John’s Cafe

Horrible breakfast, everything is greasy, apparently the don’t carry decaf coffee. Oh yeah, if you don’t have cash it’s a block walk to the ATM where you will be charged $ 3.50 fee. Ugh

Cozy mom and pop breakfast diner close to Union Station. The décor probably hasn’t changed since the 70’s and I wouldn’t change a thing. The pancakes are huge and the prices are a bargain. The service is friendly in an understated way. Remember to bring cash as they don’t take credit cards.

This is probably one of the worst experiences I’ve had by far:
— cash only. ?
— owner son (lewd references/​potty mouth)
— enormous curly hair on steak (no apology)
— should’ve went to Pine State like my wife told me. Smh.

John’s is my go to place for a greasy diner food fest after a night of drinking. The place looks like it’s straight out of the 80s with RC Cola clocks and an old school cash register. Note: it is cash only.
You can sit at the counter or at one of the tables. Regardless you’ll be greeted by the no-​nonsense lady who runs the place with some coffee and brusque conversation. The $ 5.50 breakfast plate with fried eggs, hash browns, bacon, and a stack of perfectly buttered toast is probably the best value meal I’ve had in Portland. Everything is fried perfectly and man that butter is melted just right, in a way it never is when I make my own.
What more can I say besides I love this place? The predictability of the interactions and delicious diner food and old school vibes are something I look forward to every Saturday morning.

I saw some reviews for John’s Café and zeroed in on the word Greek. That could mean Greek food, or just a diner operated by Greeks or Greek-​Americans. It is the latter.
It is interesting that this café, which would be perfectly at home on Main Street USA in any small American town, sits halfway between Burnside and Union Station along Broadway. From one of the small tables by the window, you can see the US Bank Tower, the city’s tallest, yet the folks inside, and seen outside from the windows, are quite diverse, so I don’t think most suited up people from the US Bank Tower would be coming this way for some grub.
John’s Café is a breakfast and lunch place, with a counter that rounds a corner as well as table seating. They have breakfast and lunch specials. I have eaten here twice. On both occasions, I opted for breakfast food … once an omelette with potatoes and toast and, another time, the pork steak with potatoes and toast. I added a cup of coffee to that, which they kept refilled. Note that John’s Café is not like those Greek diners found from the (eastern) Midwest to the East Coast where they serve breakfast, American food, Greek food, Italian food, and have mouth watering desserts rotating in a glass case. Instead, it only has a few Greek items on the menu, since they focus on hearty, traditional American breakfast and lunch items.
The experience is definitely unique, the service is relaxed and amicable, the food and the quantities are satisfying, and the prices are reasonable. That sounds like four very positive attributes, hence four stars. There are definitely some regulars here, so that’s a good indicator and makes it even more interesting.
Also, to keep things simple, they only accept cash and they are closed on Sunday. Then, while you can order breakfast during lunch, they stop serving pancakes at the end of the breakfast time frame. On a weekday on which parking might be free downtown because it’s a holiday, John’s Café is a cool little place to eat. That explains why I’ve only been here twice, but I’d certainly recommend it if you want down-​home cooking, find yourself in this area, and are not a food snob.

If I could enter ZERO stars, I would. I came in at 11:20 and they close at 12:00. As soon as I walked in, the terrified lady looked at me, she immediately said «we’re closed» as there was an open sign lit up. As I looked on Unilocal to see where else we could get breakfast, couple Caucasian kids walked in and sat down. I looked inside and saw the Caucasian lady stare me down. DO NOT STEP FOOT INSIDE if you’re Asian. I’m from California and this was a total culture shock. I guess she didn’t see my Caucasian boyfriend beside me…

I really enjoy this family run Portland restaurant. A nice hardworking family has owned it since the 70’s. It is perfectly old school.

Not only great, classic breakfast grub but John and his wife have been there for more than 40 years and the stories they can tell! They have seen it all! If you want to know what’s really going on downtown, get their take. Enjoy!

Bring cash. I learned the hard way that they don’t accept debit/​credit cards. They were really nice about my not having cash on me and they kindly directed me to the nearest ATM a mere block away.
This place is a super cute, old-​school diner complete with retro vinyl stools for counter seating. There are about 3 little two-​top booths with an excellent view of the street; super for people watching. If you’re a larger crowd, there’s a space in the back that can accommodate y’all.
They serve up quite a variety of traditional breakfast and lunch fare. They also serve a soup of the day that changes daily. I tried the homemade lentil and it was superb. I’m really looking forward to trying the orzo.
The owners, a married couple are so sweet and friendly. They make you feel right at home. And you can tell they have a lot of regulars.
This little café is kind of easy to miss and you definitely don’t want to miss this sweet spot.
2015 — Review # 84

Service is quick and friendly. Food is good and cheap. Been in for lunch now three times and have taken colleagues twice. If you are looking for a lite lunch look elsewhere, but if you are up for a proper classic diner experience, this is the place.

This is a an awesome café locally owned for 43 years. Had the fried pork chop breakfast. It was delicious. The coffee is very, very good.

Great little dive in Portland, owners are friendly and the food is great. The price is fantastic, breakfast for three was $ 20! Ensure you stop by and try this place out…

After years of searching, I finally found what I thought Portland lacked: a good, cheap, greasy-​spoon Greek diner.
Much as I love the myriad of creative breakfast and brunch options in Portland, sometimes I just want bacon, eggs, and potatoes. While there are no shortages of places where one can have this great combination in Portland, usually they charge far more than I’d normally pay for such a dish at a proper diner (I’m looking at you, Hotcake House). John’s Café makes this meal well, and provides it quickly and cheaply.
John’s is a tiny place, run by a Greek couple, who keep the grill running with cheerful gusto. It’s got a friendly atmosphere and is great for people-​watching, between its blue-​collar vibe and its swanky surroundings in the Pearl. Remember, cash only, people.
The eggs were fried just as I ordered them (over medium). Good, solid grub. Not quite as good as those at some of the fancier joints in Portland (or at some of the better diners I’ve been to East of the Mississippi), but still a good choice. I wasn’t as impressed by the hash browns when I had them (they seemed to be the from-​frozen shredded ones to me), though they were still serviceable, especially once I put a second dash of salt on them and ran them through the bit of yolk that had run over to that side of the plate. The bacon was top-​notch. Chewy and smoky, yet crispy at the bite. Just like good butcher-​bacon should be. The woman waiting the tables recommended it highly for good reason. Like all good diner toast, John’s Café’s was slathered in butter. Wish they had raspberry jam among the selections to go with it, but that’s a quibble. Finally, the coffee was decent diner coffee, and was constantly being refilled.
Is John’s the best diner I’ve ever been to? No. But not only would I go back, but I would even make the trek from Southeast out to the Pearl to go there. That’s how much I love a proper diner. I wish Portland had more places like John’s.

John’s Café is run by a husband and wife duo who are immediately welcoming.
It’s a typical old-​school style diner and I felt like I was stepping back in time or to a movie set in the 70s. It was fun peering around at all of the old regalia. Everything is spotless and clean.
The meals are all simple (I’m not sure the menu has been updated this decade) but hearty with adequate size servings and coffee always being topped up.

Great throwback to the 70’s. Cash only café that plays music via a real 8 track radio that doesn’t look like it’s been moved since the place opened in 1972. The wood paneling on the walls hasn’t changed either. Nothing complex on the menu and nothing over 7 bucks! The hash potatoes are great; fresh cut in little cubes and fried until golden brown in real butter. Same with the meats; cooked until golden brown in real butter. No free wifi as the DeLorean that that you drove here took everyone back 40 years before it was even a concept. I you like the old school experience, this is the place. If you prefer vegan, gluten free organic, you might want to continue your search.

A no-​frills kind of place. I was quite pleased with The basic bacon eggs toast and coffee breakfast. The bacon was crispy and plentiful. The hash browns were hot and crunchy on the outsides, my eggs were cooked to order just right. $ 6.25 was my total. I’ve been here a few times and have never been disappointed.

Five star diner-​style old school homey breakfast and lunch joint. Cash only but you won’t need much of it. Great food at 1970s ultra low prices. The Greek couple who run the place have been there for 42 years: he cooks and does dishes, she waits tables, buses and runs the register. We had the chicken fried steak breakfast and a John’s Special. All ready in no time and not a single thing to complain about. Ten or so stools at the formica counter, with table seating for maybe 16 – 20. Mechanical register, 8-​track stereo/​radio playing… great feel to the place.

I had this little corner café bookmarked for a while. I had driven past it many times, but hadn’t actually gone in until I moved close by.
It’s run by a Greek family. A married couple and their grown son. I feel as if I’m being welcomed into their home. They remember your name, what you do, and order. They like to chit chat with their regulars, which is nice. I feel like I’m having lunch at my aunties.
I like simple diner food, especially at their prices. It’s cash only, but full meals can be had for under $ 5. As others have mentioned it’s not fancy, but it’s straight forward fare. The restaurant is tiny but clean.
My favorite things so far are the soups. I’ve had four, which might be the only ones they offer. The ones that I have tried have been orzo (rice shaped pasta in a tomato vegetable broth), lentil, Navy bean, and a chicken & rice (with lemon which is very Greek). They make them in-​house. They’re warm, delicious and perfect with a grilled cheese. They charge $ 1.25 for a cup, or $ 2 for a bowl. The grilled cheese is $ 2.25. It’s tough to beat for lunch. Pure comfort food.
I tried the fish & chips dinner last time. It comes with soup or salad along with bread and butter. I knew it was frozen cod, but it was still much better than some that I’ve had for double the price (ahem, Low Brow). My tab was $ 5.25.
I posted a picture of their breakfast specials. Breakfast is only available until 11 AM, and they’re closed Sunday. Monday through Friday their hours are 6 AM-​2 PM, and Saturday 6 AM to noon I believe.
I still need to try their pancakes. They look pretty tasty!
I highly recommend trying them if you re looking for an old school dining experience.

Cash only but Best $ 5 breakfast in downtown Portland.
2 big pancakes, egg, 2 pieces of bacon.
Coffee is a little thin but with this price go get a cup of real Joe up the street.
Small place takes you back in time to a simplistic life.
Nice family runs he place but leave your attitude at the door or else they will call you out.

This is my favorite place in Portland. It’s completely no frills, small town diner, middle America grandpa food. It’s not fancy, it’s not gourmet, it’s just regular old comfort food for a tiny price. The family who runs it are no nonsense and will not put up with your crap. If you’re a classist a-​hole, like a couple of the other reviewers, and can’t stand to eat in the presence of poor people, then stay away.
The pancakes are big, thick and delicious. I highly recommend them. The hashbrowns are good and greasy, the sausage links are superb and the cook knows how to cook the perfect egg, any way you want it.
I usually come here early in the morning, so I can’t speak about their lunch, though the one time I did get lunch here, I had a fantastic old school ham sandwich (White sandwich bread, ham, mayo. They don’t mess around.) with a glass of milk and it simultaneously made my day and made me miss my Midwestern grandma.