Best Portland Restaurants for National Hot Breakfast Month

In a city where it rains 152 days a year and coffee flows like lifeblood, hot breakfasts aren’t just meals—they’re a survival ritual. Portlanders are devoted to two religions: the quest for the perfect craft beer and the eternal battle between bacon-topped waffles and vegan scrambles.

Portland is a place where farmers from the Willamette Valley deliver fresh eggs to restaurants before sunrise, where biscuit flour is milled in water-powered mills from the 1850s, and where coffee beans are roasted in repurposed military hangars.

Here are 10 of the best places to enjoy a hot breakfast in Portland during National Hot Breakfast Month.

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Founded in 2006, Screen Door became a cult favorite due to its "Southern hospitality" – offering free coffee to those waiting in line each morning. Their famous chicken and waffles are made using a recipe from the 1930s, and the eggs come from Draper Girls farm in Hood River. The restaurant also has a secret room for private dinners, where the walls are adorned with vintage kitchen tools.

Highlights:

    Chicken and Waffles – Southern-style fried chicken served on a waffle, drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
    Biscuits and Gravy – Fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy, served with scrambled eggs.
    Shrimp & Grits – Sautéed shrimp served over creamy grits, with a flavorful Cajun sauce.
    Fried Green Tomatoes – Crispy, golden fried green tomatoes served with a spicy remoulade sauce.
    Sweet Potato Pancakes – Light, fluffy pancakes made with sweet potato, topped with candied pecans and syrup.
    Crab Cake Benedict – Poached eggs and house-made crab cakes, topped with hollandaise sauce and served on an English muffin.

Recommendations:

    Try the sweet potato pancakes if you're looking for something unique and slightly sweeter than regular pancakes.
    If you enjoy a spicy kick, the Shrimp & Grits is a great choice with its Cajun flair.
    The Chicken and Waffles is a classic, but if you're after something lighter, consider pairing fried green tomatoes with a side salad.
    The portions are generous, so splitting dishes is a good option if you want to sample more of the menu.
    It can get busy on weekends, so arriving early is recommended, especially if you're looking to avoid the wait.

This restaurant started at a farmer's market in 2006, and today its biscuits even appear in films. The chefs use flour from the local Camas Country Mill and honey for sauces sourced from backyard apiaries. Their signature "The Reggie Deluxe" was created after one of the founders accidentally dropped an egg into the deep fryer.

Highlights:

    Green Chili Breakfast Burrito: A large flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, and your choice of sausage or bacon, smothered in house-made green chili.

    Denver Omelet: A classic combination of ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese, served with toast and hash browns.

    Blueberry Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes packed with fresh blueberries and served with butter and maple syrup.

    Corned Beef Hash & Eggs: Slow-cooked corned beef mixed with crispy potatoes and onions, topped with two eggs any style.

    Biscuits & Gravy: Buttermilk biscuits covered in homemade sausage gravy, served with eggs.

    Veggie Scramble: Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese, served with toast.

Recommendations:

    If you're in a hurry, the breakfast sandwiches are a quick and filling option.

    The house coffee is a solid choice to start your day.

    Portions are generous, making it a good spot for sharing or taking leftovers.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/pinest8biscuits/

The owner, a former firefighter, turned his love for Texas-style smoke into a restaurant. Breakfast meats are smoked for 14 hours over oak wood from eastern Oregon, and the chili sauce is made using his grandmother’s 1940s recipe. The Podnah's BBQ features a "rodeo chair," a miniature seat for children.

Highlights:

    Biscuit, Eggs, Grits, and Brisket: A hearty breakfast featuring biscuits, scrambled eggs, grits, and smoked brisket.

    Chicken Fried Steak with Grits, Biscuit, and Eggs: A Southern classic with a large chicken-fried steak served with grits, biscuit, and eggs.

    Breakfast Tacos: Soft flour tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo or bacon, and topped with cheese and salsa.

    Chilaquiles: Fried tortilla chips smothered in salsa, cheese, and eggs.

    Country Fried Potatoes: Crispy fried potatoes served with scrambled eggs and a choice of bacon or sausage.

    Veggie Scramble: Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese, served with toast.

Recommendations:

    Try the BBQ: Even if you're visiting for brunch, consider trying some of their famous BBQ meats like brisket or ribs.

    Explore Sides: Podnah's offers large portions of sides that are perfect for sharing. Try their mac and cheese or baked beans.

    Parking Tip: Be aware that parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

    Service Note: Some visitors have noted a mandatory service charge for takeout orders, so be prepared.

    Atmosphere: The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/podnahsbbq/

Broder Nord is a first restaurant outside Scandinavia to serve aebleskiver (Danish doughnut balls) with apple jelly from Hood River Fruit. The interior features original wooden tables from ships that once sailed to Norway. The chef travels to Oslo each summer for an internship to update the menu.

Highlights:

    Lost Eggs: A unique dish featuring eggs in a flavorful sauce.

    Baked Egg Scramble: A hearty scramble served with walnut bread and butter, accompanied by a choice of side.

    Two Baked Eggs: Served with walnut bread, butter, and your choice of side.

    Soft Baked Eggs: A delicate egg dish often paired with Nordic-inspired sides.

    Breakfast Sandwich: A Scandinavian twist on the classic breakfast sandwich.

    Pytt I Panna: A traditional Swedish dish made with diced potatoes, onions, and sometimes meat, topped with a fried egg.

Recommendations:

    Try the Aquavit: Broder Nord is known for its extensive aquavit selection, making it a great spot to explore Nordic spirits.

    Explore Nordic Flavors: Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Nordic dishes like Swedish Meatballs or Pytt I Panna.

    Visit Early: To avoid long waits, consider visiting around 11:00 AM on a weekday.

    Outdoor Seating: Enjoy the small but cozy outdoor patio for a relaxed dining experience.

    Parking and Accessibility: Be aware that parking in the area can be challenging, but the restaurant is accessible with a small patio and indoor seating.

This restaurant started as an experiment, with waffles being served through the window of an old bike shop. The dough is fermented for 24 hours using yeast from a Belgian brewery. The most unusual topping is a waffle with cheddar cheese and bacon, invented during a boozy marathon in 2009.

Highlights:

    Pearl Sugar Waffle: Served warm with powdered sugar, and options to add whipped cream or real maple syrup.

    Three B's: A waffle featuring Brie, bacon, and basil.

    Chicken and Waffles: A classic combination of crispy fried chicken served with a waffle.

    Strawberry Cheesecake Waffle: A sweet waffle with cheesecake pudding and whipped cream.

    Banana Nutella Waffle: A decadent waffle filled with banana and Nutella.

    Darkest Desire Waffle: A rich dessert waffle with chocolate.

Recommendations:

    Explore Seasonal Options: The Waffle Window often features seasonal creations, so be sure to check those out.

    Join the Waffle Club: Signing up for the Waffle Club can get you a free waffle around your birthday.

    Plan Ahead for Weekends: Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during the week for a more relaxed experience.

    Parking Tip: Free street parking is available, but it might be challenging during peak hours.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/wafflewindow/

Jam On Hawthorne collaborated with biologists from Portland State University to create its vegan menu—its signature tofu "eggs" even include seaweed for a salty, oceanic taste. In the summer, guests can enjoy breakfast in the restaurant’s secret garden, where they can pick their own fresh berries.

Highlights:

    French Toast: A popular dish with multiple variations, including Grand Marnier French Toast.

    Maddie Cakes: A specialty pancake dish.

    Ty's Big Breakfast: A hearty breakfast option featuring a variety of items.

    Pulled Pork Huevos Rancheros: A twist on traditional huevos rancheros with pulled pork.

    Roasted Pork Belly or Smoked Tofu Breakfast Sandwich: Offers both meat and vegan options.

    Two Egg Breakfast: A classic breakfast with options for sides like hash browns or cheesy grits.

Recommendations:

    Try the Breakfast Cocktails: Jam On Hawthorne is known for its creative breakfast cocktails like Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

    Explore Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The restaurant offers a variety of plant-based dishes, making it a great spot for those with dietary restrictions.

    Plan Ahead for Weekends: Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during the week for a more relaxed experience.

    Parking Tip: Be aware that parking can be challenging, with only street parking available.

    Family-Friendly: The restaurant is great for families with a kids' menu and high chairs available.

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Photo Credit: instagram.com/jamonhawthorne/

One of the last "classic diners" in Portland, Fuller's Coffee Shop has walls covered in autographs from famous visitors, including Anthony Bourdain. The coffee cups, unchanged since the 1950s, add to its vintage charm, while the hashbrowns are made using leftover butter from a local dairy.

Highlights:

    Gigantic Omelets: Known for their large size and variety of fillings.

    French Toast: Made with homemade bread, often served with maple syrup and butter.

    Corned Beef Hash: A classic breakfast dish featuring crispy hash browns and corned beef.

    Chicken Fried Steak: A hearty breakfast option served with eggs and hash browns.

    Pigs in a Blanket: Sausages wrapped in pancakes, a fun twist on traditional breakfast.

    Breakfast Special: Typically includes a pancake, an egg, and two pieces of bacon.

Recommendations:

    Try the Cheeseburger: Although not a traditional breakfast item, Fuller's cheeseburger is a menu staple and highly recommended.

    Enjoy the Ambiance: The diner's old-school charm and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual meal.

    Order the Monte Cristo: This sandwich is a popular choice for both breakfast and lunch.

    Plan Ahead for Weekends: Weekends can be busy, so consider visiting during the week for a more relaxed experience.

Cafe Du Berry was founded by a French immigrant who brought recipes from the village of Limoges. The café serves croissants made with butter from Tillamook and hot chocolate made with dark chocolate from Woodblock Chocolate. Literary evenings are held here, featuring local poets.

Highlights:

    French Toast: Cafe Du Berry's signature dish, especially the lemon curd French toast, which is highly praised by visitors.

    Eggs Benedict: A classic breakfast option featuring poached eggs on toasted English muffins with ham and hollandaise sauce.

    Steak and Eggs: A hearty dish with grilled steak served alongside eggs and hash browns.

    Seafood and Mushroom Omelettes: A flavorful omelette filled with seafood and mushrooms.

    Shirred Eggs: Baked eggs often served with homemade tomato sauce and hash browns.

    Veggie Frittata: A vegetarian option made with eggs and various vegetables.

Recommendations:

    Try the French Toast: Cafe Du Berry's French toast is a must-try, especially the lemon curd version.

    Explore Brunch Options: The restaurant offers a variety of brunch dishes, making it a great spot for a weekend meal.

    Reservations Recommended: While reservations are accepted, it's a good idea to plan ahead, especially for larger groups or special occasions.

    Parking Tip: Be aware that parking in the area can be limited, so plan accordingly.

    Family-Friendly: Cafe Du Berry is suitable for families with a cozy atmosphere and high chairs available.

Founded in 2000 by Chef Lisa Schroeder in honor of her mother, Mother's Bistro & Bar has become a symbol of "breakfasts made with motherly love." Every dish is prepared using recipes borrowed from mothers around the world—from Ukrainian syrnyky to Mexican huevos rancheros. A unique tradition: each month, the restaurant selects a "Mother of the Month," a woman from the community whose recipes are featured on the menu. The interior resembles a 1950s living room, complete with embroidered napkins and vintage family photographs.

Highlights:

    Crunchy Challah French Toast: A popular breakfast dish made with challah bread and often served with fresh fruit.

    Migas: A flavorful breakfast option featuring scrambled eggs with tortilla strips, onions, and cheese.

    Belgian Waffle: A classic waffle served with whipped cream and maple syrup.

    Breakfast Sandwiches: Various options including eggs, bacon, and cheese on a toasted bun.

    Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs on toasted English muffins with ham and hollandaise sauce.

Recommendations:

    Try the Crunchy Challah French Toast: This dish is highly recommended for its unique texture and flavor.

    Explore Comfort Food Classics: Mother's Bistro is known for its homemade comfort food, so be sure to try dishes like Chicken & Dumplings or Pot Roast.

    Reservations Recommended: Especially for dinner or large groups, as the restaurant can be busy.

    Parking Tip: Be aware that parking is limited to paid street parking.

    Family-Friendly: The restaurant offers a kids' menu and high chairs, making it suitable for families.

The name Sweedeedee comes from a children's song, and the café was born in 2009 in a former auto repair shop. The owners, a married couple of artists, transformed the space into a "rural corner" with handcrafted wooden tables and stained glass made from cobbled glass. Breakfast here is an experiment with fermented ingredients—like sourdough pancakes made from local apples aged in barrels for 48 hours. A hidden detail: in the courtyard, a century-old pear tree stands, under which waffles are cooked on a wood-fired stove in the summer.

Highlights:

    Breakfast Burrito: A popular dish filled with scrambled eggs and other breakfast favorites.

    Egg Sandwich: A simple yet satisfying option featuring a fried or poached egg on toasted bread.

    Potato Plate: A hearty side dish perfect for accompanying other breakfast items.

    Oatmeal: A comforting bowl of oatmeal, often served with fresh fruit or nuts.

    Grandma's Toast: A sweet treat with cinnamon sugar and butter, often recommended by visitors.

    French Toast: Although not always on the menu, when available, it is highly praised for its quality.

Recommendations:

    Try the Seasonal Dishes: Sweedeedee is known for its use of seasonal ingredients, so be sure to explore the latest offerings.

    Arrive Early on Weekends: The restaurant can get busy, especially on Saturdays when it opens at 9 AM.

    Save Room for Desserts: They offer delicious treats like the Salted Honey Pie.

    Parking Tip: Be aware that parking in the area can be limited, so plan accordingly.

Photo Credit: google.com