Menu
Popular dishes
Location & Hours
You Might Also Consider
in Coffee & Tea, Juice Bars & Smoothies
in Coffee Roasteries, Cafes, Coffee & Tea
Amenities and More
Ask the Community
Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Paradox Cafe.
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
356 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Aug 22, 2023
Wow! My only excuse for never having been here before is I almost never eat breakfast out in Portland. The food was very good, and I'm no vegetarian. Yes the gravy tasted different, but still tasted fine. The potatoes were perfect. The biscuits a little too fluffy for my standards. Eggs just right. Excellent service. Place has a nice homey feel, a place you'd like to be a regular. Even the bathroom was fun to be in (but why does everything have to be graffitied?)
Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 2Oh no 0 - Aliyah S.Washington Manor - Bonaire, San Leandro, CA02Jan 18, 2024
The food has potential but they need a real chef or something cause it not bringing me back to them and I tired to like them because I want more vegan restaurants in the world. The service seemed mechanical and lacked warmth and human'ness... in a world focused on inclusivity I felt unwelcome as a BIPOC, non Portlander. I've tried them 3 times and I'm done... each time they up charged me without notice and they got very short with me when I inquired why it wasn't communicated during the ordering process that there are charges for changing what I'm allergic to stating "well it's only $2" which makes this about principle not the fee. Communication, curiosity, kindness and seasoning goes a long way when running a restaurant, ijs!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Tim E.Portland, OR437915Apr 10, 2023Updated review
I'm not a vegan, nor am I a vegetarian, but paradox scratches a particular eats itch for me. Like when I want breakfast that's not "breakfast" or a bit of indulgence, pretending that it's health food (and it probably is). I'm currently sitting here eating a huge bowl of tofu , steamed veggies, and kale over roasted potatoes for breakfast (with curry sauce added) and it's a "scrambowl" but of course it's nothing like a "scramble" but it's a lot of good fresh food at a good price. Sometimes a non traditional breakfast just hits the spot.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0Mar 4, 2020Previous reviewI've been going to the Paradox periodically for 22 years, and it's always been a reliable, great place to eat. This is basically where I go when I want to get a "healthy" breakfast, but don't go thinking that just because it's healthy it's not also very delicious. In fact, you can have a decently indulgent breakfast with the Country Comfort or kinda split the difference by opting for the steamed veggies with the Belmont Bundle. Both have the almond gravy, and though it's not southern sausage gravy, it's still quite good. It's a great old standby and I'm glad it's still around.
- Henry C.WA, WA22311Oct 1, 2023
I've been here twice. The first time was a great experience of pancakes. I tried the other plates as well. I swore this was my go-to place for brunch. My friend loved her pancakes, and she's picky. This time they changed the menu. Quite literally it looked nothing like the original. Still optimistic, I ordered the Avo Benedict. I remembered their bacon was delish so I ordered the mung bacon as a side. The bacon did not disappoint. It was the star of the meal. Crisp, not too salty, great texture. The Avocado Benedict was ok. Too little avocado to be called Avo Benedict (sacrilege!) on top of a slightly toasted but soggy bread with huge slabs of tofu with veggies in a wonderful sauce. Luckily I don't mind tofu but if you do, this is not the dish for you. It was literally cut up slabs of firm tofu. I was expecting a tofu scramble of some sort. The veggies were cooked well. I tried the biscuits and gravy, and I have to say the biscuit was tough but the gravy was tasty. I tried the corn fritters. They were fine. I loved their black beans. The potatoes were yum. Overall it didn't feel as momentous as the first time. I won't be praying at their altar often, but like any church, forgiveness is likely and I just may forgive the sin and love the sinner. The mung bacon may be the martyr I need to come back to Jesus. Praise be to bacon.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Ashley L.Portland, OR1286878Apr 22, 2023
I hate leaving bad reviews especially for local businesses but ppl need to know!
Pros: plant-based restaurant dedicated to bfast/brunch, friendly service
Cons: whoa that coffee was BAD (I don't recommend. Tasted like free hotel coffee). They only had one server ( not sure if they were short staffed but it took them a while to take our order). Way overpriced for what you get , quality wise (my partner and I were very disappointed and paid $14 & $15 for our meals. I didn't realize the chicken n waffles came w cooked frozen nuggets lol and the gravy and biscuits seemed so old).Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Otoniel D.Huntington Park, CA145612Apr 2, 2023
First time I went here and got he most bland french toast and tasted sour. It was very burnt. The country potatoes were seasoned so much it was all pepper.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jonathan F.Chula Vista, CA698020Jul 22, 2023
Great vegan options and also non vegan options . Great to take your friends for breakfast
Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 0Oh no 0 - S A.Tustin, CA016Oct 25, 2023
Not a local or a vegan, but my local vegan friend loves this place and brought me through for brunch. I was skeptical because I have a lot of experience working in brunch restaurants, so I feel like my standard boils down to at least having the option to order a plate of eggs. Since that was not an option, I ordered the burger with "hollandaise" on it... BUSSIN'! I can't reiterate how much I loved it. Service was accommodating too! We showed up with a big*ss party at noon on a Sunday, and they sat us immediately. Given this place is so tasty, I'm surprised it wasn't a full house.
Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mariam D.Southeast Portland, Portland, OR034Mar 18, 2023
Loved the food, tasted like home made food. great customer service, bottomless coffee and friendly environment.
Helpful 1Thanks 1Love this 0Oh no 0 - Julia S.Portland, OR5898209Aug 22, 2021
So... I ended up going overboard with delicious goodies here. I don't regret it.
Randomly swung by here after admitting to my husband I had never been. If you're into plant based goodies, or just like a good brunch, this place is a MUST VISIT.
We noticed that early afternoon only one server and one cook, working super hard in keeping over a dozen customers happy. They did a heck of a job.
The menu was overwhelming, especially for someone looking to treat themselves. So we said screw it, let's get a bunch of things!
The corn cake was incredible- best item on the menu. Good for two people or one hungry person. Lil bits of apple are sprinkled in and taste gorgeous with maple syrup. A combo of sweet and savory!
We went nuts and ordered the espresso sweet cakes. Totally didn't need them but come on, you can't say no to chocolate and coconut whip cream. This was rich, like overly indulgent. Worth it.
The basic was fantastic too! Beautifully cooked potatoes with a tasty tofu scramble and toast. Again, huge portions but we inhaled every crumb.
Highly recommend visiting this place, you might see me there trying every item on the menu!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
You Might Also Consider
in Middle Eastern, Caterers, Desserts
in Breakfast & Brunch, Mexican, American