I think many people would agree that brunch is one of the favorite weekend pastimes shared among Portlanders. And I’m in no way trying to be cute by calling Portland brunch a hobby. Any Portland resident knows that you have to give up a good chunk of your day if you want to participate in this beloved weekend activity. It’s very rare to walk into a restaurant and expect to be seated immediately on any given Saturday or Sunday.
Luckily, plenty of Portland brunch spots deliver delectable options that are worth the wait. Every part of town has amazing restaurants to fulfill your cravings, whether they be sweet or savory. But while you can wander into places all over the city and enjoy an awesome meal, these are a few picks that really stick out in my mind.
Proud Mary
Although I’m a creature of habit, that all goes out the door when I walk into Proud Mary. Their rotating menu always has something new and delicious, which makes it hard to have a go-to dish here. To top it all off, the presentation is simply spectacular. Everything on the menu is beautifully adorned with garnishes like edible flowers. And, although you can expect to wait more than an hour to be seated, this brunch spot is conveniently located near various cool shops on Alberta Street. So you can do a little window shopping while you wait for your name to be called off the waiting list.
Besaw’s
Besaw’s is a Portland institution located in Slabtown, and it doesn’t take much time to see why. To start, the menu is incredible and features options like a breakfast burger on top of your usual early-morning favorites. You’re sure to walk out of this place with a full belly and smile on your face. In addition, every corner of this place is also Instagram-worthy, with beautiful wallpaper and fixtures adorning every corner.
Broder Nord
If you’ve never had the Danish dessert Aebleskivers, you’re definitely missing out. I first discovered this dish on a trip to Solvang, a cute Danish village just outside Santa Barbara. From that moment on, I became a fan of this delicous dessert resembling fried donut holes. That is why I was ecstatic when I found Broder Nord. This cute brunch spot in Portland’s industrial district does not disappoint and fulfilled my sweet tooth. Plus, the wait is not too long from my experience, which makes it convenient.
Commissary Cafe
Commissary is my go-to place when I’m looking for something quick and cheap. Although their weekend menu is simple, it’s delicious nonetheless. I usually get the “Lights,” which is their biscuit and egg dish, and it always hits the spot. I especially love this place for dining alone, since it’s a coffee shop and not out of the norm.
Figlia
I love everything about Figlia, from the decor to the food. While seating is limited at this brunch spot, you are definitely in for a treat if you’re willing to wait for a seat at the communal table. Or if you’re alone, you can always grab a spot at the counter. I personally love their avocado toast, which is the best I’ve had. However, if you’ve given up avo toast under the idea that it’s the reason millennials can’t afford houses, there are plenty of other options. I’d suggest giving their flatbread and salads a try. Their “Early Start” smoothie is also a favorite of mine.
Hunnymilk
Hunnymilk is a recent find for me, but has quickly become one of my favorite brunch spots. This restaurant offers guests a unique dining experience. Each person gets to choose a drink, savory and sweet dish from the prix fixe menu. The wait isn’t all too bad either thanks to Hunnymilk’s fun setup. The restaurant has video and board games, books and everything in between to keep you entertained while you wait for the next available table.
Mother’s
If you’re looking for a homemade style meal, then visiting Mother’s in downtown Portland is a must. This popular spot offers dishes like migas, challah French toast and biscuits and gravy (my favorite). In addition, this restaurant is gorgeously decorated with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. If you can gather a group of 6 or more, I recommend making a reservation to save yourself the wait.
I hope you all enjoyed this post! I feel like I’ve now lived in Portland long enough that I have many favorites to share, so look for more posts like this to come in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, check out my list of must-see coffee shops.