When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Hazel Room
Why The Hazel Room is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Hazel Room is a beloved brunch cafe located at 3279 SE Hawthorne Blvd in Portland, Oregon. Housed in a charming century-old home, it offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by rotating local artwork that decorates the space. This intimate setting makes The Hazel Room a perfect spot to meet up with friends for a relaxed meal or a casual catch-up. The menu is thoughtfully curated and rotates regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and flavors, ensuring a fresh and engaging dining experience. It caters to diverse dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Besides its well-regarded brunch plates, The Hazel Room serves a wide selection of loose-leaf teas, specialty coffee drinks, and cocktails, making it an ideal destination whether you prefer breakfast, lunch, or simply a quality beverage. Outdoor seating is available for guests who enjoy fresh air while dining, and street parking adds convenience for visitors driving to the location. The Hazel Room accepts major credit cards and offers free Wi-Fi, adding to guest comfort and accessibility. Its reputation for thoughtful cuisine and a cozy ambiance has garnered it a strong following in Portland's vibrant dining scene.
Here's what people think of The Hazel Room
As of recent, The Hazel Room holds a 4.5-star rating based on 595 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Hazel Room consistently highlight its warm and intimate atmosphere, making it a favorite for brunch gatherings. Many appreciate the quality and creativity of the food, noting that ingredients are fresh and the dishes well-balanced in flavor. The diverse menu offerings that include vegan and gluten-free options receive positive mentions, with particular praise for items like The Standard and the Breakfast Burrito. Reviewers often emphasize the friendly and attentive service, contributing to an overall pleasant dining experience. On the beverage side, patrons enjoy the variety of coffee, teas, and cocktails available, which complement the brunch selections nicely. Positive reviews also remark on the unique setting of the century-old home, which adds character and charm to visits. Negative reviews are less prevalent but tend to focus on occasional wait times, especially on weekends when seating is first-come, first-served, potentially leading to a longer wait for tables. Some guests have noted that parking can be challenging during peak hours given the street parking arrangement. In a few instances, some reviewers found that the rotating menu limited choices they were hoping to revisit. However, overall feedback remains highly favorable, with most guests recommending The Hazel Room for its inviting ambiance, quality food, and accommodating menu options. The positive experiences share a common theme of The Hazel Room being a dependable go-to for a satisfying Portland brunch.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
michael mckiernan
On the surface this place should be amazing. The menu makes everything sound delicious. And the presentation of each item and drinks are wonderful. The food. Just average on all accounts. Eggs Benedict. One egg cooked perfectly. The other the yolk was completely cooked. And so little hollandaise sauce it made the biscuit dry. And the sauce really had no flavor. Sandwich was also just ok. With a ton of mayonnaise. Like dripping. $5.50 for an iced tea as well. With no refills. Or I should say no refills? Because the waitress never came back. As mentioned. Very very average overall.
Marissa Bowman
I had the Bee Gee breakfast and everything was chef’s kiss! The biscuits were savory and full of flavor, and the potatoes with the chicken sauce were the perfect combo. I added a side of the brioche French toast with berry compote—absolutely loved it. To top it off, the mixed berry mimosa was a refreshing and delicious touch. I will definitely be back! If you’re ever in Portland, make sure to stop by The Hazel Room for a top-tier brunch experience.
Yvonne McKenzie
Wait time was normal for this place about 25-30 minutes. I ordered the gluten free French toast with eggs and bacon. The bacon and eggs were great however the French toast is more like eating a scone. Very dense. Had to ask for butter. Wait time for food was good. The bad part was that when we were finished eating and paid the bill they told us they were commandeering our table I didn’t even have time to socialize with my friend that I hadn’t seen in a year. If I would have known this beforehand I wouldn’t have left as big a tip as I did. We sat down at 10 and asked to leave at 10:45. If you want to be rushed out… I recommend this place.
Jason B
We really wanted to love this place but some of the food came up lacking a little bit. The poutine breakfast was amazing however! Cubed potatoes were cooked perfectly and had a wonderful smooth buttery texture. Chunks of melted cheese throughout, topped with “red eye gravy”(this was good gravy, but not even close to red eye gravy) and a fried egg… omg such a well-executed dish. Where they fell really short was their baked goods, they were very dry. The cheddar chive biscuits had decent flavor but were dry. The cinnamon roll was also dry. The biggest disappointment was the coconut cardamom French toast. This dish has such potential and sounds lovely, but the bread was very dry, very dense and very hard to physically eat due to the texture and rock-hard crusts. This isn’t your soft delicate and sweet French toast, this is a dry, hard dense bread with no batter kind of toast. The service was very fast and super friendly, and the establishment is clean and organized. They are SO close to being a fantastic breakfast joint, I think they just need another set of eyes (or mouth?) checking out there baked goods process.
Kendall Lucara
Very cute, quaint spot for brunch in an old house turned cafe. The interior is very cozy. The food was so good, and the menu had so many options that it was hard to choose! I loved the biscuits and gravy, with the mushroom gravy. My father-in-law said they made one of the best mocha’s he’d ever had too!
How to reach The Hazel Room
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Website: None
Why The Hazel Room may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Hazel Room with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Hazel Room offers a unique, cozy experience that combines excellent food, friendly atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe perfect for social meetups. Nestled in Portland, Oregon, this spot shines with its vintage-themed decor and a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, including vegan and gluten-free options. Its charm lies not only in the offerings but also in the warm, attentive staff and inclusive environment that makes everyone feel at home. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or a casual weekday catch-up, The Hazel Room provides both the intimacy and liveliness to spark awesome conversations and create memorable moments. The atmosphere is relaxed yet engaging, with a local artistic touch that enhances the ambiance, making it a stellar choice for groups wanting to enjoy great food and drinks in style. Plus, the coffee and tea cocktails add a creative flair to your outing, ensuring your group rally starts with excitement and ends on a high note.
What makes The Hazel Room perfect for group meetups?
The Hazel Room is perfectly suited for groups because it offers a mix of cozy seating arrangements that encourage conversation and connection without overwhelming noise. The vintage decor and curated local artwork create a warm, inviting space where friends or family can feel comfortable lingering for hours. Its varied menu appeals to diverse dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, which is critical for inclusive group dining. The staff is described as super friendly, accommodating, and attentive, making the experience smooth and enjoyable even for larger groups. Additionally, the presence of tea-based cocktails and quality coffee beverages ensures there’s something special for everyone to sip, elevating the usual brunch or lunch gathering. Being located in a vibrant area, guests also have the option to explore nearby shops or take advantage of picture-perfect spots just outside, making the meetup feel like more than just a meal—it's a mini adventure for the whole group.
What activities can you enjoy at The Hazel Room?
While primarily known as a brunch and lunch restaurant, The Hazel Room offers more than just food—it’s an experience infused with activities to engage guests. You can start your visit by strolling through the quaint boutique connected to the restaurant that features macabre jewelry and unique witchy clothes and accessories, adding a fun shopping twist while you wait for your table or after dining. The decor itself invites conversation and mingling, with its vintage charm and local art that patrons often admire. The restaurant’s social and friendly vibe makes it easy to celebrate birthdays, small gatherings, or just a weekend meet with friends or family. For those who enjoy photography, the black-and-white-themed exterior offers an excellent backdrop for group photos. While there isn’t a formal activity schedule, the combination of creative food, drinks, and art shopping opportunities offers a rounded experience ideal for socializing and bonding through shared interests.
How does the food at The Hazel Room cater to all tastes?
One of the key reasons The Hazel Room is favored for group gatherings is its thoughtfully crafted menu designed to satisfy diverse palates. The kitchen offers excellent vegan dishes like the tofu stack breakfast sandwich with housemade tofu sausage and arugula, which has received high praise for its taste and portion size. Gluten-free diners are also well catered to, with freshly prepared gluten-free cheddar-scallion biscuits and French toast that guests describe as indistinguishable from traditional versions. For meat-eaters or those who prefer a more classic brunch approach, options like the Southwest plate with tempeh offer a flavorful, hearty meal. The food is generally described as delicious and filling, making it a dependable choice when feeding a crowd. Care is taken to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising quality or taste, which is essential for group harmony when everyone’s needs must be met. While the place can get busy, and some dishes like the potatoes receive mixed reviews, overall the menu's variety and flavor have made it a dependable hit for group outings.
What kind of service and atmosphere can guests expect?
Guests at The Hazel Room can expect attentive, warm service combined with a casual yet stylish atmosphere. The staff is frequently noted for their friendliness, responsiveness, and accommodating nature, often making diners feel welcomed and valued—an important factor when managing group dynamics during meetups. The vintage-themed decor and local art contribute to a relaxed, homey feel that fosters easy conversation and socializing. Although the restaurant can be busy—leading to possible waits during peak hours—many appreciate the connected boutique where friends can browse while waiting, turning this downtime into part of the outing’s fun. The seating, while sometimes described as a bit limited due to table size and chair mismatch, is cozy and intimate, which works well for groups that want to chat and enjoy each other’s company without distraction. The Hazel Room offers a blend of lively energy and welcoming calm that makes it a refreshing choice for group gatherings.
What should visitors know about logistics before visiting?
When planning a group meetup at The Hazel Room, some logistical details can help ensure a smooth experience. Parking can be tight on the streets as the restaurant is located in a popular area, so allowing some extra time to find parking or consider alternative transport options is advisable. The place can also get crowded during brunch hours, so it’s best to come prepared for a possible wait, especially with larger groups. However, the boutique connected to the restaurant serves as a handy distraction. Tables are relatively small and low, which might pose a comfort challenge for very large parties wanting to sit together, so groups might consider splitting into smaller clusters if needed. Reservations or arriving early can alleviate some of these challenges. Despite these minor considerations, the overall positive experience with the staff’s attentiveness and the venue’s cozy charm makes The Hazel Room a rewarding destination for meetups.
Why do customers keep returning to The Hazel Room?
Regular visitors to The Hazel Room often highlight the friendly and caring management and staff, who contribute heavily to the welcoming atmosphere and excellent guest experience. The food quality, especially the unique vegan and gluten-free options prepared fresh daily, keeps customers coming back for more. Many appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of tea cocktails and the creative dishes that feel both homey and sophisticated. The vintage decor and local artist displays create an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, making it a place people want to linger in. Despite occasional busy times and space limitations, the positive energy, good food, and exceptional service create loyal followers who find The Hazel Room an ideal spot to meet friends, celebrate special moments, and simply enjoy good company.
How does The Hazel Room stand out from other brunch spots?
What sets The Hazel Room apart from many other brunch venues is its distinctive blend of vintage charm, inclusivity in dietary offerings, and the boutique shopping experience all in one venue. Unlike typical brunch restaurants, it uniquely offers a connection to local art and quirky retail, enriching the social outing. The menu’s emphasis on handcrafted gluten-free and vegan items, often made by the owner herself, elevates the culinary experience and appeals to a broad audience. The availability of tea cocktails adds a fun twist that is not usually found in casual brunch settings. The staff’s genuine friendliness and eagerness to create a comfortable environment help build a community feel that goes beyond a mere meal. This combination of creative cuisine, welcoming ambiance, and an extra dash of local culture makes The Hazel Room a refreshing and memorable place for friends and family to rally.
What should groups expect in terms of price and value?
Visitors generally find that The Hazel Room offers pricing consistent with other quality brunch spots in Portland, providing good value given the quality of food, service, and ambiance. Portions are described as hearty and satisfying, particularly for vegan and gluten-free dishes that can sometimes be limited or pricey elsewhere. Drinks, including the coffee and tea cocktails, complement the menu well and add to the overall experience without excessive cost. While some diners mention slight dissatisfaction with certain side dishes, the main offerings reliably deliver flavor and fulfillment, supporting a strong value proposition for group meals. Considering the lively atmosphere, excellent service, and unique setting, groups can expect a worthwhile investment for an enjoyable meal and memorable meetup.
In summary, The Hazel Room stands out as an exceptional venue for hosting meetups with friends or family due to its cozy vintage atmosphere, inclusive and tasty menu, attentive staff, and blend of dining together with boutique exploration. Whether for casual brunches, special occasions, or just reconnecting over good food and drinks, it provides an inviting and versatile space that nurtures connection and fun in equal measure.