
Mother's Bistro & Bar
A beloved Portland institution serving comforting, home-style classics with a touch of elegance and a whole lot of heart.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Mother's Bistro & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Portland institution serving comforting, home-style classics with a touch of elegance and a whole lot of heart.
"Hands down the best meal I’ve had in years. The perfect comfort food."
Make Reservations
Book ahead to avoid waits, especially for popular weekend brunch times.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss buttermilk biscuits with strawberry jam or the sausage scramble.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(503) 464-1122
Address
121 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Comfort Food Classics
Savor heartwarming, scratch-made comfort foods inspired by moms' recipes from around the world.

Charming Atmosphere
Enjoy a warm, inviting ambiance with beautiful chandeliers and country-chic decor.

Unique Brunch Dishes
Indulge in creative twists on breakfast favorites like cornflake-crusted French toast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Book ahead to avoid waits, especially for popular weekend brunch times.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss buttermilk biscuits with strawberry jam or the sausage scramble.
Consider Lunch/Dinner
If breakfast seems busy, lunch or dinner offers a more relaxed experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Book ahead to avoid waits, especially for popular weekend brunch times.
Try the Specialties
Don't miss buttermilk biscuits with strawberry jam or the sausage scramble.
Consider Lunch/Dinner
If breakfast seems busy, lunch or dinner offers a more relaxed experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mother's Bistro & Bar is celebrated for its hearty, scratch-made comfort food and warm, inviting atmosphere. Diners praise the delicious classics like biscuits and gravy and French toast, as well as the friendly service and charming decor featuring chandeliers. Some minor critiques include slightly overcooked omelets and coffee that doesn't quite match the food quality.
"I had an amazing brunch at Mother's Bistro & Bar in Portland! Everything we ordered was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. The Greek frittata was flavorful and packed with fresh spinach and feta. The buttermilk biscuits were warm, buttery, and paired perfectly with their housemade strawberry jam—sweet and just the right texture. The lox platter was fresh and beautifully presented. The bagel was kinda chewy though. The waffle with strawberry jam was light, crisp on the outside, and a perfect balance of sweet and tart. For drinks, we had the strawberry and kiwi tea, which was refreshing and aromatic, fresh orange juice, cranberry juice, and a smooth, rich French press Ethiopian coffee. Must haves: green frittata, buttermilk biscuits and waffles. Great atmosphere with beautiful chandeliers and great service too—highly recommend for dates or for family time!"
Sushmita Kadam
"Superb! Heard lots of good things about this place, but the actual experience was even better. We had breakfast, and our 7-person party was extatic. The food was on point, and the service was surprisingly prompt and very kind. The classic Benedict eggs and French toast were outstanding! This is a must do!"
Robert Cortez
"Got there 5 minutes before opening, was able to get seated right away and within 30 minutes the place was almost full! And I totally understand why, The food was very good, no real vegan options for anyone that's interested in that. My father is vegan and I am not, he was able to get dry toast, potatoes and avocado. I got the Three Little Pigs scramble, bacon, ham, pork sausage scrambled with eggs and cheese. Along with potatoes, and toast. Was really good, prices are decent. Was $40 even for two people. Our waiter was generous and was able to make us happy. Highly recommend this place"
Joe Rendon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular favorites include the cornflake-crusted French toast, buttermilk biscuits with housemade strawberry jam, and the wild salmon hash.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch, as the restaurant can get very busy.
While not extensive, vegan diners can often find options like dry toast, potatoes, and avocado.
The restaurant features a warm, inviting atmosphere with country-chic decor and beautiful chandeliers.
Yes, the restaurant offers a homey atmosphere and comfort food that appeals to all ages.
The restaurant often features a 'Mother of the Month' menu with special dishes inspired by home cooks.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 10 Best Late Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Portland, Oregon
A Portland staple since 2000, Mother’s is a restaurant that serves American fare in a welcoming environment. Inspired by home-style comfort foods made by moms everywhere, owner and chef Lisa Schroeder has created menus that feature delicious refined homemade classic dishes. Highlights include the wild salmon hash with leeks, potatoes, and cream served with two eggs; crunchy french toast dipped in cornflakes; and the grilled portabella mushroom scramble.
20 Best Portland Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Spots
Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a cozy and comfortable eatery in the heart of downtown Portland that features traditional, home-style cooking in a casual and welcoming environment. Owned by Lisa Shroeder, whose dream was to bring the people of Portland delicious, home-cooked fare, Mother’s Bistro has grown by leaps and bounds from a small, unassuming restaurant to a veritable Portland institution. By day, the bistro serves guests in the sunny lunchroom, which is decorated in shades of yellow and green, while at night the restaurant’s sultry bar, the Velvet Lounge exudes an elegant and romantic ambiance for late-night dining with gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers and an extensive cocktail menu.
Portland Brunch Restaurants: 10Best Restaurant Reviews
Walking into this bright, cheerful bistro, patrons are greeted by the mouthwatering aromas of mom-approved comfort foods. Created by chef and mother Lisa Schroeder to showcase authentic cooking from moms around the world, Mother's Bistro proves that if there's one meal mothers do best, it's breakfast. Patrons sip stellar French press coffee before diving into made-from-scratch biscuits and gravy, creamy wild salmon hash, fabulous cornflake-crusted French toast and thick Belgian waffles topped with fresh fruit.
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Cookbook author and comfort-food matriarch Lisa Schroeder serves all the classics Mom used to make—that is, if your mom put smoked salmon and caramelized onions in the mac and cheese. She even shares her motherly love with a “Mother of the Month” menu, with special dishes from cooks who earned their stripes the hard way: raising kids. The raucous Sunday brunch is known for its rich portobello mushroom scramble and cornflake-crusted challah French toast—made for the kiddies, but sophisticated enough for adults.
The Portland Spots Serving the Perfect English Breakfast! [2025]
Operating hours: Monday – Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Wednesday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Thursday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. While Mother’s doesn’t have a specific “English breakfast” on the menu, they offer dishes like bangers and mash, eggs Benedict, and steak and eggs, allowing you to mix and match to create your own English breakfast. Everything here is made from scratch using top ingredients, so you’re in for a treat with a super-fresh breakfast.
Top 8 Brunch Spots in Portland, OR
Located in vibrant Downtown Portland on Southwest 3rd Avenue, Mother's Bistro & Bar is an established institution renowned for its comforting classics and scratch-made dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients. When a downtown Portland brunch calls, Mother's Bistro & Bar answers with a menu featuring mouthwatering options like breakfast nachos, wild salmon hash, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Patrons rave about the challah french toast, a signature dish that promises a delightful start to your day.
Portland Allergy-Friendly Travel Guide
I informed the server of the tree nut allergy while ordering and she notified the kitchen. When my daughter’s pancake was brought out, the server said that she had them put the chocolate chips (that weren’t listed on the menu) in a little dish on the side because she wasn’t sure if they were from a nut-free facility. I should note that while I did ask for all tree nuts to be avoided, my child is only confirmed allergic to cashew and pistachio and I did not see those on the menu.
Top 10 Brunch Restaurants and Best Breakfast in Portland
Offering a modern take on “moms” home-cooked delicacies, Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a famous fixture in downtown Portland. Offering hearty, homemade food all day long, the breakfast menu is one of the very best in town. Authentic flavors make for filling dishes such as pork apple sausage and eggs, portobello mushroom scramble, and stuffed frittata absolutely delicious, and are all freshly prepared by Chef Lisa and her team.
Staycation in Portland Oregon: 10 Best American Restaurants
Mother’s Bistro & Bar is a beloved Portland spot known for its comforting, homestyle American dishes made from scratch. Located downtown, it offers classics like chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and biscuits and gravy in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With hearty portions and a cozy vibe, Mother’s is ideal for a nostalgic brunch or dinner, making it a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy a Portland staycation meal.
Pacific Northwest Travel: Kid Friendly Restaurants in Portland, Oregon
Our first restaurant stop in Portland was Mother’s Bistro, on the night that we arrived (Thursday). Mother’s was located right in downtown within about 4-5 blocks from our hotel at the Hotel Monaco (it was near the waterfront but not far from Pioneer Courthouse Square either). We arrived right during a busy time and it turns out that it’s a really good idea to get a reservation for the main dining area.
Embrace Someplace · Best Brunch in Portland, Oregon
Mother’s Bistro is a Portland institution that has been around since 2000. Feating delights like Challah French Toast and salmon hash, it's one of the most beloved restaurants in the city. Serving traditional American fare with a unique twist - every month they feature recipes from a "Mother of the Month." The Mother of the Month sets the menu based on her unique cultural fare and childhood meals.
Top 10 restaurants in Portland, Oregon
The scene: The phrase “just like mom used to make” is never more true than at Mother’s Bistro & Bar. This unique restaurant serves up authentic home-style cooking inspired by the types of dishes mothers from around the world whip up on a regular basis. The evening menu is filled with comfort food-style eats such as chicken and dumplings, macaroni and cheese, and steak frites.
Best Breakfast Places For Kids And Families In Portland
You and the kids will find a warm welcome and relaxed vibe at this long-time Portland crowd pleaser, made famous for its classic comfort food (think biscuits, scrambles, hashes and frittatas) and special Mother of the Month dishes. For the youngest patrons, there’s a small play area and compact kids menu, such as pancakes or scrambled eggs and toast. Thurs-Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
12 Restaurants That Serve the Best Brunch in Portland
Located in Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Portland, this is one you won’t want to miss. Regulars can’t get enough of Mother’s delicious brunch offerings, from melt-in-your-mouth biscuits to sweet challah bread french toast. Plus, each month a different mother and her signature recipes is featured for Mother of the Month (M.O.M), which always keeps the menu fresh.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Portland, Oregon, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (3,226 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: International, American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 121 SW 3rd Ave Between Pine & Ash St, Portland, OR 97204- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Movies and TV shows casting in Portland, Oregon
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When I think of Portland brunch: Mother’s is the first place that comes to mind. If you have friends or family coming into town & want to show off, you take them to Mother’s. With its chandeliers, draping ferns, & delicious comfort food (breakfast is their specialty): you have everything you need at Mother’s for a great brunch spot.
Where to find Mother’s Day brunch — and more — for takeout and delivery at home
Downtown Portland’s restaurant with Mother’s right there in the name isn’t serving brunch. But the restaurant is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday for a variety of comfort food dishes ready to be picked up or dropped off at your house, including chicken and dumplings, meatloaf and gravy and a five-hour braised pot roast.
Guide: Portland, OR - Sights, Best Hotels, Restaurants...
When asking a Portlander where to go for the best breakfast, Mother’s Bistro & Bar (212 SW Stark St) may be the answer. Heaping portions and little elbow room go hand in hand in this tiny spot that believes the best food comes from our mother’s kitchens. Lines are long, so arrive early or expect an hour-plus wait easily.
Best Brunch In Portland: The Definitive Guide
Head to the Embassy Suites by Hilton in downtown Portland when you are searching for a great brunch like your mom used to make. Each month, Mother’s Bistro showcases a Mother of the Month and creates dishes that highlight that mom’s culture and heritage. Come in for large platters of tantalizing comfort food.
Portland, Oregon
jam on hawthorne - mothers bistro - pine state biscuits - tasty n alder - moberi - st. honore - kure - coco donuts - blue star donuts - papa haydn - greenleaf juice - lovejoy bakers - breken kitchen - olympia provisions - proud mary - hey love - cheryl’s on 12th - figlia americana
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This downtown bistro features upscale comfort food that extends to its kids menu (think meatloaf, chicken & dumplings, pot roast). The restaurant also features a children’s play area. This is a great one to visit with out-of-town guests when you want to go just a little fancy.
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Mother’s Bistro is a Portland institution that has been around since 2000. Arguably the most popular Portland brunch spot, the large menu spans the gamut. From memorable Challah French Toast and salmon hash to creamy eggs Benedict and seasonal dishes you’d regret overlooking.
Breakfast & Brunch
Enjoy beloved standbys from crunchy French toast to house-made lox. If you visit on the weekend, try their rich eggs Benedict with a Bellini for a decadent brunch pairing. And for something special any day of the week, order a recipe from the featured “Mother of the Month.
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Sip French press coffee while perusing the homemade food with locally-sourced ingredients that make the menu special. From biscuits to hash, and of course waffles, the menu is a classic breakfast lovers’ dream. Mother’s Bistro: 212 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97204 Price: $$
Pet-Friendly Portland OR: a Dog-Friendly City Guide
Enjoy homey comfort foods such as soup, mac and cheese, stir fry, steak and frites and more at this dog-friendly restaurant in Portland, OR, where your pooch can join you on their dog-friendly patio. Location:121 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
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It’s a place where I—on a random day—found myself sandwiched between Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty and a four-top of seniors gossiping about “Matthew.” Who do you eavesdrop on in that situation, Portland?
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The moment you step through the doors of Mother’s Bistro, you’re transported to a world where calories don’t count and breakfast is served all day – which is exactly how the universe should work, if you ask me.
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This restaurant delivers a sunshiny ambiance, making it an optimal brunch spot. Pancake toppings are limited to fruits and nuts that are in-season, ensuring quality components.
Best Kid-Friendly Eateries in Portland for an Enjoyable Family Meal
The cozy atmosphere and comforting food make it a favorite among families. They offer a variety of dishes that kids will enjoy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit