Top 20 Must-Try Breakfasts in Portland (tried and tested)

The much-loved Northwest city has increasingly become a destination for foodies. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, one must-do activity in Portland is breakfast! I’ve spent many years trying out some of the best. From hearty breakfasts in casual cafes to delicious but healthy plant-based fare, here are some of my favorite places to eat breakfast in Portland, Oregon…

Our Top 3 Best Places to Eat Breakfast in Portland
1.
Jam on Hawthorne 2 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Award-winning Breakfast
Jam On Hawthorne
2.
Paradox Cafe 2 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Vegan Breakfast
Paradox Cafe
3.
Saltys on the Columbia River l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For River Views
Salty’s on the Columbia River
Best For Award-winning Breakfast

Jam On Hawthorne

Jam on Hawthorne breakfast

Jam On Hawthorne cafe Portland

One of my favorite spots for breakfast in town (and many others too), Jam on Hawthorne is an award-winning breakfast destination, that serves conventional American breakfast in a creative, artsy, and hipster café. It’s also vegan-friendly, family-friendly, kid-friendly, and just all-around friendly and welcoming.

Jaw on Hawthorne has everything from corned beef to fried chicken, poached to scrambled eggs, pancakes to oatmeal, and fantastic vegan options. I’d personally recommend trying the incredible Loaded Hashbrowns and Ty’s Big Breakfast. 

The restaurant also sells specially made jam. This restaurant has won Portland’s best brunch for three years since 2018!

Pros

Award-winning breakfast destination

Vegan-friendly choices are available

Family and kid-friendly atmosphere

Known for fantastic homemade jams

Cons

Crowded during peak hours

Limited parking space

Potential wait times


Best For Vegan Breakfast

Paradox Cafe

Paradox Cafe Vegan breakfast Portland

Are you in search of some delicious vegan breakfast in Portland? Then, this is the perfect place for you. I think the best thing about Paradox Cafe is that it’s homely and cozy.

Providing a wide range of vegan options, from toast to pancakes, Paradox Cafe has a hearty menu with all the breakfast essentials and then some.

So, if you want to feel at home and enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast, drop by and see for yourself.

Cons

Limited non-vegan choices

Smaller seating area

Best For River Views

Salty’s on the Columbia River

Salty's on the Columbia River Portland

Salty's on the Columbia River Portland breakfast

The best place for a sumptuous breakfast in Portland isn’t downtown but by the Columbia River. Offering amazing riverside views to its guests, Salty’s is truly a class apart.

Known for its award-winning, fresh Northwest seafood and incredible hospitality, this picturesque spot, with its two-story decks and majestic walls of windows, is anchored right on the river.

From Northwest breaches, steaks, pasta, chicken, and sandwiches to luncheon salads, you’ll find everything on the menu- and the scenic river view is just the cherry on the cake!

Pros

Breathtaking river views

Award-winning Northwest seafood

Two-story deck ambiance

Wide menu variety

Cons

Slightly pricey

Limited vegetarian options

Opens late on Mondays

Best For Waffles

Waffle Window

Waffle Window breakfast Portland

Calling all waffle-lovers – the Waffle Window in Hawthorne is a dream come true. This eatery isn’t just an adorable place filled with delicious waffles but is quite affordable, too.

The homemade Belgian waffles are unparalleled, and the Farm Fusion Waffle is a unique must-try.

Opt for this savory sensation, or try the blissful blueberry cheesecake to satisfy sweet tooth cravings. This is the spot for you if you want a binge during breakfast.

Pros

Affordable breakfast option

Unique Farm Fusion Waffle

Great sweet tooth satisfaction

Irresistible Belgian waffles

Cons

Closes early on Monday to Thursday

Potential morning rush

Limited seating space

Best For Craft Coffee

Proud Mary Cafe

Proud Mary Cafe breakfast Portland

If you need a good cup of coffee to have a good day. Look no further, Proud Mary Café prides itself in offering to one of the best coffees in the country!

This café with its urban hipster vibe, is all about serving its guests premium quality coffee, healthy smoothies, and sumptuous breakfast in an offbeat, minimalist, or relaxed style.

If you’re looking for a chic, edgy place, visit this cafe in Alberta and taste the craft coffee and delicious breakfast in a stylish Hip Aussie-style space.

Pros

Premium craft coffee

Healthy smoothie options

Sumptuous breakfast menu

Chic

Hip and Aussie-style space

Cons

Limited parking space

Potentially higher prices

May not suit all tastes

Best For Organic Breakfast

Tin Shed Garden Cafe

Tin Shed Garden Cafe Portland

Tin Shed Garden Cafe Portland Oregon

A small, homey place specializing in American food, offering splendid hospitality on a covered patio with a canine menu- Tin Shed Garden cafe in Alberta provides a wide range of healthy options for breakfast and is also LGBTQ+ friendly.

This place has been featured by The New York Times as it offers earth-friendly, organic, and free-range foods whole of flavor. There are also some great vegan options. 

Guests can enjoy breakfast on the outside patio amidst a lovely garden. The homemade jam potato cakes topped with scrambled eggs are a few of the most loved dishes.

Pros

Organic and free-range breakfast options

Splendid hospitality and LGBTQ+ friendly

Lovely garden patio seating

Homemade jam and potato cakes

Best For Homestyle Breakfasts

Sweedeedee

Sweedeedeepdx Breakfast

A cute cafe on Albina Ave provides homestyle breakfast in a bright and stylish space. Known for its incredible coffee and extensive tea selection, this joint offers outdoor seating and healthy breakfast options.

Its cottage-style Victorian interiors and the sweet smell of baked goodies make this place feel warm and comforting. Come in alone, or bring your friends over for a memorable meal.

Cons

Opens late on Sunday

Limited parking space

Best For Pancakes

Slappy Cakes

Slappy Cakes Portland Oregon

Slappy Cakes is a full-service breakfast restaurant favorite among kids and families. Besides yummy dishes, this kid-friendly spot offers fun activities like DIY pancakes.

Both children and adults can make breakfast and prepare pancakes at this inviting location. Located on Belmont Street, Slappy Cakes is an affordable and accessible option for pancake lovers.

Pros

Interactive DIY pancakes

Wide appeal to both kids and adults

Affordable breakfast option

Variety of pancake toppings

Best For All-day Breakfasts

Marco’s Cafe

Marco’s Cafe Portland Oregon

A splendid cafe with an all-day breakfast, Marco’s is a long-time restaurant that offers delicious, traditional American food. The restaurant has an eclectic vibe, and its iconic umbrella-covered ceiling will catch your eye.

The hip yet comfortable interiors make this breakfast spot in Multnomah, Portland, kid- and family-friendly.

Cons

Limited parking space

Crowded during peak hours

Best For Alfresco Breakfast

Eastburn

The Eastburn Portland Oregon

The Eastburn breakfast Portland

If you want honest comfort food and homely hospitality, head to The Eastburn on East Burnside Street.

Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant has a beautiful courtyard patio, fireplaces, and rocking chairs.

The Eastburn is known for its fun vibe and inventive and playful dishes. It’s a great spot to grab breakfast outdoors.

Pros

Relaxing courtyard ambiance

Homely comfort food

Inviting outdoor patio with fireplaces

Playful and inventive breakfast menu

Cons

Limited indoor seating

Closes early on Sundays

Weather-dependent patio use

Best For French-style Breakfast

Petite Provence

Petite Province breakfast Portland

This incredible French boulangerie offers an elaborate array of delicious breakfasts such as fluffy bread, buttery pastries, and other delectable dishes.

Known for its cheerful service, this family-friendly bakery is the perfect place for an exquisite French-style breakfast. It has beautiful indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to go any day!

Pros

Authentic French pastries

A warm and welcoming ambiance

Family-friendly atmosphere

Varied indoor and outdoor seating

Best For Funky Decor

Bertie Lou’s

Bertie Lou’s breakfast Portland

Bertie Lou’s is a tiny, quirky, and funky spot. This cafe serves classic American dishes for breakfast and all through the day. The space has eclectic interiors with attractive napkin art on the walls.

Located on Southeast 17th Avenue, Bertie Lou’s is a unique spot that serves interesting yet comforting dishes and has a hospitable staff – that makes it a great place to start the day!

Pros

All-Day American breakfast

Quirky and unique atmosphere

Artful napkin decor

Cons

Limited seating space

Limited parking options

Best For Gluten-free Breakfasts

Cascadia Traditional

Cascadia Traditional breakfast Portland

This bakery is an exclusive place for gluten-free foods, pizzas, sandwiches, and an exceptional cup of coffee. Famous for its organic dishes, healthy options, and delicious recipes- Cascadia Traditional is a place where artisans provide food with unrivaled taste and craftsmanship.

Make your holidays joyful and healthy with gluten-free dishes from a fresh perspective at Cascadia, Portland.

Best For Scandinavian Food

Broder Cafe

Broder Cafe Portland Oregon

A small and straightforward Scandinavian eatery, Broder Cafe offers a vast selection of comfort food. The menu involves simple cooking and fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Each dish is refined with a focus on specific tastes and flavors.

With a twist to traditional Scandinavian cooking, breakfast at Broder Cafe is basic and minimal, warm and filling, and perfect for the cold and dark mornings in Portland.

The Swedish Breakfast Bord is a must-try in this super popular, cozy cafe.

Pros

Authentic Scandinavian cuisine

Fresh and local ingredients

Unique Swedish Breakfast Bord

A cozy and welcoming atmosphere

Cons

Parking can be challenging

Limited breakfast menu

Best For Gourmet Breakfast Cafe

Cheryl's on 12th

Cheryl’s on 12th breakfast

Cheryl’s is a gourmet cafe and market that presents experimental New American cuisine in a pleasant, upbeat space.

Clean food, excellent service, and everything-breakfast burgers are some of the things that people love here.

Located on Southwest Washington Street, this place is ideal and perfect for all gourmet lovers.

Pros

Creative New American Cuisine

Exceptional Breakfast Burgers

Ideal Southwest Location

Great Customer Service

Cons

Opens late on the weekend

Prices are on the higher side

Best For Luxury Dining

Urban Farmer at the Nines Hotel

Urban Farmer at The Nines Hotel

Urban Farmer started creating a new steak house with responsibly sourced food, high-quality ingredients, and sustainable values.

Its high values and premium quality have earned this restaurant the reputation of being one of the best breakfast places in Portland. This country-chic joint is on the 8th floor of the luxury Nine’s hotel.

Pros

Gourmet Breakfast Selection

Responsible Sourcing

Luxurious Atmosphere and Sustainability Focus

High-Quality Ingredients

Cons

Breakfast can be expensive

Limited Vegetarian Options

Best For Baked Goods

Lovejoy Bakers

Lovejoy Bakers Portland breakfast

Lovejoy Bakers is an open, airy bakery offering quintessential breakfast dishes like coffee and baked goods.

Called the best bakery for breakfast in the Pearl District, Lovejoy Bakers, as the name suggests, is all about love and joy in food.

The bakers specialize in homemade granola, lox sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and the signature Lovejoy breakfast. Located on Northwest Tenth Avenue, the café offers to-go dishes and cute outdoor dining seating.

Pros

Homemade granola specialty

Scrumptious lox sandwiches

Signature Lovejoy breakfast

Charming outdoor dining space

Cons

Limited seating space

Limited indoor seating

Potential morning rush

Best For Comfort-food Breakfasts

Gravy

Gravy cafe breakfast Portland Oregon

Gravy offers classic American breakfast and delightful comfort food that is served in minimal, understated space.

Having a casual, cosy settings, this place is known for its great coffee, elaborate menu, and prime location on North Mississippi Avenue.

No wonder it is a favourite amongst tourists and one of the most popular breakfast place in Portland.

Pros

Hearty comfort-food breakfasts

Great coffee selection

Elaborate menu choices

Casual and cozy atmosphere

Cons

Limited seating space

May have long wait times

Best For Vintage Style Teahouse

The Hazel Room

The Hazel Room Portland breakfast

Serving inspired breakfast dishes, teas, and booze, the Hazel Room is a charming vintage-style tea house. This tea room serves biscuits, baked goodies, and gluten-free bread.

Oozing a classic old world charm, this spot has a wide range of sweet and savoury breakfast and tea-time dishes to satisfy any craving!

Pros

Vintage charm ambiance

Varied sweet and savory menu

Unique tea selections

Gluten-free options available

Cons

Limited alcoholic beverage selection

Potentially crowded seating

Best For Unique Breakfast Dishes

Cameo Cafe

Cameo Cafe Portland Oregon breakfast

Bored of the same old, standard breakfast menu? Then, visit Cameo Cafe for an exciting and innovative take on breakfast! Ingredients are sourced locally, and the recipes are modern.

The menu includes everyday traditional American dishes with a unique spin and exciting Korean fusion cuisine.

The scenic golf course provides an excellent view of the outdoor patio. Situated at the Tenth Hole of Club Green Meadows, the Cameo Café combines the traditional with the contemporary to bring out the best flavours.

Cons

Parking can be tricky

Possibly higher prices

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