Carlee WrightSatiate your craving for breakfast + lunch — dive in fork first at some of our favorite brunch spots in Salem.
Honey & Co.
- 250 Court St NE
- 503-362-3447 | honeyandcosalem.com
- Serving Brunch: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Now open downtown, Rob the Bartender aka Rob Melton and his lovely wife Honey, I mean, Donna, have opened a sweet spot on Court Street. Living up to their tagline “Salem’s Brunch Spot,” they offer breakfast classics, like scrambles, omelets and benedicts, as well as lunch favs, such as sandwiches, smash burgers and salads, plus a mimosa bar. Vegan options? You bet. And be sure to check the specials board for additional items not on the regular menu.
Josey’s Restaurant
- 2280 Broadway St NE
- 503-399-0046 | Facebook
- Serving Brunch: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday
You’ll find classic American breakfast with classic diner ambiance—inside—at Josey’s (outside, you may not realize it’s open). Give it a chance and you will discover a great little no-frills diner all around, right down to the plates.
Lively Station
- 3635 River Road S
- 503-991-5261 | livelystation.com
- Serving Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
The ambiance (it once was a train depot), the location (a little ways out but so worth it), the people (co-owners Anton and Jessica Cobb are friendly, sincere folks). Lively Station is a unique spot in South Salem and the brunch offerings are an extension of that originality, from a benedict with three types of pork to raspberry mint julep flapjacks. They also offer some sandwiches, salads, and, of course, brunch cocktails.
Noble Wave
- 189 Liberty St NE Suite #112
- 971-304-7974 | enjoynoblewave.com
- Serving Brunch: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
It may only be one day a week, but it’s a day not to be missed. Sunday brunch – all-day brunch – at Noble Wave is a thing. But don’t go here if you are just looking for bacon ‘n eggs. Their brunch is an extension of their regular menu highlighting Cajun, Creole and southern food. Think biscuits & gravy, chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, and more. Plus your classic brunch cocktails.
Patty’s Off-Center Cafe
- 1741 Center St NE
- 503-399-5522 | pattysoffcenter.com
- Serving Brunch: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
When confronted with a too-long wait at another spot, we popped around the corner to find (tucked away) Patty’s Off-Center Cafe — So glad the other place had that wait because this little diner is a quick, tasty and friendly spot with notable flavor and quality. Get your standard breakfast short-stack or one of their signature herb biscuits. They serve comfort food. And be sure to check out the daily features.
Sassy Onion
- 1244 State St & 3310 Market St NE
- 503-378-9180 | sassyonion.com
- Serving Brunch: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Sassy Onion is a busy breakfast spot boasting world-famous French toast. Now I cannot attest to whether it is world-famous, but I did tell my mum about it and she’s in Canada. Whatever the case, it’s memorable for its crunchy cornflake coating and ample size. But if French toast isn’t your jam, they also have the range of typical breakfast items, and a variety of Sassy specialties, too.
Sybil’s Omelettes
- 2373 State St
- 503-581-7724 | sybilsomelettes.com
- Serving Brunch: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday
With omlette in the name, you know you must try one, but breakfast of any sort is a winner at Sybil’s. Ample portions, and lots of options – maybe too many. Or maybe that just means visiting often to work your way through the menu, one dish at a time. Prepare yourself. It’ll take a while.
Taproot Lounge & Cafe
- Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St
- 503-363-ROOT | taprootloungeandcafe.com
- Serving Brunch: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Taproot has always had a diverse, plentiful menu and their offerings for breakfast are no different. From Eggs Benedict to Huevos Rancheros and several signature dishes in between, you shouldn’t be hard-pressed to find something you like, but you may be asking yourself how you choose. Try something unique. They offer aḉai bowls, which combine the healthy berry with juice and are topped with granola and your choice of fixin’s.
You can also visit Taproot at the Old Mill Cafe, 1313 Mill St, where they also offer brunch with a slightly different menu, but just as tasty (but closed on Mondays).
White’s Restaurant
- 1138 Commercial St SE
- 503-363-0297 | whitesrestaurant1936.com
- Serving Brunch: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Salem’s oldest diner, White’s serves hearty breakfast favorites and lunch classics, too. Notables? Don’s Big Mess, of course. It’s a plate of meat, veg and hashbrowns grilled together and then topped – or smothered as they admit – in sausage gravy. Bring your appetite, it’s the “big mess” after all, although you can get a half-mess or a mini mess, but where’s the fun in that? Oh and specials, yessiree. They have those on a schedule.
Word of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro
- 140 17th St NE
- 503-584-1927 | ilovewom.com
- Serving Brunch: 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Word of Mouth (WOM) truly is a neighborhood bistro. Nestled into an old house, utilizing every nook and cranny, this scratch-made eatery gives you that cozy, homemade vibe. But remember, homemade doesn’t mean boring. WOM has cornered the menu on unique signature dishes like their Creme Brulee Fresh Toast. They also always feature specials so surprises are in store. Bonus: They offer cocktails, too.
OTHERS TO NOTE
- Black Sheep Cafe, 1932 McGilchrist St SE | blacksheeporegon.com
- Annette’s Westgate, 1311 Edgewater St NW | facebook.com/AnnettesWestgate/
- Ritz Diner, 135 Lancaster Dr SE
- The Original Pancake House, 4656 Commercial St SE & 4685 Portland Road NE | ophsalem.com
- Toast & Jam, 5080 Commercial St SE #140 | facebook.com/toastandjamsalem
The Cozy Taberna, 249 Liberty St NE #140, has just added brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays | thecozytaberna.com
PS: Palaminos once had a cool brunch and we are hoping they bring it back. Same with Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails. We miss those biscuits & gravy with scrapple!
The Instigator
