People in Salem love to go out to breakfast or brunch, and the restaurant scene shows it. In addition to national chains like IHOP and Denny’s and Northwest chains like the Original Pancake House and Elmer’s, Salem boasts a lot of great local restaurants that do breakfast right. Salem has a long tradition of breakfast restaurants, since many of our choices have been open for decades and have very loyal customers. But it’s still possible to open a successful breakfast restaurant, as shown by the popularity of Patty’s, which has only been open for ten years. Whatever you’re looking for in terms of breakfast or brunch, Salem is probably going to have something that will tickle your fancy.
Salem Breakfast Institutions
White’s Restaurant
1138 Commercial Street SE, Salem
One of the oldest restaurants in Salem, White’s Restaurant, serves a diner-type meal until 2 p.m. daily. Though they serve all kinds of food, they are particularly well-known for their breakfasts. Home of “Don’s Big Mess,” a mix of meats, vegetables, and hashbrowns served with your choice of side, they are also famous for their sausage gravy, typically served over biscuits made daily. In addition, they serve a full complement of omelettes, eggs served any style, pancakes, and corned beef hash. White’s is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Annette’s Westgate Cafe
1311 Edgewater Street NW, Salem
An anchor of West Salem since 1953, Annette’s Westgate Cafe serves mouthwatering food all day. Patrons like Annette’s breakfasts, which encompass all of the traditional American breakfast foods, from pancakes and biscuits to omelettes and hashes. Annette’s is one of the few places to serve older favorites like pigs in a blanket and a Monte Cristo sandwich for breakfast. Many patrons, in particular, enjoy the early bird specials available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Annette’s is open daily at 6 a.m. for breakfast, except for Sundays, when they open at 7 a.m.
Sybil’s Omelettes Unlimited
2373 State Street, Salem
A beloved Salem institution, Sybil’s Omlettes Unlimited has been open since 1982, and claims they have served close to 25 million eggs. It’s the kind of place that groups of friends have been coming to weekly for years, and the servers know them by name. Sybil’s serves 110 different kinds of omelettes, almost any kind you could imagine. If omelettes aren’t your thing, there’s a Build-a-Benedict of any type of eggs Benedict you might want. And if you don’t like eggs for breakfast, they have enormous pancakes, fresh scones and muffins daily. Sybil’s is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Popular Neighborhood Options For Breakfast and Brunch in Salem
Word of Mouth Bistro
140 17th Street NE, Salem
Another extremely popular breakfast and brunch spot, Word of Mouth Bistro shows its popularity by the customers waiting outside for a table. Located in a historic house on NE 17th Street, Word of Mouth Bistro is renowned for its biscuits and breads, which are perfect for toast and French toast. The menu features a bit of everything, including omelettes, hashes, Benedicts, biscuits and gravy, French toast, and pancakes. For those coming around lunch, sandwiches and salads are also an option. Signature cocktails are another specialty at Word of Mouth, for anyone really wanting to celebrate how great their food is! The bistro is open 6:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Monday, and closed on Tuesdays.
Patty’s Off-Center Café
1741 Center St NE, Salem
As its name suggests, Patty’s Off-Center Cafe is located just off Center Street in a small shopping center at the corner of 17th Street, just up the street from the Word of Mouth Bistro. Patty’s has a great scramble selection, even including a tofu scramble for vegans or vegetarians. Other highlights include chicken-fried steak, multiple Benedict choices, and blueberry, cornmeal, and vanilla options for pancakes. They also make their own herb biscuits daily, along with the sausage gravy they are served with. Patty’s is open Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Sassy Onion
1244 State Street, Salem
3310 Market Street NE, Salem
An excellent option for breakfasts, The Sassy Onion offers two locations, one downtown and one close to the I-5 exit. Though it may not have as many options as other breakfast places, the choices they have are solid. The Sassy Onion offers omelettes, skillets, pancakes, French toast, and biscuits. The Market Street location, in particular, is spacious and well-suited for larger groups. Both restaurants are open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends.
Whether you want to try a classic corned beef hash at White’s or you lean more toward the tofu scramble at Patty’s, Salem has you covered for breakfast or brunch. Plus, all of these locations are kid-friendly, with smaller options or children’s menus to help you bring the whole family out to enjoy breakfast together.
