Memento Mori Cafe

There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.

Set in Portland, OR, Memento Mori Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Memento Mori Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
• House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
• Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
• Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg

There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.

The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.

Their breakfast cocktails are no joke. The bloody mary comes garnished with everything but the kitchen sink, and the bottomless mimosa option has a strict 90-minute window.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Portland, Memento Mori Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.

Tips from the regulars

• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
• Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
• Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
• Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Memento Mori Cafe.
• Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Memento Mori Cafe open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Su-Mo 08:00-03:00, We-Th 08:00-03:00, Fr-Sa 08:00-04:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Memento Mori Cafe take reservations?

Most brunch spots in Portland are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is Memento Mori Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes — Memento Mori Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does Memento Mori Cafe serve?

It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Portland.

Is there outdoor seating at Memento Mori Cafe?

Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.

Location

Located at 1533 Northwest 24th Avenue. Coordinates: 45.5339, -122.7010. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.