Grits N' Gravy — Restaurant in Portland

Feast your eyes on this marvelous collage of dishes and decor from Grits N’ Gravy—that Southern sanctuary nestled in downtown Portland, where comfort food meets heart and soul. Let me yak your ears off (not literally)—this place is served up with a side of hospitality, sass, and downright deliciousness.

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A Taste of the South—with Pacific Northwest Flair

Opened in December 2021 by chef-owner Brandon Stevens, Grits N’ Gravy isn’t just a diner—it’s a southern comfort revival smack-dab in the middle of Portland. Stevens, inspired by his grandfather’s iconic Sacramento eatery “The Stagecoach,” brings authentic recipes and nostalgia with every plate. 

The joint is a Black-owned gem blending funky art, soul music, and killer breakfast vibes—and you should absolutely support it. 

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What’s on the Menu? Expect Big Flavors, No Compromises

Expect heaping plates that will make you question your willpower: • Four gravies daily: dive into silken country-style white, savory onion, bold sausage, or the buzzy “redeye” made with ham drippings and coffee.  • Shrimp & Grits—“Downtown” style with bacon, drippings, and cheese; or “Uptown” with andouille, white wine, and Cajun cream sauce.  • Classics like chicken-fried steak or pork chops, biscuits, rice, eggs, and grits.  • Country Boy Breakfast: sausage, biscuits with gravy, three eggs, and grits. This dish has a PhD in Southern satisfaction.  • Bottomless sweet tea, because hydration and sugar are both opportunities. 

Word on the street? These grub-heavy options are made with so much love, they’re practically stealing your heart. 

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That Vibe: Nostalgia Meets Breakfast Bliss

People don’t just come here—they flock. Reviewers rave: • “The waffle combo hit home”— thin, crispy waffles paired with eggs and turkey sausage. Also, the bar makes for speedy service.  • “Packed on weekend mornings—fits right into Portland’s brunch scene.”  • “Chicken & waffles so generous you could brunch for a week.”  • It’s stylish, soulful, and plays history and Black pop art on its walls.  

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Why This Place is the Real Deal • Award-winning brunch vibes: recognized by The Oregonian and Eater Portland among the city’s best new brunch joints.  • A Portland success story: Started from humble beginnings (literal truck- and food-cart living!), Stevens built this place with grit.  • He’s a community champion: Grits N’ Gravy features local, Black-owned dessert makers and artists. It’s a breakfast club that gives back. 

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Final Dish (and Verdict):

Walking into Grits N’ Gravy feels like strolling into your aunt’s cozy dining room—while being served an egg-and-gravy symphony. This beloved hotspot has gravy varieties for days, grits that convert skeptics, and enough soul to make your heart happily plump.

If you’re in Portland and craving the kind of Southern comfort that sticks with you, run (don’t waddle) to Grits N’ Gravy. Just maybe leave a chair open...

First time coming here! Let me say the food was awesome! Very flavorful and very different which I love! I've never ate grits for breakfast or even knew how they looked lol but I do now. So as coming in as a first timer- customer service is a big thing it shows respect to everyone and does improve business. So we waited 5 min max, a waiter came to us to take us to our seats but as she approached us kind of rude I mean kind of you can hear the sarcasm from her as she talks. I'm not one to complain but it's after that I didn't like. I let that slide whatever, as we ordered she has that little attitude snotty vibe. And yes she did. I let it go. Then we were placed so close to others as well and the lady next to me called her and asked where they paid at nice sweet lady she comes and says OH I DONT KNOW IF YOU HEARD ME THE FIRST TIME I SAID BUT YOU HAVE TO GO IN THE FRONT the couple got up so fast and left and the customer apologized to the waiter 🤨 then the waiter sat another couple next to us... I hear the young woman asking the waiter 1st time them being there asks her what's good on the menu and what she suggests- the waiter gave her a stupid look and said BREAKFAST. The lady was like what foods she starts naming stuff on menu etc, and waiter goes along with her and walks away. But here's where it gets interesting I ORDERED The COUNTRY BOY BREAKFAST and my husband ordered the shrimp and grits. Waiter comes to my husband and was like oh yeah you need a bowl for that she's smiling and all my husband is like yeah please she's like ok I'll be back. Back she came and my plate was STILL FULL, I was done too when she came the fist time 😂 my husband was like wtf she looks at my plate walked away didn't acknowledge my big ass plate of food my husband thought like what the, so I get her attention Ma'am may I have a plate to go please she's like oh yeah I'll bring you one. Walks away. She takes an order walks by us again went behind the counter pulled her phone out I was like look told my husband he said wtf he got up went to her- ask her Can we have that to go box for my wife SHE SAID OH I DIDNT GET ONE OK LET ME GET YOU ONE he got it I said why was she like that with all the woman- not the men. Weird right. Couple next to us the guy was saying that's weird too.. so we definitely didn't like that, I will be eating there again but I will not stay quiet to waitress who behaves like this. I didn't get her name or else I would of put it here! We were here on JANUARY...

If you're looking for a truly unique dining experience in Portland, look no further than this incredible family-owned and Black-owned restaurant that stands out in the heart of downtown. It's refreshing to find a place with such cultural significance away from the typical Eastside spots, which often feel reminiscent of a segregated past and a gentrified present.

Be prepared for a wait—this gem is popular for good reason! Once you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere that engages all your senses. The enticing aroma of Southern fried chicken, homemade gravy, and delectable grits wafts through the air, beckoning you to indulge. The walls are adorned with captivating artwork that pays tribute to Black legends and notable figures who've made their mark in Black history books, creating an unapologetically cultural ambiance--Thank goodness. Plus, on any given day, you might even encounter local artists showcasing their stunning creations in the back of the restaurant!

As you savor your meal, you can't help but move to the infectious rhythm of classic soul music playing overhead. From Aretha to Stevie Wonder and the O'Jays, the tunes elevate the dining experience, making it nearly impossible to resist singing along. The food, undeniably delicious, earned this place a solid 5-star rating from me—my only complaint and reason for 4 stats on service being a minor oversight with my waffle order. However, considering we were seated upstairs on a lovely balcony with a fantastic view of the bustling scene below, it was a forgivable mistake.

The menu is a treasure trove of options, encouraging you to sample as much as possible. You’ll also discover the restaurant’s rich history, printed on the menu, which is filled with legacy and tradition passed down through generations. A huge shoutout to the family keeping this incredible establishment thriving! If you find yourself in Portland and are ready to enjoy great food, fantastic art, and a little seat dancing, this is a must-visit spot that’ll leave you...