Okay, I’ll admit it. That headline was a cheesy attention grabber. I actually despise cigarettes. And I’m fairly certain you can’t smoke in most diners anymore. But I had to write a post about diners because I live for breakfast.
The Best Breakfasts in Portland, Oregon
There’s just something about the smell of pancakes, coupled with just a hint of the aroma of cigarettes that brings me fondly back to childhood vacations. Diners embody the heart of real America and are a treasure to behold from coast to coast.
Portland has its fair share of long-running diners. Where many of the booths are tattered and worn, the Formica tables have that charming chip off the corner, and the wait staff greets you as if you’ve been coming for years.
A constant in an ever-changing world
Diners are where you come to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the neighborhood. These places don’t serve fancy meals. No, you come here for the comfort food, the comradery, and an inexpensive but filling meal.
You come here to be part of the family, even though you may have just rolled into town for the first time. These are the best places in Portland to get your greasy spoon on. Most of these diners are only open for breakfast and lunch, so be sure to check the websites for more information on times.
What Diners Drive-Ins and Dives Portland didn’t cover
The Original Hotcake House Open 24 hours and ready to satisfy those late-night cravings after a night out on the town. Good luck finding a parking spot here around one or two in the morning!
City State Diner & Bakery A real diner with an uptown twist. Get ready for a line out the door for brunch on any given weekend. Come for the house-made biscuits, stay for the amazing cocktails.
Skyline Restaurant Since 1935 this iconic restaurant set on top of the west hills of Portland has been slinging its burgers. They’re still going strong but sadly have recently discontinued their breakfast menu. The horror!
Fuller’s Coffee Shop Describes itself as an old-school lunch counter. But you’ll find no dry bologna or crusty lunch ladies here. The portions are huge and the service is fast and friendly.
Stepping Stone Cafe. Just steps from trendy NW 23rd St. is a cafe so cozy and delectable (and affordable!) you will come back again and again. Made famous in Portland by word of mouth, then made famous the world over by Man vs. Food on the Food Network. Their claim to fame is the Mancake.
Tom’s Restaurant This yummy diner is set in an unassuming brick building, but you can’t miss it. It’s on the busy intersection of 39th and SE Division St. After enjoying your hearty breakfast (served all day) head to the adjoining sports bar for a pint and the latest sporting event.
Fat City Café Known for their incredible cinnamon rolls (uh, my mouth is watering) they have big portions and kitschy décor.There’s just something about staring at old license plates on the wall as you chew your bacon that is comforting.
Paradox Café Don’t worry, there’s hope for vegetarians in this post! Come here and be satisfied, omnivores be damned. I’m gonna break tradition with breakfast here and suggest the Caesar BLT wrap with avocado. Because…well…avocado!
Cameo Café Not only do they serve a killer breakfast but come here also for dinner. Why? Because meatloaf, ribeye and shrimp stir-fry, that’s why! Located next to a golf course, who knew?
Fat Albert’s Café This neighborhood café is so down-home they don’t even have a website. They don’t need one. The locals and word-of-mouth does the job quite nicely, thank you. But here’s a menu. http://places.singleplatform.com/fat-alberts-breakfast-cafe/menu
These iconic Portland restaurants have weaved their tasty fabric into the heart of the city. If you want an authentic Portland diner experience, head on over to any of these eateries and have your fill. There is something about a good diner that has stood the test of time, which overshadows the more trendy yet fleeting establishments offering up the latest Portland gastro-experience.
