You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Portland, OR, No Preference 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.
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.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at No Preference. 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
The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
If you're a group of four or more, call ahead. They sometimes take small reservations for parties of four-plus, even when the website says walk-in only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Portland, No Preference 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
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- 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.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does No Preference open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 07:30-15:00; Sa,Su 08:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does No Preference 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 No Preference kid-friendly?
Yes — No Preference 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 No Preference 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 No Preference?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 2327 East Burnside Street. Coordinates: 45.5230, -122.6419. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.