When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Cameo Cafe East
Why Cameo Cafe East is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cameo Cafe East in Portland, Oregon is a beloved neighborhood gem known for its warm, eclectic ambiance and hearty American breakfast and brunch offerings. This small, family-run cafe offers an intimate setting with a cozy breakfast bar, a handful of indoor tables, and an inviting outdoor seating area perfect for casual catch-ups with friends. Originating from a tradition dating back to 1969, this cafe is renowned for its signature Acre Pancake and a diverse menu that blends classic diner fare with Korean-inspired dishes such as bulgogi bentos and kimchi, offering a unique taste experience. The cafe prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, including thick-cut bacon and house-made bread, ensuring every dish is satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re gathering for a leisurely weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast, Cameo Cafe East provides generous portion sizes that are perfect for sharing, making it an excellent choice for groups. The combination of friendly service, an atmospheric setting, and a menu that caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets further enhances its appeal as a welcoming spot to meet up and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Here's what people think of Cameo Cafe East
As of recent, Cameo Cafe East holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1838 reviews.
Patrons consistently praise Cameo Cafe East for its generous portion sizes, quality food, and welcoming atmosphere. Positive reviews highlight the standout dishes such as the Monte Cristo sandwiches and the signature Acre Pancakes, appreciating their balanced flavors that are not overly sweet, allowing customization with syrups or toppings. Reviewers also commend the attentive service and the cozy, eclectic decor that creates a friendly and intimate dining experience. Many guests appreciate the unique Korean-inspired menu items that add an unexpected and delightful twist to the traditional American diner fare. However, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in flavor intensity, with a few guests finding certain dishes bland or overpriced for the experience. Others have noted limited seating due to the cafe’s small size, which can lead to wait times during peak hours. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable, with the cafe holding a strong 4.5-star rating from over 1,800 reviews. The combination of hearty meals, unique menu offerings, and a homey yet vibrant environment contributes to its enduring popularity among locals and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bill R.
Food: It’s a cafe with American/Korean-American infused breakfast-lunch dishes. Ambience: Feels like you’re at your grandmas house. Has a unique 1970’s living room vibe. The sliding glass door entry to the restaurant is very unique. Customer service: Phenomenal! Staff were very attentive and friendly. Best part of our experience was Sue. She’s a beautiful soul with a friendly personality. She greeted, hugged us and thanked us for having visited her establishment. Only twice in my 47 years on this earth have I ever met a restaurant owner that is very loving and kind. Truly a blessing for having met her.
Junk Doe
Great food and attentive service with a fun, friendly atmosphere. I passed by this place a dozen times and never knew it would be this good. Place like this is what makes Portland a great city to explore. Not for the by the numbers, suffocating weed shops or the dumb ass burlesque shows. Fun and cozy places with genuine personality that'll stick with you long after you leave. Try their coconut waffles, they're great with some of the best bacon I've had.
Tracy Wallender
This was an amazing breakfast I had a ham and cheese omelette and the portions were huge and delicious 🤤 the jam was homemade raspberry for toast i usually don’t do jam but this was an exception I rarely eat all my toast this was an exception I consumed the whole meal!! Thankyou so much very pleasant experience.My little chihuahua has never liked bacon but this was the first time he has EVER eaten bacon wow.
John Kutasz
I've driven by the Cameo countless times, but it's always been a bit too far from my home to have made the trip there at meal time. Fortunately my wife paid a visit with friends and decided that she needed to return with me in tow. The menu is mostly breakfast classics, with numerous Korean options adding interest. We tried the Bulgogi Salad, and the Bugogi beef with veggies. Each had the expected Bulgogi flavors, and thankfully came with hot sauce on the side, letting us decide how much heat to add to the mix. Service was amazingly attentive - with staff that appears to be dedicated to ice water and coffee refills, and we got to watch another person visiting all the tables with a basket of packaged jams and jellies, making sure everything was fully stocked. The decorations took me back to the 1980s - fancy wallpaper, plum colored accents, and delightful chandeliers with additional tchochkes gilding the lilly. From the looks of the meals arriving at nearby tables, I'm looking forward to exploring more of the menu, perhaps something involving pancakes...
Aaron Sahlstrom
Very cute cafe with gorgeous patio and various seating areas. Friendly staff that were flexible accommodating dietary needs without additional fees. Highly recommended, will keep as a favorite spot!
How to reach Cameo Cafe East
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Why Cameo Cafe East may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cameo Cafe East with your friends? Because it offers a perfect blend of cozy atmosphere, generous portions, and a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, making it an inviting hub for social gatherings. Whether you’re meeting for a casual brunch or a hearty lunch, the cafe’s unique appeal lies in its welcoming, family-run vibe combined with eclectic decor that sparks conversation and comfort. The emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients—from the signature Acre Pancake to Korean-inspired dishes—ensures that every meal becomes an experience worth sharing. With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,800 reviews, Cameo Cafe East has proven itself a consistent crowd-pleaser, balancing tradition and innovation on the plate. Gathering your friends here means you get more than just food; it’s about making moments that are memorable with laughter, conversation, and the joy of a shared meal. The café’s manageable size fosters intimacy without the chaos of overly large venues, perfect for close-knit groups looking for a relaxed, authentic Portland dining experience.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at Cameo Cafe East? While the primary attraction is its superb food and cozy ambiance, the café’s layout and vibe support various group activities. The seating arrangement includes a small breakfast bar, indoor tables, and an outdoor seating area, making it flexible for both intimate chats or lively gatherings. Friends can indulge in a leisurely brunch featuring the house specialties like the Acre Pancake and Bulgogi bentos while enjoying in-depth conversations or weekend catch-up sessions. The café’s eclectic decor also creates a conversational backdrop, making the environment stimulating and fun. While not a venue for loud or structured events, the space encourages spontaneous storytelling and bonding over shared plates. Because Cameo Cafe East is a family-run establishment, guests often feel part of a community, which enhances the social experience. Additionally, its proximity to local attractions allows meetups to extend beyond just dining, often turning into a day out filled with exploration and relaxation with friends and family.
Why is Cameo Cafe East ideal for group meetups? Its combination of accommodating service, varied menu, and intimate setting creates the perfect conditions for groups to connect. The staff is known for being welcoming and attentive, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met without feeling rushed. The menu caters to diverse palates with both classic American breakfast staples and Korean-inspired dishes, making it easy to satisfy a variety of preferences in one party. The portions are famously generous, allowing friends to share and sample a variety of dishes during their visit. The cozy, quirky decor encourages relaxation, making the café feel like a home away from home—ideal for groups who want to linger and enjoy each other's company. Furthermore, being a small, locally loved spot, it often has a less hectic atmosphere compared to busier chain restaurants, so you can truly hear and engage with everyone in your group. This balance of comfort, variety, and a laid-back environment makes it an excellent choice for making your meetup special and stress-free.
What makes the food at Cameo Cafe East special for group gatherings? The café’s menu is a testament to its commitment to quality and variety, designed to delight groups seeking hearty, flavorful meals. Known as the home of the Acre Pancake, a dish that has become a Portland favorite, the menu also includes traditional breakfast items such as buttermilk pancakes, thick-cut quarter-inch bacon, and omelets prepared with fresh ingredients. What sets it apart is the fusion aspect, introducing Korean-inspired elements like bulgogi bentos, kimchi, and delicious stir fry dishes that add an exciting twist to the meal. This diversity in offerings allows groups to mix and match dishes, turning a meal into a shared tasting experience. House-made sauces and spices bring extra depth to every bite, and guests can even purchase these condiments to take a piece of the experience home. Whether diners favor sweet or savory, traditional or adventurous, Cameo Cafe East’s menu fosters communal dining that encourages sharing and discovery, making it an ideal location for groups looking to explore flavors together.
How does the ambiance at Cameo Cafe East enhance group experiences? The café features a small, eclectic interior with a unique and inviting vibe that immediately makes guests feel at ease. Its intimate size—with a small breakfast bar and a scattering of tables—means groups don't get lost in large crowds or overwhelming noise, creating the perfect balance between social energy and comfortable space to talk. The outdoor seating area adds an element of freshness and light, ideal for gatherings on sunny days or when you want a bit of natural air while enjoying your meal. The decor is vibrant and quirky, often sparking conversation and laughter as guests comment on the unique touches that make the place stand out. Being a family-run business, the atmosphere carries a warmth and genuine hospitality that chain establishments can lack, making visits feel more personal. This thoughtfully curated environment encourages relaxed discussions and shared moments, which are the heart of any successful meetup.
What practical benefits does Cameo Cafe East offer for group meetups? Beyond atmosphere and food, the café’s logistical aspects are well-suited for friends or families planning to gather. Its location is accessible and close to vibrant parts of Portland, making it easy for everyone to convene. Though the café is not large enough to accommodate very big groups, it is perfect for small to medium-sized gatherings where personalized service and comfort are priorities. The staff typically manage seating efficiently, making group coordination seamless. Additionally, the operating hours covering breakfast and lunch give flexibility to schedule meetups that fit different group routines, whether an early brunch or a midday meal. The combination of well-thought-out seating options, quality food service, and a welcoming staff ensures that groups spend their time enjoying each other’s company rather than worrying about logistics. This makes Cameo Cafe East a practical and pleasant choice for creating new memories with loved ones.
In what ways does Cameo Cafe East stand out compared to other local dining options for meetups? While Portland houses many eateries, Cameo Cafe East distinguishes itself through its balance of tradition and cultural fusion and its focus on community. Unlike larger, more commercialized settings, this café has retained a sense of local authenticity since its inception in 1969 and the personal touches introduced by its current owner, Sue Gee Lehn. Its menu reflects a respect for classic comfort food while embracing innovative Korean-inspired dishes, appealing to diverse groups without sacrificing quality or flavor. This blend is harder to find in many neighborhood spots, making it unique for groups eager to explore intriguing flavors without leaving the city’s familiar surroundings. The café’s reputation for huge portions and fresh ingredients further sets it apart, attracting those who value both taste and value. Its cozy, small-scale environment encourages meaningful interaction, a stark contrast to the anonymity common at larger restaurants. This combination makes it not just a meal venue, but a memorable meetup destination.
What feedback have customers given about their group experiences at Cameo Cafe East? With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, customers frequently praise the café’s atmosphere, portion sizes, and variety, highlighting these features as group-friendly. Many reviews mention the friendly service and vibrant yet comfortable ambiance as reasons why the café suits social gatherings. Groups appreciate the ability to share large dishes like the Monte Cristo sandwich and the Acre Pancake, often noting that the portions are so generous that sharing is both economical and enjoyable. The diversity of the menu, offering both familiar and exotic options, has also been a point of positive feedback among groups with varying tastes. Some guests, however, have pointed out the café’s relatively small size, reminding larger groups to plan accordingly. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment reflects a strong communal vibe that many identified as making their visits particularly memorable and well-suited for catching up with friends and family. This consistent praise underscores the café’s success as a hotspot for group dining and socializing.
How can you make the most of your meetup at Cameo Cafe East? To fully enjoy a gathering here, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, especially for larger parties. Sharing signature dishes such as the Acre Pancake or Bulgogi bento encourages a communal experience and helps everyone sample the café’s diverse offerings. Take advantage of the outdoor seating when weather permits, as it adds a refreshing ambience and a more relaxed dining environment. Engage with the staff to learn about the cafe’s special sauces and spices—they enhance the meal and can be purchased to extend the experience beyond the visit. Because the setting is intimate and decor eclectic, use the atmosphere as a talking point to spark fun conversations. Bringing friends or family who appreciate quality food and a cozy ambiance will maximize the enjoyment. Overall, approaching your meetup as both a culinary and social occasion ensures that Cameo Cafe East serves as a memorable backdrop for your time together.