Byways Cafe

(503) 221-0011

1212 NW Glisan St
Portland, OR 97209 45.5264 -122.6834

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Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Pearl

Byways Cafe

BYWAYS CAFE

What People Are Saying About Byways Cafe

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene – Kitschy and fun, Byways feels like a blast from the past with its vinyl banquettes, 3-D viewfinders, friendly servers and soda fountain. The crowd is mixed: 20-somethings nursing weekend hangovers, young families and Pearlites converge for hearty, satisfying breakfasts and lunches. – – The Food – The Pearl's own greasy spoon transcends diner fare by improving on the classics. At breakfast, try the Mt. Rushmore Hash, a mix-mash of potatoes, spicy corned beef, melted cheese and hot peppers. Amaretto-infused French toast is pure indulgence; creamy, aromatic…

3 Star Rating: Average

07/12/09

Overrated.

by rchum

I saw Byways on Food Network about a year before I finally made my first visit. I had high hopes for this place, only to be slightly disappointed.

I went on a Thursday morning and was seated promptly. My boyfriend ordered the Mt. Rushmore Hash and I ordered a Sunrise Special that included an egg, bacon, and 2 slices of amaretto french toast. Both the hash and french toast were featured on the show.

The food was okay, but nothing special. The french toast was good at first, but after a few bites, I find that the almond flavor was a bit overpowering and was too sweet to finish the entire portion (and I only had to slices as opposed to the 4 slices in the normal order). I also find that it was a little soggy/custard-like, but that is a personal preference as I like my french toast more on the dry side.

The corned beef hash was great... except for the corned beef. I found the meat a little tough and could have used a little more seasoning.

Service was great though. Our waiter was attentive and friendly. I couldn't have asked for a better waiter.

Overall, Byways isn't necessarily bad, but for something that was featured on television, I would have expected more. I probably won't be coming back.

  • Pros: Service, large portions
  • Cons: Food is medicore
1 Star Rating: Poor

07/06/09

Not worth the 2hr wait!

by CSMobileUser

I will never come back. There are plenty other cafe's that wouldn't make you wait that long

1 Star Rating: Poor

04/05/09

bring your vacuum cleaner

by kanino

admittedly we went sometime last year, but the grime on the air vents was over-the-top. i prayed we did not get seated anywhere underneath the thing.

look, i do not recall what i had to eat. i do recall, it was sort of ok. the two main things i do recall are 1) the long wait, the 2) sheer dirty-ousity of the place. i'm all for 'authentic', unless its just plain nasty.

  • Pros: breakfast food ok
  • Cons: filthy

The Details on Byways Cafe

When to Go:

On weekends, this small diner fills up quick, so bring the paper to read while you wait and enjoy the lazy day.

Category:

Restaurants

Smoking Permitted:

No

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