Here's aThis corner café is an absolute gem! From the moment you step inside, you're captivated by its unique design and enchanting ambiance--it's a place that sparks curiosity and makes you want to linger. The service? Outstanding! The staff treats you like royalty, ensuring every detail of your visit feels effortless and enjoyable. Now, the food--wow. This was hands down the best breakfast I've had in ages. If you go, do yourself a favor and order Larry's Sandwich: a perfectly crafted English muffin egg sandwich with savory ham, paired with their house potatoes that are downright heavenly. Every bite is pure bliss. Don't walk--run to this café. It's the kind of place you'll rave about to everyone you know!
The best breakfast in Portland. Bertie Lou's isn't special, which is exactly why it's special. I regularly eat at Michelin star restaurants on work travel, yet nothing is as authentic as Bertie Lou's. Portland's best mediocre breakfast lives up to its name, this place is a Sellwood institution. Service is great and the vibe is perfect. I've been coming for 8 years and will come back once a week for as long as they stay open.
We stumbled upon Bertie Lou's while looking for a brunch place near to where we had a nearby event later in the morning, and we're very glad we did! Not only were the two entrées we ordered both fantastic (although with a minor nitpick on one), but my wife and I saw several other interesting items on the menu that will most assuredly have us coming back for more! We were immediately seated upon arrival at 11am on a Saturday, which seems close to impossible in Portland these days. I went with the Oaks Bottom Omelet, and my wife had the Bertie Cristo, with a side order of biscuits and gravy to split and share with our toddler son. Being generally not a fan of Hollandaise, I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my omelet; the sweet notes harmonized well with the bacon, garlic and tomato in a way I had not anticipated. Would definitely order again! On the other end of the table, my wife also loved her Bertie Cristo, but found it to be a tad burned; this apparently is a common complaint here, and its the only reason I docked a star from this review, as it seems to be either intentional, or simply an reoccurring oversight on the part of the cook. It doesn't ruin the dish, but it does detract from it slightly. The biscuits and gravy, however, were above reproach, and enjoyed by all in equal measure! Fantastic home-style greasy spoon cooking like this is a real treat, especially when there's a unique spin on a dish to make it stand out from the rest. Bertie Lou's Cafe has this quality in spades, and has one of the most compelling brunch menus I've seen in a café in a long while, and will likely take several return visits to explore them all. Hopefully, they'll dial back the burner a bit before the next one!
A great spot for breakfast located in the Sellwood area. The staff was very friendly when I arrived. You are allowed to sit anywhere you like outside. I sat outside with my dog who was brought water without asking. I ordered the Italian sausage breakfast plate & it was amazing. By the time I got my coffee my order was already out so service is very fast. It has a very cozy patio area with plenty of room for my pup. Highly recommend if you're in the area!
Great service, great breakfast and great, cool, hip atmosphere for breakfast. The endless refil of coffee and cream complimented the great breakfast. Definitely a gem in Ptown.
Wow, our first time at Bertie Lou's, and what a treat! From our initial meeting with Annie and Everyone else, the four of us had a fantastic breakfast Than'k you again! KH
Nice, casual breakfast spot with outdoor seating. Don't go if you're in a hurry but service is friendly and food is good. I had a biscuit with gravy and eggs. It was good, nothing super special but tasty. Everyone else in our party had various breakfast items that were all good. Service can be slow so be ready to order when your server comes. Prices are really reasonable. All good at Bertie Lou's.
What took me so long (other than that I rarely go out for breakfast?) This place is wonderful, cute and cozy. There's still a counter with stools. I had The Works--eggs, biscuits, gravy bacon, sausage & potatoes (when i do eat breakfast out, i don't hold back.) The food comes very quickly (the eggs a hair too easy, but i had a spoon.) Most excellent gravy and biscuits, quality bacon and sausage. Super friendly service. Six stars!
Amazing little breakfast spot, we loved it! That gravy is something else, delish! Neighborhood vibes, great service.
Why would you go anywhere else for breakfast. Sellwood at iconic Bertie lou's! It's smallish but they turn the tables! People are super friendly and very portland quirky along the way. In a wonderful way! Lots of choices. The eggs are fresh. We love the scrambles! The biscuits are also very good. This isn't a place you go for a fancy cup of coffee and a French pastry but it is an experience that is unique and you will laugh while you enjoy a meal.