Based General Store - Review - Downtown - Portland, OR - The Infatuation
"Based is the convenient downtown spot to post up in a window banquette with a pepperier-than-average BLT and your laptop. You won’t ever want to leave this chill daytime cafe, market, and flower shop. It’s easy to pop into this airy, downright dreamy space for a quick espresso or jasmine-infused iced coffee topped with honey cold foam. Weekends turn into all-out brunch with Southern-leaning dishes like chicken and waffles and BEC sandwiches. Since all good things come to an end (they close 3pm daily), make sure to snag wine, fancy candles, or a bouquet on the way out." - Lani Conway
5 out of 5 stars! ⭐️ this place is a slam dunk. Perfect for the slow (or fast mornings). Beautifully situated store with bright, tall, open windows. It’s located on the way into downtown so it is street parking but I pulled right up out front and grabbed my to-go order. They also have flowers, a market, and other items for sale as well. Chill vibes and very kind people work there. Chocolate Cherry Latte was fantastic and 10/10. The breakfast sandwich was delightful as well. The bun is light and buttery without being heavy and the eggs are perfectly fluffy. Great flavor and will definitely be adding bacon next time. Thanks again for a seamless meal and pick up!
Cynthia L.
Google
Good for light brunch/pastry fare. Give the biscuits a try. It has some sort of sugar/honey glaze that made it sweet, salty and very enjoyably crunchy. They also have massive biscuit sandwiches which we will have to try next time.
French omelette was tad overly salty and for the price not sure it was worthwhile. Good coffee though, attentive service and clean space. Design felt a little sparse but perhaps just not my type of style. Still very enjoyable place for some eats and coffee.
Eiko R.
Google
Kind of new shop in downtown Portland. It has a large square footage. Coffee is very good and sell interesting mixture of stuff, cut flowers, food items , a small collection of houseware, and coffee shop. All in one large space. While it gives nice spacious feel, I have to say it is a bit sparse. I would like to see more merchandise in the shop in the coming months.
J S.
Google
One of the best cappuccinos I've ever had. And the breakfast sandwich was perfection; fluffy egg, melty swiss, and perfectly ripe half(!) an avocado on a warm brioche bun! Great modern decor as well.
Ricky R.
Google
Great coffee, great layout and overall awesome spot. Wish I could have stayed longer and relaxed with a book. But just means I’ll be returning!
Badarau C.
Google
Really disappointed with my visit. I waited a long time for my food to be prepared, and in the end, the food was oversalted. The manager did her best and didn't charge me for the food, but the impression has already been made. The coffee was super good. For now 3, I might give it a second shot and will update the score.
The T.
Google
hands down the best spot to grab breakfast / lunch in portland. From the cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandos, donuts, cookies etc. the food is always *chefs kiss*
the based cola, fireee. Based is such a vibe
J_Tagg
Google
The food here was fire! I had to ask about the menu and was told it changes depending what is available from the local farms and surrounding area stores etc. first of all, that is awesome! So I came back 3 days in a row to try to the different items. Let me tell you, nothing disappoints. The chicken was crisp and flavorful while maintaining moisture needed. The coffee soda was beyond superb. The sandwiches… don’t even get me started. Everyone I e had was more delicious than the last. The shop was cool but the highlight is the food! Recommend 10/10
Keizzel C.
Yelp
This place looks like a sitcom when you walk in with the decor and layout of the space. It's an interesting concept where you can come in to get a bouquet made while shopping for local/unique food items on one side and then order food for dine in or take out to go on the other side. It's a pretty minimal and clean aesthetic.
It was raining outside so we opted to grab our meal indoors and split the biscuits with butter/jam and a breakfast sandwich. We didn't know what to expect but portions here are huge! the biscuits came out first and they were piping hot and topped with honey (reminded me lowkey of churches biscuits). They were decadent and fluffy. Top it with their salted butter & jam and *chef's kiss*
A couple minutes later the not your average breakfast sandwich came out. It was on a fresh bun (I think made in house?) topped with fluffy eggs and a thick slab of bacon. Wow this was rich and for $18 I was skeptical but it was worth the price in my opinion. I'd come back just to get this breakfast sandwich if I wanted a real treat - I split it this time but can definitely be two meals.
We also tried a carrot latte special and it was also super rich - didn't taste too much of the carrot but it was unique drink to get in the fall.
Ploy N.
Yelp
Inside is super cute and well-curated. I can see coming here to work awhile.
Menu is modern, albeit pricey for what you get. Week days and weekends have different menu so do be sure what you want.
I wanted to try their Baguette Sandwich but it's only available on weekdays so alas. Got the French Omlette instead which was delicious but a tad small for the price. Flavors were good and complex though. Loved the abundance of greens and pimento cheese in it.
Drip coffee was good too but no re-fill and at the price of $4.25, it's a bit steep.
Overall, a good brunch experience but be prepared to shell out a bit.
Cynthia L.
Yelp
Good for light brunch/pastry fare. Give the biscuits a try. It has some sort of sugar/honey glaze that made it sweet, salty and very enjoyably crunchy. They also have massive biscuit sandwiches which we will have to try next time.
French omelette was tad overly salty and for the price not sure it was worthwhile. Good coffee though, attentive service and clean space. Design felt a little sparse but perhaps just not my type of style. Still very enjoyable place for some eats and coffee.
Benjamin S.
Yelp
Cute and unique cafe and market, with very contemporary vibes. The cafe food is high quality stuff, but the menu can feel a bit limited and warning that it's a bit pricey. Still, I found the kitchen skills are top notched with perfectly made omeletes and a really interesting brioche egg pastry that changes flavor. When I tried it, it was mushrooms with the egg in the center of the brioche pastry. Very satisfying. They have seasonal espresso drinks that seems pretty standard.
Jina H.
Yelp
An everything place- store, flower shop, cafe! The cafe is great! Signature drink of the cereal milk ma5cha iced and an egg sandwich.
The iced matcha definitely tasted like cereal milk, hints of strawberry flavor and the matcha was well balanced. The egg in the sandwich was fluffy and a good portion with cheese. It wasn't greasy or dry, a perfect breakfast. Also a nice place to check out goods and flowers.
Annabel L.
Yelp
Base general store has one of coolest café concepts. I really enjoyed their massive breakfast sandwiches - it had a fluffy egg omelette on top of the thickest cut of bacon I've ever had, served with a black pepper aïoli that was a stand out addition to the sandwich. We also ordered their honey butter biscuits, which came out so crispy and flaky I would 100% recommend. The biscuits came with a side of whipped butter and an addictive strawberry jam. We also ordered the Calabasas shrimp, cereal milk Matcha, and an espresso tonic. everything was amazing!
Tiva F.
Yelp
Stopped in real quick during our lunch break and grabbed two drinks and some spaghetti dust! Highly recommend checking out the shop for a curated selection of pantry items and flowers! Might as well get a coffee and stay a while if you can because it's very calm and cute inside!
Alberto S.
Yelp
Just happened to walk by really beautiful space with great coffee. Need to come back and try some of their food sometime..