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Portland › Portland › City State Diner and Bakery
City State Diner and BakeryBWorth Trying
128 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
· Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Diner
· 4.6/5 Google (1372 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Bustling Portland diner for Benedicts, biscuits, and hearty plates with occasional service delays; great value for classic breakfast if you avoid peak rush.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
City State Diner and Bakery delivers solid neighborhood brunch appeal with strong food quality anchored by standout Benedicts, Louisiana seafood hash, and breakfast meatloaf. However, inconsistent execution—occasional overcooked dishes and cold plates—and service delays during peak hours prevent grade A territory. The pleasant patio setting and reasonable pricing support a loyal following, but this remains a reliable neighborhood favorite rather than a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
This is a neighborhood brunch hub with a lively diner vibe, the kind of spot where the counter fills early and the patio hums by late morning. Servers come off as welcoming and efficient on slower days, though several diners note wait times balloon at peak hours. As one fan put it, "The potatoes were addictive and the bennie sauce tied it all together." Cooking leans classic American with comfort-forward plates: crisped potatoes, dill-hollandaise Benedicts, hearty meatloaf, and a standout Louisiana seafood hash. Expect solid execution over theatrics; it is more cozy staple than culinary experiment. Veg-friendly choices like tofu scramble and veggie bennies broaden appeal, but country fried steak quality can vary. Families do well here thanks to pancakes, French toast, eggs, and simple sides kids actually eat. Portions satisfy most, and prices land in the reasonable bracket for Portland brunch. On sunny days, the roomy patio helps with stroller space and pups, though weekend waits can test patience.
At a Glance
- Benedicts with dill hollandaise draw consistent praise
- Louisiana seafood hash and breakfast meatloaf are standouts
- Weekend service delays and occasional order mix-ups
- Country fried steak and biscuits can be inconsistent
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- dill_hollandaise_benedicts
- loukaniko_house_sausage
- large_dog_friendly_patio
What People Love
- Comforting Benedicts with dill hollandaise
- Perfectly seasoned potatoes
- Hearty breakfast meatloaf
- Spacious dog-friendly patio
- Friendly, upbeat staff off-peak
Points of Concern
- Service can lag at peak times with forgotten or delayed orders; management response varies
- Some dishes arrive overcooked or cool (notably country fried steak and occasional biscuits)
- Portions sometimes feel light on potatoes; value still generally solid
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$26-36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pick a Benedict and add avocado (+$2.50) if you like extra richness.
- Vegetarians: Utopia scramble or Florentine Benedict; vegans: Tofu scramble.
- Value combo: Standard breakfast ($13) plus shared French toast slice from sides if available.
Perfect For
- Casual weekend brunch with friends
- Solo weekday counter breakfast
- Family breakfast on the patio
- Out-of-town guests wanting a Portland diner vibe
Location Insights
Area: Hip inner eastside corridor with indie eateries, cafes, and bars; popular weekend brunch zone.
Safety: Generally safe, lively foot traffic; typical urban awareness advised at night.
Nearby: Near NE 28th Ave dining row, close to Laurelhurst and Burnside; mix of residential and small shops.
KernsKerns is a lively neighborhood with a mix of older homes and new developments, popular for its walkability and access to local eateries, coffee shops, and boutiques. The dining scene is casual and community-oriented, with a focus on comfort food, brunch spots, and neighborhood diners.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–14:00
Tuesday08:00–14:00
Wednesday08:00–14:00
Thursday08:00–14:00
Friday08:00–14:00
Saturday08:00–15:00
Sunday08:00–15:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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