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Rest in peace, sweet Shari’s. The beloved restaurant chain slung its final pie slices in Oregon back in October, leaving diner lovers with a wide-open wedge in their hearts—or guts. Fortunately, this city is packed with other delightful diners, ready to serve you.
If you’re finding yourself with a hankering for a new diner experience, we’ve put together a short quiz to decide what spot might fit your needs. Ready? First question…
Are you hungry?
Yes: Keep going.
No: Dots Cafe
You want the diner vibe but you’re not starved? Go to Dots Cafe, nestled right in the heart of the Clinton neighborhood on that one-block stretch no longer for cars, just idle eaters and bar dwellers at the outdoor tables, and those traveling by bike (or feet, or scooter…). We’re not saying the food’s no good. If you do go for a bite, keep in mind Dots’ open hours are bookended by happy ones—mini nachos for $7, and burgers (vegan and meat made) for $9.
2521 SE Clinton St., 503-235-0203, dotscafeportland.com. 4 pm–2:30 am Tuesday–Sunday, 4 pm–midnight Monday.
Do you cross the Columbia River?
No: Keep going.
Yes: Stardust (note: You can also go to Shari’s, which still has a Vancouver location…)
No, we’re not talking about Ellen’s spot way out in Hell’s Kitchen—we’re talking about the Stardust Diner in the big bright city of Vancouver, Wash., right across the river. Stardust brings that ultra-’50s Space Age nostalgia—retro blue booths and shiny chrome surfaces (everything’s chrome in the future), and a jukebox to drown out any atomic anxiety. The milkshakes and big plates await you.
1110 SE 164th Ave.,360-828-1648, visitvancouverwa.com/listing/stardust-diner/1314. 7 am–9 pm Monday–Friday, 7 am–10 pm Saturday–Sunday.
Do you need it to be open 24 hours?
No: Keep going.
Yes: Denny’s
If you need your eggs at any and/or all hours, Denny’s is your spot. Founded back in 1953, the chain offers 1,700 locations nationwide, and three here in Portland alone. Its menu darling remains the “slams” (eggs, pancake, bacon, sausage), and you can get a value slam for a solid $6.99, or go for the burger for $8.99.
Multiple locations. Open 24 hours daily.
Are you more of a night owl?
Yes: Keep going.
No: Fuller’s Coffee Shop
Call it a restaurant, call it a lunch counter, call it a brunch spot—Fuller’s Coffee Shop has the kind of intimate feel of a diner, maybe because the Pearl District spot has been cultivating and fine-tuning its humble offerings since 1947. Three-quarters of a century later, the coffee’s still hot and the eggs are still over easy and singed along the sides.
136 NW 9th Ave., 503-222-5608, fullerscoffeeshop.com. 7 am–2 pm daily.
Do you need pies rotating in a glass case?
No: Keep going.
Yes: Banning’s Restaurant & Pie House
If you need to be dazzled by the pies all propped up on display, take yourself to Tigard where Banning’s Restaurant & Pie House offers savory numbers like Grandma’s omelet ($17.75) and avocado Benedict ($17.15), and then, of course, the sweet pies, whole or by the slice. Lemon meringue, berry, Elvis—they’re waiting for you in the case.
11477 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, 503-244-2558, banningsrestaurant.com. 7 am–10 pm daily.
Do you need 1950s décor?
No: Keep going.
Yes: Beez Holgate Station Cafe
Now, you’ve got options here (see Stardust Diner), but Beez Holgate Station Cafe brings a kind of concentrated blast from the past with its head-to-toe Betty Boop-themed décor. True, Betty was technically a 1930s gal—let’s call it an early midcentury kind of nostalgia. Go for the scrambles or the burgers, and see if you can count up the Betty Boops in the room.
4507 SE 27th Ave., 503-234-0554, beezholgatestations.com. 8 am–1 pm Tuesday–Sunday.
Do you need a Shari’s knock-off?
No: Circle back to the start.
Yes: Elmer’s
Technically, Elmer’s came first (in 1960, nearly two decades before Shari’s arrived). But for the Shari’s die-hards who want a similar experience, Elmer’s is your best bet. Get yourself east of 82nd Avenue to bask in the mountain lodge vibe and partake in the hand-rolled omelets and fluffy German pancakes. There are local beer and wine offerings, and a location right by Portland International Airport for a bite before or after you fly.
Multiple locations. 6:30 am–10 pm daily.