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    Denizens Cafe

    4.8 (55 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

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    DENIZENS CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Denizens Cafe

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    Esther D.

    Oh my gosh!! The German apple pancake- phenomenal!! The chai tea excellent & my friends drip coffee & gluten free breakfast sandwich both delicious. Friendly staff.

    Jason V.

    Denizens inhabits a space once occupied by a previous business whose owner was petty, snobbish and dismissive, and I was glad to see its demise. I'm even happier to say that its replacement has washed all traces of those bad tastes and memories from my mind, because...damn, this place is awesome! My wife wanted to visit a coffee shop, and a quick Yelp search brought Denizens to our attention. Only upon driving up did I realize it was in the same location as the aforementioned previous restaurant, which made me hesitate for just a moment, until I realized that it was not a rebranding, but an entirely different establishment. We seated ourselves, and selected a couple of sandwiches to accompany our coffees: a Bright Days breakfast sandwich for my wife, and a Cubano for myself. She also ordered a vanilla latte, while I went with a London Fog (basically an Earl Grey milk tea). Wow. The Cubano was incredible! I'm generally not partial to ham (or focaccia, for that matter), but a Cubano is a weakness of mine, and this was one of the best I've had, anywhere! Thick stacks of deli meat, mayo and dijon, on a pressed focaccia? Sign. Me. Up! I doubt I would ever be able to order anything else off the menu here; it has forever ruined me for other sandwiches! Similarly, my wife loved her Bright Days, which was correctly made with the minor modifications based on her preferences (egg over hard, add sundried tomatoes). The accompanying side salad (with balsamic vinaigrette) and house chips that came with my Cubano were also liberally shared, and enjoyed, by my wife and toddler son as well, making everything about our brunch experience here enjoyable for all. And even though my wife loved her vanilla latte, after one sip of my London Fog, she had to order another one for herself, to go, because it was so darn good (and I concur, of course)! Denizens is a welcome new neighbor in Roseway; they are competent, efficient, friendly, excellent, and doggone delicious...the exact opposite of the space's previous tenant! And now that the stigma has been washed away, not only is this reviewer not just a customer, I'll probably be here frequently enough to be considered a denizen of the restaurant itself, bordering on becoming a squatter! Don't let this one slip away, folks!

    Espresso Bar Menu
    Jeremy E.

    The Ham and Gouda Hash was a baffling masterpiece of sheer deliciousness!! And the stoneground mustard was to die for!! The shining elements of this cast of flavors were the salt, sweet, sour and savory along with the contrasting & collectively delightful textures of the crisp textures of the roasted potatoes, the softness of greens, and subtle crunch of the pickled onions which all flowed in this synergistic effort and created a purely satisfying experience to just tantalize your brain and make that moment in your life brighter and vastly exuberant. I mean it was so good, it lasted all of 60 seconds and I am unsure if I even took a breath during the engagement I was so locked in. The Latte (brevia) was a absolutely and perfectly "balanced" ratio of that espresso bite and the creaminess of the Half & Half. Now I generally reserve that "balanced" word for cocktails as I've been a bartender for way too long but this is the FIRST and ONLY time I've had an espresso drink taste...balanced. Bravo Brevia Well done! Finally, it was truly a treasure meeting James, the owner and fine gentleman who not only provided this experience for me but also shared the journey of the restaurant, some neighborhood history (the mural inside says it all) and his expertise that truly sets him apart from the restaurateurs that do it solely to make a buck. Without this turning into a separate article, James has a background in roasting coffee that he has passed down a generation to his daughter, he has a culinary mastery of his own and in short, really cares about the quality he provides to his costomers. This is a place where I'd come back over and over until I've tried everything...twice!

    Yummy focaccia, but what the heck is Dynasty brand sriracha?
    Andrew A.

    Friendly service. The Up-N-At-Em' breakfast sandwich was delicious, the Gouda cheese oozing with each bite. The problem with English Muffin sandwiches is that they're messy. The side salad is a nice touch. Coffee with cardamon was very good.

    Ariel G.

    Delicious coffie, pastries, and breakfast sandwhiches! Small space, but tolerant of littles HA! So glad we stoped in, and can't wait to return to try more goodies. Thanks James!

    Tasha B.

    Food was delicious with really great flavors and service was incredible! Coffee refills are free!!

    Elisabeth A.

    Like damnnnnn that was a good meal. Wowza. So glad we found this joint! Both the hubs and I were drooling over our dishes. I got the Roseaway Hash & hubs got the Turkey dip. So many flavors!!! All fresh & thoughtfully put together. I did not want this meal to end.

    I forgot the name, but it's the first breakfast sandwich on the menu! (Made vegan)

    They can veganize most of their breakfast sandwiches it seems. I got their most basic version (with egg, cheese, protein and their special sauce) made vegan and really enjoyed it!

    That cake!  Wow!
    Jason A.

    The Perfect Place Around the Corner! What a great find! It seems most Eastside neighborhoods in Portland are missing that cozy cafe where they know your name and how you like your food made. My buddy and I stopped in to this new spot off NE Sandy for breakfast and coffee. The owner, James, greeted us with a warm smile and explained his menu and vision for the cafe. I opted for a veggie breakfast sandwich. It came packed full of eggs, veggies, melted cheese, and avocado on a toasted English muffin. They offer add-ons as well and I went for the roasted/smashed potatoes perfectly seasoned with a little spicy kick! Let's just say it was a breakfast to remember and will be a go-to for future visits. My buddy ordered a Denizen's Bowl, one of the house specialties. It was a rice bowl full of veggies and smothered in sublime house sauce! He loved it! We both had several refills of their great coffee, a local one called Rocky Butte Coffee Roasters. It's an excellent warm up for sure! The owner let us know they make their baked goods in house too. That fresh focaccia was all too tempting, and the sample he gave us will bring me back soon for a full sandwich! We opted to split a few extras like their dill- heavy potato salad which was great, and a fresh oatmeal cake that was next level yummy! It tasted just like those Little Debbie's I had as a kid only made with real ingredients! I'm a sucker for these "old-timey" nostalgic feeling cafe's. They even have an old fashioned lunch counter looking out the window! You can't beat excellent food, warm and friendly service, and a squeaky clean cafe I would bring everyone that comes to town for a visit. Great experience overall, we can't wait to go back!

    Side potato salad

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    4 months ago

    Love their $6 latte and pastry weekday 8-10 am deal! Small, cozy space with good food and friendly staff. Will be happy to return again!

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    2 months ago

    Great food and service! Loved our sandos! The attention to detail was super, and coffee great!

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Great food and friendly service! Wish I could visit this place more often. Seems like a really great pillar to the community.

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    1 year ago

    Love the local feel and the people are very kind and friendly. Got their corned beef hash- you can't go wrong and I really enjoyed it!

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    Nice little place with good inexpensive food. We enjoyed our breakfast and the owner is very convivial. Very small but comfortable.

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    1 year ago

    One of the best lattes I've had in a long while. The breakfast sandwich was excellent as well. I'm glad we tried Denizens, we'll be back.

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    1 year ago

    Cozy location with good food and friendly staff. Great spot for lunch or a pastry to go.

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    The Observatory - Tomato Bisque

    The Observatory

    4.3(2.6k reviews)
    2.0 miMontavilla, Southeast Portland
    $$

    Had an awesome time at The Observatory the other weekend. Unlike a lot of places, they run their…read moreHappy Hour on the weekend, which is what drew my partner and I in. You can absolutely smell the fish and vinegar as soon as you walk through the door, which I think gives the place a very homey pub feel. I ordered a spiked peach Arnold Palmer, which I enjoyed (and it was pleasantly strong) and a glass of the house white, which was good for the price. Our server was very fast and attentive. To eat I got the tomato soup with a grilled cheese, which was absolutely fantastic. The soup was so creamy and flavorful, and I cannot imagine a better meal after spending all day walking outside in the rain. The fries were super crispy and I liked the batter. My partner and I shared some of their breadsticks, which were deliciously baked (fresh!) and came with a super refreshing basil crema and a nice tomato-y dip. Wonderful all. My partner ordered fish and chips, and was surprised to find that it is one large fillet of fish, not multiple pieces like you would typically expect. He said the fish was fine, but a little tough. Overall, a wonderful experience. I definitely hope to return. I highly recommend this place as a refuge during the cold winter months!

    You know what I will admit that my ardor for The Observatory has cooled over time. I do still count…read moretheir rosemary pear martini as my favorite cocktail in town - and really their cocktail menu overall is still excellent. But the last few times I've stopped in for a meal, it feels like the food isn't quite as impressive as it used to be. Could be all in my head. Not sure. But it's always a nice spot to hang out and chat with friends, you can get seated quicker if you enter through Over & Out, which basically functions as an extension of the main Observatory, with it's own bar and pool tables.

    Photos
    The Observatory - Love the decor and ambiance

    Love the decor and ambiance

    The Observatory - Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)

    Sesame Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken Wings ($12)

    The Observatory - Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

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    Buffalo chicken salad (instead of a wrap)

    Tiny Moreso - Prescott Bagel

    Tiny Moreso

    4.8(60 reviews)
    1.5 miCully, Northeast Portland
    $

    I happened to be doing a cat visit in the NE Portland area. I wanted a snack to hold me over till…read moredinner time. I wanted to check out a 100% vegan place and Tiny Moreso fit the bill! Not only are the 100% vegan, they are 100% gluten free as well! It's street parking, but that wasn't an issue. I parked around the corner. I wanted a coffee or tea and a baked good. I ended up getting an iced chai latte with oat milk.. really good flavor! I got a banana bread to go. As I was waiting for my order, the soup of the day caught my eye. African Peanut soup..one of my favorites! I decided to get a cup to eat inside. The soup had good flavor, though it was of a purée consistency. I would have preferred a thinner, smoother consistency, but like I said, the flavor was really good. Not sure if they sell a small roll or bread slices, but that would really hit the spot! I took the banana bread to go, and it was good. I was checking out the cheesecake in the display case. I really need to go back and get me some of that! The shop is small with a few tables and chairs. Decorated cute with soothing colors. They have tables outside, and on this particular day, it was really nice out. Several people were outside eating their meals. I'll definitely be back!

    Tiny Moreso is the cutest little gem that I wish I had stumbled upon sooner. The space is small…read morewith a couple of tables to sit at. They have a great selection of both healthy plates and sweets to choose from, all of which are gluten-free and vegan. The staff here were a delight to chat with, adding to an overall amazing experience. While I was here, I tried their seasonal split pea soup and pumpkin cheesecake brownie. The soup was hearty and seasoned perfectly. The pumpkin cheesecake brownie was outstanding. It wasn't overly sweet which I appreciated. At first I wasn't sure about the combination, but I couldn't get enough it was so good. I will definitely be returning!

    Photos
    Tiny Moreso - Tiny Moreso

    Tiny Moreso

    Tiny Moreso - Peanut butter, coconut, mint, cookie dough, macadamia and pistachio chocolates

    Peanut butter, coconut, mint, cookie dough, macadamia and pistachio chocolates

    Tiny Moreso - Tiny Moreso: African Peanut soup

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    Tiny Moreso: African Peanut soup

    Redwood - Simple beautiful sunny day hits the spot at Redwood

    Redwood

    4.4(504 reviews)
    2.0 miMontavilla, Southeast Portland
    $$

    A most unusual place in this era of hard to find a different breakfast place…read more The winner in food like no other Potatoe Latkas ( pancakes) with Sour cream & Homemade applesauce Service very friendly and good Ambiance- Simple, could use more room and no doubt this the first of more to come. Thank you

    We visited Redwood Café this morning for a work meeting and had a very pleasant experience overall…read more The service stood out right away; everyone was extremely friendly, engaging, and accommodating, which made it a great spot for a relaxed business breakfast. The menu is unique and creative, and overall the food was quite good. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros, which was flavorful but lighter on protein than I expected. To be fair, they did ask if I wanted to add protein, but I misunderstood and didn't realize it only came with eggs and black beans by default. The rest of our group tried a variety of dishes, albacore salad, Cubano eggs, Benedict; with mostly positive feedback across the board. Prices were very reasonable, especially for the quality and portion sizes. When we arrived, the café was pretty empty, but it filled up quickly as we got closer to 10 a.m., which speaks to its popularity. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit and appreciated how accommodating the staff was. A solid spot for breakfast or a casual work meeting.

    Photos
    Redwood - Lots of seating at the bar

    Lots of seating at the bar

    Redwood - Chilaquiles

    Chilaquiles

    Redwood - Bloody mary

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    Bloody mary

    Tabor Tavern - Fish & Chip's for the win

    Tabor Tavern

    4.1(710 reviews)
    1.8 miNorth Tabor - Center, Northeast Portland
    $$

    This was my first time to visit this very cool neighborhood bar. I met a new, but dear friend for…read morea catch up over happy hour. Their HH menu is really good and all things considered, affordable. I had a shrimp cake (delicious) and a kale salad. The salad was a very generous serving, simple and tasty. I also tried a glass of the HH red wine - also good, so i had another! ;) My friend tried the fish and chips which looked really good too. I will definitely be back. Even though i live on the other side of town I know it will be worth trip. The service was just the right amount of friendly and attentive, and the ambiance is casual and cool. Not sure if it has outdoor seating because i was there in a very wet and somewhat stormy day so wasn't interested in exploring that option.

    Stopped by for burgers after a suggestion on Reddit. We had…read morethe black and white (the burger with bacon) as well as the lamb burger. The burgers were good but not the best we've had in Portland. To be fair, there's some insanely good burgers in this town. Def solid and I'd be back for more if I lived closer, but not going out of my way. The lamb burger was nasty. Way too gamey, didnt taste fresh. Im assuming they sell way less of those. My GF couldnt finish it due to that and she LOVES lamb. The fries were also soggy, greasy and some were burnt, along with being too salty. Def need to tweak the fries recipe and/or change the oil more frequently. Im assuming its just in the prep though, as everything felt high quality here. Like I said, if Im in the area I'd definitely eat here again, try more items. The place was also quite busy on a weds eve, a good sign!

    Photos
    Tabor Tavern - Vibe

    Vibe

    Tabor Tavern - Fish & Chips are definitely a winner here.

    Fish & Chips are definitely a winner here.

    Tabor Tavern

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    Denizens Cafe - desserts - Updated May 2026

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