This Oregon Soul Food Diner Serves Comfort Classics Locals Refuse To Trade For Anywhere Else
Oregon has plenty of great spots to eat, but Po’ Shines Café De La Soul in Portland’s Kenton neighborhood hits different.
It’s a church-operated nonprofit that feels more like a community kitchen than a restaurant, and the warmth hits you before the food even arrives.
The catfish is seasoned just right, the BBQ is tender, and the sides taste like home. In Oregon, Po’ Shines isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a reminder that good food and good people always go hand in hand.
Golden Fried Catfish That Sets The Standard
Catfish reigns supreme at Po’ Shines, and locals will tell you it’s some of the best they’ve ever tasted. Each fillet gets coated in perfectly seasoned breading that crisps up beautifully while keeping the fish moist and flaky inside.
You can order it as a platter with classic sides or grab the catfish po’boy sandwich that comes topped with mysterious pickled greens. The tangy vinegar punch from those greens adds an unexpected twist that makes every bite interesting.
Reviews claim, “The catfish was moist, flaky, and had a perfect breading both in terms of texture as well as seasoning.”
Smoky BBQ That Passes The Authenticity Test
Smoked low and slow until tender, the BBQ offerings here include fall-off-the-bone ribs and juicy brisket that actually taste authentic. Many BBQ joints get it wrong, but Po’ Shines understands the importance of proper smoking techniques and seasoning balance.
The meat comes with homemade BBQ sauce that complements rather than drowns out the smoky flavor. Pair your protein with their smoked baked beans for a complete Southern experience.
Even picky BBQ fans admit this place gets it right where countless others have failed miserably.
Sweet Potato Pie Worth Dreaming About
Save room for dessert because the sweet potato pie here has earned legendary status among regulars. Made from a recipe passed down through generations, this pie achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
The filling is smooth and creamy without being too heavy, sitting in a flaky crust that crumbles just right. One devoted fan declared, “The sweet potato pie is quite literally the best I’ve ever had.”
Whether you eat it warm or cold, this dessert captures everything wonderful about traditional Southern baking in one unforgettable slice.
Collard Greens That Convert Vegetable Skeptics
Slow-cooked with just the right amount of seasoning, these collard greens have the power to change minds about leafy vegetables. They’re tender without being mushy, and the pot liquor adds depth that makes you want to soak it up with cornbread.
Families bring their picky eaters here knowing these greens have magical properties that somehow make kids actually enjoy their vegetables. The secret lies in traditional cooking methods and seasonings that have been perfected over time.
Rich, flavorful, and comforting, they taste exactly like what you’d find simmering on a Southern grandmother’s stove.
Chicken And Waffles Done Right Every Time
This classic combination gets the respect it deserves at Po’ Shines, where crispy fried chicken meets fluffy waffles in perfect harmony. The chicken stays crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy inside, and the waffles provide just enough sweetness to balance the savory.
Regulars who’ve been coming for over a decade still order this dish because it never disappoints. Drizzle some syrup over everything and experience why this pairing has stood the test of time.
Available during brunch hours, it’s become such a favorite that the restaurant even offers it as a late-night wedding snack option.
Mac And Cheese That Feels Like A Warm Hug
Forget the boxed stuff because this mac and cheese brings serious comfort to your plate with every cheesy, creamy bite. The pasta cooks to just the right texture, and the cheese sauce manages to be rich without feeling heavy or greasy.
Some versions come with a slightly crispy top that adds textural contrast to the creamy interior. It works perfectly as a side dish but honestly tastes good enough to eat as a main course.
Kids and adults alike find themselves going back for seconds, proving that simple dishes done well never go out of style.
Sweet Tea That Tastes Like Summer Memories
One sip of this sweet tea and you’ll understand why Southerners take their tea so seriously. Brewed fresh and sweetened just right, it’s refreshing without being syrupy or leaving that weird aftertaste some restaurants can’t seem to avoid.
The balance is tricky to nail, but Po’ Shines gets it spot on every single time. Customers have mentioned how it brings back childhood memories of hot summer evenings spent on front porches.
Pair it with anything on the menu, or just enjoy a tall glass on its own while you wait for your food to arrive.
Service With Genuine Southern Hospitality Built In
Walking into Po’ Shines feels less like entering a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home for Sunday dinner. Staff members introduce themselves, share stories about family recipes, and genuinely care about your dining experience from start to finish.
They double-check orders, confirm everything arrives correctly, and offer friendly conversation that makes wait times fly by. This nonprofit operates with heart, and it shows in every interaction.
Handshakes, smiles, and authentic connections turn first-time visitors into regulars who keep coming back for the warmth as much as the food.