I still think about this sandwich...The Dame was not only an aesthetic sandwich, the taste was immaculate! Savory flavor but not too heavy. Well balanced. Minus one star because their coffee was watery. read more

Cafe Rowan - The Dame - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I'm very happy that I came here with a friend who is a regular and knows the process. If you go, be aware that you arrive and seat yourself. You also grab menus from the counter, and then go order at the counter. You'll be given a numbered wooden spoon on a plinth after you order. Staff will bring your order to your table when it is ready. If you want water, there's a self-service water station. When you're finished dining, you bus your own table. I've been to several other places with this mode of operation, but unlike those, Café Rowan seems to pass this savings onto the customer, and provides much higher-grade cuisine than expected. Presentations on their various Eggs Benedict varieties are very elegant. Flavors are fresh, notable, and refined. I opted for the "Emily" breakfast sandwich, and was very impressed with everything about it. It wasn't overly greasy or salty, and somehow managed to feel lighter than expected with the actual heavy ingredients. Flavors were complex and deep, and the toasted brioche roll was very light and pillowy soft. read more

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Crab. Benedit. I don't think I need to say anything else, but I will. The hollandaise and crab is absolute perfection, and it's served in the prettiest of ways. I love the addition of asparagus as well. I wish the bread was more crispy as it does get pretty soggy in the middle after a few minutes, but other than that I wouldn't change a damn thing. My husband ordered the chorizo breakfast burrito and I was pretty stunned at how massive it was. I snuck a few bites and definitely need to order one myself on the next visit. The coffee is also excellent. This place does have a small parking lot, it was pretty full (even on a weekday) but we snagged a spot and this is so nice to have! read more

Cafe Rowan - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Portland. Friendly staff and superior food quality. Open kitchen = meaning they are very confident with their skills and ingredients I also tried their lobsters and they are absolutely incredible, I would def say they are the best lobsters I have had on the West Coast for sure The owner/head chef Spencer always take the time to greet the guests no matter how busy it gets. It is something that I was blown away by and love seeing his passion for his food and restaurant. read more

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Where to start...in a nutshell must try brunch spot!! Arrived on a Sunday around 11am, there were a few open tables of 2 but they were scattered around the restaurant. We were a party of 6 people, the waitress was kind enough to ask a couple who just were seated to move over some tables so she could combine a few of the open tables and convert it into 6 for us. The restaurant is a order at the cashier and not truly 100% table service. They give you an order number for the table andwill bring out food to your table. One of the chefs brought out their dungeness crab egg benefit (it was their daily special for today) for our table and said it was complimentary on him just because. My friend and I ordered the shrimp & grits and unfortunately they were out of the banana foster French toast so we pivoted and got the Chatham breakfast burrito. The crab Benedict was delicious! Shrimps & grits was amazing, the shrimp was perfectly seasoned and grilled. The Chatham breakfast burrito was HUGE and very filling. The plating of each dish was beautifully done. All of the portion sizes and flavors matches the price point of their menu. We also tried the bloody Mary flight, very interesting versions of bloody Mary. Glad I tried but I think I would have stuck to just their basic house bloody. 5 star service and 5 star food. Must try!!! I shall be back for another visit. read more

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Went for brunch, it's good, only tried birria rancheros which were ok. Maybe I'll return for something else. If you want to eat a Mexican brunch, have your order taken at a table, and justify paying a 20% tip, you'll be better off at a local Mexican restaurant. read more

Worst service. They don't know how to run a business. When customers have to write their own name down and order themselves, and no one is serving them it's a huge problem. After waiting over 50 minutes and trying to order a coffee, we left. Never going back. read more

The bright and colorful micro-greens and florals used to plate Cafe Rowan dishes really grabbed my attention while I was researching lunch spots this morning. Aside from a few minor exceptions, I was really pleased with my dining experience. There is much I love about this restaurant. The venue is bright and spacious, built around an open kitchen. The staff are friendly and approachable, and they seem to have a solid grasp on their menu when presented with questions about ingredients or preparation methods. My friend and I ordered shrimp & grits and the lobster roll, and our food was delivered expeditiously. The shrimp and grits were plated beautifully, but ended up being a little too salty to fully enjoy. The lobster roll was so incredibly delicious I was embarrassed by how quickly I ate it! However, I feel it was lacking the same finesse in presentation the other dishes have. The over-salted grits were probably an isolated incident and I won't hold it against the restaurant. They were very communicative and offered an apology the dish wasn't completely to our liking. So there it is... the ambiance, the presentation, and the friendly staff place Cafe Rowan on my shortlist of favorite lunchtime hotspots I'll return to. read more

Cafe Rowan - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This is a cute little brunch spot. You'll find a table then order food at the counter and it will be delivered to you then you bust your own table. The brunch food was good and garnish was beautiful. We ordered the banana French toast, avocado toast and eggs Benedict. Everything was tasty and I'll be coming back to try their dinner. I really loved the tomatoes that they put in the eggs benny, I think the flavor went very well with the white truffle hollandaise. The banana French toast was a little crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. The avocado toast was really fresh but I suggest you biting into it instead of trying to cut it with a knife Dinner is by reservation only so give them a call if you're interested! I think they are 5 course meals if I remember correctly from the note I saw that day on their door. read more

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Cute place, fast service but most importantly: The best French toast in town. Period.

Super cute little brunch spot! First off, I wanted to list a few important things to know before coming here (things I wish I knew ahead of time). 1. The parking lot is super tiny so do not expect to find parking there. Street parking is your best bet. 2. The restaurant itself is pretty small, and since it is first come first serve on seating, you may be waiting around for a table. 3. You order your food at the counter. I did not read any reviews before coming here, and thought this was a sit down restaurant where they serve you. When I walked inside, I stood there waiting to be seated. One of the employees realized I had no idea what I was doing and was nice enough to explain how things worked there. I was lucky enough to grab one of the last tables. Once you order and get a table, the food is brought to you. With how busy they were, service was quite fast. We ordered the avocado toast, banana French toast, and jamon eggs Benedict. In my opinion, the avocado toast was subpar. I thought it tasted a little bland, and the toast was really hard. On the other hand, I loved the other two dishes. I love ordering both a sweet and savory dish when I am out to brunch. The banana french toast was fluffy and sweet, which paired perfectly with the banana. I really like egg Benedict's and the jamon eggs Benedict did not disappoint. It was everything a Benedict should be. I will definitely be returning for brunch and to also try their dinner as well! read more

Cafe Rowan - Jamon eggs Benedict, banana French toast, avocado toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Flavorful and vibrant food. Good amount of lobster in the dish. Relaxed atmosphere. Recommend. read more

Cafe Rowan - Lobster Egg Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A decent brunch restaurant with great foods. The reason why I give 4 stars is that it is too busy. Arriving at 9:15, we had to wait until fortunately finding bar seats (and luckily got only left parking spot). With 9 year old, it was not the best setting when expecting more relaxed Sunday brunch. The staff was very friendly and helpful and we loved lobster roll and lox egg benedict. Living near Beaverton, I don't think we can come often. But if you live closer or in the downtown, give it a try! read more

Cafe Rowan - Lobster roll - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

It was hard for us to try this place due to the hours and where we live. We finally got to try and decided on the dame and the lobster rolls. Overall the dame was very good. The meat was juicy and added a lot of flavor with the sauce. I did add more ketchup because it needed a little something. The lobster rolls had a good flavor and the brioche bun had a nice buttery like flavor. We felt the lobster rolls were slim for the price. There are definitely more items on the menu we may try in the future. read more

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Mushroom. Toast. That is it. That is what you need to know. I mean, everything they make is amazing (if you like your super iced coffee, just ask for extra ice), but this mushroom toast is amazing. I dream of it. Living in the burbs makes this a bit of a trek, but am I upset? NOPE. Now, mind you, they are often slammed, and with good reason, everything is fresh and delicious. The staff are all wonderful. Shout out to the bearded redhead and the tall, dark-haired human on the coffee bar, and really everyone. The guy who has another chef gig and a vision for his own place someday! Literally, everyone is amazing. OK...back to my love...mushroom toast. It is vegan, but you would never know it (this coming from an avid meat eater). I think about this toast at least every other day and often wonder when my schedule will allow me to return but damn. I am in love. read more

Absolutely divine! I've eaten here a few times and am finally ready to review this East Portland gem. Today I had the special Kimchi Pork Benedict. The sauce on this incredible pile of greatness had perfect flavor and the toast underneath was crispy throughout my entire breakfast(not soggy!) I also had a lilikoi mojito that was made perfectly. I think Cafe Rowan has the best varieties of Benny's in town, and they are perfectly concocted. Also, this is the type of place to bring a date or bring your parents when they are in town. The food is great, also the staff. read more

Cafe Rowan - Lilikoi mojito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place has amazing brunch. The burritos are so good so is a sandwich trio and the Dungeness crab Benedict would highly highly recommend one of my favorite brunch places! read more

Came for brunch and there was a small wait. After being seated by staff, you have to order at their kiosk and the staff will bring your food out to you. I got the rowan breakfast sandwich as it had it's name on it. Overall, it was just okay. The bun was oily and everything else was okay. The thick cut bacon was crispy and not super oily. There was a slight sweet and savory taste with the sandwich as there is jam in it. read more

Cafe Rowan - Rowan breakfast sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Amazing food and service the bananas and foster French toast and the lobster roll was out of this world. But the Dungeness crab eggs Benedict you can't really taste the crab because the other flavors overwhelm it a little bit. Definitely try super good food and kind staff :) read more

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I love, love brunch and Cafe Rowan adds to my obsession. Offering brunch on the weekends, they are a counter service cafe with a wide array of food options from their famous Dungeness crab benedicts, lobster rolls, french toast, breakfast burritos, toasts, and breakfast sandwiches. We got their chatham breakfast burrito and banana fosters french toast. Both were wildly delicious. The breakfast burrito was massive and the eggs, chorizo, potatoes were everything a breakfast burrito should be and have. The housemade salsa was spicy and refreshing. If you're craving a breakfast burrito - this is it. The french toast was the perfect sweet contrast to the burrito. Thick brioche covered in coffee-infused maple syrup, miso caramel, bananas, and toasted walnut crumble - it was like a banana fosters, banana bread, bread pudding all in one. The toast had a nice crisp, not soggy, and while it was sweet, it wasn't overwhelming. Man it was good. Seemingly unassuming and smiple, Cafe Rowan is just the opposite. Bold flavors with a creative menu, this brunch is not to be missed! read more

Cafe Rowan - chatham breakfast burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The cubano coffee and the mushroom toast combo was the best breakfast I've ever had. I can now die happy. The lobster roll was a buttery Devine masterpiece. I'll be back soon! read more

Stopped in on a whim and caught the lobster roll and mimosa special ( choice of orange or grapefruit). Those rolls are amazing! Much lower in price to others I've seen recently. The menu looks great and the restaurant is cozy and welcoming. Happy helpful staff. You'll be glad you went. I certainly plan to go back. read more

This might be my new favorite brunch spot in Portland. The food was absolutely amazing. The poached eggs were cooked to perfection and the hollandaise sauce was incredibly flavorful. I could eat this french toast every single day. It was unlike any other french toast I've ever had in the best way possible. Will 100% be back. read more

Cafe Rowan - Crab eggs Benedict and strawberry french toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Everything was absolutely delicious. Hard to pick a favorite, but I definitely want to keep going back for this avacado toast.

WOW!!! One of the best banana foster French toasts dishes I've ever tried. I highly recommend this place! I love how personable the staff was! The service was great and the place was clean! read more

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Going into Cafe Rowan, I expected to have a fun, tasty meal with a friend, which I absolutely did have. What I did not expect, was to totally nerd out with the owner about our shared love of growing heirloom peppers, fermentation processes, and waxing poetic about the beauty of handmade, small batch hot sauces. I did not expect to get to see the beginning stages of the sauce he's currently working on, with an enlightening conversation about how he selects ingredients. You know when you ask someone a question, and they get a smile on their face that says you're about to get a glimpse into what this person is super passionate about, and then that thing runs parallel to something that you are really passionate about, and boom, conversational synergy? It was DELIGHTFUL. OMG, and I haven't even mentioned the food yet. It started with a perfectly prepared chai latte, and then moved onto the Jamon Benedict, which was stupid delicious. The poach on those eggs....... 10/10. I'm gonna have the Bananas Foster French toast next time I go in. I saw a few plates of it going to other tables, and lamented the fact that I can really only reasonably eat one meal at a time. It's not fair. All of this to say that Cafe Rowan is a new favorite and an instant classic. The parking lot is small and pretty tight, but don't you dare give up if it's full. It is well worth the few extra steps if you have to park on a side street. ¡Viva Cafe Rowan! read more

First thing to know is parking is very limited, so plan to arrive a little earlier to try and snag a coveted spot in their small parking lot. The space is bright, airy and open. You order drinks and beverages at counter (this wasn't super intuitive to me since it isn't near the parking lot entrance) and then snag a seat. Definitely go early! The food is absolutely gorgeous and tastes amazing. The lobster roll may seem spendy but holy F is it worth every, buttery, delicious dollar. They throw down a decent bloody but make a damn fine cup of coffee. Super friendly staff too! read more

Thank you for the wonderful birthday brunch. The food was incredible, especially the Shrimp burrito--simply delicious! The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was perfect for a mid-morning celebration. We'll definitely be back! read more

A friend and I came here for a lobsta roll. It was delicious! On a Texas toast garlic bread our nicely seasoned lobsta was AMAZING!!! The rest of the menu looked just as tasty. I cannot wait to go back. read more

Delicious!! We've had carry out a few times here for lobster rolls and breakfast sandwiches. Being from the east coast, I miss my crab and lobsta. Saw a lobster and grits pictures on Instagram and decided to eat in today. So glad I came. Parked right in the back (glad I have a small car, but ample parking). While there were no tables upon arrival, a kind woman came over and advised she'd clean off a table for us (a kind couple saw us waiting and got up). We were checked in on by someone else in the meantime too! Seated quickly and advised to order at the counter. Easy. Mimosa was large and in charge and worth $18 for the large . The lobster and grits was delicious and came out pretty quickly. Maybe not quite as hot as I'd like, but it did come right from kitchen. Decent chunks of lobster. My husband didn't love the crisp bacon jam with it, but I did! The owner came by to check on us. Super kind (knew it was him from IG) and he was chatting with everyone. We'll be back! Delish!!! read more

Cafe Rowan - Large guava mimosa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This place is amazing!! I would go every weekend if I could I try something different every time and I've never been disappointed. The avocado toast was realllllly spicy. It had like chili oil on it? I sat right in front of the cooks this time and they were super clean and efficient in there. read more

Cafe Rowan - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The lobster benedict was phenomenal! There was a line waiting for open at 9am, and we were still in and out in an hour. Delicious, complex, and nourishing breakfast before a day of hiking. read more

Cafe Rowan - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Made it to a Friday dinner and Chef Spencer and co did not disappoint. Each dish served and paired perfectly. I really enjoyed the intimate atmosphere! Now to make it in for brunch.. read more

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So many wonderful seafood brunch options. Tons of healthier choices like gourmet avocado toast options, and gluten free bread and options galore. Quick service, cute setting, loved it. read more

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting up with a small group of work peeps here for lunch and the food was DELICIOUS! I had the "lobster roll & mimosas special" It was so good and I can't wait to go back and try other items. Our group enjoyed ourselves. Thanks for the amazing hospitality, food and drinks! read more

Cafe Rowan - Smiles, lobster rolls and a few mimosas - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great little spot! Great food and friendly staff. They're participating in dumpling week this year. I ordered the lobster and prawn dumplings in a delicious Tom Kha broth. Also ordered one of their famous lobster rolls. They are small, but very tasty! I would definitely recommend this spot! I'll be back! read more

Cafe Rowan - Dumpling week 2024. These Lobster and Prawn dumplings in a tom kha broth were delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Cafe Rowan might have just became my favorite restaurant of all time.... Makes me wish I lived in Oregon!!! Eating anywhere in Portland can be a pain due to parking but Cafe Rowan had a little parking lot. I was sooooo pleasantly surprised. I was scrolling on Yelp when I came across this spot. I eat with my eyes so when I saw the micro greens and flower on the already pretty dishes I was sold! The interior is beautiful and I loved the dog decor (Rowan is the owners beautiful dog). I ordered the shroom toast (best meal I've ever had), birria huevos rancheros, & the bananas foster French toast. Every single bite was delicious. I cannot say enough good things about Cafe Rowan. I can't wait to go back and try some other plates and dinner. 1000000/10!! read more

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One of my favorite restaurants in this part of town the food is exceptionally well prepared in an open kitchen. This is a chef owned restaurant, and you can tell this with all the attention to detail that goes into every dish. I've eaten here numerous times and enjoyed every visit. don't miss the lobster rolls - warm, succulent claw meat, served in a wonderful soft roll. Heaven on a bun!!!! read more

great food but unfriendly lady on the phone not willing to accommodate. when asked it she thinks they can sit 2 people in 20 min shw answered "well I have one table now, I don't know what is going to happen in 20 min. alright bye" read more

Lobster and prawn dumpling for Portland Dumpling Week. Tom Kha broth was delicious. I couldn't really justify the price though 3 for $14. read more

Cafe Rowan - Lobster and prawn dumpling for Portland Dumpling Week. Tom Kha broth was delicious. I couldn't really justify the price though 3 for $14. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon