Lien Cuisine: Breakfast Anyone?

By Wallace Lien, For The West Side Newspaper

I love breakfast. On holidays and weekends, I enjoy getting out and letting someone else cook. A few hints: Go early, especially on holidays. Decide what you want first, then pick the place that does it best. If you order milk, expect to remind the staff. If it’s busy, don’t linger, because breakfast is a low-margin meal. Be kind and tip well.

People often say there’s nowhere to get breakfast. I used to think that too. Since retiring, I’ve gone out more often and discovered many good sit-down spots around town.

I suspect many of you are in the same boat, so I hope this quick and dirty summary of breakfast joints will help broaden your morning horizons. Try new spots. Find a new favorite. Explore what Salem has to offer for your morning fare.

Here’s a quick summary of breakfast joints around Salem and nearby. These are not ranked, but I’ll note favorites where I have them.

Annette’s Westgate, 1311 Edgewater St NW, tops my list. Great food, generous portions, and a lively atmosphere. Go early because it gets packed. Opens daily at 7 a.m.

Café 22 West, 5172 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, serves classic farm-style breakfasts. Clyde Aspinwall’s cinnamon rolls are famous. Opens daily at 7:30 a.m. with outdoor seating in summer.

Honey & Co, 250 Court St NE is 250 Court St NE, is tiny but excellent. My favorite Eggs Benedict in town. Opens at 7 a.m. except Sunday at 8 a.m.

Josey’s, 2280 Broadway St NE, is a converted drive-in with a cozy feel. Their Belgian waffle combo is excellent, and there’s rarely a wait. Opens at 7:30 a.m., Sundays at 8 a.m.

Elmer’s, 3950 Market St NE, is one of Salem’s oldest breakfast spots. Known for waffles, German pancakes, and crepes. Busy but efficient. Opens daily at 7 a.m.

White’s, 1138 Commercial St SE, just celebrated 90 years in business. Small with a classic diner feel. Opens at 6 a.m., Sundays at 8 a.m.

Denny’s, 3680 Market St NE, offers affordable breakfasts 24/7. Pancakes after a late show make a great dessert alternative.

Sybil’s Omelettes, 2373 State St, specializes in omelets and has been around since 1982. Opens at 6 a.m., Sundays at 7 a.m.

Toast and Jam, 5080 Commercial St SE, has large portions and an interesting menu. Service can be slow, but worth the wait. Opens daily at 7 a.m.

Sassy Onion State Street, 1244 State St, has a large menu and quick seating. Opens at 6 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. weekends.

Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro, 140 17th St NE, is a converted house with huge portions and a homey vibe. Reservations recommended. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge, 2680 Aerial Way SE, overlooks the Salem Airport runway. Their breakfast tacos are outstanding. Weekend breakfast only at 8 a.m.

The Original Pancake House has locations on Portland Rd and Commercial St. Standard breakfast fare with reliable service. Opens daily at 7 a.m.

ACME Café, 110 Hansen Ave S, is known for chicken and waffles. Popular with South Salem diners, so expect waits. Opens daily at 7 a.m.

Patty's Off-Center Café, 1741 Center St NE, gets many strong recommendations. Closed Monday and Tuesday; opens at 7 a.m., Sundays at 8 a.m.

Route 99, 9015 Portland Rd NE in Brooks, is worth the drive. Huge cinnamon rolls, generous portions, and plenty of seating. Opens daily at 7 a.m.

These are most, but certainly not all of the local breakfast joints. If you have a favorite that isn’t listed be sure to let me know. Have breakfast to start the day completely fulfilled!!