Breakfast is the most important meal of the day — even more so when you’ve got a full day ahead enjoying Oregon’s many natural and cultural treasures. While a standard plate of bacon, eggs and toast will provide adequate fuel, now’s the time to seek out some of the state’s most unique breakfast spots on your journey. Here’s a look at a handful of standout diners, bakeries and restaurants serving breakfast across Oregon.
Breakfasts Worth Seeking Out in Portland and the Willamette Valley
From pop-up to a full-scale bakery, Filipino breakfast spot Balong serves one of Portland’s most sought-after breakfast sandwiches. Balong’s menu keeps it simple, with a variety of sandwiches served with roasted tomato aioli on Filipino-style bread rolls, as well as eggs and biscuits with gravy. Owner Justin Dauz was inspired by his childhood memories of his grandmother’s cooking. Drip coffee comes from fellow Filipino-owned business Kalesa Coffee.
At Waterfalls in Hillsboro — housed in the Japanese-style Cedartree Hotel — visitors will find a blend of Japanese, French and American cuisine with French-trained chef Kenji Yamashita. It’s one of the only places in Oregon where you can find a classic Japanese breakfast, with sake teishoku — a set menu of salmon, rice and miso soup. Another option is the Japanese-style beef curry with a crispy pork cutlet, or choose from a number of American-style breakfast options.
In the Willamette Valley, you’ll find excellent places to fuel up for a day of adventure. In the northern part of the valley, McMinnville is a popular place to stay for an Oregon wine-country sojourn. Start the day out right in the heart of the walkable, social downtown area with the specialty crepes at Crescent Cafe, with fillings like bacon and provolone or apple pecan.
In Eugene — which lies at the southern end of the valley — chef Crystal Platt was recognized by the James Beard Foundation for her work at Lion & Owl. Look for seasonally changing brunch options with ingredients from local farms. Choices might include a full English breakfast complete with black and white puddings or buckwheat pancakes with whipped lime cream cheese and mint syrup.
Special Morning Options at the Coast and in Southern Oregon
A small-town diner found on Warrenton’s main thoroughfare, Arnie’s Cafe serves breakfast all day. Folks flock to the homey dining room for friendly, efficient service and generous portions of scrambles and more. Locals come back for dishes like Arnie’s chicken-fried steak with house-made gravy, eggs Benedict on freshly baked biscuits and the restaurant’s signature giant cinnamon rolls.
About 13 miles south in Seaside, Marivel’s Kitchen turns out Mexican heritage breakfast classics like chorizo breakfast burritos, chipotle-cream-sauce-topped chicken fajita omelets, and chilaquiles with red or green salsa. They’re even better with a cafe de olla (Mexican spiced coffee) or an agua fresca in fruity flavors like cucumber and pineapple.
In Southern Oregon, Medford’s Tartine Brunch Club is a toast lover’s dream, bringing fun party vibes to the early part of the day with floral and neon accents. Tartines come two per order, with diners able to mix and match between options like strawberry mascarpone with balsamic reduction and smoked salmon with lemon-dill cream cheese and capers. Try a bacon brûlée doughnut with one of the signature cocktails for brunch.
You won’t need wheat to enjoy the treats at Vida Baking Co. in downtown Ashland. This dedicated gluten-free bakery specializes in Brazilian-inspired breakfasts from the satisfyingly chewy pão de queijo waffles served with herb ricotta to sweeter fare like açai bowls topped with fruit and house granola — don’t forget add-ons like bee pollen, cacao nibs and hemp hearts. Travelers on the go can pick up a cafezin (strong sweetened black coffee) and a pastry for the road.
Great Bakeries and Savories Elsewhere in Oregon
Vegan vacationers in Hood River should venture to Golden Goods, a plant-based sandwich and bake shop. Breakfast options here include tempeh biscuit sandwiches and jackfruit breakfast burritos. Nearby Broder Øst serves Scandinavian fare from chevre-stuffed lefse to æbleskiver (Danish pancakes) with lingonberry jam and lemon curd.
For those breakfasting in Bend, the ever-popular Sparrow Bakery — with locations in Bend and Portland — offers its signature cardamom-laden ocean rolls alongside an extensive selection of baked goods. Chow sources local and organic ingredients whenever possible to create dishes like Benedict-esque poached eggs atop cornmeal-crusted tomatoes. Entrees come with a choice of breakfast potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes or bacon-cheddar grits.
In Eastern Oregon’s Baker City, be sure to visit the baker of Baker. Known for its pecan-cinnamon sticky buns, Sweet Wife Baking has fresh pastries and friendly service in this tight-knit community. If you find yourself in Milton-Freewater, check out the hearty breakfasts at Wee Bit O’ Heather’s on the edge of town; there you’ll find a taste of local culture and all the classics like several kinds of hash, thick French toast and chicken-fried steak.
