The scent of warm buttermilk pancakes covered in sticky, sweet maple syrup and fresh, hot coffee will have you out of bed in no time when you’re in Portland— even if you’re not a morning person!
It’s well-known that the vegan scene in Portland is red-hot; whatever your taste buds are in the mood for, you’ll find in Portland, and that includes irresistible breakfast and brunch options.
So, get ready to indulge in giant bagel sandwiches loaded with melty cheese and sausage, fluffy pancakes, decadent waffles, and even a few superfood-packed options — just in case you need something on the healthier side.
Where to Find Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Options in Portland
#1 Off The Griddle
6526 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206
Must order: Any and all of their waffles (they’re gluten-free to boot)!
Your mission (and you will accept it) is to make it to this vegetarian diner by 2 PM (all week) to indulge in their mouthwatering lineup of brunch comfort eats. The entire menu is vegan by default, so there are no worries about anything being off-limits, which might make eating here more challenging because you’re going to want everything!
Traditional waffle lovers will be head over heels for their berry and cream-topped waffle, but for something extra special, you’ll want to go for the Feast waffle — their house-made golden waffles stuffed with hash browns, cheese, and sausage, then topped with tofu scramble and gravy! One more bonus, the menu is super gluten-free friendly!
#2 Vertical Diner and The Gold Room
8124 SW Barbur Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
Must order: Bombastic Biscuit
No need to rush out of bed; this vegan roadside diner is flipping fluffy pancakes and thick slices of sweet French toast all day! The veganized all-American menu will delight the palettes of even the most challenging diners — nothing is boring or lackluster here. And if you’re not a sweet breakfast lover, no worries, they’ve got you covered.
Don’t miss The Mountain — country-style potatoes, tofu scramble, grilled veggies, sausage, and tempeh bacon — perfect if you’re hangry!
#3 The Fermenter
1403 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Must order: EVERYTHING, seriously!
Don’t hit the snooze on the weekend because you’re going to want to be first in line at this creative plant-based café. The entire lineup of plant-based eats is carefully crafted with house-fermented and local ingredients — the combination creates an all-star lineup of flavors you won’t forget.
Brunch is sadly only served on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 3 PM, and it’s popular — so don’t dilly dally. Everything on the small but mighty brunch menu deserves a standing ovation, but I’m partial to the Hippie Oat Waffles covered in sweet cashew yogurt and apple miso caramel — I’m drooling just thinking about it. Oh, and make sure you add an order of Brunch Jo Jo’s — if you’re a potato lover, you’ll be in heaven with these.
#4 Paradox Café
3439 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Must order: Biscuits & gravy
This laid-back diner has set out to prove that you don’t need animal products to create mouthwatering food, and they’ve succeeded! Their comfort food menu is packed with just about everything someone might think couldn’t be made vegan — fluffy biscuits covered in gravy, egg-less benedicts, and even poutine!
For sweet breakfast fans, their espresso-infused pancakes topped with coconut vanilla cream will knock your socks off! There is one catch — you only have until 2:30 PM (every day) to enjoy these eats!
#5 Harlow
Two locations — NW Portland & Belmont
Must order: Banana walnut pancakes (also gluten-free)
This shabby chic vegetarian and gluten-free café has created an inviting space to enjoy a healthy lineup of veggie-packed dishes. The locally-inspired menu features everything from spicy Tex-Mex-inspired scrambles to berry-packed parfaits with their amazing house-made granola.
On top of having a perfect vegan breakfast lineup, your day won’t be complete without enjoying one of their specialty smoothies enhanced with turmeric, E3Live Blue Majik spirulina, activated charcoal, and more powerhouse additions.
#6 Chubby Bunny
3423 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Must order: The Boss Bunny breakfast sandwich
Who knew bunnies make amazing vegan breakfast sandwiches?! Forget about basic breakfast sandwiches with just a schmear of avocado — these sandwiches are piled high with sausage, egg, ham, cheese, siracha mayo, and much more!
Before you hop out of there, make sure you also order their house-made Potato Mittens — a cute and tasty spin on traditional deep-fried hash browns.
#7 Rabbits Café
555 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97204
Must order: sweet cornmeal waffles with rosemary mushroom gravy
There is anything but bunny food at this charming Portland vegan breakfast and lunch café! Get ready to indulge in sugary sweet French toast covered in fried bananas, savory hash with Crimini mushrooms and house-made avocado sauce, or my favorite, sweet cornmeal waffles topped with the best mushroom and rosemary gravy!
Two important notes before you hop on down there — the downtown menu is a little smaller than the NE Portland location, and the downtown location isn’t open on the weekend.
#8 Kure Superfood Café
Multiple locations throughout Portland
Must order: Green Elemonator juice
If you’re feeling sluggish, or maybe you’ve had one too many pancakes (is that even possible?), then head to this superfood café! The fast-casual plant-based spot is all about making sure you eat your fruits and veggies!
Start the day with a warm bowl of berry-packed oatmeal or their special Kure breakfast sandwich loaded with avocado, micro greens, cheese, and egg. Whatever you choose, it’s not complete without one of their nutrient-dense green juices or smoothies — if you love all things green, don’t skip the Green Elemonator; if that’s too veggie-packed for you, check out Lush Life or Berried Alive — you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Vegan Donut Spots in Portland
I think it’s safe to say that Portland is the donut capital of the US — you can find loads of finger-licking options, including decadent vegan donuts! There aren’t many things better than starting the day with a custard donut topped with chocolate and an oat milk latte! If you feel the same, check out these vegan and vegan-friendly donut shops.
#9 Petunias Pastries & Pies
610 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
On Saturday and Sunday, this fantastic vegan and gluten-free bakery fries up delicious donuts — these might be the only vegan and gluten-free donuts in Portland!
#10 Doe Donuts
4110 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
This vegan donut shop would make Homer Simpson drool! You’ll find epic creations topped with brownie pieces, cake chunks, sprinkles, and more. On top of donuts, they also have a creamy lineup of house-made ice cream.
#11 Blue Star Donuts
Multiple locations throughout Portland
You can always count on this vegan-friendly donut shop to satisfy your cravings! Their menu usually has 4-5 vegan options and popular donut bites.
#12 Voodoo Donuts
Two locations in Portland
Voodoo is well known for its unique donut creations, which include eight different vegan options, from the popular jam-filled Voodoo Doll to a classic chocolate glazed ring.
More Vegan Eats in Portland
You might be wondering where else you should eat in Portland! No worries, I’ve got you covered, check out our complete vegan travel guide to Portland, along with these other yummy articles.
The Best Portland Vegan Travel Guide
Can’t Miss Spots for Vegan Donuts in Portland
12 Fantastic Vegan Bakeries & Ice Cream Spots in Portland
