Whether you’re a fan of diner food in the Old Port or prefer a more formal style brunch in the arts district, Portland has plenty of establishments to choose from for your morning repast, regardless of whether or not you’re an early riser (most of these spots serve breakfast or brunch until 2).
You’ll find that you’re going to have to make some tough decisions for breakfast when you come to this coastal culinary hotbed—because no matter what type of food you enjoy or what sort of atmosphere you like to eat it in, you’ll be hard put to narrow your options down to just one.
Map Of Portland Breakfast Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Hot Suppa
A southern kitchen with a Maine accent, this local not-so-secret-anymore favorite makes all the mouthwatering items on their menu from scratch and sources as many ingredients locally as possible.
The aesthetic here is just as comforting as their food; snuggled shotgun-style into an old Victorian in the West End, the warm character of the brick and original woodwork will make you feel like lingering over yet another cup of coffee—or maybe a Bloody Mary. Besides, after filling up on creations like their Barbecue Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict or Scrambalaya, it may be a while before you can even stand up.
Location: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Website: Hot Suppa
Becky’s Diner
Located down at the working waterfront, this family-owned-and-run local fixture has been bestowing morning smiles on the faces of customers for over thirty years, now. On any given morning—especially in season and weekends—it isn’t surprising to see folks waiting outside for a table, even in sub-zero weather…and for good reason. Delicious comfort food, huge portions, fair prices, fast service—all with the familiar bustling diner soundtrack of happy customers and jocular, busy servers.
The menu is simple but comprehensive—this coming from a diner (me) who loves to order both sweet and savory items when eating out for breakfast. Becky’s menu makes it easy to see all my options in one glance (Eggs, Pancakes & Waffles, Omelets, Sides) so that I’m ready to order as soon as the server shows up.
Location: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Becky’s Diner
Bayside American Café
Another 3+ decade establishment and voted as having Portland’s Best Brunch, Bayside features an urban chic vibe with a historic architectural flair. Their famous brunch is served all day (7-2) daily (open Wednesday through Monday), and the menu is sized just right.
I could seriously live on their Smoked Salmon Plate (house-made applewood smoked salmon, tomato, red onion, capers, scrambled eggs, choice of toast, and herbed cream cheese…OY!!! I’m suddenly hungry…), but there are far more options for those who don’t do the whole lox-like thing (Bayside has no fewer than 8—yes, EIGHT—different Benedicts on offer).
And if you’re like me, when you hear “brunch,” you think either “mimosa” or “Bloody Mary,” and in this case, you’d be right.
Location: 98 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Bayside American Café
Marcy’s Diner
This cute little spot on the corner of Oak and Free Streets doesn’t have a ton of seating, so be prepared to wait if you’re not amenable to take-out—because Marcy’s is popular. Their true-blue American menu leaves you wanting for nothing: Combination plates, pancakes, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, scrambles—nobody leaves Marcy’s hungry.
My perfect breakfast to share? The Holy Donut French Toast (you have to see it to believe it) with the Hobo Hash Browns and two eggs (I just need to make sure I’ve parked nearby, because my mobility is seriously impacted once the plates are clean).
Location: 47 Oak St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Marcy’s Diner
Miss Portland Diner
A true diner-car experience in every sense of the word, the Miss Portland Diner—established in 1949—is an authentic Worcester Lunch Car Company masterpiece. Moved from Forest Avenue in 1964 to its current location, the Miss Portland has attained the status of a tourist destination unto itself, even without consideration of its fantastic menu (their signature Corned Beef Hash Scramble should be its own food group).
Location: 140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Miss Portland Diner
Union Restaurant
If you’re looking for a higher-end breakfast experience, head on over to Union at the Press Hotel for a spectacular menu full of fresh, creative, locally-sourced options. The classy-yet-understated ambiance mirrors the creative simplicity of their dishes, and every meal features an element either crafted, reaped, or caught in Maine.
Seasonal dining at its best, Union prides itself in supporting local makers and culinary entrepreneurs to bring the best that the area has to offer right to your plate…and your stomach. Like their Pork Belly BLT Breakfast Sandwich with a Dark Before Dawn breakfast cocktail (amaro, espresso, orange juice), for example. And now I’m hungry again.
Location: 390 Congress St, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Union Restaurant
Congress Squared
Another more upscale option, Congress Squared is located in the first story of the Westin Portland Harborview, offering a rotating, seasonal menu of fresh, local fare. If the diner atmosphere isn’t your cup of coffee, then C2 probably is. With a simple, refined atmosphere and décor to match its menu, C2 elevates its offerings with options like Maine lobster as a side or omelet add-in.
Location: 157 High St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Congress Squared
The Front Room Restaurant and Bar
Located in the East End of the Munjoy Hill neighborhood, The Front Room describes its menu as “new American comfort food.” And with brunch as their specialty, these folks know how to do it right. This snug, local hotspot also boasts a fully-stocked bar, so if you want a jalapeño-infused Bloody Mary with your Huevos Rancheros or Potato Gnocchi with poached eggs, they’ve got you covered.
Location: 73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Front Room Restaurant and Bar
The Sinful Kitchen
While this restaurant’s menu is notable in its own right, The Sinful Kitchen is even more remarkable due to the fact that almost every item on the menu can be made gluten-free. Chef Dave Mallari has celiac disease and is intimately familiar with gluten-free preparations.
The Benedicts (the Lobster Benedict on a grilled cheddar and brie base topped with crumbled bacon, for example) and Belgian waffles are true works of art, and if you’re ordering brunch, you simply MUST try a Waffle Pizza (no, really—it’s amazing).
Location: 906 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102
Website: The Sinful Kitchen
Dutch’s
Making breakfast classics with a creative twist—from scratch—is no easy feat, but Dutch’s has attained near-perfection in that department. With traditional offerings alongside tweaked-out ones, like the Not-So-Traditional Breakfast Sandwich (egg white, avocado, cheddar, chimichurri), you have the option to stick to the familiar…or not. Dutch’s breakfast menu also has a baked goods section—most of which items are vegan—so if you’re feeling carby, you won’t be disappointed.
Location: 28 Preble St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Dutch’s
Bayou Kitchen
The fact that they have grits, beans and rice, or cornbread options as sides with your meal (oh, yeah—and the name of the place) speaks to the flavors of the menu you will be treated to at this vibrant, bustling café.
Dishes with names like Mudbug Madness, The Swamp, The Cajun Scramble, and The Hurricane leave little doubt to the Louisiana culinary influence…although there are plenty of more traditional items to choose from if you’re not particularly fond of Cajun-influenced cuisine.
Location: 543 Deering Ave, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Bayou Kitchen
And now without further ado are my quick picks for places that scratch a specific appetite itch. For a grab-and-go meal, head to Market Street Eats, for their breakfast wrap, The Buddha (and besides—you have the option to add tater tots to any wrap…DONE).
Fresh-from-the-oven baked goods and local coffee? If “yes, please,” then off to Tandem Coffee and Bakery you go.
If you’ve never experienced a Maple Bacon Maine potato donut at The Holy Donut, then you haven’t lived.
And for a mind-blowing sandwich (their Classic Nova Lox is hands-down my favorite) on a fresh, homemade bagel, Rose Foods gets my business every time.
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