This is definitely in my top 2 places for brunch in Portland. We loved it so much we went twice during our 5 day trip to Portland. My husband had the Best of Both Worlds - Pork Belly Benedict and Biscuits 'n Gravy and I had the Hazelnut Challah French Toast. Both were amazing. We highly recommend the Breakfast Mary - which could be breakfast all on its own! We split the BLT the second day and were equally as impressed. Such a fantastic place with friendly, quick service. I'll definitely be back.
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My wife and I heard about City State from another very reputable restaurant in town. We asked our waitress as we concluded our dinner where she'd recommend. It is significant to note this restaurant also serves a delicious breakfast. But who better to ask then people already obsessed with, and accustomed to good food. City State was perfect. We begin with abundant light pouring in through the large front window, great music at just the right volume, perfect wait help, unpretentious, attentive, and accurate- bravo! I had the Eggs Benedict. I chose their prosciutto offering. The hollandaise was fluffy and subtle delightfully absent of an over-tangy flavor, the eggs were cooked and seasoned perfectly, the biscuit was perhaps the greatest moment of the dish, crispy around the edges, substantive, fresh, chewy, not overwhelmed from the eggs, yet providing the ideal texture all at the same time. The flavor and texture from this dish was truly exemplary. And then the prices, I could have started there, but a great product, served well deserves first mention. The prices were right where I think they should be, although I wonder with the cost of the truly good ingredients how it is possible for prices this low to be sustainable. Finally, the coffee. I am a coffee snob. I just do not order coffee at places like City State. It never works for me. Plus we had plans to go to my favorite coffee place after breakfast, but my wife ordered a coffee. This was a bit unusual for her as she is not a fan of drip-style coffee. There we sat with this perfect breakfast and a hot cup of black coffee in a lovely white diner mug right in front of me. Upon smelling that it was safe I took the chance of ruining all the great flavors in my mouth with a sip. Again, what a surprise. The coffee was clean, and sweet, zero roast notes, no burn from being heated for too long, it was fresh, and surprisingly luminescent with subtle sweet grapefruit notes. That put me over the edge. I was transformed. Thank you City State, you own the distinction of being my favorite Eggs Benedict.
Oh. My. Gosh. This place is an absolute hidden gem of Portland. I ordered the biscuit and gravy plate and the biscuits taste homemade, homemade sauce, eggs cooked my way, and these delicious crispy seasoned potato bits. Everything was bursting with flavor. You will not be disappointed. I also got a mocha and you can tell their espresso machine is tuned nicely because I was able to get the notes of earthy cherry flavor as you should with a good espresso. Also- they sub everything meat on the menu with veggie if you want at no additional cost for the change.
10/10 breakfast and lunch restaurant.
First visit today. The staff was fun! I ordered a scramble with cheddar and sautéed veggies. There were meaty, chewy mushrooms (yea!) in small pieces so no need for cutting. Red peppers, chopped spinach, red onions: everything sliced small for the perfect bite. The music, WOW! Old Bowie (Ziggy Stardust), Black Sabbath, etc, not stuff ever overplayed on any radio station, volume so I could hear the music but just right so I could hear my husband and the staff too. Atmosphere, classic diner with Portlandia undertone. My husband had the chicken fried steak, made in-house, not frozen!!! He likes joking with the staff and they played along (thank you!!) The smiley photo is what he did with leftovers. He got the grits as his side. Yes, we will be back. Lots of good looking food. They Have Real Butter on the tables! I had to get a shot of that, too.
The perfect spot on a weekend for brunch. This diner has Portland written all over it. From the excellent food and drink options to the homey vibes and pet friendly patio, it's extremely welcoming. Our server was helpful with allergy issues and offered up substitutions. I highly recommend this place, especially if you love a good diner like I do!
Better than most, but not a shining star. Worth trying to be sure.
My critiques are more to do with technique in cooking but not with flavor. I'll skip them for now.
Service was fast and the staff were friendly and happy to help.
Slightly unorthodox ordering system, but not impossible to figure out. The app would not work on my phone, so I had to order at the counter anyway.
I will say that I 100% disagree with the review that said this was great coffee. It is serviceable coffee, but not amazing.
Overall, they deserve the positive vibes and love they get, and I'll be coming back again.
I am a very picky pancake eater, and I can only tell you that while on vacation in Portland I went to City State Diner two days in a row to get their blueberry pancakes! The atmosphere is great (you feel right at home), the staff is wonderful, and the food is excellent. You can’t really go wrong, but you know what my favorite item on the menu for breakfast is :) Omelettes were great as well.
This place had delicious food. My husband had the Mile High scramble and I had the Best of Both with eggs Benedict and biscuits and gravy. They were both really good, but I think next time I'll get the eggs Benedict. That hollandaise sauce was delicious! We also got the coffee cake to go, it had lots of cinnamon and nuts and although it was good not warmed up, I think it would have been better warm. We will definitely come back for breakfast again.
A relaxed, cozy spot with good food - fairly priced. Our server took great care of us and was helpful in accommodating dietary needs. Staff is always fast and friendly. Never had a bad experience at City State and always enjoy the coffee and dishes on offer. It's everything a Portland diner should be.
I almost didn't write a review for fear of this great gem becoming to popular and then there being the crazy lines you see at other Portland brunch spots that are frankly not as good. Everything here is wonderful, food, service, atmosphere, price for the large portions of thoughtful well crafted delicious food. Five stars, don't tell anyone...
A great spot for brunch. There's indoor and outdoor seating. They've got a great selection of eggs benedict and unique scrambles. Our server recommended swapping the muffin for their house made biscuits. Some of the best biscuits I've had. Their hollandaise is light and tasty. Pancakes were also light and airy and full of blueberries. To top it off the service was great. Definitely recommend and definitely going back!
*deep movie promo voice*. In a city full of strange food combinations and eclectic tastes, one restaurant takes a stand to provide outstanding comfort food!! ... Seriously though, great atmosphere, outstanding food and service. Our group had breakfast and tried 5 different items off the menu, all were outstanding. I highly recommend the breakfast meat loaf. It can be hard to find parking, and the indoor space can get a little loud if busy, but the food and service make up for any minor inconveniences. Thank you City State!!
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