Walk in on a Saturday around 10 and you will find regulars at the counter, families clustered around tables, and a host quietly working the wait list.
Set in Portland, OR, The Great North 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 hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at The Great North. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- 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
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
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.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Portland, The Great North 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. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- 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.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does The Great North open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 06:00-18:00; Sa,Su 07:00-18:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does The Great North 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 The Great North kid-friendly?
Yes — The Great North 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 The Great North serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Portland.
Is there outdoor seating at The Great North?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1951 West Burnside Street. Coordinates: 45.5232, -122.6914. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.