Stepping Stone Cafe

My partner and I were looking for a new place to have brunch on a rare shared day off, and we knew we would like Stepping Stone Cafe as soon as we saw their slogan: "You Eat Here Because We Let You." The exterior of the diner is pretty unassuming and it looks equally humble but cozy from the inside, pretty compact with not a lot of places to sit besides some tables and a small bar. When my boyfriend and I arrived, it was pretty busy but they were kind enough to seat us at a huge table in the back despite there only being two of us. We received excellent service and our food came quickly. We're amazed by the pretty cheap prices of the food here, but what's even more amazing is the fact that the food we receive is of high quality. I would highly recommend their pumpkin Belgian waffle during autumn, it's a perfect serving size with whipped cream and just a quality breakfast dish. My boyfriend enjoyed his scramble and hash browns. They had pretty good complementary coffee as well, and are generous in topping you off as they come around pretty regularly to check on you. This is an awesome brunch place and we'd love to come back. We had an excellent time and felt like we were on top of the world while eating here.

A friend of mine said this was their favorite breakfast spot, I'm really glad we stopped in. This place is magical, I can see why it was voted best in Portland 2023. Kiss dolls and Christmas ornaments hang on string connected to the door. When people enter or exit they all take a little dip and it's fun to watch! 🤣 I was surprised to learn Stepping Stone Cafe was on Man vs Food. Of course they were! I've heard of Mancakes. I was tempted, but I knew I had work after breakfast. As it was closer to end of service, the two of us were offered the corner booth. Way to make folks feel like royalty! Pretty much all the other tables were taken in the main entry dining room. If they have Chocolate milkshakes on the menu it means I can have it with breakfast! We decided to split our orders. My friend ordered the biscuits and gravy. Our server let us know it's massive, they were correct! I ordered the chicken fried steak. Hilariously, my friend admitted they thought that was a chicken dish 🤣 They were pleasantly corrected... it's definitely not chicken. Both of our dishes were cooked and plated perfectly. Buttered toast for our runny sunnyside up and over easy eggs... absolutely the best combination. All that said, the staff were also all rockstars! Only a few people run that place and they've got it locked in. Much respect 🙌

It was very busy which worried me but like a good diner it was quick as it should be. The food preparation was absolutely stunning. When they offer you a choice of toast and English muffin ask about their famous biscuits. I rarely eat red meat but today was an indulgence day! Payday! Coffee and food for two split down the middle was $18. I tipped of course! The wait staff seemed a little concerned we might walk away but let us know they had the table ready and just needed to move some things— they were maintaining their coffee machines and no one was in the way and it was swift and did not effect our service. I believe my friend got the avocado based omelette forgot the name! He shared his biscuit with me and I was so full on my generous portion of corned beef hash on scalloped potatoes with poached eggs and hollandaise egggs Benedict on too. Every bite melted in my mouth. I left a few potatoes behind but only because I have a literally small stomach. The is hot was to die for but I brought mine home for the roommate who said just a taste and devoured it. I live sampling different places but I MUST make this a spot for corned beef hash it was absolutely so tender and yummy. Apparently you can get manacles which are pancakes the size of a plate. Typical offerings are available here. I really enjoyed the coffee and the “bottomless” half and half wish and continuous refills. I get this place is always turning over. I would wait if I needed to but I did not have to!

Great little place! We showed up for lunch on a Saturday and there was a line out the door, but we only waited about 10 minutes to be seated. Unfortunately we were seated at the counter and the chairs are pretty uncomfortable (where one star goes) but otherwise everything was great. Service was quick, we got our food in about 15 minutes. Generous portions, and priced well.

I’m so happy places like this are still around! The moment we entered this dinner I got “the feels” The atmosphere was appropriate for an old school dinner. Our servers were very attentive and patient because we didn’t know what to order. The corned beef hash is the best I’ve ever had. I highly recommend this place to any and everyone visiting or even living in Portland.