Local favorites for late-morning indulgence
Portlanders absolutely love brunch. From the certain way the sun is angled in the brunching hour, to the perfectly acceptable excuse to have a cocktail before noon, brunch is a vibe. On that note, expect lines. Lines out the door are common on weekends. This is no deterrent to Portland's brunch faithful. The brunch line often doubles as community social hour, where neighbors bump elbows and catch up with each other, and make new friends as well. Some places like Tin Shed even serve coffee to those waiting in line. Before you know it, your name is called and you’re on deck for a spectacular meal. If lines aren’t your thing, choose a place like Toki or Slappy Cakes that accepts reservations.
Gathering with people you love and eating some delicious breakfast-lunch hybrid food - early, but not too early - is all there is to it, and we go crazy for it. With all the options for brunch in Portland, you can be assured of being treated to artfully crafted cuisine anywhere you go. The vibe of your brunch, however, is crucial. And this list will help you choose the perfect setting you’re after.
No-frills is the name of the game at Cameo. An old school joint, come here for the generous portions (pancakes by the “acre”), the bottomless coffee, and the comforting, tchotchke filled walls. The eggs benedict and “strong bread” are the perfect hangover cure!
Notable eats: eggs benedict, strong bread, kimchi omlette, pancakes by the “acre”
Cute and quaint, Swedeedee’s cozy and clean atmosphere are the perfect backdrop for a sweet little brunch with friends. Light and fresh portions and scrumptious baked goods are served by smiling faces. Try the french toast, sourdough toast, ricotta toast - anything toast will treat you well!
Notable eats: french toast, sourdough toast, ricotta roast - anything toast…
Serving breakfast all day, 7 days a week. This Nordic-themed restaurant allows you to beat the weekend crowds and enjoy a spectacular brunch any time. With dishes as delicious as they are difficult to pronounce, you’re sure to be treated to an adventure in Scandinavian comfort food. Start with the sweet æbleskiver (danish pancakes) served with lemon curd and lingonberry jam, then go savory with fölorade ägg (lost eggs) or smoked trout hash and wash it down with a Norwegian Punch.
Notable eats: æbleskiver (Danish pancakes), fölorade ägg (lost eggs), Norwegian punch
A spin-off of the renowned Han Oak restaurant, Toki has expanded their playing field to include some incredible brunch dishes. The famous Han Oak fried chicken here comes in sandwich form, along with breakfast baos (pork belly egg and cheese, sausage egg and cheese), mouthwatering mochi cakes, and Deadstock Coffee's "LeBronald Palmer," a mix of coffee, sweet tea and lemonade said to be a favorite of King James himself.
Notable eats: mochi cakes, steamed bao burgers, omurice
In a matter of a few years, Australian import Proud Mary has made a big name for itself in the Portland coffee and brunch scene - a tall order considering the competitive market. The care and attention to detail--from expertly roasted, single-varietal beans to the masterfully crafted brunch plates--has filled the bright, airy and modern restaurant with eager Portlanders every day. Try the ave toast, hash wrap, or the swole bowl.
Notable eats: avo toast, hash wrap, swole bowl, bloody Mary, house roasted coffee
Set sail on this truly unique brunch cruise! The Portland Spirit cruises the Willamette River for two hours while you enjoy a 5-star brunch, bottomless mimosas, and live piano music to accompany the ever-changing views.
Notable eats: crepes, huevos rancheros, quiche
Voted Portland’s best brunch three years running 2018-2020 by readers of WW, Jam on Hawthorne is a clear local favorite. With consistent scratch-made quality and wholesome neighborhood vibes, it’s easy to see why. Definitely order Pate A Choux Puffs with their signature jam for the table! Great vegan options as well - try the BBQ tempeh hash. For the carnivores, go for the famous corned beef hash.
Notable eats: Pate A Choux puffs, vegan bbq tempeh hash, the bizness sandwich
Slappy Cakes is all about the interactive experience! Each table is built with a griddle so guests can create their own pancake creations. Pick your batter and toppings, and go crazy! They also offer a full breakfast menu of comforting breakfast staples, if DIY is not your thing. Instead, sit back, sip a Stumptown Spanish coffee and enjoy a forest mushroom scramble.
Notable eats: DIY pancakes, country fried steak, forest mushroom scramble, Stumptown Spanish coffee
This Alberta Street staple has been around for almost 20 years, and remains a neighborhood favorite year after year. Tin Shed thrives on connection, and is the essence of Portland’s brunch community. They are notably the most dog-friendly place in town, where dog lovers can include their beloved pets at the table, and even order from the dog menu. Also incredibly accommodating to families with small children. They have consistently produced quality plates that keep loyal patrons coming back for years. The biscuits are a must try at any time of day!
Notable eats: biscuits and gravy, biscuits and jam, biscuits and biscuits and biscuits…
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