Bertie Lou's Cafe Reviews

We love to eat breakfast here, whenever we're in Portland. My grandmother lived in the neighborhood in the 30's, my aunts in the 40's-90's, my daughter in the 2000's. Now the rest of us(including my grandsons) visit when we can. We love the chicken fried steak, corned beef hash,well, just about everything.

Bertie Lou's is a solid 3.5 stars. It is located in a small corner house with very rustic furnishings. Service is very good and portions are huge, but the taste of the food is not consistent. There were three of us and two had omelettes which were very well-done - large, fluffy and filled with meat and veggies; their potatoes were fried but not greasy with little bits of pepper and onions present. I had the chicken fried pork chop; it was overdone and dry and the panko breading while crispy, had very little taste; the gravy served with it had little taste as well and my potatoes were very dry and not very good. My whole wheat toast was very dry as well and very chewy - not at all pleasant. The jam was very bland and did not have that fresh fruit taste that one gets in many Oregon breakfast places. My overeasy eggs were perfectly done however. My advice is to stick to the egg dishes at this restaurant.

Had fabulous version of croque Monsieur for breakfast. Brioche bread, sausage, cheese... Stuffed.. Server with cup of fresh fruit. Brioche French toast also yummy.

I've been to Bertie Lou's some 20 times in the past 7 years, most often with my wife for a meeting date and with my kids for a breakfast out. Not as creatively weird with the menu or decor as Stepping Stone Cafe in NW Portland, this is a small joint with classic greasy spoon look, without the grease in the food. They make the basics great -- omelets, breakfast burritos, breakfast "burgers", bacon and eggs, french toast, pancakes with fruit, etc. They also make the more tasty gourmet-type breakfast dishes consistently well: eggs benedict and florentine ($8-9), I had the pork loin and eggs special this morning ($8.75). The poached eggs were perfectly cooked and were served together in a small bowl. The pork loin was well seasoned and cooked. The hash browns were not greasy and lightly browned, the bits of onion and pepper in it were fine, though those always tend to get over-cooked when they're thrown onto the grill at the same time as the potatoes. Bertie Lou's is an informal, small breakfast place with Portland charm that serves better than average basics as well as the higher-end richer dishes, and does it all well.

Polenta eggs benedict was awesome! Staff were having fun, and when the cook is having fun, we eat well! Old school counter eating. You get to watch the cook whip up some awesome grub!

We were seated at the counter for breakfast here. Was fun to watch the action in the kitchen. We placed our order directly and couldn't believe how fast they were at getting the food out. Menu offers lots of fun choices. This is a small restaurant, but looks to be affiliated with Jake's Place across the street or at least they are utilizing some of their outdoor seating. Good food, served fast and at a reasonable price!

My Greek omelette was very good. Fried potatoes came with the omelette, and it was all quite tasty. The building was unusual. The room with tables had two tables for four and five tables for two. The other room where the kitchen was had a few stools. The staff was very friendly. I would go back if in the mood for a hearty breakfast. Be prepared for an unusual dining experience.

Had a great diner breakfast in this darling little town on the outskirts of Portland. Loved the food and the people.

My wife and I are visiting her brother who recently moved the Sellwood are of Portland. This tiny place was in walking distance for a Sat. Morning breakfast. Had to wait in 48 degree weather outside for 45 minutes but actually worth it. The hollandaise was really good and could be had on classic and inventive dishes. My wife and brother were very happy with their omlettes. Hot and crispy potatoes. Good value.

Service is fast and friendly, food is prepared quickly and well. It's an authentic old school cafe which really rocks. but do not miss the patron drawn napkin art posted on the dining room wall. It's a breakfast/lunch place, take it for its unpretentious self. The atmosphere is just plain friendly neighborhood place, like "Cheers" if it was a cafe. Only negative is that it is small, prob 20 including 6 at the bar and has only one "unisex" restroom which can cause "problems" if the cafe is full, which it usually is and you drink too much coffee. Be advised. Not open for dinner.

this place is small but quaint, delicious, so many choices. The owner waiter has a great sense of humor. there are drawings on the walls of clients artwork.

Came across this place unexpectedly while cycling around Portland. Cool atmosphere- started in 1943. Amazing coffee, lovely service with real characters. The breakfast was amazing!

This should say it all - we went here for breakfast all 3 days we stayed in Portland. This is the kind of place every neighborhood should have - funky, cozy building with good food at a fair price. We were in an airbnb in Sellwood and walked here every morning. I went with the Sellwood Breakfast all 3 days - menu claims it's a "2 egg" breakfast but the portions are HUGE and there must have been 4 or 5 eggs in it. A big helping of homefries, two generous sausage links, toast, all of it piping hot and delivered by courteous and diligent wait staff...it doesn't get any better.

I always go here with my son on his late start day. It is a great little spot and has a good selection of breakfast food. The prices are good also. My son always get the waffles, eggs, and bacon. I usually try something different every time I go. Every time I am very happy with there food. Always done perfectly, well flavored, and filling. The last time I was there I had the eggs in purgatory. Not something you would expect from a place that looks like this, but it was superb.

Bertie Lou's is a great, funky little place in Sellwood. The biscuits and gravy are better than any I've ever had and you can order extra gravy for your potatoes. Good service, funky artsy-fartsy decor, and good prices. Check this place out!

I live in Sellwood. My wife and I have been making an almost weekly Sunday pilgrimage to BL's for over 5 years. I've even recommended that they name my regular order (three cheese omlette , chicken sausage and a biscuit) after me but they have resisted....I almost cried when they closed down for a short time due to the pandemic. Thank goodness they're back in operation. The food is consistently great and the staff are nothing short of stellar. They are equally humorous and efficient. BL's is the best kept secret in town.

If you are near the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, be sure to stop at Bertie Lou's. You will have one of the best breakfasts you have ever had. It's a small place with a few tables outside on the corner. The decor is eclectic and quirky. Don't expect anything fancy, just a great menu with down-home choices, great food and good service.

I met an old friend for brunch and suggested wherever she liked that was nearby. She took me to this little place and I was thoroughly charmed. I had a breakfast sandwich on a croissant with some fruit on the side, and a cup of coffee. The tab was very reasonable, the food delicious, and the coffee decent. The indoor seating was funky and cute but very small - but there were lots of outdoor tables and it was a beautiful day. If I lived nearby, I'd be there all the time.

It's tiny, odd, and old but Bertie Lou's serves up a terrific breakfast at a fair price. Their cinnamon roll French toast is very tasty. Hey, for no other reason stop at this "throw back" and check out the napkin art hanging on the walls.

Boy this cafe sure is eye catching. You see it and you just have to go inside to find out what it is like. Well, it is rather small inside. This makes it feel very intimate and cozy. A great place to just relax and enjoy the friendly vibes this place generates. They are open 7 AM to 2 PM so you got to be an early bird to enjoy what this cafe has to offer.

Love the menu (very sarcastic) and the prices are reasonable. We wanted to made our own kind of hash and they didn't charge us for each side as some restaurants do. The space is pretty small so I would imagine the wait could be quite long during the weekends or breakfast time.

There were so many choices on the breakfast menu it was hard to choose. Ranging from a breakfast burrito to a half dozen eggs bene choices to croissant or cinnamon roll french toast. I had the burrito with a side of home fries. Yum. The sausage was divine and great potatoes. This place is tiny, with only 8 or so tables and 8 or so spots at the counter. We went on a holiday Monday at 9:30 or so and got right in but after that there was a wait. Only one waitress but she was efficient. They have a smoky coffee and hemp milk, as well as veggie sausage and soy bacon. I would go back again just to try the other menu options.

EVERYTHING EXCELLENT ; FOOD , SERVICE...real small place, who cares about that???

Breakfast joints like Bertie Lou's are a vanishing breed. I sat at the small counter, in this tiny restaurant, between a few regulars. The talk was familial and spicy--sort of like the food. It reminded me of sitting in someone's kitchen as they cooked up great homemade family dishes. I had one of the best biscuits and gravy (and potatoes) I have EVER had. The only regret I have about giving Bertie's a great review is that it will be sad if this place ever becomes the hip place to go. This diner is the real deal and I hope it stays that way.

Wow! Bertie Lou's is cute and the food is scrumptious. The menu choices sounded all so good, it was hard to make a decision. Everyone's food looked delicious, and I had The Works and it was AWESOME! I would love to come back to this restaurant again on my next trip to Portland.

Our breakfasts were very good, although I would not say outstanding. My cinnamon roll French toast was really made with slices of gooey cinnamon bread, but it was still very tasty. My wife's waffle was nice and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Our waitress was friendly and earnest, but a little bit frazzled because I think she was new on the job. We were there at a busy time, so our food was a little slow to arrive. A few picnic tables outside are a good choice if the weather is nice. I definitely recommend Bertie Lou's for a tasty casual meal.

Like everybody else has already said this is a great little hole-in-the-wall place with excellent, unpretentious breakfast fare. I've seen a line down the block during the Sunday brunch rush, but my wife and I have managed to hit it off peak twice and had a great experience both times. The staff is friendly, the decor unique and the food, as another reviewer states, really is best described as scrumptious. There are some well-aged outdoor picnic tables (with umbrellas!) that are perfectly nice to sit at if this ludicrous heatwave ever abates.

Delicious breakfast ! I ordered the breakfast burrito, which is huge! They have a lot of great options on the menu, very vegetarian/vegan friendly. I would definitely go back.

Great experience, friendly folks, good food what more do you need. Had the Chicken Fried Steak wonderful gravy and perfect portion size.

This is a GREAT place for breakfast! The food is amazing and the coffee is TERRIFIC. On a beautiful day outdoor seating is at a premium but inside is also awesome.

Super breakfast/brunch (no alcohol) quirky menu descriptions do nothing to hide the excellent food here. Staff is friendly, fast and keeps an eye out for more coffee. Can't go wrong with this one. Some outside seating when the weather allows.

This hole in the wall was opened in the 1940's. It has , I believe, 8 tables. There was a short wait on a Friday morning. The four of us were seated and given the menu which is a hoot. The waiter/manager/dishwasher had a wicked sense of humor which we all loved. The coffee is right on, I had the 'Bookmark' which is half biscuits and gravy and half eggs Benedict. My friend had the Santa Fe with the green chili, there was an eggs Benedict omelet, and another dish I forget. Wonderful wonderful food. Fast hot and fun. This has entered our 'take the visitors to Portland' list. I would imagine there would be a very. Long. Wait. On the weekends. The gravy was out of this world and the hollendaise was hand made. $50.75 for the four of us with lots of leftovers.

Make Berties Lous your first choice when breakfasting in Sellwood. Menu and atmosphere shows a fun and funky spirit. Tiny tiny on the inside, with outside tables available in good weather. (However, keep in mind, we Portlanders consider some pretty inclement weather to be fine for outdoor dining. Just keep the hot coffee coming!) Sometimes there is a bit of a line, but the cooks -no chefs in this diner- the cooks are quick to kick out the food to the tables for a fairly fast turnover. Over the years I've had a variety of experiences with waitstaff, some good, some bad, but the past few years they have been friendly and responsive.

this food is awsome! cooks do a great job with open kitchen. Fun poeple to chat with love the in side and out! Also the food is unique and freash, love the creative atmosphere.

My friends and I dropped in here on the recommendation of my friends new landlord. What an eggclelent recommendation it turned out to be! I ordered the Corned Beef Benedict and it was scrumptious. The corned beef was made in house and was tender and not overly salty. The mustard hollandaise was the perfect sauce accompanyment. My friend ordered the Cinnamon Roll French Toast and it was mouthwatering. This place is a Portland foodie must! I WILL be back!!!! Sorry no pictures due to Covid 19. I hate taking photos of good food in takeout containers.

Busy place and as "seasoned travelers" we try to avoid the big chains etc. Busy little place, really friendly mainly used by locals. Open kitchen so you can see what's cooking. Corned beef hash was good, eggs Benedict good. Would recommend this is you want a good breakfast to last you the whole day

the hog wild omelette is sexy

My wife and I recently ate breakfast at this place while visiting the Portland area. It is a small place that is very popular with locals, and parking and seating can be a little tight if they are busy. It doesn't look like much from the outside but the visit is worth it. My wife said her corned beef hash was excellent and the server said it was homemade. The prices are reasonable as well. I recommend this place for a decent breakfast when you are in the area.

Having breakfast at this well-established cafe is sublime. The food is excellent, portions generous, staff friendly and helpful. The menu contains many breakfast favorites, such as the best breakfast burrito in Portland and sausage infused biscuits and gravy. Don’t miss the specials board above the doorway into the dining room. Our favorite is to sit at the counter and watch the cooks work their magic on the grill.

Great place to hit on weekday or weekend. You can sit outside in the summer, bar seating and small tables. Very diner-esque in atmosphere. Good food and nice staff.

I had seen this little hole in the wall very cute restaurant but never ate there. A friend of mine loves this place and said they have the best breakfast in the Sellwood area of Portland. I ordered the chicken fried steak with gravy on the side. The scratch made biscuits and sausage gravy was like coming home to my taste buds. If you like a very cozy restaurant with a wait staff that is a kick in the pants you will like this place as much as I enjoyed the meal.

Nice location. Pleasant neighborhood gives the place a nice vibe. Ordered the breakfast burrito and friend got one of the specials. Pork tenderloin with scrambled eggs. All good. Service slow when sitting outside, but worth it. The burrito was huge. Needed a to-go box.

Made to many mistakes we randomly stopped which we shouldn’t have, went in saw the kitchen that itself a nightmare as it was just filthy. We ordered three egg cheese omelette, veggie scrambled and fried eggs sunny side up. Basically one could not really screw up a sunny side up but the cheese omelette was inedible, as if cheese was just left there, it was hard and horrible to say the least. We did bring to the establishment knowledge that there was something wrong but it was completely ignored. The veggie scrambled eggs were as bad. When we went to pay our bill the rude lady did say sorry you did not like our cooking. I wanted to say something but did not want to get insulted so kept my mouth shut. In essence this is a dirty and rude establishment which for seasoned international travellers must be avoided like the plague.

Bertie Lou's Cafe is a small established great place to eat breakfast (they serve lunch also, I just have never had it there) The menu is fairly extensive, the eggs are prepared well and as you order them, the griddle cakes, meats, and potatoes are fantastic. Coffee is good, hot, and plentiful. Plethra of condiments and sauces are one the table or they will bring it to you if you ask. The staff is good and interesting and over the years I have seen many come and go. ( I have frequented Bertie Lou's for at least twenty years) Weekends are tough as the locals are quite familiar with this establishment and they are very busy until fairly late in the day. Have a big night before you want to rebuild your strength with some great food. Truly a must when in Portland.

I have been going to Bertie Lou's for years. It is like stepping back in time, a trippy place. The food is really good and the staff is very nice. Okay, sometimes there is a wait but, it is worth waiting. If you want a good meal at reasonable prices, this is the place to go. A friend of ours eats at Bertie Lou's almost everyday. We live on the river, just down the street so it is close and maybe we will see you there. Give it a try.

Solid, delicious breakfasts from fresh ingredients, great service from wait staff who obviously enjoy working there, and a kitchen so tiny that I was amazed that they could produce all that food. Standouts were the French Toast and the Greek Omelet.

Great food! Little space so sit outside as it is less crowded and nice to feel the breeze. This place is hopping!! Great local favorite. Prices are all about $10 for the meals. Smells delicious when you walk in. Great home potatoes. Many varieties of Egg Benedict to choose from as well as Scrambles. Lunch choices after 12 noon.

We have family living in Lake Oswego and every time we visit them we always try new breakfast places (with the help of TA!) and this one will be a keeper! It's a great little neighborhood diner, with a fun menu, great food, and our waiter had a great sense of humor. We had a great time there and will definitely be going back!

Staying nearby and found this cute little gem in the neighborhood. Quick and friendly service. Great and very filling.

Get there early and order the biscuits and gravy. Absolutely the best I've had. The service was good considering there was just one woman seating and taking orders. Will definitely be back!

What a great "hole in the wall" across the Sellwood Bridge on SE 17th Ave and SE Spokane in Portland. Lucked out in finding this breakfast place after dropping our grandson off at preschool. The triple cheese three-egg omelet($9.75) was enough to share and the home fries were sprinkled with onions and peppers cooked perfectly. For the bread I chose the biscuit. When ordering I asked the server if he could grill it with butter, and he replied "of course I've only been a waiter my entire life." Quite the sense of humor! The beverages we chose were coffee ($2.25) and Diet Coke ($1.75) in the can. Where can you find these nowadays for less than $3.00!!! We will definitely return to this fine establishment. Unfortunately we live on the East Coast and only visit our grandson 3 or 4 times per year. We would suggest adding bagels to the menu but won't hold our breath since the demand may not be there.

We should all be so lucky to have a place like Bertie Lou's in our own neighborhood. I come here occasionally with a good friend from the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoy the food and the casual charm of the place. My personal favorite dishes are one of the Benedicts, and so I rarely order anything different, but everything I have seen on other diners' plates looks pretty good. Word has it that the breakfast burrito is not only delicious, but it will sustain you through the rest of the day until evening. Good food, friendly staff -- like I said, I wish it was closer to my home.

Small, eclectic place in Portland. It's weird like they want it to be! Service was great and food was fantastic for this little hole in the wall place. Try the waffles. Really a fun place!

great breakfast; great coffee; great service.

We have been to Bertie Lou's at least a few times, including taking out-of-town family there. It is compact and you often have to wait (outside) for a table. They have a very complete menu and portions are good. We like the breakfast burrito options. In the Sellwood neighborhood, so the usual great vibe.

Tiny (5 tables), cute (napkin art on the wall) breakfast/bunch places in Sellwood that required proof of vaccination for indoor dining. Food came out super-fast, waiter could double as a stand up comic, and coffee was a 6.5 (according to my partner). Food was plentiful, with lots of fresh vegetables, satisfying both this picky eater and my partner.

Phat food in a lil 50's style dinner setting. Beware clostraphobics. The food is upscale with a large menu with numerous options for your palette that aren't to tough on the wallet. The cinnamon bun is sweet and heavy but could be a meal in its own. The biscuits and gravy were excellent. Some of the best hollandaise sauce around town!

Enjoyed the Polenta Benedict, waffles with fruit, and pork chop. All the dishes were delicious! The setting was very cozy, but be prepared to engage the host; The meal is just a part of the fun here.

Small restaurant in Sellwood section of Portland. To say they serve a hearty breakfast is an understatement. Eggs (at least 2), bacon or sausage, home fries, & toast (I recommend the sourdough) for under $10. It is small, but they do a pretty fast turnover. Locals say it's often difficult to get a table without waiting on weekend mornings, but we were seated immediately at about 8 am on a Tuesday. Side note...funky "napkin art" on the walls worth noticing.

This was my second time here, and just as good as the first time, except we ate here midweek and is was less crowded, since it is a popular place, the weekend I went before we had to wait, but we were not In a hurry so no biggie for us. The location, price, food is great and if you want to browse the antic shops, well it's a wonderful outing with a friend, eat, shop and have a visit with a friend, can't get any better than that!!!

I'm happy to report that Bertie Lou's Cafe is still going strong and is a great choice for breakfast or lunch. They are open early until 2pm. The portions are large and the food is good, home cooking. It's a small place with a few outside tables near Sellwood. If you are in the area, you won't be disappointed if you try it.