Byways Cafe
(503) 221-0011
1212 NW Glisan St
Portland,
OR
97209
45.5264
-122.6834
Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Pearl
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 brioche topped with honey butter is well worth the 15-minute wait. For lunch, attempt the juicy, 1/3-pound hamburger with tasty homemade potato salad, or the Crater Lake Cobb salad, which is done with spinach instead of lettuce and doused in crumbly blue cheese. Don't miss the sweet treats: Chewy brownies, piping-hot scones and cookies have a loyal following.
User Reviews
kanino
April 05, 2009
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.
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Anonymous
January 09, 2009
Retro atmosphere with fantastic burgers! Mouth watering and wonderful aromas greet you at the door. Small space, limited seating and busy lunch crowd, but worth it!
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fusspdx
September 16, 2008
I've been attempting a good experience at Byways for years. Each time I say "never again", only to go back months later hoping for improvement. The menu specials are always great on the chalk board and often times translate that to your plate. But the service? Why the bad service in such a small diner? Each time the same woman who seems to hate her job, or at least the customers, has this issue with where people sit. One time, in the middle of eating we were asked to move so they could accommodate more customers. Isn't that written on the holy grail of being a restaurant of what not to do? It's diner food people, lighten up and stop running the place like it's an episode of Seinfeld with the Soup-Nazi.
read full reviewThe 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:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Breakfast, Family-Friendly Dining, Cheap Eats
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
