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Start Your Morning Right with the 8 Best Waffles in Portland
It’s Saturday morning, and as you step into a cozy Portland café, the rich aroma of coffee and freshly made waffles wraps around you. For waffle lovers like us, there’s nothing better than kicking off the weekend with this experience.
Thankfully, Portland is packed with these incredible spots serving up scrumptious waffles, from classic stacks drenched in syrup to unique flavor combinations that will surprise your taste buds.
I’m excited to share the top places where you can dive into these tasty treats and find your new favorite waffle joint. Let’s dig in!
1. The Waffle Window
Media Credits: wafflewindow
Website: https://wafflewindow.com/
Address: 3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Contact: (971) 255-0501
Operating hours:
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
We had to check out The Waffle Window after hearing so much buzz, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Their Liege waffles have this amazing rich flavor and a texture that’s hard to forget—crispy on the outside but soft and warm inside.
We tried the Strawberry & Lemon Curd Waffle, and it was perfection. The tartness of the lemon curd mixed with sweet strawberries and a big dollop of whipped cream hit just right. The maple syrup drizzle tied everything together without being overly sweet.
The place is the kind of spot you can comfortably chill alone or catch up with friends over brunch. The staff? Super friendly! They didn’t hesitate to offer recommendations and were happy to tweak my order to suit my tastes.
Pro tip: Portions can be quite generous. If you’re planning to try multiple waffles, consider sharing.
2. Flavour Spot
Media Credits: flavourspotwaffles
Website: https://www.flavourspot.com/
Address: 4707 N Lombard St
Contact: (503) 289-9866
Operating hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Price: $
Flavour Spot would be your place if you’re into a top-notch food cart experience. It’s not just about the sweet stuff here. They use waffles as a base for all sorts of savory meals, which makes them distinct.
One of their go-to orders is their Poutine waffle–imagine crispy waffle fries loaded with gooey cheese curds and rich gravy. It’s a savory twist on the classic Canadian dish.
The waffle itself has the right balance of crispy and fluffy, making it the perfect base for such a hearty, comfort food-style dish.
Plus, the laid-back seating and casual atmosphere make it an easy place to relax and enjoy your meal without any rush.
And when it comes to value, the generous portions and fair pricing make it feel like you’re really getting your money’s worth.
Pro tip: Explore their savory waffles like the “Poutine Waffle” for a filling option that pairs well with their maple syrup.
3. Smaaken Waffle Sandwiches
Media Credits: smaakenwaffles
Website: https://smaaken.com/
Address: 1080 SE Madison St
Contact: (503) 477-2794
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Walking into Smaaken, you’re instantly welcomed by a rustic charm with its wood finishes and casual decor—setting the perfect scene for a cozy meal.
They’re famous for their innovative waffle sandwiches, especially the Peanut Butter Cup Waffle Sandwich.
This creation features a blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate ganache, wrapped within a thin, light waffle. The airy texture of the waffle balances the decadent filling, making it a great choice for something sweet.
You can also ask the staff to add fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to your waffles.
Pro tip: Most options can be made vegan; simply ask about their vegan batter and fillings.
4. Churn Cafe
Media Credits: churncafepdx
Website: https://www.churncafepdx.com/
Address: 3928 N Mississippi Ave
Contact: (503) 327-8409
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Churn Cafe is the perfect place for breakfast or brunch. It’s where traditional waffles meet bold Asian flavors most delightfully.
Their Waffle & Gochujang Fried Chicken is definitely a standout. It’s a crispy waffle stacked with succulent fried chicken drizzled in spicy gochujang (Korean red chili paste) sauce. It’s an explosion of flavor—balancing sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
The Curry Waffle Fries is another must-try. It’s perfectly crispy and generously topped with aromatic curry sauce and fresh herbs.
The inviting interior, adorned with cheerful warm colors, creates a friendly atmosphere where you can truly relax. The staff are attentive and seemed to enjoy sharing their recommendations.
Pro tip: They serve their waffle breakfast options all day! You don’t need to force yourself to wake up early just to try them.
5. Fat Albert’s Breakfast Cafe
Media Credits: fatalbertscafe
Website: https://fatalbertscafe.wixsite.com/fatalbertswafflebar
Address: 6668 SE Milwaukie Ave
Contact: (503) 872-9822
Operating hours: Friday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Price: $
Fat Albert’s Waffle Bar is as homey as the comfort foods on their menu and their quaint space.
One dish you absolutely can’t miss is their fried chicken & waffles combo. Picture two crispy, tender chicken breasts served on top of a fluffy waffle—it’s a delightful contrast in textures!
Drizzled with rich country gravy or a hint of maple syrup, this combo of savory and sweet hits all the right notes. It’s a heartfelt take on a classic dish that has earned tons of praise from diners.
What patrons also love about the place is their generous portion sizes. You won’t leave hungry here!
Pro tip: Consider ordering a combo that includes a waffle and a side for better value.
6. GIGI’S CAFE
Media Credits: gigiscafepdx
Website: https://gigiscafepdx.com/
Address: 6320 SW Capitol Hwy
Contact: (503) 977-2233
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: $
The rustic decor and comfy seating make Gigi’s Cafe a great spot for a chill brunch that day.
Their Cornbread Jalapeño Waffle offers a wonderful twist to diners. This savory dish combines the comfort of cornbread with just the right kick from fresh jalapeños. It’s topped with a generous blob of creamy honey butter that melts into the fluffy waffle.
The subtle spice of the jalapeños balances the sweetness of the cornbread beautifully. Pair it up with zesty margarita and you’re in for an elevated dining experience.
Gigi’s doesn’t just stop there; their menu boasts a fantastic variety that caters to every taste. You can also go for the Nutella Banana Waffle or the Cheddar and Chive Waffle with house-made gravy or fried chicken.
Pro tip: Look out for their brunch specials during weekends. They often feature discounted prices on specific combinations.
7. Off The Griddle
Media Credits: offthegriddlepdx
Website: https://www.offthegriddle.com/
Address: 6526 SE Foster Rd
Contact: (503) 764-9160
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: $
Off The Griddle is a fantastic find for gluten-free eaters and waffle lovers alike.
Their savory avocado waffle is a game-changer. Made with a special gluten-free batter and infused with fresh herbs, it’s topped with creamy avocado, bright tomatoes, and a zesty squeeze of lime.
If you’re up for it, we highly recommend pairing it with their sweet potato fries or a side of seasonal fruit for a wholesome meal. That, or you can also ask their accommodating staff for the best sides for your meal.
The place has very nice outdoor seating where diners can enjoy their meals in the sunshine. But because of this, you should come earlier since I’ve noticed that customers prefer to sit outside.
Pro tip: If the weather is nice, they have outdoor seating that’s perfect for enjoying your meal in the fresh air.
8. The Original Pancake House
Media Credits: wafflewindow
Website: https://www.originalpancakehouse.com/
Address: 8601 SW 24th Ave
Contact: (503) 246-9007
Operating hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: $
The Original Pancake House is a Portland favorite and a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxing meal.
If you’re a waffle lover, their Fresh Strawberry Waffle is a must-try. It’s a golden-brown beauty piled high with sweet, juicy strawberries and a big amount of creamy whipped cream. The crispy, fluffy waffle with fresh fruit and rich cream is pure indulgence.
Along with their awesome waffles, you can grab tasty sides like crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or home-style hash browns. These add a nice savory touch to your meal.
And if you want to sweeten the deal, their homemade fruit compote or a drizzle of maple syrup takes the waffle experience to the next level.
Pro tip: Arrive early for discounted prices on breakfast items!
