Currently listed as CLOSED
1300 East Burnside


Average Overall Rating:

(3 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(3 out of 5)

Review by: wildwillie98 on 1/24/2010

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I am saddened to see these reviews. I go there sometimes at least 1 time a week. They kno me, give me my table that my friends and I have been in for years. Kid friendly with a play room, but on one side of the resturant so that I don't have to deal with the children. It is a varied menu with lots of tasty food and lots of different spices. From Mexican to African to Mediteranian, it is all good. The apple wood bacon is always good. If you are the meat an potato guy with greasy hashbrowns, it is not for you. While I like that too, I like to an old stanby that has very healthy food. Tom the manager will do anything for you even have a good political chat if things are slow. Some of the servers have been there for years. The owner has been an activist, fighting as an attorney for peoples rights and donates lots to charitable causes free meals and money. She puts her money where heart is and it is not advertized. I saw a write up in a local paper. She did not put it in her front window, but left it on the counter in the BR. Keep up the good work OWT. I am a diabetic and you are my guardian angel when I am managing to watch what I put in my mouth.

Great fair trade coffee too! I like it when people reflect their values in their business. We need more of that!

I do remember that when I first went I thought it was kind of expensive and stingy to not get toast and potatoes with my eggs and bacon As price have gone up else where and they have stayed the same and serve the same good food, I like it lots

The hungarian mushroom soup is to die for - 4 home made soups a day and a salad bar that is always fresh, ripe tomatoes in the middle of winter and the best hummas in town!

Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #19127Review by: gloki on 10/6/2009

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Not worth my time to denigrate. A waste of time and money.

Review #18226Review by: nojam75 on 2/8/2009

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Over-rated vegan/natural-food restaurant well past its prime. 1980's cafeteria-like atmosphere with pretentious and rude service. Somehow this restaurant has interpreted being "progressive" as having ill-prepared, tasteless food and snotty service.

Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #16174Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 3/15/2008

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Great food, good service and an excellent location. The coffee is also slightly above average for Portland, which of course means it's better than 99% of the coffee throughout the rest of the country.

Yes, they can be somewhat 'stingy' with the side orders; but in my opinion quality trumps quantity every time, and the food here is great.

I took out-of-state family here for breakfast a few months ago, and they were very impressed.

Very kid-friendly, at least in the mornings. My one-year old niece threw one of her tantrums in the middle of our breakfast; but within a couple of minutes a manager came over and brought her a stuffed animal toy which amused her to no end, and also allowed the rest of us to enjoy our breakfast and conversation in peace.

It's got a definite Greek / Mediterranean flavor, which I love; and if that's your thing as it is mine, Old Wives' Tale will definitely satisfy.

Highly recommended.

Review #13062Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 7/1/2007

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The food is not memorable. And they are downright stingy, making you choose between potatoes and toast, forcing you to get a side and spend more on your breakfast than it actually costs. Crowded and Loud. I'll never go back.

Review #10719Review by: evilisa on 3/17/2007

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Very comfy, The kids had a great time. However the Food wasn't very Kid friendly

Review #9900Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 12/19/2004

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Doesn't Apply

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Since when is $8 for breakfast, and $5 for dessert expensive? The prices are very reasonable, and food great. Always a treat to have a vegan dessert, and at $5, a steal!

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast

Review #4208Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 7/7/2003

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I've been there a couple times because I wanted to make sure they weren't having an off day but I have to say, for the amount of money they charge it just ain't that good. First of all, for eight bucks or so you can get a cheese omelette and a handful of 'country' style potatoes that aren't that great. And that's it. No toast or scone - well you do get a slice of orange and a sprig of parsley. The rest is extra. They're cappucino wasn't bad and their desserts look good. I've only tried the chocolate peanut butter banana bread, which was pretty good. For $5 it should be pretty good. The atmosphere is open and sunny and they do have a playroom for kids, which is nice but you can still hear them shreiking once and a while. It's just okay in my book.

Award Nomination: Biggest Ripoff

Review #2078


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Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Portland, Oregon - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Old Wives Tale.