Elmer's Restaurant

Elmer's in SE Portland has been a staple in the community for as long as I can remember. I recently decided to stop by with the kids, hoping to grab a plate of Prime Rib. Unfortunately, it was already sold out, so I opted for a Reuben with fries and a cup of chowder instead. The Reuben was very flavorful, but I was a bit disappointed that the bottom slice of bread was extremely soggy by the time it was served. Despite not being made in-house, the chowder was quite good. For the kids, my son chose the Mac and cheese (Kraft), and my daughter went for the burger sliders. They both cleaned their plates, so it must have been pretty good. They were especially thrilled with the superhero masks that came with the menu and even wore them to sleep, so that was a definite win. The service was friendly, quick, and attentive, just as good as I remember. Overall, Elmer's remains a reliable spot for a family meal in SE Portland.

This place is Amazing. Yadira was absolutely amazing and attentive. The food was the best we've had in Portland so far. Our bill was way affordable for the amount of food we got today. We will definitely be back.

Great restaurant that featured local food products. The bacon was cooked perfectly! The crepes were super light and fluffy with great icing and strawberry sauce. The potato cakes were crispy and fluffy. Eggs cooked nicely and according to preference. The German pancake was huge, buttery and delicious. Orange juice had pulp which wasn't expected but it was fine. Overall a great meal

We had a good breakfast 6/23 the restaurant was too warm, needed some air. The waitress Monique was by far one of the best waitresses I’ve encountered. Anticipating our needs, and very kind. The best waitress!!!!

Best waffles ever, didn’t even need syrup! Bacon was really good and the sausage had lots of flavor. Eggs were just normal scrambled eggs. Fresh brewed ice tea was a nice surprise!

Love this place, the staff is amazing and if we get Eric he already knows my family. Since we usually come here every Friday or during the weekend. This time around I got an omelette, it was amazing. I also got my all time favorite 🤩 clam chowder yum! The previous time I went I got the Chicken-Fried Steak and Eggs with my clam chowder! I always look forward to getting my Clam Chowder when I go. If you are in the area stop by and try this place out. I honestly can’t remember how long we have been coming to this place but I believe it’s been more than 12 years.

I love coming here to eat my Belgian waffle with scrambled eggs and bacon! I also love how all of the staff know my name; makes me feel valued as a customer! Keep up the great work!!!

Elmer's is great. I mean they're a little conservative but what are you going to do? This is Oregon and people here are a little conservative. For better or for worse. The parking lot around Elmer's kind of sucks but the establishment itself is great. Jason is amazing! Dude. Amazing staff here. Come in. Get yourself some pancakes slathered in maple syrup with butter. You're going to love it.

Elmer's in SE Portland has been a staple in the community for as long as I can remember. I recently decided to stop by with the friends, hoping to grab a plate of Prime Rib. Unfortunately, it was already sold out, so I opted for a Reuben with fries and a cup of chowder instead. The Reuben was very flavorful, but I was a bit disappointed that the bottom slice of bread was extremely soggy by the time it was served. Despite not being made in-house, the chowder was quite good. For the friends, they chose the Mac and cheese (Kraft), and the burger sliders. They both cleaned their plates, so it must have been pretty good. The service was friendly, quick, and attentive, just as good as I remember. Overall, Elmer's remains a reliable spot for a family meal in SE Portland.

Just a quick update, this Elmer's is still FANTASTIC! Service, The Food, The Place... very consistent, despite all we've been thru these past few years. Whoever manages this chain is pretty good, and the people who work here are spectacular!

I love this place. I love it enough that I seriously considered giving it 5 stars. Please bear that in mind as you read. First. they have good food. That is not a given, and needs saying. I really recommend the German Pancake with just lemon and butter. Or, in the evening, we love the Prime Rib, minus the gravy but with extra butter. They have a good selection of tea, if avoiding sugar and soft drinks, and solid coffee. If you get the vanilla coffee, I suggest you have them cut it 50/50 with regular coffee, or it is very sweet. Then, you can have it twice for one price. Also, they have humane meat. They serve Zenner's sausage, for example, so if sourcing matters to you, you can eat here without wondering what you will have to do to get a good meal. So far, this sounds like a 3 star joint, so why do I give it 4? The people. I feel like a regular, and recognize my wait staff, even if they don't recognize me. I feel welcomed, like a genuine guest, that they are happy to see. It is a genuine, old fashioned welcome like you see in the movies but I don't think I have experienced anywhere else. When available, we like to sit at a table next to one of the two fireplaces. The place is decidedly old fashioned, and while I sometimes think it could use a freshening up, I don't really mind. It feels like what it is - an old fashioned restaurant that never lost its soul. I spoke to one of the waitstaff about this and she told me that many of them are long time employees, that it is a second home to them, and that they do feel like we are their welcome guests in that home. So, at least 4 stars. Enjoy that classic ambiance and genuinely good, old fashioned service and enjoy a relaxing meal with friendly folks who want you to have a good time. I always do.

Very disappointed The Canadian bacon was so tough I wanted to take it home for my dogs Potatoes were crunchy and undercooked Only got one napkin and ended up using the receipt to mop up the creamer mess. The service was chaotic and unorganized, don't get me wrong they were nice the 2 times they showed up at my table

Elmers is my favorite place to eat when I'm in town. This visit I met up with a friend in the middle of the day and we sat and ate and talked for a couple of hours. Staff was okay with that. I had the pastrami and it was YUMMY. The place is not noisy and I could hear myself talk. All of the Elmer's I have been to are like this. Good food, friendly service!

The food is always good. Their servers are attentive to your needs. The restaurant has a home feel to it with art and fireplaces.

Let's just say I know Elmer's:) I was a hostess when I was 16 years old and one thing, it's always consistent. My parents wanted breakfast so we headed to Elmer's on Stark Street. We were greeted warmly and seated quickly by the hostess. Our waitress was pleasant and we ordered a few of our favorites - steak and eggs, stuffed hash browns, strawberry pancakes and the veggie and egg white bowl. My dad has ordered steak and eggs for breakfast for as long as I can remember so it hit the spot for him. The pancake portion is massive so my mom had two to take home as leftovers. The stuffed hash browns were stuffed to the hilt and my daughter gave it a thumbs up. The egg white and veggie bowl was also flavorful with the extra salsa and the fresh avocado was a nice addition. Listen - Elmer's isn't fancy gourmet food but we were wanting nostalgia and comfort on this cold blistery Portland morning and it delivered on all levels.

As a franchise, it is remarkable to witness the quality and consistency of this business. A random trip to Portland, Oregon occasioned my visit to an Elmer's store on the east side. Food quality, customer service and overall experience (in an ice storm, no less) was EXCELLENT......!!!!!!! Five (5) ***** Stars for sure!

Wow. I have a grandfather almost on his death bed and he wanted Elmer's breakfast. He is too weak to go to the restaurant called to get a to go order and apparently elmers is the only restaurant that will not do to go orders. Super stupid because they have the materials to take the food you don't finish home with you.

Shrimp n grits with egg. Amazing! I've been there two time now. It's definitly my regular go to place now.

In for an early dinner with Mom (90yo), so seating options were plentiful & prompt. Mom wanted a table, & with her using a walker, we were given a table not far from the entry, which was a good idea, except that the man who seated us was also seated nearby & conversing casually with another employee - I just wasn't thrilled with hearing their conversations, the quiet would've been nicer. Our server Erica was very prompt about being attentive for taking our orders, answering questions & then serving our plates with generous servings, as well as returning to check if we needed anything else. Mom had no complaints about her meal of the Chicken Fried Steak breakfast which included eggs, pancakes, & fresh fruit. My fish (cod) was good (3 pieces) & request to substitute (no baked potatoes served) for hash browns (wide, thin slices of potatoes) was very ample a serving but a little greasy, the fish as well; I guess that's to be expected. My meal was good, but not great. I had leftovers (fish), which seemed overly greasy when eaten later. My greatest dissatisfaction was with the container being a clear plastic clam shell type- oh how I wish restaurants would work harder at being more considerate of our earth & use more environmentally friendly containers.

When I want a home-cooked meal or breakfast, I always choose Elmers at Mall 205. The staff have always been excellent and a joy to order from. I'm in love with their creamy country gravy and always have it with my eggs, hashbrowns, or breakfast meats. My most recent meal was their 'stuffed hash' (of course with creamy country gravy). Three of us have had different steaks that were as ordered; rare to medium. The only negative at this location is that the tables need to be refinished - besides that, their coffee and chowder are also tops! Whether alone or with a guest(s) we've always been treated with respect and favor at Elmer's. It's my favorite restaurant on the East Side.

I am so sad to hear they're no longer allowing to go orders. I used to be able to call in on a lazy Saturday and go pick up my food. Recently I called to place an order and was told by the manager they don't offer that service and apparently they never have........ despite the many times I've used the service. Such a bummer. Dine in only now, probably too many folks not picking up orders and wasting the food.

I have to say, I was blown away by the quality of their breakfast dishes. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. The warm and inviting decor, combined with the attentive service, created a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. As I perused the menu, I was impressed with the variety of options available. From classic pancakes to savory omelets, there was something for everyone. I ended up ordering their signature pancakes, and I have to say, they were some of the best I've ever had. They were fluffy, perfectly cooked, and topped with just the right amount of butter and syrup. What really made the experience special was the friendly staff. They were attentive without being intrusive, and they made me feel like family. The restaurant's commitment to cleanliness and safety was also evident, which made me feel even more comfortable dining there. Overall, I highly recommend Elmer's Restaurant at Mall 205 for anyone looking for a fantastic breakfast experience. The quality of their food, excellent service, and welcoming environment will leave you wanting to come back for more.

We were at the Elmers on Stark around 9 on Saturday 2/10/24. There were four of us. Each of our breakfast's were great. Veggie omelet, breakfast bowl and eggs, bacon, pancakes, eggs benedict etc. All were outstanding. Compliments to the chefs. All the staff (there were alot) seemed kind and helpful. Our waitress was wonderful! Her name was something like LaDonda. She was so kind and went above an and beyond. Great work to all and thank you for a great time.

Always a hit! Food is yummy prices are good people are nice and its always welcoming especially on a solo run! Its old fashioned decor but something about it makes you feel all warm inside.

I've been at this location a few times and have tried other locations as well. The food, atmosphere and customer service is great. The only thing in my opinion is that there's not much dinner options. I feel like this place is more geared towards brunch. Maybe they could expand their dinner menu in the future!

I mean, it's diner food, so I'm reviewing based on my expectation of diner food. The place was clean and the staff friendly and prompt. It's basic food. I went with a fish fry this time and it was deep fried just fine. My niece enjoyed her kids meal and activity book (although the crayons don't color great). 3 of us all had the fish, but my BIL had like a pot roast style meal and he really enjoyed it too. Yes, prices are going up. As they are on everything everywhere, but considering the new price point for dining I'd still say it's reasonable.

I always enjoy Elmer's food selections. The staff were very fast and efficient. It seemed to be a very busy time and the service was fast for seating and food delivery. Me and my Dad will go here again. It is not far from the freeway 205. We enjoyed the special pancake sampler and a Sunshine Omlete.

It's been years, probably decades, since I'd eaten at an Elmer's. Then twice in about six months. I was pleasantly surprised with both locations. The food was good both times. Very clean too which you don't always get with busy chain restaurants. The staff was also very friendly at both locations. We plan to go back soon.

I used to laugh when I'd drive past Elmer's. It seems like the kind of place your grandparents would go to every Sunday after church to eat (it is). I had this idea in my head that it was like a Denny's, but worse. Oh how wrong I was... I've been to this location at least 3 times now, and it's been nothing short of fantastic! My wife and I usually go here with her brother and his daughter, since they are family friendly. The servers have always been nice, and very attendant to our needs. I've had 3 different dishes (most recently being the country biscuit breakfast, pictured), and all of them have been delicious! On my first visit, the manager came out (my brother-in-law told them it was my first time there) and thanked me for my business, and handed me an envelope. I opened it later, and it was a $10 off your next visit coupon! Sweet! This place has good service, solid food, and they're family friendly and reliable. What else could you want? It's no wonder it's gramps' and grammy's favorite spot! ;)

This Elmer's is pretty much like the rest of them. Same set up and everything. Food is great, too. They have their recipes down pat, so that it tastes the same, no matter which one you go to. They're pet clean, too. Don't see a lot of crumbs under the tables and I don't have to ask them to re-wipe the table after I've been seated. Bonus!

We used to enjoy eating here...not any more. Received my breakfast - eggs, bacon - asked if they could bring my hash browns and English muffin...and orange juice - brought the orange juice - later the English muffin - and much later the hash browns (which weren't cooked long enough). I really like having the COMPLETE breakfast @ the same time The server didn't seem too concerned that my breakfast didn't come out as ordered and that I had to eat the eggs and bacon without the hash browns and English muffin. So, we won't be back. Too many great places for breakfast in the Portland area to deal with this kind of service.

I used to go to Elmer's about once a week to either eat there or get take away. Then they stopped doing take out and I stopped going. I really enjoyed going there and loved their breakfast selection. I am a fan of pancakes. However now I do not go there and have not been back since they stopped their take out service. If they ever start doing take out again I may go back. For now I go to Shari's or Black Bear Diner which both do take out. Sorry Elmer's.

We were there this morning at about 10:00. They were doing something with the roof it was incredibly noisy. Food is good but I wouldn't go while they are redoing the roof. We could hardly hear ourselves think.

Well, it happened again. Went to Elmers and had great service and food. Veronica recognized us from the other day and was our server again. Good service is not dead in Portland, you just have to get Veronica . Actually, everyone else was nice and attentive as well. So, maybe they just hire right. We go back to LA on Monday, driving. I think we we will try to stop at Elmer's along the way to see if the service this good in other locations. Wish us luck!

Okay, okay, I have to come clean and write an honest review. Truth is our usual breakfast place in Montavilla doesn't open until 9 AM and so my friend suggested we eat at Elmer's. I was silently mortified and agreed to go. Yes I know I have a 1990's world view when it comes to Elmer's. I can't get the image of Tonya Harding and her hooligans planning the attack on Nancy Kerrigan on the napkin from Elmers restaurant. This was all new information for my breakfast date and I explained to my colleague about all the gory details including the news crews parker outside of the Elmers dumpster pulling out the evidence. Strange times for sure. Once I got over myself and stepped in I was surprised to find a modern, well-maintained restaurant with very friendly staff. I was expecting awful coffee and was pleasantly surprised it was bold and flavorful. I ordered the German pancakes with seasonal peach compote and was very impressed. Yes, it turns out that I am a snob and Elmers has changed with the times, and for the better. I will definitely return and leave my dated notions....in the dumpster where they belong!

I couldn't believe how expensive this restaurant was just for breakfast. It had the quality of a Denny's restaurant with the price a 4 star restaurant. 2 breakfasts cost $46 for a little country fired steak. Small steak with bad gravy just a bad experience overall.

You can never go wrong with ordering the German pancake at Elmer's. Always happy with it! Hash browns were good. And bacon cooked to order. Strawberry crepes, great treat. Tried the bacon Tillamook potato pancakes, they looked outstanding but lacked in flavor. The service was great as well.

I called here this morning to place an order to pick up and was told they are no longer taking to go orders. Is the pandemic over? We all got used to this convenient way to support struggling restaurants, why give it up? Is it not easier to just box up an order? No setting or cleaning of tables or dishes? With staff shortage and keeping people safe it seems like a no brainer. We then called Black bear diner and they were than happy to take our order and the food ended up better than Elmer's.

My favorite Elmer's location! It's right off if I-205 and centrally located for me to meet friends and family who live in the Portland Metro area. Staff is always welcoming upon entering, and seating is prompt. The establishment is clean. Depending on how busy it is, mainly breakfast hours on weekends, it can be a little loud inside. I always request a booth as they are positioned on the outer perimeter of the dining areas, which seem less noisy. I hate sitting in the middle of a room at any dining establishment ;-) My go-to order is the German Pancake Combo, which comes with eggs and choice of meat (bacon, sausage or ham). When I come here with my mom, we split the combo and they divide it up for us in the kitchen before serving. Love that they take the initiative and time to do this for us...very thoughtful! I have never had a negative experience here and would highly recommend this location!

In the middle of a pandemic Elmers stops doing takeout orders They only do dine in??? What is up with this world? How does it make sense that we need to keep social distance but Elmers only wants customers in side their restaurant.. I will not be going back ever

Oh..MY...I had time to waste had to be in town all day, so decided to have breakfast. I had been driving past Elmer's many times, so pulled into Elmer's. I hadn't been to an Elmer's for years, what a nice surprise. The waitress, Cindy, was so pleasant and helpful. The food was so good, I will definitely go back next time I am in the area. I would recommend Elmer's for anyone who wants a good meal!

Called 2 different locations to order take out. Was told that they won't do it. The corporation doesn't allow it. No reason given and kind of rude. They only allow dine in. I won't be eating at Elmers again in my lifetime.

Love this place so much! Every trip to Portland, we need to stop for breakfast! Super friendly staff and the food is delicious and so comforting! I usually get the German pancakes but my brother in law just made some this weekend (it was very delish). I really wanted ham and hash potatoes, but I can't eat regular eggs anymore (), but was happy to see that they have egg whites! Love the healthy options!

Service workers were fast and kind. But the food here is the most bland thing I've ever had! Unless you like eating stale cardboard don't bother coming here. Even the Pepsi was flat and devoid of flavor?? Wild.

What can you say ... they never disappoint. Food, service ... all awesome! The staff and managers at this location are top notch!!

When the medium rare steak comes out raw, then 2 minutes after it is sent back it comes back overdone, it really makes it seem like you just threw it into a microwave and didn't bother to check the internal temperature with a thermometer before kicking it back out. It's like you're not even trying back there, and that isn't fair to the staff who are working hard to keep customers happy. Especially in an empty restaurant, this level of service from the kitchen is pretty sad. To the servers, we get it. It isn't your fault. You're doing your part.

It is absolutely tacky, unprofessional and uncalled for a Manager to yell an employee loud enough for customers to hear. Especially after the same server dealing with a difficult group who was making racist remarks at her. Manager was loud enough for me and other clients to hear telling her he was "very very upset" with her for not taking care of that group promptly, to what I witnessed it did not take her long. It's awkward and uncomfortable for everyone who is around. Even other customer gave her a pat on the shoulder and told her she was doing a good job and talked to the other manager to let him know that she was a great server. Do you really want to eat where they mistreat their staff? Grown ass man yelling at a little lady. Very unpleasant to witness.

We ordered fish and chips, German pancake with strawberries, and eggs Benedict. The server seemed a little bit annoyed that we were there. The food overall was okay it reminded me of a Denny's or an IHOP. Though with a little bit of better quality and there wasn't as much lunch and dinner items than you would expect as it was heavily leaning on the breakfast side.

There are a few times I order a mimosa with my breakfast as well as biscuits. But before I ordered the meal I ordered a mimosa. I was not told the orange juice had pulp in it and the quaintly of the drink was not up to the mark with the price. So was disappointed. I had the chicken fried steak lighter style and it was good came with one egg and choice of fruit or has browns. I had the hash browns extra crispy and the egg was cooked perfect! The biscuit however had too much corn starch in in it waitress said the get them pre made Service is Awesome and friendly!

Good local breakfast eats. I had mild expectations, but I would go back again. Three stars only because it didn't overly excite me (but I would recommend).

Nice clean interior, helpful staff, greeted the moment I came in. Had a veggie skillet option. Food was not greasy, and they subbed egg substitute without up charging me. Classy. My boy enjoyed the speed of service, and the selection for kids, which included his favorite, Kraft Mac n'cheese-- something we don't have at home. 3.5 stars. Interior was clean, orderly and pleasant aroma.

Big props for their caring and friendly demeanor towards Seniors. The place is clean and service is efficient. The food...higher prices and lower quality ingredients (think Sysco for everything) than popular "foo-foo" spots in town. Cappuccino out of a machine is more expensive than that offered at quality coffee shops.

After a bad experience in Denny's we found this place closer to it, in Elmer's they have great food and flavor, staff is nice and friendly and prices are reasonable my 2nd day in a row coming in here. I am from out of state, whenever I come back again this will be my place for breakfast with my family

Ok I will preface this as I usually do that I'm not a foodie, I am a service snob. I have given solid positive reviews for this place before, but I was so happy to see them and so happy to get that excellence service I so recall, and they STILL outperformed my expectations. It was a Wednesday, so unlike the very busy Saturday and Sunday mornings we were able to be seated right away. But that's a thing too because they have closed many of their seats to accommodate social distancing. We got our drinks fast, our food fast, cooked to my overly critical expectations. If you are near Mall 205 and it's breakfast time and your thinking about a diner, come here. Seriously.

The food here is excellent and portions plentiful. Endless coffee and Amanda was pleasant and efficient. We'll be back!

I was surprised with the food here. Everything was yummy. Blueberry pancakes were perfect! I'll be back!

I don't remember a time I haven't eaten here. My family moved within a few blocks of this particular outlet in 1957. At the time, my folks were young and had my brother and I and not a large amount of money, so coming here was a big deal. We brought out-of-towners in as a special treat. For the time, it was really elegant and decorated in the Colonial American style very popular then. It impressed my brother and I enough as toddlers to know that we better sure as heck behave. I know that Elmers is a Pacific Northwest chain with venues throughout most of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Their business office is just a couple of blocks away. I have always liked their local focus. Their fare is standard American diner food in epic amounts. The menus are huge and well illustrated. Everything is blindingly clean and parking is plentiful. It is a fairly spendy these days. but you will not walk away hungry. The food is very well prepared and very tasty. Nothing trendy at all, but if you want comfort, take a seat. Their pancakes are excellent, and the French Dip sandwich is a lifelong favorite. Coffee has always been good here. I think they served Boyds for years which is the first of what I remember as gourmet coffee. Elmers has a full bar and does a great job with whatever you wish Oh time, we all change, but you don't. You keep moving on. Nowadays the demographic is senior ( just like me), and Elmers has been popular for years. When you need reliably great food, this is the place to come.

Classic Great Good menu Great organized service. Excellent managers Good food. They handle a great deal of people quickly & efficiently, very very impressive....