The Corned Beef Hash at Besaw's. Photo: Besaw's Facebook
It’s no secret that brunch is Portland’s favorite meal. There is even a skit about it on Portlandia! Why do we line up to tuck into breakfast foods at all hours (so worth it)? Farm-to-table goodness, the highest quality fair trade coffee roasters, a variety of brunch experiences and the most outstanding bread-meat-vegetable-and-egg combinations that our famed roster of celebrity chefs have to offer. There is even an entire event, Brunch Village, dedicated to morning meal foods each year at Feast Portland, Portland’s nationally-recognized culinary event dedicated to raising awareness and funds to end childhood hunger. Want to try some of Portland’s best breakfast food spots? Here are some Summer 2016 Where To Eat Guide selections to get you started:
The patio at Meriwether's is in full bloom in the summertime! Photo: Meriwether's Facebook
Meriwether’s Restaurant and Skyline Farm
If you are in the mood for something unbelievably fresh, then Meriwether’s is a delightful brunch pick. Many of the ingredients are from Meriwether’s nearby Skyline Boulevard farm. Located between the Nob Hill shopping district and Forest Park, brunch on Meriwether’s garden patio could easily be combined with a weekend shopping or hiking trip … or both!
2601 SW Vaughn St
Eat this: Dungeness Crab Omelet with preserved peppers, mascarpone and fines herbes or Brioche French Toast with citrus Anglaise and pistachio brittle.
Drink this: Kobos Coffee or Numi Tea, fresh squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice, Pomegranate Lemonade.
The Bloody Mary at Fireside. Photo: Stephanie Forrer
In the heart of the trendy NW 23rd Ave shopping district, Fireside offers the fun of the grill combined with a cozy interior. Brunch indoors or out and be very comfortable!
Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
“Late Brunch” 3 pm – 5 pm
801 NW 23rd Ave
Eat this: Classic Benedict with Olympia Provisions ham, poached eggs and hollandaise or Veggie Hash with seasonal raab, fava beans, feta, pasilla de Oaxaca and over-medium eggs. Also try sweets such as Cinnamon Roll with brown butter or Dutch Baby with huckleberries!
Drink this: Spella Roasters Coffee, Steven Smith Teas, Fireside “Campfire Espresso,” Classic Brunch Cocktails like their Bloody Mary and more creative cocktails such as the “Eye Opener” (campfire espresso, half and half, bourbon, Becherovka, Barenjager and Angostura bitters).
Sunday morning at Boke Bowl Photo: Boke Bowl Facebook.
The Eastern tradition of Dim Sum comes to Portland each Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm at Boke Bowl’s Westside location, right on the North-South Portland Streetcar. These Cantonese-style small plates are great for sharing, so this would be a fantastic Brunch adventure for a group.
1200 NW 18th Ave
Eat this: Black Bean Spare Ribs, Hum Bao-curried squash (vegan) or pork jam with kimchi, Chicken and Waffle-yeast rice cake with Boke fried chicken (gluten free), Profiteroles with Banana Cream and Tamarind Caramel.
Drink this: A variety of soft beverages, wine, beer, sake and spirits.
Photo: Besaw's Facebook
Besaw’s, a beloved Portland mainstay (especially for brunch), had been housed until this year in the same space since 1903. Now located at NW 23rd and Raleigh, the “bona fide comfort food” restaurant is ready to welcome their family of customers for the next century. This one’s a must-do on your Portland #DiningBucketList.
1545 NW 21st Ave
Eat this: Avocado Toast with feta, sunflower seeds, radish and cilantro or the Farmer's Hash with bacon, asparagus, onion, roasted potatoes, roasted garlic, cheddar, greens, scrambled eggs and a scratch biscuit.
Drink this: “Daydrinking Cocktails” like the Maiden Oregon with Krogstad Aquavit, Clear Creek Apple Brandy, Doug Fir Eau de Vie, lemon juice and orange-cardamom syrup.
Breakfast Hash at Daily in the Pearl. Photo: Stephanie Forrer
Head over to brunch at Daily Café on Sundays, 9 am – 2 pm. This is locally sourced, home grown and house made goodness at its best, from the organic potato home fries to the applewood smoked bacon and chicken-apple sausage to the multigrain baked goods. Ask about the weekly specials.
902 NW 13th Ave
Eat this: Maple Glazed Pork Belly with julienne red peppers and carrots over sticky rice, topped with a poached egg or Scottish-style Oregon coast Smoked Salmon with cream cheese, capers, cucumbers, red onion and a toasted Bowery sesame seed bagel.
Drink this: A Blood Orange Bellini or a Bloody Mary. Or both?
Photo: LeChon Facebook
This South American-themed gem is located in a historic building on the Waterfront near Portland Saturday Market and features wood-fired goodies. Both the interior and exterior dining spaces are lovely. This is a fantastic spot to try if you love brunch but are craving something unique. Ask about menu items for kids.
113 SW Naito Pkwy
Eat this: Chorizo or Mushroom Breakfast Tacos (vegan), 5 oz. Steak and Eggs with potato hash and chimichurri, Dulce de Leche French Toast with coconut and passionfruit crema (vegan).
Drink this: Espresso, Café Latte.
Breakfast sandwich goodness at Good Earth Cafe. Photo: Jason Staats
Can’t wait for the weekend to enjoy the breakfast foods you love? This cozy, old fashioned made-to-order diner is perfect for a hearty weekday morning meal. Savor fresh baked goods and free Wi-Fi, as well as a dedicated take-out area for the Portland business community.
Mon-Fri, 7 am – 2:45 pm (breakfast until 11:00 am)
Sat, 8 am – 1:30 pm (breakfast all day)
Sun, closed
1136 SW 3rd Ave
Eat this: Biscuit and Gravy with two eggs and potatoes, Build Your Own Omelet with home fries and your choice of toast, Challah French Toast.
Drink this: Coffee and Juice.
