GIGI'S CAFE — Restaurant in Portland

This is our go to spot for a weekend breakfast. Delicious Liege Waffles (different from normal "Belgian" waffles) made fresh. Because they are a different style waffle you get a little taster for free when you come in. Great options for toppings. I normally get the berries-n-cream waffle, but sometimes do the waffle of the day too depending on what it is. My girlfriend gets the more savory "breakfas of champions waffle" which is fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola and honey on the liege waffle. Both my sweet waffle and her not as sweet one are always delicious. They do have normal breakfast stuff like omelets too, though the waffels are so good I haven't ever tried the other stuff. Coffee is always really strong. They are the first place I have been to where the iced coffee is made with coffee ice cubes (so it doesnt get wattered down, its awesome). Great food all around.

The staff is very efficient and usually very friendly and always helpful. Another thing that I really like is that they are "tip-less" no tips are accepted but there is an automatic 20% gratuity added to the bill that goes to a fund to provide better wages, health coverage, and other benifits for the employees. (Its explained better by the staff and information cards at the restaurant). The service is absolutely worth that extra.

Any time we are there they are always really busy, usual wait is 10 to 30 minutes to get a table. But that wait is totally worth it.

Overall Great breakfast spot. Highly...

Freakin phenomenal! I am totally NOT a breakfast or brunch person; I usually don't do breakfast as I do intermittent fasting daily, so it was a big deal to actually go out and pay for and eat breakfast. I've been thinking about my meal at GiGi's ever since and am really looking forward to my next visit. WAFFLES!!!!!!! not your usual restaurant waffle but delectable creations of perfect taste, texture, and size. I had a Liege waffle with arugula, camembert, bacon, and fig sauce. Holy FK it was amazing. My daughter had the lemon with berries, also delicious. THE BEST MEAL OUT I'VE HAD SINCE Q RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN. the staff was pleasantly conscientious and on top of things, nothing like some wait staff in brunchy places on the east side. The wait staff are provided with benefits by owners so there is no standard tipping although a 20% gratuity is automatically added to all checks. Great practice. Makes for a super staff providing good service consistently. I imagine if one did not feel the service was up to par the owners would hear about it (they provide contact info on placard at tables) and those who regularly did not meet the bar would quickly find themselves replaced. I'd live to see more places do this.

BEST BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH IN PORTLAND and the same price as a subpar chain type restaurant and slightly less expensive than all the hip eats side establishments.

Go, go, go...

Holy stars, this was nothing short of a religious experience! I wish I had a picture to show you, but my delicious meal disappeared too fast. I am reworking my schedule to come here at least once a week. The waffles are surprisingly unique and incredibly addicting and delicious. Two words for you - Sugar. Pearls. Don't know what those little gems are? Show up and order a waffle. It will change your life. Also, it was kind of a surprise that a small bowl of grits came with the meals. I'm not really a grits person, but I'm now a Gigi's Grits person! The most unique flavor I've ever tried. Take some of your crispy bacon and dip it in the grits and you will have seen the light! It's the must have chips & salsa of the breakfast world!

Also - the staff are so incredibly friendly. They are 1,000% aware of what their food will do to you! They understand that you're going to leave a changed person. Our server, Megan, was incredible in describing what their food will do for you (change your life, bacon that will explode with flavor in your mouth, grits you never knew you couldn't live without, etc). We seriously contemplated recruiting her for a sales position at our company, but she's obviously doing what she loves.

I'm already planning to return next Thursday morning for my birthday breakfast! I'm asking for Megan and will be eating as much as my stretchy...