Portlanders aren’t typically a religious bunch, unless brunch is the topic of the hour – at which point we’re all devote and opinionated.

When it comes to brunch, we’re willing to put our reputation on the line to tell you about the best brunch spots in Portland based on firsthand experience.

As you may know, Portland’s brunch scene recently blew up and it’s not uncommon for wait times to exceed 2+ hours during weekends and 1+ hour during the weekdays (mercy).

It may seem absurd to wait in line for 1+ hours for eggs and bacon but it’s hard to deny that a handful of Portland’s brunch spots truly are worth the wait.

The challenge is weeding through mediocre spots to ensure you don’t waste your precious time and hard-earned money on and average brunch.

So if you’re trying to figure out which brunch spots are worth the wait, allow me to share by personal list of the best brunch in Portland (based on firsthand experience).

Best Brunch Portland, Oregon

Pine State Biscuits

We can’t talk about the best brunch in Portland without mentioning Pine State Biscuits, the granddaddy of all biscuits.

It’s inevitable that all Portland visitors know to swing by Pine State Biscuits while visiting Portland. This brunch spot has a cult following for a reason – their biscuits are arguably the best in Portland.

Pine State Biscuit is a perfect example of mastering one thing rather than focusing on a range of dishes. The best selling brunch options are obviously biscuit-centered (but guests can also order pancakes and hash browns) and the breakfast sandwiches truly shine.

It’s not uncommon for the line to wrap the block and a long wait is all but guaranteed during the weekends. Try to get there at opening hour to avoid the wait, however, even if you’re forced to wait I can attest that these biscuits are worth it.

Don’t leave without trying the Reggie Deluxe, it’s my favorite breakfast sandwich in Portland.

Screen Door

The secret has been out for a while now: Screen Door has some of the best brunch in Portland, and the long lines prove it.

Everyone and their dog has had brunch here and lived to tell the tale. Offering incredible southern dishes, Screen Door has perfectly executed fried chicken and waffles and folks wait for hours to get their hands on it.

Don’t make the mistake of skipping the biscuits and grits, especially if you’re brunching with a group of friends, both dishes stand out. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the french toast is out of this world!

Come early, and even then expect to stand in line. But I assure you, the wait is so worth it. Simply swing by a nearby cafe and grab a drink while you wait.

Note: Screen Door recently opened a second location in the Pearl District, check them out!

Address: 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214 & 1131 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209
Parking: FREE on-street parking, high demand and hard to find parking during peak brunch time, you may need to park 2-3 blocks away.

Olympia Provisions

Olympia Provisions is known nationwide for having some of the best charcuterie meats in the country. So it’s only fitting that this awesome Portland brunch spot serves up some of the best breakfast boards in Portland.

Seriously, the breakfast charcuterie boards cannot be missed, but make sure you also order the eggs benedict (it’s one of my favorite in the city) or one of the generous meaty hash dishes.

Local’s Tip: If you’re visiting this iconic Portland brunch spot during the summer, don’t sleep on the BLT. The heirloom tomatoes coupled with thick slabs of generous bacon is the perfect brunch treat.

Bullard Tavern

Let me preface this by disclosing a simple fact: I have no self-control around a good stack of pancakes, and the golden delights at Bullard Tavern left me weak in the knees.

My husband and I stumbled upon Bullard while wandering downtown aimlessly in search of new spots to try. This spot opened in 2018 and bills itself as a meeting point between Texas hospitality and Oregon’s unquestionable bounty.

The setting is comfortable and chic, with leather boots and a well-stocked bar. And rightfully so, with filling dishes like Duck Confit and Flat Iron Steak, you’ll be staying a while.

For the brunch options, my husband opted for Loaded Hash Browns, while I stayed loyal to the buttermilk pancakes. Within the first bite, we knew we hit a jackpot — Bullard definitely ranks as one of the best brunch spots in Portland.

Proud Mary Cafe

Proud Mary hails from Melbourne, Australia where it cultivated a cult following before deciding to expand to America by opening a small restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

The result? An epic Portland brunch spot that fills to the brim with eager locals and tourists alike every day of the week. Plus, the coffee is hard to beat.

The food is delicious and equally photogenic, they clearly know their target audience (ahem, millennials) and have the rave reviews to prove it. My personal favorite items include the avocado toast, potato hash and the cakey ricotta pancakes (which are unlike any pancakes I’ve every had before).

With food this good (and beautiful), it’s no wonder so many folks consider Proud Mary Cafe the best brunch in Portland!

Address: 2012 NE Alberta St. Portland, Oregon 97211
Parking: FREE on-street parking, high demand

Cafe Rowan

Named after the owner’s dog, Cafe Rowan is the new kid on the block but I’d be damned if I didn’t mention it on this list.

Self-dubbed as a “cafe for food lovers,” Cafe Rowan serves up phenomenal seasonal fare and mean breakfast sandwiches. Opened Fridays through Sundays, seasonal and local is the name of the game here.

Clear standouts are the breakfast sandwiches just mentioned, the breakfast burritos and the Lox Toast.

Regardless of what you order you can’t go wrong. Within a year of opening this quickly became one of the best brunches in Portland, so show our new neighbor some love and pay this restaurant a visit.

Address: 4437 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

Toki Restaurant

Opening in 2021, Toki is the new kid on the block, but that doesn’t stop them from serving some of the best brunch in Portland. The restaurant offers top-notch Korean fare atop the hallowed ground that was Tasty n Alder (RIP).

But fret not, Toki is a great alternative for great Portland brunch (although nothing will ever replace the steak and eggs from Tasty n Alder). The restaurant is helmed by Peter Cho, the mastermind behind Han Oak. As such, exceptional quality is non-negotiable to the benefit of hungry diners.

If this is your first time dabbling in Asian-inspired brunch in Portland, I highly suggest getting the Toki breakfast. The filling meal comes with mackerel, banchan, rice, soup and ponzu. It reminds me of the breakfasts we had in Japan and feels like the perfect companion to a cold and drizzly Portland day.

The other dish I can’t get out of my head is the omurice, which includes kimchi fried rice, pork belly, “tornado egg”, egg sauce, bulldog ketchup, nori and sesame. It’s a beautiful dish and the delicate top of scrambled eggs is unforgettable.

Also, if you have an insatiable sweet tooth, don’t sleep on the souffle cake. Sitting pretty atop chocolate anglaise, this thing is worth writing home about.

Fried Egg I’m in Love

It’s hard to wander the streets of Portland without coming across Fried Egg I’m in Love. This food cart spread like wildfire around the city and has finally opened a full service Portland breakfast restaurant on Hawthorne.

As you may have guessed, the menu centers around egg dishes (lots of them). Everything from filling breakfast egg sandwiches to creamy benedicts. My go-to staple at this Portland brunch spot is the signature dish — the Yolko Ono (egg, homemade pesto, and a hand-pressed house sausage patty).

My husband disagrees though and claims the best thing on the menu is the Egg Zeppelin (eggs, homemade sausage patties, cheddar, and holy aioli). I guess you’ll need to decide for yourself. 😉

Maurice

Maurice is one of my personal favorite brunch spots in Portland. This quaint little stark white restaurant is tucked into a little corner a stone’s throw from Powell’s Books, and feels like being transported to a charming European cafe, even if only for one meal.

Maurice serves Nordic-French cuisine so you’ll get a blend of delicious seasonal fare alongside time-tested classics like open faced sandwiches on rye bread called smordbord.

It’s worth a stop for the rosemary scone alone, but if you’re in the mood of a meal, the quiche and toast should not be missed.

What I love most about Maurice is the ability to participate in Fika, a Swedish tradition that loosely translates to a relaxing “coffee and cake break.” Sign me up!

Address: 921 SW Oak St, Portland, Oregon 97205
Parking: On-street for $2 per hour, high demand and hard to find parking during peak brunch time.

Jam on Hawthorne

When it comes to iconic brunch spots in Portland, Jam on Hawthorne is hard to beat.

Churning out classic American breakfast dishes like eggs, bacon, hash-browns and toast, this is the place to go if you’re looking for a traditional brunch in Portland that transports you back to simpler times.

Vegetarians are not forgotten, Ed’s Plate scramble is a great option and the coconut french toast is out of this world.

Offering a good balance of savory and sweet brunch options, this Portland brunch spot can please every palate. No wonder there’s typically a wait exceed 1+ hour, the food is worth it.

Plus, they have a great area for kiddos to play while adults drink mimosas and share workplace woes – what’s not to like?

Address: 2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Parking: FREE on-street parking, high demand and hard to find parking during peak brunch time, you may need to park 2-3 blocks away.

Stepping Stone Cafe

If you’re looking for a no-frill brunch in Portland then Stepping Stone Cafe is your spot.

A cozy, old-time diner-style restaurant serving up some of the best brunch in Portland, Stepping Stone Cafe usually dons a line that wraps the block.

The success of this restaurant can be attributed to the fair prices and delicious fare. I’m a sucker for the banana nut french toast but the iconic mancakes (which are bigger than your head!) are hard to beat.

Mother’s Bistro

Mother’s Bistro is a Portland institution that has been around since 2000.

A very popular Portland brunch spot thanks to a large menu that features delights like the memorable Challah French Toast and salmon hash you won’t soon forget.

Mother’s serves traditional American fare with a unique twist – every month they feature recipes from a “Mother of the Month.”

The Mother of the Month sets the month’s menu based on her unique cultural fare and childhood meals. This makes for such a fun Portland brunch experience that is ever-changing.

As a frequent visitor, I highly recommend ordering items from the seasonal menu – you never know what a treat you might stumble upon.

Address: 121 SW 3rd Ave. Portland, Oregon 97204
Parking: On-street for $2 per hour, high demand and hard to find parking during peak brunch/dinner times.

Gravy

Perhaps the most iconic brunch spot in Portland, Gravy has been a hot-spot for years now and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

You’ll need to arrive early if you plan to get a table without a 1+ hour wait. Once inside, spend time looking over the menu but make sure to order the restaurant’s staple dish — biscuits with homemade gravy.

The portions are large and the Bloody Mary is memorable.

Also, I have no idea what they put in the oatmeal, but goodness – I never pass up the chance to order a bowl.

HunnyMilk

Perhaps one of the most creative brunch spots in Portland, HunnyMilk is a two-course Prix-fixe restaurant where customers choose one non-alcoholic drink, one savory dish and one sweet dish for $24.

Originally started as a pop-up restaurant serving some of the best brunch in Portland, it took no time for them to find a location on Burnside and 19th to keep up with demand.

With the creative menu changing so frequently, it’s hard to recommend what you should order but I can tell you this — it’s hard to go wrong. For the current menu, click here.

Also, if the hot chocolate is on the menu, you must absolutely order it — trust me.

Off the Griddle

Off the Griddle is the best vegan brunch in Portland, hands down.

The menu is completely vegan yet attracts non-vegans all the same. Churning out benedicts, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos and even chicken and waffles — the twist? All dishes are dairy and meat free.

If you simply can’t live without cheese (*raises hand) and eggs, the restaurant can substitute the real deal if you ask. If you’re willing to expand your comfort zone and try vegan cuisine, I highly recommend swinging by.

Broder

Serving innovative Scandinavian cuisine, Broder is renowned for their Nord Bord (a twist on the better known charcuterie board), airy beignets and smoked trout hash (my favorite).

This is my go-to brunch spot in Portland to take out-of-town visitors because it’s hard to find Scandinavian food in America. But be forewarned, it tends to be lively inside and the music may be too noisy for some.

Cheryl’s on 12th

It’s hard to believe that such a beloved brunch spot in Portland has only been around since 2012 because it feels like Cheryl’s has been serving up some of the best brunch in Portland since as long as most of us can remember.

The line is normally out the door but there’s a good reason for it. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is welcoming. The beignets are a must-order and the Portuguese fried rice scramble is excellent.

Grain & Gristle

Grain & Gristle is one of the fanciest Portland brunch options on this list, but still worth a visit if you want some delicious food. I’ve yet to be disappointed by a single item on the menu but clear standouts are the biscuits and gravy (some of the best in Portland) and the airy beignets.

Basically, the rule is this: If it’s made from carbs, Grain & Gristle does it right. They do a great job with both sweet and savory brunch options, which isn’t always the case.

If you have a sweet tooth, get the strawberry shortcake or the cinnamon roll, both treats are phenomenal. If you prefer savory bites, order any of the omelet dishes (they never fail to impress).

Grain & Gristle is super cozy, which is why it’s become my go-to Portland brunch spots.

Little Griddle

Relying on a well curated and small menu, Little Griddle is a charming little breakfast joint serving up some of the best brunch in Portland.

The food is as fresh as it gets, it’s evident that this restaurant prides itself on serving quality dishes in a welcoming setting. The service is consistently friendly and I’m always eager to return.

I especially like the shakshuka, pork sausage biscuit with gravy and the curry hash — which surprised me because I normally don’t appreciate curry dishes. But I wanted to try something new and absolutely loved it!

Redwood

A classic Portland brunch spot for crowd-pleasing eggs and hashbrowns, best known for serving up consistently great brunch fare in Portland.

The potato pancakes are clear standouts and should be ordered and the fried oatmeal waffle has a crunchy exterior that satisfies every bite. Oh, and the smoked trout hash is also a must!

Kingsland Kitchen

Originally started as a food cart in 2015 before settling into a brick-and-mortar shop in 2017, Kingsland Kitchen serves up classic dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

My husband and I first discovered Kingsland Kitchen while wandering downtown in search of lunch spots close to my office. We were so impressed with the food we decided to return for brunch.

The large English breakfast menu is full of eggs, bacon, skillets and hash brown dishes guaranteed to satisfy. I ordered the pancakes and ate them like I was training for a marathon. My husband had the hash and talks about it to this day.

Podnah’s

If you’re in the mood for a meaty Portland brunch, Podnah’s is sure to fit the bill. This smokehouse joint excels at smoked meats, and we’re all better for it.

Brunch is a weekend-only affair and the wait is well worthwhile. Smoked meats grace every brunch dish at this counter-service restaurant and the breakfast tacos are worth writing home about.

What’s better than a warm biscuit with juicy smoked meat? I’ll wait.

Lauretta Jean’s

Lauretta Jean’s feels like a secret because some folks still don’t know that they serve up some of the best brunch in Portland.

It’s no surprise that a bakery churning out the best pies in Portland would master baked brunch dishes too. You know I’m a sucker for a good breakfast sandwich and Lauretta Jean’s Classic sandwich doesn’t disappoint.

A perfectly flaky biscuit acts as a canvas for strawberry jam, an egg and cheese. Don’t question this creation, it’s downright perfect.

Sweedeedee

A quaint hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving up some of the best brunch in Portland, Sweedeedee is best known for serving up some delectable fare and creative dishes like cornmeal pancakes that are a perfect cross between pancakes and cornbread.

The line is normally out the door but customers are fine waiting because this is some of the best brunch in Portland.

In addition to the cornmeal pancakes, I highly recommend the trout plate and the traditional breakfast plate. You won’t go wrong with either.

Also, you should absolutely order the salted honey pie — a classic for good reason.

Best Brunch Portland Oregon
Sweedeedee Portland

Portland Brunch Spots That Have Temporarily Paused Brunch Service

Pambiche

Tired of the typical eggs, bacon, toast and hash? Mix is up with a unique twist on brunch at Pambiche.

Rather than traditional American breakfast items, Pambiche serves up delicious Cuban dishes known across the city as some of the best.

A clear standout was the chorizo egg scramble, where the spicy kick of the chorizo takes traditional eggs to the next level and makes them pale in comparison.

But the secret’s out and this iconic Portland brunch spot fills up quickly during weekends. Get there early to avoid a long wait.

Milk Glass Mrkt

Milk Glass Mrkt is arguably the most unassuming Portland brunch spot on this list, but it’s so good. Sitting on a quiet corner in North Portland, this quaint little gem dishes out some of the best sweet brunch dishes in PDX.

Everything is beautifully presented, a feast for the eyes before your taste buds get in on the action. The focus is on locally sourced seasonal cuisine, so the menu changes regularly to keep things fresh.

I ordered the tartine and couldn’t have been happier. The generous slab of airy brioche made the perfect canvas for the pleasant sweet cream and generous heap of berries.

Tusk

What can I say about Tusk that hasn’t been said before? This place is a gem and seems to be a favorite Portland brunch spot for most locals.

The creative Mediterranean menu is described as “locally sourced, aggressively seasonal” and the proof is in the pudding. The dishes are sensational and the bright and cheery decor can lift the spirit of any winter-weary Portland native (*raises hand).

A plethora of shared plates await you at this trendy restaurant, where seasonal produce takes center stage and pleasantly surprises guests with clean, bright notes that demand a second, third, and fourth bite.

This is one of the best brunch spots in Portland if you prefer grain bowls and lighter fare to kick start your day. Eggs are available, but vegetables are clearly the focus.

As you can imagine, the wait is usually out the door. Tusk was named restaurant of the year by Food & Wine magazine in 2017.

Needless to say, the wait is well worth it, this is a Portland brunch experience you won’t soon forget.

Address: 2448 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Parking: FREE on-street parking, high demand and hard to find parking during peak brunch time, you may need to park 2-3 blocks away.

Canard

Canard is an off-shoot restaurant of Le Pigeon, one of the best (if not THE best) restaurant in Portland. We’ve visited Canard on several occasions, but our favorite meal is brunch — by a mile.

And honestly, it all comes down to one dish for me — the duck stack pancakes. Buttermilk pancakes cooked in duck fat and topped with duck sausage gravy, topped with duck eggs. Oh, and did I mention the foie gras? Let all of that sink in.

Needless to say, brunch at Canard is worth a celebration.

The creative menu paired with the unbelievable taste of these perfectly executed dishes makes Canard my favorite brunch in Portland.

Coquine

Coquine is often regarded as the best restaurant in Portland, so it probably comes as no surprise that their brunch menu would be worthy of accolades.

The brunch menu is well curated and doesn’t overwhelm. There’s a clear focus on perfectly executed brunch dishes like brioche egg sandwiches, seasonal pancakes and quite possibly the best corned hash in Portland.

Besaw’s

Opening in 1903, Besaw’s is a one of the oldest restaurants in Portland so it’s no wonder most locals consider it a Portland staple.

The restaurant was recently relocated from an older building into a spacious industrial yet charming space on NW 21st Ave.

Boasting an expansive menu of comforting brunch dishes, I’m partial to the dream cakes but if you’re on the savory side of breakfast, grab the farmer’s hash.

I especially enjoy the creative seasonal brunch items, like the butternut squash french toast and seldom pass up the chance to revel in the chef’s creativity.

Address: 1545 NW 21st Ave. Portland, Oregon 97209
Parking: On-street for $2 per hour, high demand and hard to find parking during peak brunch/dinner times.

Best Portland Brunch (Post Summary)

In short, here’s a quick list of the best brunch spots in Portland.

Pine State Biscuit
The Screen Door
Bullard Tavern
Proud Mary Cafe
Jam on Hawthorne
Toki Restaurant
Maurice
Mother’s Bistro
Gravy
HunnyMilk
Kingsland Kitchen
Olympia Provisions
Off the Griddle
Pepperbox
Broder
Cheryl’s on 12th
Redwood
Salty’s
Canard
Grain & Gristle
Stepping Stone Cafe
Cafe Rowan
Little Griddle
Fried Egg I’m in Love
Milk Glass Mrkt
Sweedeedee
Tusk
Podnah’s
Coquine
Pambiche
Besaw’s

Map of the best brunch in Portland

Love Portland? Here’s some articles you may find interesting

Picking the best brunch spots in Portland is a fool’s errand. The city often ranks as one of the best foodie cities in the country, and simply put — there’s too many restaurants to choose from. But in curating this list of the best brunch spots in Portland, I did our best.

Let me know if I missed anything or if you think any other brunch restaurants should be added to the list!

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Until next time,

Antonina

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Sid Rama says

June 22, 2021 at

Fabulous advice; i’ve been in pdx for over 25 years but haven’t seen such a nice summary of places and things to do close to portland.

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Anonymous says

March 22, 2022 at

What about the Daily Feast it’s on 11th and Taylor. It’s amazing brunch diner with great staff and amazing food! It’s a must try! My family loves it!

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Paquita says

October 1, 2022 at

What about Paiku in St Johns?

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