they delicious. I dream of this gravy and the Hazel Room's cute little bevs. Perfect for a birthday brunch for a special lady (which is exactly why I went).
Favela, Foster-Powell/ SE
If you are feeling social, this is the perfect cafe to brighten your day. Sporting Brazilian fare in their market, you are greeted by friendly faces and wonderful scents. I like coming here for juices in the summer, but you will also find me here for their decadent Cafe brigadeiro, a chocolate drink from heaven, I mean Brazil.
The Mont, Belmont-SE
I present to you another perfect birthday or un-birthday brunch spot. They're beverages are sure to please and you won't leave this place hungry. I enjoyed their iced chai, sprinkled with love. While you wait, you are entranced by The Mont's dreamy ambiance and sweet smells.
See you for lunch!
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations. Breakfast truly is my favorite part of living in the US, you gotta embrace something. So here is my gift to you! Check out my Keep Portland Weird Essential Guide for more PDX eats and other fun digs.
Take care and eat good,
Claude Joven of Jove & The Moon Travel Cooperative
The home for unique & authentic travel
