Stepping Stone Cafe
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The Breakfast here is worth the wait. The pancakes are HUGE and tasty. I got a waffle, it was crispy and fluffy. The smothered badass omelette is the way to go. Get the Banana smoothie. The wait staff is kind and helpful.
The menu looked pretty decent so gave it a shot. To begin with, we walked up and there's a line outside. There's no list, you just stand in line and they'll seat you at next available table. It took about 10-15 mins to get in. The inside is very small and busy. We got water and drink order right away but it took a little time to order food but it came out fairly fast once we ordered. My husband got the Big Ass omelette and it was huge! He said it was really good. I ordered the Gringo omelette. The verde sauce on top really made this great, there were a few too many black beans in it but overall really good. The hash browns were good as well but did need salt & pepper. We both ended up taking food home as it was a lot. I would get a container of their verde sauce it was that good. Their gravy on the other omelette was awesome too. Service was lacking a little but it could have been because they were busy. We would return here again.
Today was, unfortunately, a disappointing experience. I truly hope what I felt wasn't the case, but I left wondering if my family was being treated differently and that's a very uncomfortable thought. If that was the reason, I really hope management takes a serious look at how guests are being treated. To start with the positive: the greeter (dark hair, mustache) was fantastic! Friendly, welcoming, and exactly the kind of person you hope to meet when you walk into a restaurant. Our server, however (portly man with brown hair, scruffy beard and mustache), was a completely different story. His attitude from the start felt dismissive, almost like a "what do you want?" tone. When I asked about adding something to my dish, he told me, "You need to look at the menu." I told him I was looking and didn't see it, and only then did he check his pricing, without any apology for the rudeness or for not knowing the menu himself. While waiting for our food, my wife and I noticed that his interactions with other patrons "most of whom appeared Caucasian" were entirely different. He was upbeat, cheerful, joking around... almost like we were watching two different people, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When he served our food, the polite attitude never carried over to us. It felt strange that I, the customer, was being more courteous than the person serving us. I know this place has a reputation for a little sass, but there's a difference between playful sass and selectively treating people poorly. If that energy is part of the brand, it should be consistent and not directed differently toward an Asian family. I've been coming here since the '90s, and I've always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. But today's experience left my family feeling unwelcome, and that's something I can't ignore. If this is the direction things are going, I'll have to choose to support a business that treats "ALL" customers with the same respect. Also, he never checked on us at any point or refilled our waters, even though I left the glasses at the edge of the table to make it clear they needed refilling. Normally, this is the kind of service that would make me leave no tip, but I didn't want to stoop to that level."
Stepping stone was overall an amazing experience, the service was fast and kind. The food portions absolutely blew our minds, you are getting your money worth!
I hate how many reviews ding them for having a long wait line. It's a small space, and very popular. That's just the name of the game. You walk in, and it absolutely has the 90's vibe in a good way, down to the music and random figurines. We went around 9:30a in a Saturday, and there was a short line but it moved quickly. Not a good spot for larger groups. Again, a small space. Service and quick and friendly without being too over the top giddy. Food came out quick, and was delicious. Again, it's an American brunch not a Michelin 5 star restaurant. They nail it, and that's it. Absolutely get the cinnamon roll.
There will be a line, but it moves fast. Service was okay, our water was filled often but most of the servers seem to be exaughsted :( I asked for an extra plate and the server just kinda rolled their eyes. It's okay I would be tired too. We were sat at the bar stools, which were uncomfy, but fit the vintage vibe so can't really complain. *Bonus points because they have cholula (best hot sauce btw) Spinach omelette: 7/10 it was a hunk of soggy spinach inside egg, not much to say except it was quite mushy. I would try a different omelette next time. I wish the spinach & cheese was mixed in with the egg a little instead of a pile in the center. I found the hashbrown to be quite unseasoned but the texture was nice. toasted sourdough was good, came pre-buttered Mancakes (3 stack): 9/10 These are definitely worth trying, I recommend getting 100% maple syrup or a topping/add in as the fake syrup they give you is flavorless. This stack was shared, but I did get flavor fatigue after a while (one man cake is enough haha). these are so worth the price.. $13 for three big plate pancakes! Overall: would go back for the mancakes (and add a topping!) everything was affordable, huge portions, short wait, fun interior, little cramped inside but what can you expect from a popular small diner
Always looking for a great diner spot, and this one has been on my list for forever. Finally had the chance and it was certainly worth the wait. We did go on a Sunday Morning, which is prime brunch time. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait in line for a little bit. The vibes in there are perfect if you're looking for the classic diner aesthetic. Hightop coutners, red bar stools, checkered flooring. They even play Sunday Morning Cartoons. Food was good. My wife had their Chicken fried steak. Really can't go wrong there. And I had the smothered badass. An interesting idea to have 2 classic breakfast items, chicken fried steak and hashbrowns inside an omellete; but I'm not entirely convinced that it pulls through. Both the steak and hashbrown ends up feeling pretty heavy in the omellete and it takes away from the crunch. Still worth a try and I'll definitely be back to try some of the more traditional options.
Great spot! Don't miss the huevos rancheros, the sauce is made in house. Gluten free toast! Fresh coffee, good Bloody Mary. We went on a Tuesday, not busy but could see it being busy on the weekend. Love the neighborhood!
Service was amazing, all the staff were so friendly and personable. The building is cute, quaint and cozy. The orange juice was really tasty and I thought it might have been fresh squeezed. I tried both the waffle and the French toast and I did not find that either were exceptionally out of this world- but they hit the spot after a long nightshift.
3 months ago
Small diner with friendly staff and a decent menu for breakfast and lunch. There were tables, booths, and a counter for seating. It was close quarters, but isn't that what one would expect from a 90's diner? Food was hot and delivered quickly. read more
The Breakfast here is worth the wait. The pancakes are HUGE and tasty. I got a waffle, it was crispy and fluffy. The smothered badass omelette is the way to go. Get the Banana smoothie. The wait staff is kind and helpful. read more
The menu looked pretty decent so gave it a shot. To begin with, we walked up and there's a line outside. There's no list, you just stand in line and they'll seat you at next available table. It took about 10-15 mins to get in. The inside is very small and busy. We got water and drink order right away but it took a little time to order food but it came out fairly fast once we ordered. My husband got the Big Ass omelette and it was huge! He said it was really good. I ordered the Gringo omelette. The verde sauce on top really made this great, there were a few too many black beans in it but overall really good. The hash browns were good as well but did need salt & pepper. We both ended up taking food home as it was a lot. I would get a container of their verde sauce it was that good. Their gravy on the other omelette was awesome too. Service was lacking a little but it could have been because they were busy. We would return here again. read more
19 hours ago
5 months ago
Today was, unfortunately, a disappointing experience. I truly hope what I felt wasn't the case, but I left wondering if my family was being treated differently and that's a very uncomfortable thought. If that was the reason, I really hope management takes a serious look at how guests are being treated. To start with the positive: the greeter (dark hair, mustache) was fantastic! Friendly, welcoming, and exactly the kind of person you hope to meet when you walk into a restaurant. Our server, however (portly man with brown hair, scruffy beard and mustache), was a completely different story. His attitude from the start felt dismissive, almost like a "what do you want?" tone. When I asked about adding something to my dish, he told me, "You need to look at the menu." I told him I was looking and didn't see it, and only then did he check his pricing, without any apology for the rudeness or for not knowing the menu himself. While waiting for our food, my wife and I noticed that his interactions with other patrons "most of whom appeared Caucasian" were entirely different. He was upbeat, cheerful, joking around... almost like we were watching two different people, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When he served our food, the polite attitude never carried over to us. It felt strange that I, the customer, was being more courteous than the person serving us. I know this place has a reputation for a little sass, but there's a difference between playful sass and selectively treating people poorly. If that energy is part of the brand, it should be consistent and not directed differently toward an Asian family. I've been coming here since the '90s, and I've always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. But today's experience left my family feeling unwelcome, and that's something I can't ignore. If this is the direction things are going, I'll have to choose to support a business that treats "ALL" customers with the same respect. Also, he never checked on us at any point or refilled our waters, even though I left the glasses at the edge of the table to make it clear they needed refilling. Normally, this is the kind of service that would make me leave no tip, but I didn't want to stoop to that level." read more
2 months ago
Stepping stone was overall an amazing experience, the service was fast and kind. The food portions absolutely blew our minds, you are getting your money worth! read more
I hate how many reviews ding them for having a long wait line. It's a small space, and very popular. That's just the name of the game. You walk in, and it absolutely has the 90's vibe in a good way, down to the music and random figurines. We went around 9:30a in a Saturday, and there was a short line but it moved quickly. Not a good spot for larger groups. Again, a small space. Service and quick and friendly without being too over the top giddy. Food came out quick, and was delicious. Again, it's an American brunch not a Michelin 5 star restaurant. They nail it, and that's it. Absolutely get the cinnamon roll. read more
7 months ago
There will be a line, but it moves fast. Service was okay, our water was filled often but most of the servers seem to be exaughsted :( I asked for an extra plate and the server just kinda rolled their eyes. It's okay I would be tired too. We were sat at the bar stools, which were uncomfy, but fit the vintage vibe so can't really complain. *Bonus points because they have cholula (best hot sauce btw) Spinach omelette: 7/10 it was a hunk of soggy spinach inside egg, not much to say except it was quite mushy. I would try a different omelette next time. I wish the spinach & cheese was mixed in with the egg a little instead of a pile in the center. I found the hashbrown to be quite unseasoned but the texture was nice. toasted sourdough was good, came pre-buttered Mancakes (3 stack): 9/10 These are definitely worth trying, I recommend getting 100% maple syrup or a topping/add in as the fake syrup they give you is flavorless. This stack was shared, but I did get flavor fatigue after a while (one man cake is enough haha). these are so worth the price.. $13 for three big plate pancakes! Overall: would go back for the mancakes (and add a topping!) everything was affordable, huge portions, short wait, fun interior, little cramped inside but what can you expect from a popular small diner read more
1 month ago
Always looking for a great diner spot, and this one has been on my list for forever. Finally had the chance and it was certainly worth the wait. We did go on a Sunday Morning, which is prime brunch time. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait in line for a little bit. The vibes in there are perfect if you're looking for the classic diner aesthetic. Hightop coutners, red bar stools, checkered flooring. They even play Sunday Morning Cartoons. Food was good. My wife had their Chicken fried steak. Really can't go wrong there. And I had the smothered badass. An interesting idea to have 2 classic breakfast items, chicken fried steak and hashbrowns inside an omellete; but I'm not entirely convinced that it pulls through. Both the steak and hashbrown ends up feeling pretty heavy in the omellete and it takes away from the crunch. Still worth a try and I'll definitely be back to try some of the more traditional options. read more
4 months ago
Great spot! Don't miss the huevos rancheros, the sauce is made in house. Gluten free toast! Fresh coffee, good Bloody Mary. We went on a Tuesday, not busy but could see it being busy on the weekend. Love the neighborhood! read more
Service was amazing, all the staff were so friendly and personable. The building is cute, quaint and cozy. The orange juice was really tasty and I thought it might have been fresh squeezed. I tried both the waffle and the French toast and I did not find that either were exceptionally out of this world- but they hit the spot after a long nightshift. read more
19 days ago
3 months ago
2 months ago
Small place but really good food. Most people complain about the wait but we must of came on a good day. The service was cool. Nothing to write home about and I wish they had flavor coffee creamer but other than that the food was really good. Will definitely be back again read more
3 months ago
2 months ago
1 year ago
This place was solid! Parking was one of the biggest issues with this place. After finding and paying for a spot we were seated near the front window. Our server who looked like Freddy Mercury, was fast and efficient. He kept our coffee mugs full which was greatly appreciated. The menu has all of the classics and a few out of the ordinary. I went with the banana bread hold the powdered sugar. It was still plenty sweet. The fresh walnuts provided a great crunch (see picture). I would definitely recommend and come back to this location. read more
4 months ago
The line is literally wrapping around the building... really popular spot but we got 2 seats at the counter. I felt like we were going to fall off the entire time. I enjoyed my veggie omelette but the wait was really long especially since I was hungry. I appreciate the range of hot sauces they have. Don't trust the water cups though because I literally watched the waitress use the previous water cups left behind without washing them. Gross. read more
10 months ago
I've driven by this place many times, and often seen a line outside for breakfast. Finally went today and I understand why people wait in line to get in. The food was delicious and hearty and served in big portions. In our trio, the biscuits and gravy order was the hero, but the scramble and club sandwich were also excellent. And if you like REALLY big pancakes, this is your place. They were huuuge and delicious. Service was no nonsense and fast. The inside is your run-of-the-mill neighborhood diner chic. Probably best to keep your party to 4 or less, as most tables weren't spacious, but perhaps they figure out a way to make larger parties work. read more
Cute cafe with a traditional American diner atmosphere. Came here on a Sunday afternoon with the brunch rush. We waited about 20 minutes in line outside on a cold spring morning for a table for two. I don't understand waiting in line for brunch but we were starting to get hangry so we stood the line. Was it worth the wait? Meh maybe. Nothing spectacular but the food was tasty. Their homemade biscuits were really good. Potatoes were crispy. Eggs fried well with an oozy yolk center. I would come back but wouldn't mind trying another brunch spot with less of a wait. read more
6 months ago
TLDR: Lots of food, a diner vibe and great service! This place was PACKED both times we went so if youre going during peak diner hours, beware there may be a bit of a wait. However, once ordering, the chef was really quick at getting food out. The migas esque dish as shown was really tasty and i enjoyed it. Friends all enjoyed their bfasts too, esp the unlimited coffee. We went back a second time and i got the goat cheese omelet which was cooked perfectly and quite a nice flavorful, healthy bfast. The cinammon roll was pretty solid too. Overall, the fun diner vibe + service takes this place to 5 stars and the food is solid, flavorful and lots of food! read more
This is one of my favorite breakfast/brunch establishments in Portand. Be prepare to wait in line outside during the weekend, though. For some reason, they took away the sign up clipboard. Luckily, their turnover rate is fairly quick turnaround. I ordered the El Belico bowl today. It was off their special menu, which they cycle monthly or so. This was a filling breakfast and full of taste. The Pico de Gallo on the perfectly cooked pork belly topped with my choice of egg (poached) was so perfectly done, just like everything else on their menu. Is your especially hungry, get one of em mancakes. read more
3 years ago
Chicken Fried Steak, biscuit, scrambled eggs, & potatoes, 1 buttermilk pancake Pros: The food was really good. They didnt season the potatoes or the eggs but I guess it works for those who like to season themselves. At first I was thrown off by the biscuit as it looks like a bun. But surprisingly, it was really really good. It's a diner so the inside gives you that vibe. Overall really good food. Cons: The wait was mad long 30-45 min wait. The pancake was not good. It was super dense and not fluffy at all. You'll need a lot of syrup to get through the pancake. read more
I consistently enjoy my visits to Stepping Stone. I've been eating here since 2017, and the service is always kind and quick. I do miss them being open late like they were pre-Covid but life goes on! Food is good, specials are fun, and prices aren't as bad as they could be! Space is a little tight and lines can get long on the weekend but it's got a comfortable vibe inside so it's worth it! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
8 months ago
Their slogan is "You eat here because we let you." Hilarious. I ordered a mimosa and it came in a pint glass, and that's the moment I realized I wasn't in Utah anymore. One and a half pint glasses of mimosas later and I needed to take a breather. There's got to be like an entire champagne bottle in two of those pint glasses. I was in heaven. It's a quaint little breakfast place that's pretty popular. We met some friends here for breakfast around 10am and there was a decent line outside waiting to get in. They have a couple items on the menu that have been featured on various Food Network shows. The service was good, the food was good, and the inside was cute and quaint - homey diner feel. It's seems to be a locally loved spot for breakfast in a cute neighborhood and I would come back for their mimosas alone. read more
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More info about Stepping Stone Cafe
2390 NW Quimby St
Portland, OR 97210
Northwest, Alphabet District
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(503) 222-1132
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http://www.steppingstonecafe.com
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