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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Stepping stone Cafe - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I. Love. Diners. Therefor, I love Stepping Stone but seriously this place is a little gem of a restaurant. Their motto being "You eat here because we let you" or something of the sort is a little strange but I kinda like it and the food is good enough I'm ok with them standing on all ten toes with this statement. I had the biscuits and gravy, two eggs and sausage patties. All were outstanding especially the gravy. Perfectly peppery. The service was attentive without being pushy and the interior of this place is like an ADD afflicted persons dream. Lots going on. Do yourself a favor and try to get out here but do it early or on a weekday because the weekends can be ridiculous with the line trying to get in. read more

My experience at The Stepping Stone was disappointing from start to finish. The restaurant was extremely crowded, noisy, and felt unclean and disorganized. It lacked the welcoming atmosphere you hope for when sitting down to breakfast. Although our server was friendly, he appeared inexperienced, and the overall operation felt chaotic. The food arrived in a reasonable amount of time, and we were in the restaurant for approximately 30 minutes total. After finishing our meal, I requested the check and asked that the remainder of my disabled friend's breakfast be boxed up. After paying, I stayed at the table for just a few minutes to finish the cup of coffee I had purchased while my friend briefly went to the car because of his disability. Before I could even finish my coffee, a man who appeared to be the owner or manager approached our table and asked, "Are you going to be much longer? We have people waiting." I found this remarkably unprofessional. We had already paid, had occupied the table for only about half an hour, and I was simply finishing my coffee. When I asked what the issue was, I was told they needed to be considerate of the customers waiting. My response was simple: "I'm a customer too, and I don't feel you've shown the same consideration to me." I fully understand that restaurants need to manage busy periods and turn tables efficiently. However, hospitality is measured by how customers are treated, especially after they've chosen to spend their money in your establishment. Rushing paying guests out the door particularly when one member of the party has a disability is not good customer service. It communicates that maximizing turnover is more important than treating guests with respect. There are countless breakfast restaurants in Portland that serve good food while making customers feel welcome and appreciated. Unfortunately, The Stepping Stone failed at the most important part of the dining experience: hospitality. Based on this experience, I will not be returning, nor would I recommend it to others. read more

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Mancake (3 stack) HUGE PANCAKES - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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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. read more

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Mother's Day, 2026. I was craving chicken Waffles. I remember I had it as a special I wonder if they have it again. Stepping Stone has great service, delicious food and overall sense of community. It's my top 10 places of rotation for great Diner Food that delivers consistency in food and service counter read more

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Empty glasses throughout the whole meal. - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Coffee in this town should be robust and good, and here it's not. Furthermore, I ordered at the bar a to go while there was no wait, so I am having my coffee for here, and the counter service person asked me to not sit at the counter because I would not be eating my food here and would be taking a seat for "regular" customers. I'm a brown man and I got some heat for wanting to sit here. Flashbacks from the old society in the house. 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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Corned beef hash, cinnamon roll and Eggs Oliver - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Cute little spot we walked into not realizing it has some kind of notoriety in PDX. We got there at about 1PM on a Friday afternoon and there was no wait. Service was a little slow, but friendly. We both got a special, my daughter the Cherry Garcia pancake (perfect for kids with Hershey syrup and maraschino cherry) and I got a biscuit bowl with chicken fried steak. Both items were decent enough. Maybe ordering from the specials was the miss in our visit. Also, next to the windowsill where we were seated, we were joined by about 50 ants during lunch lol. read more

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Smothered badass - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I went back this Tuesday a little after 7am. It was half full. Could have sat at table if I asked, but solo so I sat at counter with empty chair on both sides. I decided to try the Absolute omelette today without Avocado. It was ok. The potatoes had an odd taste , maybe the grease. The toast was brown (half anyway) but it was still kinda chewy. If I lived around the corner I would probably come back but not inclined to now. Was really looking forward to some tasty potatoes, not sure what happened, maybe different cook? read more

I won't say anything bad about the line we stood in to enter the cafe. It was busy and the line moved fairly quickly. I don't think we waited longer than twenty minutes. We were seated (the three of us) at the bar and were pretty immediately given drinks and menus. After perusing the menu and waiting for quite awhile; again, they were busy and the delay was understandable, no problem, a very polite gent took our orders. The other two people with me ordered French Toast and some sort of smothered omelette. I ordered hash browns, veggie sausage and toast. Though this YELP listing touts "vegan options," the only ones I saw were veggie sausage patties and a black bean patty to swap out for burgers, and that's it. It was pretty disappointing to be in PDX, which some consider to be a vegan Mecca, in 2025 with practically NO vegan options and the one burger option available is the same black bean patty most of us don't even like anyway. A pack of IMPOSSIBLE patties in the freezer, some soyrizo...these would go a long way, I'm sure. The hash browns, when received, were not seasoned. They were just fried potatoes. So, that's fine, usually, but it would have been nice to have something on them. Salt and pepper applied liberally made them okay. Prices were fair and the general vibe of the cafe was jovial and cool. My companions really enjoyed their food, and I would return, but I hope hope hope they expand their vegan options. read more

Honestly I do like this spot. Good food, and great tables with booths. Service was okay, no issues. I would warn that on the weekends there is a wait so don't come hungry. I would return. 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

Stepping Stone Cafe - French toast - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I literally reactivated my account just to write this review because our experience was HORRIBLE. My partner and I were visiting from out of town excited to try this place out and we left SUPER disappointed. Our server had a disgusting attitude, VERY dismissive, never came to check up on us and even put a finger up and walked away when we had a quick question. He even made a comment at the end before leaving saying "Thanks for nothing". I can't believe this man expects a tip after the way he treated us???? Idk if it's because we were Mexican?? We were never rude, needy, etc we just wanted to eat and leave. I didn't get this servers name but it was the old white guy 40-50s scruffy beard and mustache and cap working on June 22, 2026 at 1pm. Whatever this guy is going through, he shouldn't be working as a server. He needs therapy first and toothpaste. read more

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Biscuits and gravy and absolute omelet - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The food was great, service was excellent. Jordan helped me get connected to WiFi and register my newly installed parking kitty so as to be legal on the street. Wish this place or one like it was in our neighborhood. read more

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Banana bread - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Interior - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Biscuits and gravy, chicken scramble and club sandwich. - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Food was amazing. Matt was our server and he was exceptional. Great way to start the day.

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Cinnamon roll - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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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

Stepping Stone Cafe - El Belico Bowl - today's special - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Classic diner/better than greasy spoon. What's good: Total diner vibe and feel including the spotless windows looking out. Diner booths and bar seating. Purely authentic. If it can be made on the flattop-it's in the menu. Coffee is hot but otherwise not spectacular The not so good is part of the experience. Lots of butter, moderate amounts of grease and heavy on fried food. There are several classic diners in Portland and this one has easy parking in a nice neighborhood and you can enjoy an affordable meal even though your waist line will suffer. read more

My go to breakfast right next door to work! If you eat here, it's because they let you! Old school diner style seating! the service is great! I recommend this spot for everyone unless you're an a*****e. read more

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - Chicken Fried Steak - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - All specials: Pesto Omelette, Apple Waffle - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Oh my gosh. Hands down, the best chicken fried steak I've ever had!! The service was excellent and the atmosphere was so great! We had the best experience! read more

Breakfast did not disappoint. The biscuits and gravy was everything I wanted, savory and plenty of it. Fun menu options. The setting was welcoming as was our waitress. Will be back read more

The service is good. The food is overpriced and low quality. Great ambiance. Long lines on weekends.

For how busy it was I thought the service was stunning. Very nice people who are really good at what they do. Food came out fast and all tasted good. read more

I Went To Stepping Stone Cafe Once And I Like The Food There And I Got The Pancakes And You Get Three Of Them.The Pancakes Are Huge They Are Thirteen Inch Pancakes And I Got Over Easy Eggs And The Pancakes Fill The Whole Plate And You Have To Start In The Middle And I Was Get Eggs With My Pancakes Or Waffles And If You Can't Finish It You Could Always Take It Home For Leftovers.And I Want To Try The Other Dishes There And The Food Is So Good And If You Want Thirteen Inch Pancakes You Should Check Out Stepping Stone Cafe And You Won't Be Disappointed In The Food And They Get A Really High Reviews And A Lot Of People Like The Food At Stepping Stone Cafe. read more

Don't hesitate about the well worn interior, or long lines--the food and service is fantastic! Generous portions and great prices. Same crew has been there for years, they feel like friends! read more

This is a such a cute diner. Nothing fancy... just great food and friendly service. The best biscuit and chicken fried steak I have ever had. The biscuit was so soft and flakey and the chicken fried steak was so tender. Will definitely be back. read more

A classic diner experience with all the brunch essentials. There is usually a line in the weekends but it does move really fast so don't be afraid. The homemade rolls were so good!! Everything was pretty solid tbh. read more

Stepping Stone Cafe - Classic sausage two egg breakfast in the back and biscuits and gravy. - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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

Stepping Stone Cafe - American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Me and my girlfriend have been coming her for a year now, The food, is always hot and fresh, I saw someone wrote about it being overpriced, take your cheap butt to mcdonald's, seriously the price is as good as it gets, Service is always great, Just talk to your servers people, and build connections, The line, i see people complain about that, maybe come ahead of time, it's a great spot obviously it's gonna be busy, the best things in life aren't quick, aren't easy, so suck it up, And for the vegan people get a life lol, Like you can't write a bad review because they don't have a lot of vegan options, like hello your the odd one out, so don't leave a bad review just because the place didn't have something that's not a given, majority of people are animal based eaters, also Love the lady that runs that place she's awesome!! Recommend, Come early!! read more