Portland has long been celebrated for its thriving brunch culture, attracting locals and visitors alike to indulge in leisurely weekend meals.
While iconic establishments like The Tin Shed and Screen Door remain beloved by many, a new wave of innovative brunch spots has begun to emerge, breathing fresh life into the city’s culinary landscape.
In recent months, food critics Veronica Nocera and Michael Russell have scoured the city to discover four standout brunch restaurants that showcase unique culinary interpretations, representing a range of flavors and traditions.
Ancestro, the pop-up brunch venture by chefs Leticia and Marco Escamilla, has garnered attention for its heritage-inspired dishes served at Cadejo Coffee.
The menu features a limited selection that changes weekly, highlighting traditional Mexican gastronomy. The highlights include a stunning mole tamal filled with chicken, adorned with rich walnut mole, and a delightful tlacoyo—a pre-Hispanic dish that presents a comforting combination of black beans and scrambled eggs atop a masa base, topped with vibrant tomato-onion sauce.
Reservations may be required, and diners are encouraged to look out for the highly sought-after torta, a remarkable sandwich created with in-house baked teleras and ever-changing fillings, such as a delicious chile relleno or smoked pork chop. If you seek a reason to venture downtown, Ancestro promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Next on the list, Fair Weather has emerged from its roots at Jacqueline, a spot known for its brief but legendary brunch offerings.
The restaurant has reestablished itself with a whimsical and inventive brunch menu that keeps guests guessing. One standout item is the visually captivating shrimp and grits dish, which presents a poached egg at its center amongst a swirl of greens—what begins as a verdant plate transitions to a fiery red upon mixing the egg and sauce.
Fair Weather maintains a consistent reputation, thanks to anticipated offerings such as Dungeness crab toast, a yeasted waffle crowned with hazelnut-praline butter, and a unique twist on classic fare like black cod in green garlic cream. In addition, Fair Weather will soon debut a dinner service, making it a fixture in Portland’s dining scene.
The Love Shack is already proving to be a hot contender in the brunch circuit since launching its Sunday brunch in February this year. The bustling atmosphere invites guests to enjoy tropical-themed decor alongside creative cocktail offerings. However, the appeal isn’t limited to drinks; the food menu also shines, particularly with the highly praised Nashville fried chicken and waffles.
This dish stands out for its addictive hot honey glaze and savory whipped herb butter. Despite the occasional difficulties securing a table due to overwhelming demand, those willing to arrive early might still secure a spot at this vibrant bar and lounge.
Lastly, Mémoire Cà Phê presents a unique twist on brunch favorites, inspired by chef Richard Le’s childhood memories of his mother’s shrimp omelet. The dish evokes nostalgia, featuring fluffy eggs blended with coconut milk, juicy shrimp, and cherry tomatoes, all beautifully finished with fried garlic crisps.
Among additional menu highlights that honor local flavors are breakfast burritos griddled to perfection and a delightful sandwich with gooey egg yolk and crispy potatoes.
This cozy cafe combines elements from the popular food cart Matta and incorporates playful menu items, such as a pandan waffle and milk bread bun, that reflect the creativity of Portland’s culinary landscape.
If you’re searching for new brunch memories to create, Mémoire Cà Phê is definitely worth a visit.
As Portland’s dining scene evolves, these four new restaurants showcase the rich diversity and cultural influences that continue to shape the city’s gastronomic offerings.
With each venue adding its own flair to the beloved brunch tradition, Portlanders can look forward to a revitalized brunch experience that celebrates both innovation and heritage.
Whether enjoying meticulously crafted dishes from Ancestro, the imaginative plates at Fair Weather, the tropical vibes at The Love Shack, or the nostalgic tastes at Mémoire Cà Phê, there’s no doubt that Portland’s brunch scene is thriving once more.
As the food landscape continues to change, these new establishments are rekindling the passion for brunch and entrenching themselves in the city’s culinary identity.
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