John's Café

Tried their version of Chicken Fried Steak. The diner was quiet, and the food was like an old diner from years ago. Service was good.

This is first and foremost a diner. So if by my stars, you are expecting an upscale bistro, you are fishing in the wrong pond. But as a diner, it was 😙 🤌. The breakfast steak was pounded thin and pretty well-done, and juicy and tasty. Sunny side eggs perfect. Not runny or overdone. And all very affordable. Served with hash browns and toast, it was the perfect, still affordable, protein  😙🤌 to start the days adventures. The waitress was extremely personable and lovely. And the owners (I assume) up in front and the kitchen, perfectly curt and down to business. I hesitate to tell the world about it. I don't want it to become the next hipster find with a line around the block, then next thing you know, they are serving bottomless mimosas and everything is 3x the cost. But I do want to be sure it is loved just the way it is enough to survive this hard time for restaurants so it is still there whenever I come back.

I don't know what other people are talking about in terms of the customer service at this place. The old couple who runs this diner are just fine.. They are foreign and probably don't cater to the American sensibility of "fake smiles, pester you and wait on you hand on foot" kind of service most of us are used to. The food was tasty, prepared quickly and I thought the old couple were kind. It was nice getting a bite here after working Graveyard.

I really love this little diner. They have a good classic breakfast and the ingredients are quality. The owner makes the potatoes every day. Totally worth coming here. They take cash only!!!

Good old classic American Diner! I had the Chicken Fried Steak with brown gravy and it was delicious! Prices are reasonable and just be aware that they only take cash and no cards. Great place to get a simple breakfast!

What an amazing experience! The owners take such pride in their work and have since 1973! Affordable prices, a hometown feel, and a filling breakfast. So, so happy to be a short walk from this breakfast spot!

I wanted to check this place out for like a decade and finally got around to doing that. When I saw pictures of the menu posted by other people on Google reviews I assumed that I was looking at older posts because there was no way that in today's economy the breakfast would be that cheap but oh my god it was. And it was spectacular. The food was actually in people sized portions instead of being super sized like it would be at Denny's or IHOP, so this isn't a place where an entire family of four can split a single entree, but that's actually a good thing! It was brisk morning, but it was nice and toasty inside the restaurant, but not overly warm. The hash browns were the perfect balance of crispy and soft, which is something I always find delightful. I was a tiny bit frustrated when my coffee first came out because I had asked for cream and then I did not see the cream so I just sat there not drinking my coffee for a minute until I grabbed the cup and realized that the cream was behind the cup just outside of my line of sight and I am the idiot in this equation. There were a few other people in there when I got there, and right after I ordered my omelette breakfast, somebody else got the pancakes delivered to their table and they looked delectable so next time I go I will be getting the pancakes. I cannot recommend this place strongly enough.

This is exactly the diner experience I want. Good food, hot and fast. Simple but expertly done. Cash only. 8 to 10 were counter eating, and three tables or so. Lovely older couple run it. He cooks and she busses and pours coffee and brings you the tab on old fashioned diner checks. $2.00 bottomless cup of coffee ☕! Two great pancakes 🥞 and 4 pcs of bacon for $10.95. You can't beat the prices and the ambience. Classic 7UP, RC Cola, and Root Beer soda fountain. I would be here often if I lived here.

This place is fabulous ! The food is incredible ! Coffee is terrific ! Place is spotless ! The waitress Wipes down All the catsup mustard and sugar Containers ! I've never seen this before ! And their prices ! 8 oz NY steak and eggs Toasf and hash browns - $12.00 !!!!! Just the best !

Such a cute mom and pop place in Portland thats been open for 50 years. The prices for the meals are averaging at $10 and CASH ONLY! They have a vintage cash register that was just perfect to add to the ambiance here. The food was great and tasted like it was made with love. The people who own the shop are on the older side and very direct when it comes to ordering and service but I have nothing negative to say about this place.

Basic Breakfast fare. The sweetest lady who runs the cafe served us. Easy parking right on the street. We felt safe parking right on Everett St. They are open 7a-1p (they said that business has been slow since people dont return back to work around the area. They use to be open 6a-6p). They have worked there for almost 50+ years! The interior is neat/clean. They only take CASH. Affordable prices $12 (no more than $12 for a breakfast)

Angel sighting at John's cafe! Amazing food! Cash only! Omelet and hash browns, Eggs bacon pancakes, French toast. And OMG did I say a sighting of an Angel!

Review for the 'chicken fried steak'. This is NOT chicken fried steak.......frozen tasteless breaded. Stick to bacon/eggs/hashbrowns. The End

The server was extremely rude ! All I requested was breakfast and a togo order ... you think they would appreciate the business? My feeling is, if you're not a local ... it's o.k. to be rude

This small and quaint location comes with service with a smile. Comfort breakfast just like home..

I was in Portland for training and walked by this cafe a couple times in the evening when it was closed. Decided to try it on my last morning in town. I assume the two running it are a couple, just feels that way. She greets, though was a bit surlier with me than the regulars who came in later. Prices are amazing. I WANTED to try NY Steak for 9.95 but decided against it. Had ham and cheese omelet. He was the cook. It was fine, lots of ham. Good hash browns. Whitest wheat toast I've ever seen. She made the toast, lots of handling including applying melted butter with a ladle. I never saw her wash hands while handling money etc. Old school, germs build resistance! Coffee was weak diner fare. When I said I was done without finishing all my food She was shocked. Sorry, it's a lot! Got a nice goodbye so that was pleasant. Other than the toast prep (which happens at Denny's too, TBH) , place was clean and cozy. Check it out!!

I literally NEVER leave reviews, but I just had to! Super kind people! I didn't get any names, but the ladies up front were so kind and welcoming. The place has amazing and calming vibes (gen Z approved) As for the food, it was also amazing. If you like homemade food with heart in it, then you'll love the breakfast here. Nothing I ate was dry. Their eggs are perfectly how you ask for them. If I had to choose one place to eat breakfast for the rest of my life it'd be here. Thanks!

June 2022 - Enjoyable experience! Food/Pricing - Super reasonable prices and yummy food! Service/Ambiance - The server was straight forward and friendly! Feels like I was in an old school diner. Highly recommend eating here for brunch or breakfas!

This is the perfect traditional diner breakfast fare. Very clean, reasonably priced and hands on friendly service from the owners. A nice walk from any of the downtown hotels. Do beware they take cash ONLY!

Hark! I hath traveled to John's Cafe for a morning feast and ordered the most wondrous hamburger steak breakfast special for the mere price of 9.95 shiny coins. And lo, the food was of the highest quality, a true delight to mine taste buds! The hamburger steak was cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor, and the eggs were cooked over easy, as I fancied. However, one must know that John's Cafe doth not accept any other form of currency, so make sure to bring plenty of coins on thy quest for sustenance! But fret not, for the workers were most friendly and the service was quick and efficient, making for a most delightful dining experience. In all my travels, I doth heartily recommend John's Cafe to all those in search of a scrumptious breakfast at a most reasonable price. So don thy adventuring gear and venture forth to John's Cafe, where the food is fit for a knight or fair maiden of any realm!

Great place. Food, service, atmosphere. The kind of family owned business that be enjoyed and supported!

Simple diner. Great food. Old school charm. 'Nuff said. Note: Please don't go here expecting anything more than what they are. John's is just good people who make good food at a very reasonable price.

Just in case there's any doubt, a recent drive-by confirms that John's Café is indeed open again after a long temporary closure.

Good price Decent food Fast diner Poor service Was told to use your hand for eating breakfast Waitress was constantly complaining the whole time No clean table. We had to clean our own table before and after

5 minute walk from union station. Old school diner. CASH ONLY Straightforward breakfast. Reliable spot. I'll be back

The world the way it's supposed to be. Personable, prompt, comfortable, real. Customers even talk you each other at the counter.

I've had a lot of classic American breakfasts: pancakes, bacon and eggs, but that was by far, hands down, the BEST. If you're looking for a small, mom and pop diner, this is the place to go. The prices are so good and the quality of food is spectacular. The owners are so wholesome and it's just an overall amazing breakfast experience.

We had breakfast here this morning. It was very good - a lot of food served up quick and delicious at an excellent price. I'd highly recommend it and will definitely return when we're next in Portland.

Back open! Great classic diner with amazing prices. Cash only though so make sure you stop at an atm beforehand.

Outstanding breakfast. Nice brisk walk from the convention center. Food was delicious, had the tomato omelet, friend had chicken fried steak, other friend had eggs and bacon. Atmosphere was like sitting down in Grandma and Grandpas kitchen. Such a sweet couple doing the cooking and serving. Thanks for having us, we loved it!

Very much enjoyed the feta omelette and the service was friendly and fun! Prices are reasonable and fair.

Food was just okay. Prices are good and that's really the most positive thing I can say about this place. The female server didn't seem care whether you were there or not. The biggest turnoff was the fact that we watched the server eat several finger fulls of hash browns off of every single plate that she served. Fingers to mouth several times from each plate and we did not observe her sanitize or wash her hands once. Not sure if she just likes to test the food before it goes out, but this is just not sanitary or okay on any level.

Old School diner that's been around since 1973. Not to many of these around, so a must visit for diner fans. They have plenty of breakfast and lunch options with most of the diner classics. I've had the John's Special (2 pancakes, 1 egg, 2 bacon or sausage links) as well as the Steak and Eggs. Both were very solid. This family run business has very affordable prices and takes cash only.

I think the food would have given this place a solid 4 stars. For me the customer service was lacking. The service seemed to be great for everyone around me. It's clearly a mom/pop type of place and I felt completely like an outsider. The prices were really good though and I did enjoy the food. I'd probably go back in hopes that I just caught them on an off day.

John's has reopened! No frills classic American diner breakfast. Server has an "old school" sense of humor & means well, but is often misunderstood. Good, kind-hearted people work here and I will continue to support this business.

Incredible breakfast and love the ambience. Get the Salisbury steak and eggs! Great service and a step back in time!

The husband and wife who own John's are just the best people. True salt of the earth. Great food and along with Fullers Cafe are a true old school place to eat breakfast and lunch.

IF YOU'RE A FAN OF SUPPORTING MOM &PAP ESTABLISHMENTS .... Visiting Portland for a friends wedding when i came across John's Cafe in the AM. Decided to try their Breakfast special, which was DELICIOUS !! Besides the amazing breakfast to start my day off, got to chat with John, his wife and a fellow patron about the city and sights. I can see how they've managed to stay in this beautiful city after giving me a glimpse into Portland's great history. When I'm back in Portland, I'll be sure to stop by again !!

John's is exactly what it needs to be - a classic downtown diner, tasty food, great prices, friendly staff. And not too busy (I've never waited in a line).

Simply amazing, recommended, family business, like to go to the 70's! I love this place! Good location! Only cash!

It's always wondeful receiving an invite to speak at any meeting we have in Portland... even better when it's sunny likes it's been the past couple days! So this trip found us staying at the nostalgic Embassy suites Hotel in downtown Portland again. The craziest part about it is if I search current location, 1 million awesome choices pop up throwing my head into a severe spin trying to decide where I'm going to get my next layer of fat from. We were getting a late start today--considering we got in after midnight, so although it was 11 AM, we were looking for breakfast. Being in a state of hangry, it was one of those where is good that we know of and let's just go there moments. And having gone to John's a couple of days ago the choice was clear. So what's pulling me back to this spot? Is it the nostalgic and charming corner diner feel? Or the simple non-frilly neighborhood eatery vibe? Maybe. But to be honest, it is their pancakes. All I can remember was that it was the perfect combination of fluffy lightly crispy on the edges and chewy mixed with inexpensive butter and for all I know hi fructose corn filled maple syrup. But it was the perfect flavor and dish for my 6:30 AM hunger the other day. I wasn't even offended by the fact that when I asked for honey, I was gently shamed for asking such a stupid question. Nonetheless, I'll be back for more!

Medicore food, smallish portions, and the rudest service I have ever experienced. The first and last time I'll go there.

Glad to see them open again with new paint, floor, tables etc and still great breakfasts& early lunch. Strongly recommend the Salisbury steak and eggs. Lots of room to social distance your table. Fast service and great prices.

This joint gets my nomination for one of the best cafes in Portland. Still run by the same husband and wife couple who opened it in 1973, straight off the boat from Greece, it serves honest American standards at fair prices. And most of the place is original. A time capsule! Check out the 1973 cash register and the RC Cola dispenser. Spotlessly clean. I had the NY strip steak and two eggs with hash browns and wheat toast. Fabulous for under $10. Can't wait to go back for lunch. CASH ONLY!

It's a real honor to eat in a place like this. Mom and Pop owned with her serving and him cooking. It's definitely a step back in time in a good way. Simple, hearty breakfast with the owner encouraging me to finish my food makes for a great start to the day. It is cash only, but if like me you don't know that the locals that eat there will guide you to the nearest ATM. So kind, and I went there a few times while working in town and was always greeted with warm words and a smile. French toast delicious and eggs cooked just how I like them. Please support this local business.

UPDATE: We haven't gone in YEARS after an incident that revealed the owner/server lady is a huge racist. Some co-workers and I were there for lunch and the lady was berating an African-American guy, who collected his things and scooted out of there while she continued to holler at him. Then she muttered some lovely thing, I'm sure, in Greek as she came to our table to take our order. I asked what all that hubbub was and she said he ate but couldn't pay. I chuckled and said, "Well, you could have him work his meal off washing dishes in the back." She laughed heartily and said, "Yeah, like a black man would work for what he gets. What can I get you?" We were all so shocked, it didn't even sink in for a minute. After she went to put our order in, we all were, like, "waitaminutedidshejustsay...?" We've never gone back. I regret that I didn't call her out on it when she came back to the table.

The sweetest little diner in Portland! The owners speak very little English, but it's worth every moment to be in this quaint place! CASH only...but make sure to leave a great tip as the prices are lower than everywhere else in the area and the portion sizes are huge! They have been here 47 years, survived the pandemic, and the regulars will rave about it and have great conversation while you eat!

This is one of the best old-school diners in all of Portland: - Cheap prices, especially considering they're in the heart of downtown. - Prices are fair in part because it's CASH ONLY - NO credit cards, checks, bitcoin, etc. Luckily they are happy to point out the ATM just across the street. - Standard breakfast menu done well (hash browns, eggs, steak/sausage/bacon, toast, pancakes, omelets, etc.) - Open 6am to 2pm on weekdays (it's kind of hard to find breakfast places in town open before 7am) - Friendly staff that are happy to chat if you're so inclined.

I live by here and have always wanted to go in to get some breakfast. Today I finally went in--after the ***rudest*** service ever from the woman behind the counter and then the man in the kitchen mumbling something about lunch (no lunch? only serving lunch?). I walked out before even getting to sip my coffee and will absolutely NEVER go back. First off, they were playing a conservative talk show on the radio. 1. That doesn't go over well in Portland 2. Any political talk show is inappropriate for a business to play. 3. The guy on the radio was diatribing about how foreigners should leave which was hilarious as the two people working had accents so thick they were nearly unintelligible--this was the first of many interesting issues with my experience here, as I was about to find out. Their demeanors were so harsh and unpleasant that they both seemed genuinely angry. The woman serving didn't respond to requests until I had to repeat myself because I thought she hadn't heard me and then she brusquely retorted that she had. Like, um, maybe acknowledge that you heard the customer ask you (politely!) for something instead of snapping at them when they have to ask a second time because you're bad at communicating. Rude Lady also ignored the woman next to me who had clearly tolerated an entire breakfast service from Rude Lady and now just wanted to pay up and leave for the airport. She got tired of being ignored and just left a $20 on the counter and said "keep the change, I guess?" before leaving in exasperation. On top of all this, I encountered so much hostility and bad behavior from Rude Lady in such a short amount of time that I nearly forgot to mention--mere seconds after I sat down at the end of the counter to give the person next to me space, Rude Lady told me to move to a different seat! And it took about 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee and several more minutes to get more cream (she was being really stingy with it and only gave me two at a time). It is baffling that anyone would come here and stay long enough to eat--or worse still, having suffered through it once that they would ever go back. No idea how this place stays open. I would like to reiterate that that was the absolute rudest service I have ever encountered in my entire life without question.

Old skool greasy spoon diner with cheap breakfast specials. The radio croaks out right wing talk radio instead of music, the walls are covered in 70's paneling and the formica countertops are probably from the same era. Still, the place is clean, and the food is fine for what it is. John's Cafe, like Fuller's and the Hotcake House, is the among the last of a dying breed of blue collar eateries in Portland. Enjoy it while you can.

There's just something about a small, corner diner, run by a cute older couple. This is a straight forward as you get. The breakfast menu consists of eggs, pancakes, bacon and hash browns. Things along those lines. Everything is under $10. SUPER cheap. I got two eggs, hash browns, toast, and a coffee and my bill was $6.50. It's greasy, diner style comfort food. Aka I would definitely come here if I had a hangover.

Love this place. The owner and his wife are so sweet. Exactly what you'd want from a diner: simple, delicious menu, fast service, good coffee. A+

I saw some reviews for John's Cafe and zeroed in on the word Greek. That could mean Greek food, or just a diner operated by Greeks or Greek-Americans. It is the latter. It is interesting that this cafe, which would be perfectly at home on Main Street USA in any small American town, sits halfway between Burnside and Union Station along Broadway. From one of the small tables by the window, you can see the US Bank Tower, the city's tallest, yet the folks inside, and seen outside from the windows, are quite diverse, so I don't think most suited up people from the US Bank Tower would be coming this way for some grub. John's Cafe is a breakfast and lunch place, with a counter that rounds a corner as well as table seating. They have breakfast and lunch specials. I have eaten here twice. On both occasions, I opted for breakfast food ... once an omelette with potatoes and toast and, another time, the pork steak with potatoes and toast. I added a cup of coffee to that, which they kept refilled. Note that John's Cafe is not like those Greek diners found from the (eastern) Midwest to the East Coast where they serve breakfast, American food, Greek food, Italian food, and have mouth watering desserts rotating in a glass case. Instead, it only has a few Greek items on the menu, since they focus on hearty, traditional American breakfast and lunch items. The experience is definitely unique, the service is relaxed and amicable, the food and the quantities are satisfying, and the prices are reasonable. That sounds like four very positive attributes, hence four stars. There are definitely some regulars here, so that's a good indicator and makes it even more interesting. Also, to keep things simple, they only accept cash and they are closed on Sunday. Then, while you can order breakfast during lunch, they stop serving pancakes at the end of the breakfast time frame. On a weekday on which parking might be free downtown because it's a holiday, John's Cafe is a cool little place to eat. That explains why I've only been here twice, but I'd certainly recommend it if you want down-home cooking, find yourself in this area, and are not a food snob.

Cash only. An actual mom and pop diner that is ran by an old married couple. It's a classic American diner and the decor is dope. If you're looking under a 10 dollar meal, this is one of the few places in Portland you'll be able to find that. If you're looking for food, customer service without the yuppy, over gentrified and trendy experience that PDX is known for, come here.

This place is simple, affordable, and delicious. I love the menu, they've got your classic pancakes eggs chicken fried steak etc. the coffee tasted amazing and just what I needed. I'll be back for sure.

Bring cash. I learned the hard way that they don't accept debit/credit cards. They were really nice about my not having cash on me and they kindly directed me to the nearest ATM a mere block away. This place is a super cute, old-school diner complete with retro vinyl stools for counter seating. There are about 3 little two-top booths with an excellent view of the street; super for people watching. If you're a larger crowd, there's a space in the back that can accommodate y'all. They serve up quite a variety of traditional breakfast and lunch fare. They also serve a soup of the day that changes daily. I tried the homemade lentil and it was superb. I'm really looking forward to trying the orzo. The owners, a married couple are so sweet and friendly. They make you feel right at home. And you can tell they have a lot of regulars. This little cafe is kind of easy to miss and you definitely don't want to miss this sweet spot. 2015 - Review # 84

Excellent, no-frills breakfast. Served the same way for over 40 years. Run by a cool husband and wife duo. Super affordable. CASH ONLY!