Mustard Seed Cafe (Redmond, OR)

I found this cafe when my family was on vacation at the nearby Eagle Crest Resort.  My mom had asked the repair man if he knew of any good breakfast places around (knowing that I would be on the lookout).  He said that he really liked the Black Bear... something but that the "women" tend to like the Mustard Seed Cafe.  He said  it was a little fru fru for his taste.  

We took our chances and there is nothing fru fru about it.  Unless by that he meant that it is clean and well decorated and serves local fresh food, then yes, it was fru fru.  I was very impressed with this restaurant.  The owner was our server and he had an obvious passion about wanting to serve local and fresh food whenever possible.   The coffee was from a local roaster in the area, it past my taste test.  The food was very tasty and reasonably priced, though a little on the higher side.  My dad was impressed with the generous portion of ham with his ham and eggs and I appreciated a menu item that included avocados.  If you happen to stop in, tell them you heard about them from Portlandbreakfast.blogspot.

Mustard Seed Cafe

614 NW Cedar Ave
Redmond, OR 97756
(541) 923-2599

Joe Bar (Seattle)

I came upon this unique coffee house by the suggestion of someone from the area.  I was informed that this is one of Bill Gates' favorite places to visit.  I have no way of validating that but there is a newspaper article cut out and framed proudly at the counter with a picture of Bill sitting at one of their tables.  

You will drive by it if you don't know it is there, as it is located a little off the beaten path.  I admit it is more of a lunch place than breakfast though if you are happy with a pastry and coffee in the morning, it'll be perfect.  This blog is about good coffee mostly so I have to give a shout out to a coffee shop here and there.  They serve crepes, paninis, soup, salad and a few different antipasta plates.  They also are not only a coffee bar but have a beer and wine menu as well.  This is the perfect place for a fun little date for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner.  If you are date-less, grab your laptop and go sip some espresso or your favorite wine and enjoy a few hours by yourself with their free wi-fi.   Have fun! 

Joe Bar Cafe
810 E. Roy
Seattle, WA 98102
www.joebar.org

(206)324-0407

Easy Street Cafe

   This great little corner cafe is literally inside a music store.  When we were seated and I started looking at their menu, I thought "yes, these people get it."  I first looked for their coffee vendor and like a good Seattle cafe, their coffee was from a local roaster and NOT Starbucks, thank you very much!  I actually wrote it down but of course that piece of paper is long gone.  What matters is that it was good and only $1.  Seriously.  

So what makes a breakfast place "get it?"  Well for one, they had an extensive menu with choices for veg heads as well as meat lovers and not just your token, "we'll throw these in so we don't get complaints about not having options," but they have a great selection of everything.  Also, they have a section for lighter appetites so if you're not the trucker appetite type, you don't have to feel bad about wasting food or paying for it, for that matter.

They had my favorite combo of french toast with eggs and a side of meat (the Lil' Kim) for a reasonable price.  I can't tell you how hard it is to find that combo on a menu.  They had my vote right away.  My husband had the Beck omelet.  He loved the veggie bacon.  He was pleased except that there was a little too much sour cream.

All the staff look like rock stars, fitting.  Our server was very sweet and attentive.  If I lived in the neighborhood I would be there every weekend.  It's just that kind of place.

Welcome to the best little record store, coffee bar, and diner in West Seattle! The cafe is open from 7am to 3pm every day. 4559 California Avenue SW (206) 938-EASY 

easystreetonline.com

Gower St. Bistro

Update 7/4/09: A kind reader informed me that Gower St. bistro is closed... but they they have a sister restaurant in Portland, www.everettstreetbistro.com

My husband and I spent our 5 year anniversary at this Bed and Breakfast at Cannon Beach. The restaurant is separate from the hotel so anyone can eat there. It is walking distance from the beach. Such a cute place. Very small, just perfect for a morning breakfast with your special someone before you go for a stroll on the beach.

The food was delicious. The server was very nice and social. It's one of those cafe's where you feel like you're in a romantic movie just eating there. Does anyone ever feel that way or is it just me...

The prices are moderate to high but it's worth it. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dinner smelled yummy and all the people looked so content and sophisticated with their wine glasses and big plates of pasta, as we walked to an overly priced seafood restaurant and sat next to a large party with overindulged, loud children and wished we had just eaten at our cute little B&B. We will definitely try it next time.

I would also recommend the hotel. They are very friendly and the rooms are small but romantic. It's almost like going back in time but with a modern flare. Very fun little place.

Please let me know if you visit, I would love to hear what you think. Let them know who sent you. :)

Clinton Corner Cafe

This was my pick for Valentine's Day morning.  I had never heard of it or even seen it, which was perfect!  I actually found them on mrbreakfast.com, which, I must say, does not give very much information and certainly doesn't give any pictures :)  

It is a very cute, eclectic little cafe.  I loved their red door and french music.  Our 

 waitresses were very nice and attentive.  Well ok, we were the first and only customers for a little bit.  We were a little confused about their having the front door propped wide open when it was snowing outside, but they agreed nicely to shut it for us. 

Their menu is pretty limited but has options for carni's and veggies.  We split the smoked salmon scramble.  The scramble wasn't anything to write home about, but it wasn't bad.  They serve Stumptown coffee, so they've got that on their side.  Prices were moderate.  Seating is definitely limited to small parties.  They have their own baker and had some scrumptious looking desserts.

It is a cute little corner cafe in the neighborhood.  There are some fun shops and cafe's nearby to check out.  

www.clintoncornercafe.net

2633 SE 21st Ave Portland, OR 97202 - (503) 230-8035

Cadillac Cafe

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I have been putting off visiting Cadillac Cafe for some time now.  Inevitably when I tell people that I have a breakfast blog, I get asked the question, "have you tried Cadillac Cafe?"  I think, just the fact that so many people know about the place, makes it less appealing.  I did finally end up going and it wasn't so bad.  It does sort of strike me as a bit "chain-ish" though.

I only went because my friend Stephanie started working there.   I told her I was going to put her on my blog, so if you go, sit at the bar and tell Stephanie hi for me.

The food was very good.  The coffee is Kobos.  It is one my husbands favorite breakfast places now.  It's in his top five places.  We had the french toast with hazelnuts.  

It is a very busy restaurant, another reason I've avoided it, so if you're not big on waiting, I'd try to hit it early.  They do have a bar section that is easier to get a seat in.  Honestly, I wouldn't even try to get a big party in here, unless you get reservations and I don't know if they take them.  Prices are moderate to high.  Cadillac Cafe is a fancier type, so you might feel a little out of place in your sweats, if you care.

portland.citysearch.com

1801 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 287-4750

Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie

                                                                             

I think I have eaten here about seven times in the last two months.  This is definitely in my top five places to go for breakfast now.  For one, their lattes are beautiful (if the right person makes it) and they have great coffee.  First criterium met.  Second they have a great menu, fresh new breakfast items for the meat lover and vegetarian alike, not to mention an amazing array of bakery yummies.  And third, I love the atmosphere here.  I just feel like I'm going to step out onto the streets of Paris when I leave (which leaves me a little disappointed when I actually do leave, but it's getting better down there).

     This is a great place for a romantic breakfast with your special someone or with some friends or family or just to go yourself and watch the cute little bundled up munchkins walk in with their hip urban parents as they make a b-line for the kids cookie window.  

     They can accomodate fairly large groups by putting tables together, though it can get a bit crowded.  We have never had to wait yet for a table, which I'm sure is  soon to change, but we'll enjoy it for now.  The staff here are very friendly and the service is prompt.  You have to try one of their espresso drinks if you go, just for the beauty of it.                                    

1824 NE Alberta St Portland, OR 97211 - (503) 284-6564

4834 SE Division St Portland, OR 97206 - (503) 233-1121