10 Oregon Breakfast Spots Worth Setting Your Alarm Early For (Seriously)
Morning hunger hits differently in Oregon.
I’ve spent years hunting down the state’s most mouthwatering breakfast joints, and let me tell you – these spots are worth crawling out of bed for. From fluffy biscuits drowning in gravy to crispy waffles topped with everything imaginable, these breakfast havens will make you a morning person (even if you swear you’re not).
1. Pine State Biscuits: Flaky Heaven On A Plate
The first time I bit into their Reggie Deluxe, I nearly wept. Buttermilk biscuits so flaky they shatter, topped with fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and drowning in gravy.
Lines form early at their Alberta location, but trust me – worth every minute of waiting. Their coffee packs enough punch to jumpstart your day too.
2. Screen Door Eastside: Southern Comfort Meets Pacific Northwest
Y’all haven’t lived until you’ve tried their chicken and waffles. Crispy fried chicken perched atop sweet potato waffles creates a flavor explosion that haunts my dreams.
Weekend brunch here is practically a Portland religion. I recommend arriving 30 minutes before opening or prepare to people-watch while your stomach grumbles impatiently.
3. Grits N’ Gravy: Soul Food That Speaks To Your Heart
Hidden in Salem’s downtown, this gem serves grits creamier than anything north of the Mason-Dixon line. My Southern grandmother would approve! Their secret? Stone-ground corn and enough butter to make a cardiologist nervous. Pair the shrimp and grits with their house-made hot sauce for a breakfast that’ll warm you from inside out.
4. Hunnymilk: Brunch As Whimsical Art Form
Remember Saturday morning cartoons with sugary cereal? Hunnymilk captures that childlike joy in grown-up form. Their rotating menu always surprises – I once had brioche french toast with lavender honey that made me giggle with delight.
Their prix fixe format includes a drink, savory item, and sweet treat. Come hungry and camera-ready!
5. Off The Griddle: Plant-Based Paradise (Even For Meat-Lovers)
Confession: I dragged my feet when my vegan friend suggested this place. Now I’m obsessed with their tempeh bacon and tofu scrambles!
Their secret weapon? The Big Awesome – a vegan breakfast sandwich that converted this former bacon devotee. Even my carnivore friends request trips here, which speaks volumes about their plant-powered magic.
6. Tasty n Alder: Brunch With Cocktail Swagger
Radicchio hash with eggs changed my entire perspective on breakfast vegetables. Who knew bitter greens could taste this good at 9am?
Bacon, pickled vegetables, and cheese cubes are some of the garnish possibilities for their bloody mary bar, which is the true show-stopper. I’ve seen respectable individuals construct imposing works of art that are difficult to consume without structural engineering expertise.
7. Mother’s Bistro & Bar: Like Breakfast At Grandma’s (If Grandma Was A Chef)
Chef Lisa Schroeder created the ultimate comfort food sanctuary. Her wild salmon hash brings together Northwest ingredients with old-world cooking techniques that’ll make you close your eyes in bliss.
The chandeliers and vintage decor create a special-occasion feel, even on Tuesday mornings. Don’t miss their crunchy French toast – it’s dipped in cornflakes before cooking!
8. Broder Øst: Scandinavian Breakfast Revolution
Swedish meatballs for breakfast? Absolutely life-changing. This Hood River spot introduced me to aebleskivers – spherical pancakes filled with goat cheese and lemon curd that I still dream about.
It’s like entering a hygge magazine cover in their Danish-inspired atmosphere. Pro tip: For protein that will power mountain expeditions, get the lefse breakfast sandwich with gravlax.
9. Blue Star Donuts: Gourmet Morning Indulgence
Forget basic glazed donuts – Blue Star elevates morning pastries to art form status. Their Blueberry Bourbon Basil donut haunts my daydreams with its perfect sweet-savory balance.
Made from a brioche-based dough that takes 18 hours to prepare, these aren’t your gas station sugar bombs. I’ve literally planned downtown meetings around their Mississippi Ave location to justify my addiction.
10. The Waffle Window: Sweet And Savory Pocket-Sized Joy
Pearl District brunchers line up at this literal window for Liège-style waffles studded with pearl sugar crystals that caramelize while cooking. Pure genius!
My go-to order combines seemingly contradictory flavors: their Three B’s waffle with bacon, brie, and basil. The sweet-salty-herby combo initially sounds bizarre but creates flavor harmony that’ll convert skeptics instantly.