Don’t Miss Portland’s Best New Brunch Spots

I don’t know about you, but I sure love a good brunch. If you’re like most Portlanders, you probably do, too. But with so many new brunch spots opening up all the time, it can be hard to know which places are the most deserving of your time and money.

I’ve rounded up the best new Portland brunch spots just for you. Check them out and report back your favorites!

Heim Bakery and Café

Heim Bakery and Café owner and baker Jennifer Plitzko grew up in Germany. She’s a trained baker and pastry chef, and her bread shows that she knows what she’s doing. It’s dense and substantial—exactly the kind of bread you want for a breakfast sandwich. You can’t go wrong with the café’s seasonal sandwich, which is filled with peppered bacon, egg, Tillamook cheddar, and greens. You’ll also love the savory (egg, bacon, brie) or sweet (Chantilly crème, fruit compote, toasted almonds) sourdough waffles.

The café has a cozy, friendly vibe, but it feels plenty spacious. It also has a small retail section where you can buy cookies and other baked items, which can even be packaged for gifting.

7137 NE Fremont St.

Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HunnyMilk

HunnyMilk, the popular breakfast pop-up, finally has a permanent home on West Burnside. DO NOT miss the buttermilk biscuits featuring a fantastic chorizo gravy. Also highly recommended? The whiskey funnel cake with caramel apple compote and the fortune cookie waffle, complete with mascarpone cheese and fruit. And the drinks here are top notch—many people love the tangerine tequila sunrise.

The restaurant itself is beautiful. It’s got lots of natural light, spacious tables, and cozy décor. The waiting area is a blast because there are games and coloring sheets. (Which is good, because you’re probably going to be waiting for a while if you go here.)

1981 West Burnside St.

Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

La Luna Café

La Luna Café is a friendly neighborhood restaurant located in the former home of the La Luna rock club. The fluffy, buttery biscuits might be the best thing on the menu. The Fat Biscuit is a crowd favorite—it’s filled with bacon, smoked gouda, and maple aioli. You’ll also need a drink—the vanilla latte is a wise choice, as is the bloody Mary. Oh, and don’t forget the fresh-pressed juice!

The atmosphere is lovely—turquoise walls and hanging plants fill this beautifully decorated space. They also have a half-open kitchen, if you’re curious about what’s going on behind the scenes. It also has bar seating and tables.

828 SE Ash St.

Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Delores

Delores is a lovely Polish-inspired restaurant, perfect if you’re craving a pierogi brunch. They make so many of their items in house, including the sauerkraut and pickled mustard seeds. Don’t miss the Parker House Rolls with trout roe and herbed cream cheese. And of course, you must get some pierogis! The duck confit pierogis are popular, as are the potato cheese (Can you ever go wrong with caramelized onion, bacon, and sour cream?).

Delores is in a small shopping area, and unlike so many brunch spots in Portland, it has ample parking. It also sports ample light, with tall ceilings and large windows. Flamingos define the decor at Delores. But even if you don’t care for the quirky flamingos, you’re going to love the food.

401 SE Morrison St., Unit 117

Tuesday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Master Kong

Chinese food might not be your go-to brunch choice, but if you’re going to Master Kong, I promise you’ll be satisfied with the decision. This take on Chinese breakfast is downright delicious. Try the goubuli buns filled with juicy, flavorful pork. These little dumpling-like buns are made by hand. The jianbing is similar to a breakfast burrito, made to order and full of fresh ingredients like cilantro and pork belly. If you’re craving warm soup for your meal, try the wonton soup or salted pork bone congee.

The restaurant itself is a small, modern spot with beautiful hardwood floors and counters. Master Kong himself leads the team from the open kitchen, so you can see exactly what’s happening to your food. The ambiance is fantastic, with complimentary tea and classical music ready for you right when you walk in.

8435 SE Division St.

Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Blackheart

Tired of hoity-toity brunch spots? You’re going to want to check out Blackheart’s dive-bar style brunch. The buttermilk pancakes are fantastic, as are the waffles with a bourbon syrup. You’ll also want to try the grapefruit mimosa or the Agent Orange, which is a short of maple Bulleit bourbon with a candied bacon and waffle garnish. There are also some awesome vegan options, including chicken and waffles.

This place has a strong punk vibe. Lisa and Justin, the owners, have been on the local punk scene for a long time. The combination of snakeskin-patterned booths and chandeliers is fun. Oh, and the kitchen and bar are open all night long!

2411 SE Belmont St.

Weekdays, 10 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Bullard

Bullard’s Tex-Mex vibe bring an unexpected element to our downtown brunch scene. You can’t go wrong with the hash browns—they’re loaded nacho-style and come with sour cream, pickled jalapenos, cheese, and guac. You also can’t go wrong with any of the smoked meats on the menu or the pull-apart bread with a candied orange glaze and hazelnuts.

Bullard was named for chef Doug Adams’ Texas hometown. Doug instills a sense of friendliness and hospitality in everyone who works there, and you feel it while you’re dining. It’s a warm, cozy atmosphere, perfect for staying a while.

813 SW Alder St.

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fried Egg I’m in Love

Fried Egg I’m in Love is a food cart that’s recently graduated to a full restaurant. It’s an excellent example of Portland’s best breakfast sandwich offerings. Though they pride themselves on their eggs, they also have some excellent vegan options (DO NOT MISS the house vegan sausage, even if you’re not a vegan). In fact, all of their sandwiches can be made vegan or gluten-free. I also recommend the Yolko Ono, which has a schmear of fresh pesto, sausage, and fresh-grated parmesan.

This is a really fun place to come with kids. It’s got a friendly, hip vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s bright and cheery—perfect if you need cheering up on one of our many rainy days.

3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Smallwares

Smallwares describes itself as an “inauthentic Asian” eatery. The menu is eclectic but refined and consists of small plates that are meant to be shared with larger dishes. Start you day off right with the oysters, which come with a fish sauce vinaigrette. The griddled breakfast burritos, stuffed with kimchi and chorizo, are also a winner. If you want something comforting, try a rich bowl of congee with sausage and pumpkin seeds. And no matter what, don’t leave without trying the Szechuan pepper-rubbed bacon.

25 N Fremont St.

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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