Vegan Brunch in Irvington Portland | Off the Griddle

Skip the scroll — browse our full menu or order online for pickup right now.

If you live in Irvington, you already know the drill: Sunday rolls around, you want something warm and satisfying, and you don’t want to drive across town to get it. Good news — you don’t have to. Off The Griddle’s Alberta Street location is about a 12-minute walk from the heart of Irvington, and it’s been quietly becoming the neighborhood’s go-to spot for vegan brunch, gluten-free comfort food, and brunch cocktails that actually taste good.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what makes Irvington a great brunch neighborhood, how to get to Off The Griddle from wherever you are in the area, what to order when you arrive, and a few things worth doing before or after your meal.

What Makes Irvington One of Portland’s Best Brunch Neighborhoods

Irvington has always had the bones of a great brunch neighborhood — wide tree-lined streets, beautiful craftsman homes, and a walkable grid that makes it easy to stroll from your front door to a table. It sits just west of NE 15th and runs roughly between Broadway and Knott, which puts it within easy reach of the Alberta Arts District without being in the thick of it.

What’s notable about Irvington’s food scene is what’s missing: a strong anchor brunch spot that caters to the neighborhood’s genuinely health-conscious, plant-curious crowd. Residents here skew toward farmers market regulars, weekend cyclists, and people who actually read ingredient labels — exactly the kind of diners Off The Griddle was built for.

How Close Is Off The Griddle to Irvington?

Closer than you’d think. Here’s how to get there from different parts of the neighborhood:

On foot

From the center of Irvington (around NE 7th and Brazee), it’s about a 12-minute walk northwest to 2215 NE Alberta St. Head up NE 7th toward Alberta, turn left, and you’re there. It’s a pleasant walk through residential streets — flat, well-shaded in summer.

By bike

Under 5 minutes. NE 7th has a comfortable bike lane heading north. Lock up on Alberta — there’s always rack space near the restaurant.

By bus

TriMet Line 72 runs along NE Alberta St and stops close to the restaurant. From the NE Broadway corridor, grab the 9 or 17 toward NE 15th, then walk up.

By car

Street parking on Alberta and the side streets is usually findable on weekday mornings. Weekend brunch hours are busier — aim for NE 22nd or 23rd and walk a block. Alberta’s bike lanes mean street parking is on one side only east of 15th, so give yourself a few extra minutes.

What to Order When You Get Here

Off The Griddle’s menu is entirely plant-based, with most items available gluten-free on request. Here’s what regulars keep coming back for:

• Waffle with Fried Chik’n — The signature move. Crispy vegan “Chik’n” over a scratch-made waffle, drizzled with maple syrup and finished with gravy. Order it if you want to understand why people make the trip.
• Nashville Hot Sandwich — OTG fried chk’n, nashville hot sauce, horseradish slaw, dill pickle chips and mayo on a bun. Available gluten-free with a GF bun.
• Tofu Scramble — The comfort classic. Hearty, well-seasoned, and one of the better versions in Portland. Pairs well with a side of biscuits and gravy.
• Seasonal Waffle Special — Rotates with what’s fresh. Worth asking your server what’s on — these tend to sell out.
• Bloody Mary — Off The Griddle has a full bar and a signature Bloody Mary menu. The house version is locally made and comes with a proper garnish. Mimosas available too, with locally squeezed OJ.

See the full menu here →

Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly Options

Almost the entire menu is available gluten-free by request. Off The Griddle has been doing GF since before it was a Portland cliché — it’s not an afterthought here, it’s built into how the kitchen operates. That said, because it’s a shared kitchen environment, they’re transparent that they can’t guarantee zero cross-contact. If you have celiac-level sensitivity, let your server know and they’ll walk you through what’s safest.

Soy-free options are also marked on the menu (look for the SFO label). Nut-containing items are similarly flagged. For most dietary combinations — vegan + gluten-free, vegan + soy-free — there’s plenty to eat.

Tips: Wait Times, Best Seats, and Happy Hour

• Best time to come: Weekday mornings are the sweet spot — shorter waits, more relaxed pace. Weekend brunch (Friday through Sunday) gets busy by 10:30am. If you’re coming on a Saturday or Sunday, aim for 9–10am or after 12:30pm.
• Phone-in orders: During peak hours, phone-in to-go orders may be paused to protect dine-in service. Best to order online for pickup.
• Best seats: The dining room is comfortable and unpretentious — no bad seats, really. If you’re coming with a group, give them a heads up when you arrive so they can plan accordingly.
• Happy hour: Available for dine-in guests during dinner service (4–11pm). If you’re exploring Alberta after brunch and want to come back for drinks, happy hour specials are worth it.
• Closed Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.

Things to Do in Irvington Before or After Brunch

If you’re walking from Irvington or making a morning of it, a few things worth weaving into the trip:

• Irvington neighborhood walk: The blocks between NE 7th and 15th, between Broadway and Knott, have some of the best preserved craftsman and Victorian homes in Portland. It’s a genuinely beautiful walk, especially in spring when the street trees are in bloom.
• Alberta Arts District: Off The Griddle sits in the middle of it. After brunch, the galleries, boutiques, and studios along Alberta Street are worth a slow browse — especially on Last Thursday (the monthly art walk, April through October).
• Irving Park: A few blocks from the heart of Irvington — good if you’re coming with kids or just want a spot to walk off a big waffle.
• NE Broadway shopping: Broadway runs along the southern edge of Irvington and has a solid mix of local shops, coffee spots, and bookstores. Easy to pair with a morning at Off The Griddle.

Ready to Come In?

Off The Griddle’s Alberta location is open every day except Tuesday — brunch from 9am to 2pm and dinner from 4pm to 11pm. We’re at 2215 NE Alberta St, about a 12-minute walk from Irvington’s center, right in the heart of the Arts District.

Order online for pickup or call us at 503-889-0660. Dine-in is first-come, first-served. We’d love to see you.

Categories: Uncategorized