John Street Cafe

Doesn't Recommend

kir80spez

Joined 11 years ago

Sadly disappointed.... The John Street Cafe is in my neighborhood, so needless to say I go there often and have always been very happy with the food and service. I went yesterday with a friend and the staff seemed frazzled by the nice weather and the opening of the outdoor section. When we were told our table was ready we headed back to the patio and watched two people sit down at the table that was ours.

At this point, there was still no problem- we were happy to wait although it seems like they need a better system (perhaps a sign posted that says "To be seated check-in inside"). One of the waiters barked at us that we would have to wait until he cleared off a table. Ok, no problem. Finally, after countless trips of bringing one thing out at a time and getting the table set, we were seated. And then forgotten about. No menus. No water. No "we'll be right with you." We watched as the staff cleaned tables, talked to other people, etc. etc. etc. So we left.

No harm done- I know we will be back, but it would be nice if the staff communicated with each other a little better and paid closer attention to their customers.

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pdxgeek

Joined 5 years ago

My favorite for breakfast!. Here's what you do... order the omelette select, and in the paragraph of stuff you could throw into it, go down the list and ask for every single item you like (and I mean every one). For example I usually order an omlette with feta, walnuts, salsa, bacon, black beans, italian sausage, sauteed onions and brie (I might be forgetting an item or two). What you will recieve is nothing short of a mountain of omlette heaven.

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vortexgirl13

Joined 7 years ago

One of the best breakfast's in North Portland. I come here about once a month and always forget to write a review!

What a wonderful place to have breakfast--even if there is a wait, it's well worth it.

The service is so sweet and I love the owner--he's adorable. I think his wife is the cook

and she seems lovely as well--she's in back cooking the delicious creations. The menu is

fairly diverse as far as breakfast goes. There are usually 2-4 specials listed on the board above.

I must say that all the meals I've had have been well executed and generous when it comes to portion size.

All the egg dishes are cooked to perfection and I especially love all of the many different omelettes. The whole wheat toast is great as are the potatoes that come with most meals. They serve Kobo's coffee which is smooth and rich. I can' t really think of any negatives, except that maybe they only serve breakfast until 11am during the week. Otherwise it is excellent. Bon Appetite!

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carmellie

Joined 9 years ago

Black bean omelette...'nuff said. Well, not really. Everything I've had here is good. I haven't been recently, but in the past the wait staff has always been very pleasant, despite being consistently busy throughout the weekend. If you're lucky, in the summer snag a table outside--you'll forget you're in the middle of busy St. John's.

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eatsntreats

Joined 6 years ago

Consistent quality food restaurant. I've been to the John's Street Cafe in St. Johns many times through the years and for a Portlander it's a trip I enjoy. On a weekend morning you may want to go early to beat the line. And why is there a line you ask? That?s a great sign saying GREAT FOOD INSIDE! I love all the omelets and my fav's are the bacavo, the chicken with sour cream and the bean omelet.

Service is excellent I just wish the owners will open up a restaurant on SE Hawthorne Blvd, ?we miss you guys?. I will look forward to the drive a few times a year to St. Johns Oregon to satisfy my tummy and to say HI. Steve

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wolfcreekcattle

Joined 7 years ago

Worth the drive. No matter what you order the food is always the best! John St. has a very clean atmosphere and friendly staff. Specials are unique and change often enough that there is always something NEW to try, but then the problem is not ordering your favorite item.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Fresh and familiar local ingredients prepared with skill and care in a sunny environment.. In Short
All stripes of Portlanders make the trek here for breakfast or lunch. The art alone, including magnificent originals by locals Mike Russo and Sally Haley, is enough to justify the trip. On weekends there's usually wait, but it's worth it. Breakfast features fluffy, pleasantly sour buttermilk pancakes, mountainous omelets and oatmeal with a selection of garnishes. Lunch features numerous standouts. The hamburger is superior, and the blackened snapper sandwich is moist and fiery.

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coffeecoffee

Joined 8 years ago

worth the drive!. she says: tastes great! this was the third time I've been here and I really think it's a great spot for breakfast. I have had the bacavo omelette twice, it is one of my favorite omelettes in town. fair prices and high quality goodness!

he says: I was a first timer and was greatly impressed by food and thoughtful service. If I lived nearby I would be there every weekend.

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invoker

Joined 9 years ago

Best Grilled Cheese EVER!. I've had 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches in 3 mos. The food is excellent and consistent. The grilled cheese is crispy and has so much flavor. The sausage at breakfast is the best in the city. And salads are always made with the best.

If you have a child, they get to play with Gumby!

My only complaint is they are not open for dinner.

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jimandcort

Joined 10 years ago

PANCAKES!!!. By far the best pancakes in Portland. The size of a dinner plate 1 1/2" thick and for only $4!!!