The Cameo Cafe East sits on the corner at NE 82nd Ave and Sandy Blvd in Portland’s Roseway neighborhood, and you wouldn't think much of it just by looking at it. However, if you’ve driven by and dismissed this unassuming cafe before, you’ve been missing out on some of the best breakfast food in town.
This long-standing neighborhood restaurant was originally opened in 1969, but has been owned and operated by Sue Gee Lehn since 1992. Lehn, who immigrated to the states decades ago from South Korea, didn’t have any restaurant experience when she took over the business, only a desire to start something new and work for herself. Over the years she’s learned the ropes and blended elements of her Korean heritage into the menu in creative ways, yet still offers the classic diner staples that everyone loves.
It’s called Cameo Cafe “East” because there used to be four Cameo cafes in total, with a “west” location on NW Westover that closed down in 2005, a now-closed location in Busan, South Korea, and the only other still-standing location in Vancouver, Washington.
The restaurant is open every day from 6:30am to 3:00pm and serves both breakfast and lunch, but their claim to fame are the gigantic pancakes. They’re measured by the “acre” with one dinner-plate-sized pancake sold as a “¼ acre,” and you can order up to a full acre. But be forewarned—these babies are simply huge and most reviewers say that a ¼ acre is plenty for one person. There are also lots of flavors to choose from including classic buttermilk, blueberry, apple, and banana as well as Korean-inspired options like the Fusion Pancake made with rice, veggies, and cheese or the house special, BinDaeTtok made with ground mung beans, rice, and veggies.
They’re also known for their coconut waffles, thick-cut bacon, and their homemade bread, raspberry jam and hot sauce that you can buy right there in the cafe. Be sure to check out the daily specials too which can include yummy dishes like kimchi omelets and seasonal benedicts.
For lunch, you can get burgers, deli sandwiches, stir-fry, and bentos. For the adventurous eater, you’ve got to try some of Sue Gee’s soups. Two of the most popular are the Long Life Soup made with Asian noodles, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, onion and peppers that you can order with chicken or seafood, or the Spicy Soldier Soup with kimchi, sausage, ham and veggies.
The cafe itself is small and narrow with a down-to-earth vibe. When you walk in, you’ll see a counter stretching down one side with small tables along the other so it’s not a great choice for big groups. There’s floral wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, and pictures of Lehn’s family over the walls. It’s kinda like being in your grandma’s dining room, and you can frequently find Sue Gee chatting with regulars in the corner. If the diverse and delicious food wasn’t enough to sell you, the super friendly staff really puts this place over the edge. You won’t believe how welcome they make you feel.
Address: 8111 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
Hours: Every day, 6:30am - 3:00pm
Phone: (503) 284-0401
