English Breakfast

The OregonianBijou Cafe

Instead of cringing at our I'm-in-"Portlandia" moments, let's embrace them. Tote bags really do look good with birds on them, "Battlestar Galactica" is in fact compelling, and breakfast in Portland - with all of its fresh, seasonal creativity - really is worth a wait.

Classy and classic, Bijou Cafe (132 S.W. Third Ave., 503-222-3187) is equally suited to breakfast with parents-in-law or with the new flame. The harissa hash is smoky and rich, and the tofu scramble has a lovely texture, but eggs are Bijou's strength: from light, fluffy omelets to gooey eggs over easy, the humble egg has seldom seemed so perfect.

Mere moments from Willamette Park, cozy Cafe du Berry (6439 S.W. Macadam Ave., 503-244-5551) is a great place to preface a day of kayaking. Its famed French toast feels more like custard than bread and is sweet but not cloying - no syrup necessary.

Besaw's (2301 N.W. Savier St., 503-228-2619) has been going strong for 110 years. With a warm cafe feel and a classic breakfast, it's no wonder. The light, earthy forest mushroom omelet is a lovely start to any day, while the rich, dense Farmer's Hash will power you happily through weekend projects.

The textured wallpaper and gold vinyl booths at Juniors Cafe (1742 S.E. 12th Ave., 503-467-4971) are so comfortable that they're well matched for breakfast, that blurry-eyed meal you eat before preparing fully for the day. Grip your cup of coffee and try either the Texan or the migas scramble.

Warm, cozy and extremely popular, Tin Shed Garden Cafe (1438 N.E. Alberta St., 503-288-6966) excels at the classics (the Benni Hill has perfectly poached eggs with a tangy and velvety hollandaise) and the creative (the comforting Belly Pleaser features rice with coconut milk, vanilla and mango). If Fido waited in line with you, have your meal on the heated patio and treat pooch to the Paw-Lickin' Good, a bowl of chicken and rice.