Unearth The Voyage
Hidden in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood sits a diner that locals have been whispering about for decades. My Father’s Place doesn’t look fancy from the outside, but step through the door and you’ll discover what many consider the best biscuits and gravy in all of Oregon. This old-school spot has been serving up comfort food since 1978, and their signature dish keeps people coming back for more.
1. What to order
Start your meal with the classic biscuits and gravy that regulars rave about on review sites and third-party menus. These fluffy buttermilk biscuits come buried under a mountain of rich, peppery country gravy that’s made fresh daily. The portion is generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest breakfast lover.
Feeling extra hungry? Pair your biscuits with the chicken-fried steak and eggs, which arrives with even more country gravy poured over the top. The crispy breading and tender steak create the perfect combo with those soft biscuits.
Don’t skip the potatoes O’Brien as a side—golden cubes mixed with peppers and onions that add a savory crunch. Many customers say this combination is the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, this order hits every time and shows exactly why people drive across town for it.
2. All-day breakfast at a true Portland time capsule
Breakfast cravings don’t follow a schedule, and thankfully neither does My Father’s Place. You can order those famous biscuits and gravy any time from morning until late at night, which means no more rushing to beat the breakfast cutoff. This flexibility has made the restaurant a favorite among night-shift workers, late risers, and anyone who believes gravy tastes good at midnight.
The restaurant opened its doors back in 1978 and has stayed in the same family ever since. Walking inside feels like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to when diners were neighborhood gathering spots. The walls hold decades of memories and countless satisfied customers.
Family ownership means the recipes haven’t changed to chase trends or cut corners. What worked in 1978 still works today, and that commitment to consistency keeps the biscuits fluffy and the gravy perfectly seasoned every single day.
3. Yes, people really call it “the best”
Food writers and travel bloggers have crowned My Father’s Place with a big title: home to Oregon’s best biscuits and gravy. Sure, “best” is always someone’s opinion, but when multiple publications and countless customer reviews use that exact word, it’s worth paying attention. The praise keeps rolling in year after year.
What makes people so enthusiastic about this particular dish? Regulars point to the perfect gravy-to-biscuit ratio and the way the sausage gravy has just the right amount of pepper kick. The biscuits themselves are neither too dense nor too crumbly—they hold together while soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Food tourism has become a real thing in Portland, and this dish has earned its spot on many must-try lists. Visitors from other states specifically add My Father’s Place to their itinerary just to see if the hype matches reality. Spoiler alert: most say it does.
4. The vibe: neon, booths, and old-school Portland
Walking into My Father’s Place means entering two worlds under one roof. On one side, you’ll find the classic diner setup with big vinyl booths perfect for groups and families. Bright lighting and a friendly buzz of conversation create that authentic breakfast-joint atmosphere people love.
The other side transforms into a lounge and game room complete with pinball machines and pool tables. This quirky combination attracts everyone from construction workers grabbing morning coffee to college students shooting pool after midnight. It’s this mix of people that gives the place its genuine Portland character.
Families with kids are welcome on the diner side until evening hours kick in and the space shifts to a more adult vibe. The neon signs and retro decor aren’t staged for Instagram—they’re original fixtures that have watched Portland change around them for decades. This authenticity can’t be faked or recreated, making every visit feel special.
5. Where to find it (and what the building is)
Your biscuits and gravy adventure takes place inside a piece of Oregon history. The New Logus Block, where My Father’s Place calls home, dates back to the 1800s and sits on the National Register of Historic Places. The brick building has witnessed Portland grow from a small river town into a major city.
Located in the Buckman neighborhood at 523 SE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97214, the restaurant is easy to reach whether you’re driving or using public transportation. The area has that authentic Portland feel—not too polished, full of character, and refreshingly real.
Parking can be tight during peak hours, but street spots usually open up within a block or two. The historic building adds an extra layer of cool to your breakfast experience. You’re not just eating great food; you’re dining inside a landmark that helped shape the neighborhood’s identity over more than a century.
6. Practical tips
My Father’s Place has traditionally kept long hours, opening early in the morning and staying open late into the night. This schedule makes it perfect for breakfast lovers who keep unconventional hours or suddenly need comfort food at 10 PM. However, restaurant hours can shift, so checking their current schedule before making the trip is smart.
Can’t make it in person? The restaurant offers takeout and has partnered with delivery services like Uber Eats and Postmates. Those biscuits travel surprisingly well when packed properly, though eating them fresh and hot in the diner is the ultimate experience.
Weekends naturally bring bigger crowds, especially during traditional brunch hours between 9 AM and 1 PM. Arriving slightly earlier or later can save you wait time. Cash is often appreciated at old-school diners, though most now accept cards—calling ahead to confirm payment options never hurts if you prefer one method over another.
