Bertie Lou&#x27;s Cafe

Where to Find the Best Breakfasts in Portland

"This tiny breakfast joint is a local favorite for its menu of tried-and-true breakfast classics. Find Benedicts, omelets, and scrambles on the rose-bordered menu, plus a few sweet options like croissant French toast and waffles. The classic Benedict is always a good choice, but for something a bit different, go for the polenta Benedict that has a base of grilled polenta and is served with a bright basil pesto hollandaise. The casual vibes here make it an easy choice for breakfast any day of the week." - Zoe Baillargeon

Where to Eat or Drink After Hiking in Oregon - Eater Portland

"Like nearby Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Bertie Lou’s Cafe may be just a short bike ride from downtown, but it feels like a timeless oasis nestled in the midst of an ever-changing city. The prices might have increased since 1943 when Bertie Lou’s was founded, but the omelets, scrambles, and eggs Benedict will hit the nostalgia buttons as powerfully as they vanquish post-hike hunger. A substantially slimmer lunch menu of sandwiches is served after noon until the café closes around 2:30 p.m. Bertie Lou’s is open seven days a week — tables can be hard to come by on weekend mornings." - Nathan Williams

"Residents of the Sellwood and Moreland neighborhoods have been swearing by the restorative qualities of this funky, old-school diner for decades now. There are plenty of options, but the one most capable of driving away the pains of a hangover is the simple but effective cafe breakfast. It’s nothing fancy —crispy fried potatoes topped with eggs, served with toast— but it is quintessential hangover food, especially when doused with a liberal application of hot sauce." - Ron Scott, Alex Frane

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Google

5 stars isn't enough for this place. Bertie Lou's truly reflects Portland: small, and a little rough, but fast, with spot on service, and the tastiest food. If you appreciate the dive bar side of city life then everything about this place is perfect. The tight counter, with seats that move like a rollercoaster, allowing an up close and personal view of the cooks (in the tightest galley kitchen) as they sling breakfast faster than a chicken could lay the eggs they're serving; the back and forth of the friendliest servers I've met (outside of Stepping Stone Cafe) as they chat whilst balancing bundles of heavily filled plates to tables at the rear, all while enjoying banter with fellow diners as we sit, absorbing this activity. It's truly bloody mesmerizing. I know, we all have our favourite eateries, but I encourage you to find some time to stop here for breakfast (or lunch) and enjoy what may become one of the few remaining vestiges of 'real Portland' dining.

Jason Van Camp

Google

We stumbled upon Bertie Lou's while looking for a brunch place near to where we had a nearby event later in the morning, and we're very glad we did! Not only were the two entrées we ordered both fantastic (although with a minor nitpick on one), but my wife and I saw several other interesting items on the menu that will most assuredly have us coming back for more! We were immediately seated upon arrival at 11am on a Saturday, which seems close to impossible in Portland these days. I went with the Oaks Bottom Omelet, and my wife had the Bertie Cristo, with a side order of biscuits and gravy to split and share with our toddler son. Being generally not a fan of Hollandaise, I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my omelet; the sweet notes harmonized well with the bacon, garlic and tomato in a way I had not anticipated. Would definitely order again! On the other end of the table, my wife also loved her Bertie Cristo, but found it to be a tad burned; this apparently is a common complaint here, and its the only reason I docked a star from this review, as it seems to be either intentional, or simply an reoccurring oversight on the part of the cook. It doesn't ruin the dish, but it does detract from it slightly. The biscuits and gravy, however, were above reproach, and enjoyed by all in equal measure! Fantastic home-style greasy spoon cooking like this is a real treat, especially when there's a unique spin on a dish to make it stand out from the rest. Bertie Lou's Cafe has this quality in spades, and has one of the most compelling brunch menus I've seen in a café in a long while, and will likely take several return visits to explore them all. Hopefully, they'll dial back the burner a bit before the next one!

Allan Doherty

Google

The verdict is amazing. Best chicken fried steak, home fries and gravy. Very tasty and full of breakfast country yummy flavor. The scent of my breakfast order as I walked to my gf car says, It’s going to be a breakfast party in your mouth. Cassie ate her cheese omelette with home fries & yummy gravy, as soon as I got in her car. She said also, breakfast party in her mouth. Thank you, Bertie Lou’s!🤙💚

Stephen S

Google

I always look to small neighborhood places before the upscale joints when dining out. And when I visit other cities I do the research. Which is why my experience here was so disappointing, given all of the stellar reviews. My Ranch Biscuit Benedict was just... burnt. Potatoes, burnt. Bacon, burnt. Gravy... gloppy. I ate around what I could and just got out of there. BAH!

Louis Stierlin

Google

The best diner on the east side. Great food, great atmosphere. All sorts of selections. And they'll practically make you anything you want.

Jordan LaFata

Google

Such a cute vibe! This place is overall fantastic. The staff have a very helpful and fun energy. The food came out fast and hot! They also know how to do home fries just right. Not giant boulders on your plate, but perfectly cut up potato’s that are crispy! Had a delicious ham & egg breakfast sandwich on a buttery, flakey croissant. They have patio seating all around the restaurant that’s perfect for summer. I like how their menu was a mix of classics and their own spin on breakfast.

Reynda scobee

Google

Pleasant little cafe with good food and service. There is limited seating, though. We chose to eat outside instead of waiting for an inside table to become available.

Teagan

Google

Wow, I've lived in the area for a few years now and only recently made my way to Bertie Lou's. Why did I wait so long?! Really delicious breakfast in a quirky cafe with quick and friendly service. Will definitely be coming back here for weekend brunch :)

Where to Find the Best Breakfasts in Portland

Where to Eat or Drink After Hiking in Oregon - Eater Portland