Byways Cafe in Portland, Oregon brought retro breakfast-house energy to Season 1, Episode 9 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. In an episode called Retro, this was the kind of spot that fit the ride perfectly: a local cafe, a strong brunch lane, and the sort of place that looked built for coffee, counter chatter, and plates that could handle a serious morning appetite.
Byways Cafe has since closed, but it still feels like one of those early Triple D stops that captured the show’s sweet spot. This was the kind of joint that gave the route some personality, not with smoke and swagger, but with breakfast comfort, neighborhood charm, and that lived-in feel that always plays well in the DDD world.
Quick Facts:
Restaurant Name: Byways Cafe
City: Portland
State: Oregon
Cuisine: Breakfast / brunch
DDD Season: 1
DDD Episode: 9
Episode Title: Retro
Original Air Date: July 9, 2007
Address: 1212 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-221-0011
Status: Closed
Byways Cafe had the kind of appeal that makes a breakfast-and-brunch stop stick with people. A place like this does not need a giant pile of barbecue or a burger bigger than the plate to earn its spot. Sometimes the hook is a cafe that knows its rhythm, serves up a strong morning game, and brings enough personality to make the room feel like part of the meal.
That made it a natural fit for an episode called Retro. Triple D has always had room for places with a little throwback soul, and Byways sounds like it carried that lane well. Even with the doors now closed, it still holds onto its place as part of the show’s early road-food mix.
What Kind of Food to Expect
Byways Cafe was known for breakfast and brunch, which puts it squarely in the world of hearty morning plates, laid-back midday comfort, and the kind of menu that can turn a simple meal into the main event. This is the lane of long breakfasts, second cups of coffee, and brunch food that does not mind taking its time.
That is part of what gave the place its pull. In the Triple D universe, not every memorable stop needs to come in loud. Sometimes a retro-flavored brunch cafe with local character and a steady breakfast groove is more than enough to earn a spot on the map.
Visit Info
Address: 1212 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-221-0011
Status: Closed