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Category: Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
Neighborhood: Southeast PortlandMon-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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The 30 minute drive from Beaverton to SE was well worth it.
I ordered the Bulls Eye Breakfast Sando, which came with scrambled eggs and bacon on a bun, and a pancake and the GF ordered the biscuits and gravy. This place knocked my socks off. The biscuits and gravy were outstanding. The gravy -- tons of flavor, and the biscuit -- all I can say is wow. I only ordered one pancake, I should have gone with a whole stack because they were delicious. Nice and crispy with good texture and a ton of flavor.
I will be making the journey out here again to sample their other dishes. I'm waiting to mow down on the Sicilian Hash ( I hear it's delicious)
Good place for breakfast, though in our case it was brunch since we got there an hour before they closed at 2:30. Ordered the biscuits and gravy and the delicious Sicilian scramble (I'm not sure what it was called but it had potatoes, bell peppers, onions, scrambled eggs, shredded beef and cheese). The biscuits and gravy were smothered in a lot of sausage gravy and they were also topped with sliced pork loin. The gravy was really good: nice, fatty, slightly sweet and the biscuits were just as nommy...definitely worth the trip out here.
Bonus: I found a teeny tiny Filipino market around the corner and they sell Magnolia Ice Cream! YEE YEE
Just have to set the record straight for families...this is a joint for them!! We've got five kiddos, ranging in age from 6 to 15. To our benefit, we came on a weekday, lunchtime. These folks bent over backwards for us. A family of seven eats out for less than $10 per person and EVERYONE raves about their food? HELLO!!!
Amazing baked goods...I don't want to set the bar too high if you haven't been there, but we all freaked out over the cherry coffee cake, which coverted our 15 year old. It was seriously life changing for her, restaurant wise. She kept gushing about being able to sub this amazing coffee cake for the old toast option for just a little $ more.
My 12 year old son, who is in the "too cool" phase actually praised his biscuits and gravy. Bless you, Arleta Library Bakery Cafe, for making a jaded 12 yo appreciate eating out with his family.
They made a mistake on the 6 yo's order and went out of their way to please the little guy. The waiter admitted his mistake..but...hey, my 6 yo wanted them to delete things from his order and it actually made him realize he LIKES potatoes...miracles abound.
In addition: a very good cuppa joe with the amazing food. Cool local art featured on the walls. The husband (who is very cranky these days at family outings) is smiling during his meal...take my money, please, Arleta...!
Ah, Arleta. Today's breakfast was just perfect. I had an egg and bacon sandwich which was presented as nice as any sandwich could be. Side of potatoes? Couldn't have been better. I threw back two cups of joe and walked out feeling satiated as ever. If you get a chance to dine here, don't pass it up.
THE LOCATION: We arrived, after a 30 min drive from the westside, at 9:30 am on a Monday and we had to wait about 10-15 min for a table. No big deal at all but it was not a comfortable waiting area (outdoor and windy) which definitely would have been a bummer had it been raining. As the other reviewers are saying there are only 6 tables here and so the wait can be hefty.
THE FOOD: I saw this place on foodnetwork's diner, drive-ins, and dives and the biscuits and gravy inspired my trek. They were DELICIOUS! They are pictured in the photo's and were really good. The gravy was a tiny bit sweet and had huge hunks of sausage. The rosemary aroma was very strong but I love rosemary so no problem. The "sweet potato" portion of the biscuit was lost, however, under the gravy and pork and I was sorta sad about that UNTIL I had the brilliant idea of saving half the biscuit to eat with jam and then OH YES it was good. They're dense and soft and tasty.
The jam... it was superb! Homeade raspberry jam.. I guess everything there is homeade. Even the ketchup came out in a little pot and was presented to us as "house made." The ketchup was pretty good but tasted more like cocktail sauce ..which is fine by me as I like horseradish. HOWEVER, I am just a poor suburban un-hip type person and I had no clue that in hip places you would be charged for jam and ketchup and was surprised to see $1.00 added to my bill (I think for each but definitely for the jam). No big deal as I had not come there to save money but I it was a first for me.
When I looked at the menu (after I came home and before I wrote this review) I noticed that there were a few dishes you could add eggs to. I wish this would have been listed as an option (or I had thought of it myself!) for the biscuits and gravy. I would have enjoyed a side of over easy yolky goodness to go with the my order.
The only downer of the dish was the "library fries." They were just quartered potato's (perhaps red) that were likely roasted and very brown on the outside but dry as all get out on the inside with no flavor at all. I was very surprised that they missed this opportunity considering all the depth of flavor they seem to enjoy creating in their other dishes.
My husband had the semolina pancakes. I'm not a pancake person but these were quite tasty and had a quite a bit of crispy edging which I REALLY enjoy. It came with a lovely, large side of fresh fruit that hadn't been mangled in any way. Almost a little too unmangled as it looked like the same thing I make every weekend for my family. Chopped apples, oranges, banana, and one large berry. It was hearty though.. definitely not a garnish. My husband ordered a side of library fries and was also not impressed with them. I didn't get much of the organic syrup but I heard it was tasty.
I want to go back and try some more things.. the lunch looks yummy and the baked goods looked sublime.
The service was good and the servers were SO FRIENDLY. I really appreciate that especially after we drove so far to try them out. They seemed happy to see us and that makes me feel like going back. :)
I have certain predilections that shape the way I experience and review. Having reached the triple century review mark I thought it appropriate (better late than never) to discuss them.
Love neighborhoody spots entrenched and involved in their respective communities.
Prefer intimate well worn spaces with whimsical decor and funky tunes.
Have an affinity for affable down to earth eclectically intelligent business owners.
Soft spot (weakness) for comfort food, food made "from scratch", baked goods, fresh ingredients, properly cooked pasta, Edomae style nigiri sushi, cheesesteaks, pizza, paella, pho, homemade kim chi, old school hip hop, authentic southeast Asian cuisine, Indian food, oxtail, ribeye, rotisserie pig, squid luau, artisan cheese , gyros, gumbo, perfectly prepared eggs, dark Belgian chocolate, strawberry or blueberry anything, coffee, chai, tea, wine, frozen yogurt, and Mac n Cheese (I could probably go on).
Am taken by restaurants who's dishes display creativity, technique, thought, and a true passion for the food itself.
All that being said it's really no surprise that I love Arleta Library Bakery Cafe (ALBC). Like Little Red Bike Cafe (LRBC) this is MY kind of place.
Nick and Sarah have done an amazing job shaping this breakfast nook into what it is today. Rebuilding center smartly used decor. Cozy limited seating. Chill patio out back. Fun midweek specials (Cheesburger Tuesdays, Cuban Wednesdays, Cheesesteak Thursdays). Well thought out menu. Homemade ketchup and jam. Delicious sweet potato biscuits and gravy. The best coffeecake I've ever had (and I've eaten a lot of coffeecake). Wonderful helpful servers with a great sense of humor.
While I grew up in the southern most state I wouldn't really say I'm from the South. Still, I like some Biscuits n' Gravy. Here I think the portioning was just right, not too huge, some nicely sliced pork, and a generous amount of rosemary sausage gravy. While I liked the seasoning of the library fries I thought they could be a little crisper on the outside and softer inside.
And while I went to school on the East Coast I hadn't quite made it to Philly. Still, I like to think I can recognize a good cheesesteak when I eat one. With Nick hailing from the city with the cracked bell, this time honored favorite is the real deal here. Chopped up high quality Painted Hills round steak, griddle fried onions, Cheeze Wiz (for those who want it Philadelphia style other options available). The roll it came in had that ideal soft, slightly but not too chewy texture. Put all together it's a simple, straight forward, nothing fancy delight. If you want one, go early (on a Thursday) before they're 86'd.
Some thoughts if you plan to eat here:
1. Small places with great food, are still small. So if you go on the weekend or during the lunch rush expect to wait. Bring a book. Meet new people.
2. Just because you wait, have reasonable expectations. I think it's silly when people expect something earth shattering just because they sat around for an hour. People who don't have the patience should plan to eat earlier or on a weekday.
3. Enjoy the complete experience of the place. The casual feel. The funktified jazz mix. The friendly servers. The whole community aspect. The homemade comfort food.
4. Understand that it's a neighborhood place and that you're a visitor (assuming you don't live in Mt. Scott). Don't complain if you found it hard to find or had to drive far, its not their fault.
5. Eat the Coffeecake. So far I've had it with apples (divine) and bananas (delicious). Moist cake portion, and topping with enough crunch without being burnt or caramelized.
I can't wait to return again (I've gone twice in the last two weeks) for the Sicilian Hash (weekend brunch), another Philly, chocolate chip cookies, and everything else.
I can't yelp about what other people would like, but places like the ALBC and the LRBC are what I like. And that's worth an increasingly rare five stars (I'm trying to be more stingy with these).
Two pictorial collections: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
An absolute favorite.
Ultimate biscuits & gravy? With pork loin on top? Too bad I can't eat that every day. The rest of the menu is fantastic with rotating specials. Staff is great and friendly. All around fantastic place!
Strong coffee? Yes.
Okay. First of all? I left Portland two months ago, and I'm STILL dreaming of the Sicilian Hash at Arleta. Hey, guys and gals at Arleta--I was a regular until I left town, and let me tell you this: nowhere else on Planet Earth have I seen as much love and devotion accorded to breakfast. I miss you. I would move back to Portland in a heartbeat to be with you. (If only if you could find me a job). Don't listen to the people who say you're too small. You are. But that's fine. Because if you weren't, then all those fools would be complaining about how big you are. Your hash and your biscuits and your mimosas and your coffee make you the best place I've ever eaten breakfast. I love you, Arleta. Will you marry me?
Despite being out of the way the breakfast is delicious. The biscuits and gravy look small but they will fill you up, let me assure you. The Sicilian scramble is, pretty much just a scramble with potatoes and beef and other such things, maybe it is "Sicilian" because of the sausage, I dunno.
The food seems to generally be high in carbs, fat...........flavor.
A couple meals a week at this joint and you will be well on your way to a triple bypass but taste buds will appreciate it.
Hello, my name is Alissa and I have an addiction... an addiction to breakfast food. The last time I used, I was at Arleta Library Bakery Cafe and I've been thinking of the high it gave me ever since. The Sicilian Hash was intoxicating... I couldn't resist devouring every morsel of food on my plate; beef that is braised overnight to the perfect tenderness. And the scone... a fresh, still warm from the oven, fig scone. I'm starting to salivate just thinking of it. All the warm breakfast goodness washed down with a cup of freshly brewed stumptown... there is no hope for recovery for my addiction, might as well embrace it.
We saw the episode of DDD(Diners, Drive-ins & Dives) & had to try it.
Monday morning about 12:oo & it was about a 20 minute wait..
Ordered the Portlander & the girls split the Florintein scramble...
Searved with Library fries & toast both plates were excellent....minus a half star(4.5) for the waiter offering home made ketchup,but then not bringing it to the table..
Very small place,so there appears to normally be a wait..
We didnt notice the outside seating until we were heading out the door...
Pretty cool place....
There were aspects of Arleta that I seriously enjoyed, and aspects that were completely underwhelming. I had one of their scrambles, which was so so. I tasted what was called a "hash", which actually turned out to be steamed veggies in a mold, and what also turned out ot be the "veggie burger". I also sampled their griddle cake, scone, and pecan square. What can I say? They do sweet better than savory. The outdoor patio was charming, and the staff was superb. I'd certainly recommend them for a chill brunch or breakfast on a nice day.
When a business claims they have the best of something-- "The Best Donuts in Town", "The Best Pizza This Side of the Willamette", "The Best Prophylactics in Gresham", "The Best Schnitzels in Pioneer Place Mall"-- they better be able to back it up or down the drain goes their credibility.
Arleta Library Bakery Cafe makes such a claim with their "Portland's Best Biscuits & Gravy." Now, I don't profess to have tasted *every* biscuits-and-gravy dish in town but I've definitely had my share of the good, the bad, and the ugly versions of it during my time in our fair city.
Ladies and gentlemen, Arleta's version does not disappoint in their claim. It was quite possibly *the best* biscuits-and-gravy creation I've ever had the pleasure of eating.
And they didn't achieve this by portion size. I've seen bigger biscuits and oodles more gravy at other joints. But bigger doesn't always mean better, that's for sure. The dainty biscuits in Arleta's version takes center stage, topped with thin slices of slow-roasted pork loin, gingerly immersed in their rosemary sausage gravy, which featured alluring, variably sized meatballs. The two slivers of "Library Fries" that it comes with almost seemed unnecessary, but provided a visual and tasty afterthought nonetheless. http://twitpic.com/7dt9c
They have several other delicious-sounding options on their brunch menu. But, the bottom line: their biscuits-and-gravy is a must-have!
The puny place gets packed so arrive as early as you are able. Otherwise, in spite of having both interior and outdoor seating options, you can expect a wait of up to 1 1/2 hours if you arrive later than ten. However, the food, service, and overall experience will be worth the wait.
My friend and I ate a leisurely lunch at ALBC after swimming at Mt Scott CC across the street. Our server was very helpful and attentive, offering info on what was fresh and making sure that our water glasses were never empty. The garden burger was amazing. I am assuming it was home-made; it had lots of real veggies in it. It had an excellent flavor; one of the best I've eaten. We savored a chocolate chip cookie for dessert and it was perfect, worth the trip alone.
The only downside for us what that the table outside had been wiped down with a rag that left a sour odor. As two pregnant women with highly sensitive smelling capabilities, we had to move indoors to escape the smell.
I most definitely will be back, however. The food and service are over-the-top 5 stars. I can't wait to try the biscuits and gravy, after reading the great reviews.
Dropped on by here for some quick breakfast. Decided to go with the bisquits and gravy with a side of the freshly squeezed orange juice.
To be honest I saw this place on TV so I wanted to try it out and see what all the fuss was about. Arleta is a small cozy place with seating for maybe around 20-25 people.
The bisquits and gravely were awesome. Now I haven't eaten too many biscuits and gravy in my life, but these were intense. Great amount of gravy and pork. The side of potatoes were nicely seasoned. For $10, it sure lives up to the hype.
Orange juice is legit too because its freshly squeezed.
Nice staff, cozy spot. This is definitely one of Portland's gems.
Okay...so I went back today for lunch. There was, shockingly, good and bad...
Since Tuesday is "Hamburger" Day, and I was craving a hamburger, I called a buddy of mine (he of the B&G the previous trip) and we rolled in for lunch.
We were soon informed that today was, in fact, "Only One Hamburger" Day... I must have been contemplating my navel because as what he'd said actually sank in, this person, previously known as my friend, had aced me out of MY beloved burger! Ah well...so it goes...
So, after no small amount of grumbling on my part, I decided on the Weezie...a BLT, for all intents and purposes, of, shall we say, generous proportions. Not huge, but more than sufficient. Added a side (Caesar) salad and the meal was complete
The sandwich was tasty...the bread toasted properly (just enough to make it crispy/chewy) and the bacon, while not especially thick, was cooked ALMOST perfectly. The salad was well-dressed (as in, not too much) and the croutons shared space with parmesan cheese.
I've bumped them up a star (more like a half, but what the hell?) because there was no wait this time...no line...sit right down wherever you please and thank you...very nice...
I wasn't even considering adding a star due to the event known forevermore as "The Hamburger Day Fiasco"... Also, rumor has it that the burger was very good...perhaps because it was the last one...
Went here on a recommendation from a friend. After waiting for upwards of an hour, we sat at the… Read more »
No wonder Guy Fieri decided to do a show highlighting this little piece of heaven. Where else can you get PORK BELLY, incredibly roasted to perfection, served with pepper cress. The belly was slightly sweet, obviously rubbed or brushed with something unctuous, and the pairing of those two elements, the greens and the belly, put me in a mood to SING. I immediately ordered a bucket to go, and you know I think they might have tried to accommodate me? Very friendly staff, but everyone of them needs to eat some of the food - put some meat on them bones!
Hubby had the biscuits and gravy. The writer "below" who saw the show on t.v., well I'm so glad this place is not cookie cutter with every little piece of meat cut the same. Hand sliced is not always the same, and the sweet potato biscuits were MENTIONED on the show, so I don't know what is up with that. Hubby LOVED the gravy and the biscuits and the meat, in concert, and raved about the potato 'fries' - huge chunks of perfectly cooked, smooth inside but with a bit of crunch outside - luscious! The coffee kept coming and it was FRENCH PRESSED - incredible to be served these days.
Sure, we waited a bit for coffee and ordering, but nothing like the wait at Screen Door, and the food is absolutely as good. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the potato and onion tart - needs work. And I so didn't care because of the belly and cress on my plate - still delighted over them. I asked the staff if the chef often serves pork belly, and they said that he does when he has a hankering for it. I hereby put a spell on the chef to crave pork belly. BRAVO!
We took a cookie and two scones to go; beautiful. And we didn't even get a ticket for parking longer than 30 minutes! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
What an awesome, hidden little neighborhood café!
I enjoyed the pleasure of a leisurely breakfast meeting at Arleta Library Bakery Cafe on a sunny spring morning, and the food, service, atmosphere, and company were all divine.
Hidden off in SE on a side street, sandwiched in next to a coffee shop, ALBC is serving up some pretty fantastic breakfast. The coffee is Stumptown and comes straight from a French Press (my fav). The bakery items look sinfully delicious. The breakfast options are gourmet, but in a traditional and homey way. Everything on the menu sounds so delicious I could... well... probably eat the menu itself. I thoroughly enjoyed my special quiche made with asparagus and potato (served with a side salad of mesculin greens).
The menu is not elaborate, the space itself is pretty tiny, and the service is welcoming and friendly. As a spot for a mid-week, mid-morning breakfast, ALBC is divine. I sort of shudder at the thought of what the wait at this gem must be on the weekends. I can only imagine that it's not a 1-hour-or-less affair.
Check this place out. It's worth the trip into the 'hoods of deep SE. But do so soon. rumor has it that a certain show on a certain foodie-oriented channel might be doing a spot on these guys soon... and you know what a TV spot does to weekend breakfast wait times!
Good food, good people, good coffee, good spot... good restaurant.
This place goes to show that you can't believe everything you see on TV... This saddens me. When ever Diners, Drive-Ins Dives is on the food network the GF and I beg, plea and wish there were places in Portland like the places they showcase. To our drooling amazement we saw Arleta's on the show, so we make Mother's Day plans to have breakfast there.
Much to our surprise, Arleta's is NOT "As Seen On TV". This place is small. Super small. I counted 7 tables + a 2 person bar top table. There is a patio area in the back, but it was cold that morning and we didn't want to sit out there. The kitchen was small too. It was amazing to watch the too cooks operate so closely together.
I ordered "Portland's Best Biscuits and Gravy". Again... Not "As Seen On TV". On DD&D they showed thick slices of pork on top of the biscuits, but I got thin deli sandwich style slices. The biscuits are not your normal plain biscuits. They are a sweet potato biscuit that takes some getting use to.
All in all the food was good, staff was friendly, but the long wait, cramped space and the not so near by location will most likely keep me from returning.
This is one of my most favorite breakfast/brunch joints! I love the fact that the food is fresh and the specials are seasonal! My favorite choice there is the Italian scramble, the service is friendly and of course the food is amazing! There is a little bit of a wait to get in to a table, but the best breakfast places usually do! Also, I just wanted to say that one of the servers (owner) always places your coffee cup handle towards you, a beautiful touch to service and doesn't go unnoticed! The local art work on the wall is very beautiful and serene. But don't be tricked by the name, I didn't see any books to read! :) This is a gem in the foster neighborhood and people need to get out to the foster area to check it out!
I'm looking forward to working my way down the menu here. If the Sicilian Hash and the Biscuits & Gravy are any indication, it will be a very pleasant trip. The meat in the hash just fell apart with my fork, the potatoes were perfectly crisped, and the scrambled egg was amazingly fluffy. The scone that came with it was perfectly balanced - light but chewy, great taste with a lovely hint of sweetness. A taste of the sausage that came with my wife's biscuits & gravy almost had me rethinking my choice. Service was friendly and professional. My only concern is whether there is enough space to wait for a table when the weather turns wet, and sitting outside is not a good option.
Best biscuits and gravy in the Pacific Northwest.
Would have given 5 stars if the place was bigger. Worth the drive to Portland, even if going to Arleta Library Bakery Cafe was the only reason to go there.
My boyfriend and I went here this morning after reading all the wonderful reviews hoping for a great breakfast!
Sadly, that was not the case. I got the pancakes and they tasted odd- sour almost. The organic maple syrup they gave me was not enough, not even a shot glass full, and to get more would have cost an extra dollar. The "homemade" jam was identical to the strawberry syrup preserves used in some strawberry lemonades. Hardly tasted homemade and was much to runny. Boyfriend's potatoes were very dry, although he said he liked his meal even though they got his order wrong (he ordered a scone and got toast)
The only thing I liked was the orange juice- which was very good and if I could rate just the OJ I would give it a 4.5
The staff were very friendly and cheerful and the atmosphere and music was fun. However, the wait to sit down and to get the food was very very long. And the food was not nearly worth the wait!
I think their intentions are good with organic and homemade, and the fresh squeezed OJ. but they just did not deliver.
I probably wont be going back.
Great service, delicious Stumptown coffee and a great neighborhood. This place is wonderful and not only has delicious food, but a great little neighborhood feel about it. I love when I score the seat in the window with the bench and little cushions. They have the ricotta pancakes sometimes on special that are utterly amazing. I tend to be a savory breakfast person, but if the pancakes are on the board, I'm ordering the deliciousness. Enjoy!
I visited Arleta on a Thursday afternoon and was looking forward to the corned beef hash, only to realize that its only served on the weekend. Boo to that. So instead I ordered the grilled cheese and shrimp gazpacho - which were both quite nice and refreshing that warm day. Since I am an arnie-palmer fan, I would have really liked to see it offered, but you can't win them all. The service and atmosphere was uuuber cool. They had some funky-cool mix tape (do people still mix tapes?) on.. actually it was an iPod, but it sounded so authentic. I really liked the feel of the place and would love to come back for the weekend brunch. My dog Charley was thankful for the water they provided too!
This place pretty much rocks.
Their schpeil:
"The Arleta Library Bakery and Café is a locally owned and operated business dedicated to providing healthy food to its community at a reasonable price. Additionally, it is committed to sustaining its neighborhood and foodshed by purchasing as much organic food from local farmers and producers as possible and by paying its employees an equitable, living wage."
Sweet.
This is the kind of place that I like to spend my money.
You might have driven right past this cafe and never known it was there. It is small, probably 10-12 tables, so I'd guess the weekend brunch is probably packed. They serve breakfast all day 7 days a week. Lunch items are only available on the weekdays, that's when I would suggest you visit if you get grumpy waiting for a breakfast table on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
The menu looks super yum-tastic, however the two times that I have been there I have gotten "The Belmont":
A house-made organic veggie "burger" w/ tangy remoulade & cheese if you please.
They claim "Portland's best biscuits-n-gravy" but I will let you, my fellow meat-eating yelpers, decide on that.
Otherwise, the menu is seasonal, lots of painted hills this, free range that. Veggies galore. It's possible that this place has 5-star potential, but I've got to try the breakfast before I can justify #5...to be continued.
When we had Wednesdays to ourselves we would go and work out at the Mt Scott community center and get real hungry and then go eat at the Arleta library (our lady library?). it was a profound memory, and a time of our lives. the food was good and the service was good, but it was a memory, it was an adventure--that's why i love it. it represents a healthy day. There is more to breakfast than a wait in a line or a plate of food, it is your life if you fail to love it for the majesty that it is than you have missed out. Maybe that is a little preachy, but it's how i feel.
I lunched at Arleta Library Cafe Monday afternoon. The restaurant wasn't busy. I ordered a half and half; soup and half a "Weezie" BLT sandwich. The food came out very quickly (minutes after I ordered). Its amazing how fast they can cook bacon. I should have been more suspicious. The bread was toasted with black marks, but cold. Cold greasy toast is yucky, The bacon was warm but not hot. I expected a meal cooked AFTER I ordered it. Obviously they were assembling the sandwich with bacon kept in a warmer and toasted bread that had been made earlier. I mentioned the cold toast to the waitress and she said "duly noted." Then I asked why they use cold bread and she just blinked like Homer Simpson when he's confused. The squash soup was salty. When the kitchen cares little about the meals they prepare it shows. Go when they are busy if you don't mind assembled meals. I will NOT return.
I have a bone to pick with Arleta Library. Firstly in a small area, which had only 1 privately owned coffee shop, they moved in right next door. Arleta's food is just ok, the service is not so grand. I and several people I know have had complaints about how un family friendly they are, and right across from the Mt Scott Community Center.
Stellar breakfast. The biscuits and gravy is not, as the menu claims, Portland's best, but it is its most original and is probably in the top 3. The bakery items are amazing, omelets are always yummy, the waits never long. The only bizarre thing is their coffee - Stumptown Coffee, made in a French press - tastes weird. Never understood it, but by the time my meal comes, I don't care.
We went there today for the first time and liked what we had. Being Monday there was no wait. I had the Portland scramble and my wife had the Sicilian hash. Both where very flavorful, creative flavors and just the right size portions. The service was prompt and friendly. The scone's that we got with our meal were great. Another great item was the homemade ketchup and fruit preserves. Two great breakfast plates and coffee for twenty bucks, pretty good deal.
Our favorite neighborhood breakfast spot!
We have taken all of our out of town guests here as well as several visits on our own. The food is always awesome and fresh. The produce is clearly fresh and local, you can feel the difference. All our company was impressed by what they had. An easy place to recommend.
If for no other reason you show up at Arleta, come for the deliciously brewed Stumptown coffee and for the coffee cake.
Please take note that this is a very small establishment and you may have to wait a substantial time for a table.
Breakfast menu is primarily omelets/scrambles. You can also get biscuits and gravy. I personally wouldn't order this item because I don't hold food (the gravy) with rosemary in particularly high esteem.
They do also have flapjacks.
They have a few sides as well, including bacon, which is appealing in that it comes rolled up on the plate. However the bacon is overcooked.
The Sicilian hash is OK, but beware the O'Brien-like potatoes that come with the dish have green peppers, so that is all you can taste. The Portlander Scramble, with cheese, bits of bacon and mushrooms is decent but unremarkable.
The ketchup is interesting. It comes in a dish and is very thick like a paste. It's tart and probably not what you expect as to ketchup flavor.
As far as the aesthetics, we really like the framed photos on the wall as well as the counter walls made from old doors.
Restaurant is located right across the street from the Mt. Scott Community Center on the corner of SE 72nd and Harold.
I saw this place on Diners, Drive-ins & dives on food network recently and it looked good. I was in the neighborhood so decided to try it and it definitely lived up to the expectations from the show. Very delicious and the food has flavors you don't get at other places. It was really good!
Very nice. We went by today for lunch and sat out back, it was lovely, nice and cool and quiet!
My wife had the brioche, which was sweet and delicious, with a nice blueberry topping on the side. I had the Hawthorne, which was a neat mix of different flavors. Their coffee is good and I had a mimosa which was delightful.
This is great, it's nice to have in the neighborhood!
Seriously good food. The pork on biscuit and gravy and the hash are amazing.
Warnings? It's small. Don't be in a hurry. Be ready to open your belt a notch.
Hubby and I had breakfast there on Sunday. We arrived about 10:15 and waited about 5 minutes for a table out on the back patio. Service was quick, friendly and attentive. I ordered the quiche special and hubby ordered their self-proclaimed "Best Biscuits and Gravy in Portland".
Food was ready quickly (felt like less than 10 minutes). My quiche was quite beautiful. The crust was crisp and flaky and yummy, while the filling was a 2" high thick and creamy custard. The salad that accompanied it had mixed greens, sliced red onion, toasted pecans and dried cranberries, all topped with a slightly sweet poppyseed dressing. It was all very good.
Hubby is a bit of a B&G snob. He orders it whenever he sees it on a menu and tends to be disappointed - the biscuits were too dry, the gravy had no sausage it in or was too thin, there was not enough gravy, etc. Well, the folks at Arleta Library did B&G right. Hubby proclaimed it was the best B&G he's had in Portland. The biscuits are amazing - sweet potato and oh-so moist and tender. The gravy is loaded with large and small chunks of sausage and applied in generous proportion as to produce a pool on the plate. The unexpected addition of thinly sliced roast pork loin made this dish over-the-top delicious. I know what I'm ordering next time we go!
My only slightly negative comment is that I ordered iced tea and literally had to go into the restaurant to get my first refill, and had to wait for additional refills. Part of the reason is the glass was a small jelly jar, no more than 12 oz. This could be somewhat remedied by getting larger glasses that will last longer then 3 gulps.
Prices of breakfast items ranged in the $8-$10 range + $2 for beverage (coffee/tea). The accept Visa and Mastercard, but not American Express. Parking is located on the street.
All in all, a great find. We will definitely be back, hopeful soon!
The Arletta makes my Fiancee and I happy.
We moved off 52nd almost 2 years ago and were just ecstatic to have some of the best breakfast in Portland only a 13 minute stroll or less than 10 minute bike ride from our casa.
Every time we have a weekend visitor from our N. CA hometown we take a nice walk to this neighbor hoody breakfast joint.
My favorite dish so far has been during brunch. The eggs with salmon, aioli truffle sauce and Library Fries is just divine. I am a bit of a ketchup maniac, I gorge on half a bottle...I am not kidding. Having fresh "home made" ketchup is a little piece of heaven for this ketchup terrorist!
They also have the best Stumptown brew I have had short of going straight to the source.
There might be a wait on weekends, but the staff is always really friendly.
I recommend ordering a big-ol-chunk of yummy coffee cake with your meal to share with another. It is some of the best I have ever had. They will even put some whip cream on it.
I have gone several more times since last November, but lately decided to try the chocolate chip cookies that tease me on the counter top. Basically I have never had a better chocolate chip cookie in my life. And that is not a lie. As I am about to finish off the cookie I got from Arleta today, I cannot imagine a life better than the one that I lead right now. Except perhaps it could be a life where there would be another cookie waiting for me.
Talk about a great little place that's inviting, friendly, and has some great food - problem is that… Read more »
The Arleta Library is a treasure in sub-Powell Southeast. The scrambles are amazing. The home fries are about as good as you'll find. The specials always live up to their billing. To top it all off, they throw in a crumbly scone with homemade jam. Oh, and they serve Stumptown.
One of my favorite parts about this place is that the kitchen and numerous ingredients are right there in plain site. I've sat at a table adjacent to grill a few times and its always fun to peek over and watch them in action. The staff is always very friendly, too. If you live or play anywhere nearby, you've gotta check it out.
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