It’s no secret that Portland’s on the map for foodies, local and otherwise. But let’s be real: it can be hard to try out the latest in food trends when you’ve got unpredictable kids in tow. For locals and visitors alike, here’s our list for breakfasts that bring together the best of both worlds: mouth-watering good food and a kid-accommodating environment. Read on for all the tasty details.
photo: Providence Doucet on Unsplash
Jam
Kick things off with the breakfast spot that’s at the top of every Portland parent’s list for good reason. There’s a big play area in the main dining room, and the friendly staff make an effort to seat families with young children nearby. The menu appeases picky palates while still offering something for the grown-ups—Ricotta Pancakes and Bloody Marys, anyone? Kids will love the sippy cups with crazy straws, and you’ll appreciate the option of child-size silverware for littles just learning their manners.
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Or
503-234-4790
Online: jamonhawthorne.com
Spielman Bagels & Coffee
Sure, you could take your kids to a sit-down restaurant for breakfast. But sometimes it’s nice to pick up a healthy, affordable breakfast and hit the park instead—especially if you’ve got an active toddler prone to running, screaming, and generally creating chaos wherever they go. With locations in all four quadrants of the city, this casual counter-service bagelry is at your service. They’ve been making high-quality sourdough “Portland-style bagels” and serving up shade-grown coffee since 2011. Bagel sandwiches, a couple different kind of shmears, and great coffee keep things simple and delicious.
Hours: 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. daily (hours vary slightly by location)
Multiple locations
Online: spielmanbagels.com
Slappy Cakes
You knew this was coming, right? Spend just a few days in Portland as a family, and you’re bound to hear about this breakfast staple: pour-your-own pancakes with griddles built right into the tables. Yep. Unsurprisingly, this place is packed on weekends, so venture out on a weekday if you can, or pack some activities to keep your little ones busy in line. (They also have a text-message system for their wait list, so you can stroll around the neighborhood while you wait.) Once it’s your turn, choose from a range of batters (including vegan/gluten-free), “fixins’” and toppings to personalize your breakfast.
Hours: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. daily
4246 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR
503-477-4805
Online: slappycakes.com/portland
Paradox Organic Cafe
If pancakes aren’t your thing, walk a few blocks west to this beloved breakfast and lunch joint in the Belmont neighborhood. They can “veganize” just about everything on the menu, and offer gluten-free accommodations as well. Try a scramble with eggs, tofu, or tempeh; a hearty and nutritious breakfast burrito; or the Mt. Tabor Taters, which has a devoted local following. With its super casual and comfy diner vibe, you’ve got yourself the ultimate Paradox: an affordable, delicious restaurant experience that welcomes hungry families.
Hours: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. daily (open at 8:30 a.m. Sat. & Sun.)
3439 SE Belmont
Portland, OR
503-232-7508
Online: paradoxorganiccafe.com
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
The crispy, inventively-flavored mini-donuts at this hidden gem in the Cully/Beaumont neighborhood are the perfect size for little hands. High chairs, a shelf of kids’ books, and the opportunity to try a “flight” of their delectable house made chais in gorgeous ceramic mugs make this a top choice for Portland families in the know. P.S. Stop by during your birthday week for a free dozen!
Hours: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily
4759 NE Fremont St
Portland, OR
503-206-8692
Online: facebook.com/PipsOriginal
Daily Cafe
After a session at Powell’s City of Books, or for families in the Pearl, head to this institution that’s been serving breakfast all day since 2001. Grown-ups will love their more sophisticated options, like the Carmelized Delicata Frittata or Salmon Omelet, while kids can get busy with Avocado Toast or Peanut Butter and Banana on Toast. Psst…there’s also a fabulous prix-fixe brunch menu on Sundays that you don’t want to miss.
Hours: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; Sat. & Sun 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
902 NW 13th Ave
Portland, OR
503-242-1916
Online: dailyinthepearl.com
Vertical Diner
For vegans and families with special dietary needs, try this restored roadside diner in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where all plates are entirely plant-based and 90% of menu items can be made gluten-free. They have both sweet and savory breakfast menus, making it appealing to try out alternatives to the usual syrup-laden American breakfast– or stick with a classic pancake breakfast (3 for $7!) served up with vegan butter.
Hours: Sun.- Thurs. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.& Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
8124 SW Barbur Blvd.
Portland, OR
503-206-6150
Online: verticaldiner.com/portland
photo: Baker & Spice via flickr
Baker & Spice
This popular destination in the Hillsdale neighborhood serves up a wide assortment of comforting baked goods in a casual, cafeteria-style environment that welcomes families with little ones. Counter service makes it easy to choose your food and find a table quickly, though you should be prepared for crowds on weekends. Rumor has it they offer the best challah and croissants in town, but you should also try out the Katie Bun, a cross between a croissant and a cinnamon roll. When the kids get antsy, they can a little coloring at the kids’ table.
Hours: Tue.-Fri 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat-Sun: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
6330 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR
503-244-7573
Online: bakerandspicepdx.com
Tasty n Alder or Tasty n Daughters
Both of these locations in the Toro Bravo family of award-winning restaurants feature a relaxed communal vibe, with breakfast and brunch served family-style. Get an assortment from the menu and let your little ones pick and choose from familiar options like French Toast and Steel-cut Oats, or more adventurous plates like Shakshuka.
Tasty n Daughters
Hours: Brunch served until 3 p.m.; opens at 9 a.m. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m. Mon.-Fri.
4537 SE Division St.
Portland, OR
503-621-1400
Online: tastyndaughters.com
Tasty n Alder
Hours: Brunch served 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily
580 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR
503-621-9251
Online: tastynalder.com
Grand Central Bakery
It doesn’t get much easier than this: counter service for a wide range of mouth-watering pastries, tea and coffee drinks, and ample plates for both breakfast and lunch. (Kids will love the gourmet version of a PB&J, with thick crusty bread and jam made from fresh NW berries.) Plus, there’s almost always a sample plate with sizeable bites of pastries for your wiggly kids to munch on while you wait. With seven locations throughout Portland, there’s bound to be a bakery in your neighborhood, making it a simple choice for meeting up with friends and their littles, or as an incentive for a morning walk when your kids get up waaaay too early… again.
Hours: 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily
Multiple locations
Online: grandcentralbakery.com
Want to hit the snooze button instead? There’s still time for brunch! Check out our list of great brunch locations for families.
—Melissa Poulin
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