Portland Brunch Spots

Here is an article I originally had published on the now defunct Yahoo Voices page.  As the weather warms up, people around here like to get out and get their brunch on.  Here are a few of my local favs:

Do you dig doughnuts, prefer pancakes or worship waffles?  You're in luck, there is something for every palate in Portland. Here are six places to get your most important meal of the day.

The Waffle Window

3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd,Portland, OR 97214

OR 2624 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Featured on IFC's Portlandia, this spot provides gourmet waffles for those on the go. Grab one to nosh while you stroll around Portland's east side.  What makes them unique is a yeast dough that is used instead of a standard batter. They offer several sweet and savory toppings.  A few examples include Nutella and banana or bacon, brie and basil topped waffles.

Stepping Stone Cafe

2390 NW Quimby Portland, OR, 97210

This place is home of the Mancake pancake, featured on Travel Channel's Man vs. Food.  Enjoy thirteen inches of pure flapjack. This place is a hidden gem in NW Portland. The prices are reasonable and you have your choice of pumpkin, wheat or buttermilk pancakes.

Voodoo Doughnut

22 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204 (orignal location)

Everyone I know takes visiting family and friends to this now legendary doughnut shop.  They offer a whopping seventy varieties of doughnuts.  They are famous for their bacon maple bar.  Be warned, they only accept cash.

Mother's Bistro

212 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97204

Situated in downtown Portland, this cafe has scrambles like Mom used to make. Mother's is one of those charming it places that always has a wait, so make a reservation.

Elmer's

9848 N. Whitaker Rd.,Portland, OR 97217 (One of many locations)

Elmer's is a local Northwest chain restaurant.  According to my husband, their french toast is unparalleled. If you are hipstered out and find yourself in a suburb, Elmer's has got you covered.   Local farm fresh ingredients are incorporated into their home-style cooking. They do have a wait on weekends, so go early if you can.

Black Bear Diner

13435 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy., Beaverton, OR 97005

In my humble opinion, Black Bear Diner has the best biscuits on the planet. One biscuit could really be a meal in and of itself.  It is located in Beaverton, a Portland suburb.  Nike and Intel campuses and a Powell's Books are nearby. 

If you have a chance to try every place on this list, you won't regret it.  Portland is one of the best places to be when you are looking for a memorable meal.