Nite Hawk — Restaurant in Portland

Absolutely the Best Spot in Portland – A Weekly Ritual!

The Nite Hawk Diner has quickly become more than just a restaurant for me—it’s a cornerstone of my weekends, a comforting tradition I share with my girlfriend every Saturday or Sunday (sometimes both). If you’re looking for a place that’s effortlessly cool, reliably delicious, and full of character, look no further.

Let’s start with the vibe. Nite Hawk offers the best of both worlds: a classic diner on one side and a laid-back dive bar on the other. Whether you’re in the mood for pancakes and coffee or a burger and a beer with a game of pool, this place delivers. It has that old-school Portland charm—gritty in the best way—with neon lights, cozy booths, and the kind of unpretentious atmosphere that invites you to stay a little longer.

Now, on to the food—which is always consistent. No matter what we order, it’s solid, satisfying, and hits the spot every single time. Their hashbrowns are golden and crispy perfection, the breakfast plates are hearty and comforting, and the burgers? Juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. They know what they do well and they stick to it—no frills, just reliably great food that never disappoints.

But what truly makes this place shine is the service, especially from Melissa, who is hands-down one of the best servers we’ve ever encountered. She’s a total pro—warm, friendly, fast, and always on point. She remembers our orders, checks in without hovering, and brings a genuinely kind and welcoming energy that makes us feel like regulars (because we are!). Melissa is the kind of person who can brighten your whole day with a smile and a fresh cup of coffee.

Whether we’re lounging in the diner booths or playing pool in the dive side with a cold drink in hand, the Nite Hawk is our happy place. It’s a rare gem that balances personality, comfort, and quality without trying too hard—because it doesn’t have to. It’s just that good.

10/10. Forever favorite. If you haven’t been, go. If you’ve been, you...

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I went to the Rose Garden to watch Portland beat Toronto. After the game, riding high on Portland's win, but not wanting to try any of the overcrowded bars around the Rose Garden, we stopped by the Nite Hawk on our way back to her place in North Portland.

The bartender greeted us warmly. He saw the jersey I wore and asked about the game. It was cool; like greeting an old friend.

The tap list was solid. 2 domestics and 10 micros, mostly northwest favorites like the Black Butte Porter and Dead Guy Ale.

After a couple of beers, we decided on cocktails as a nightcap. Despite being busy (especially for a Monday night), the bartender took the time to ask us what liked in a drink and make some suggestions. For my girl, he made some kind of fruity martini, while I had a sazerac variation made with fresh lemon juice that was very good. And cheap! I would expect to pay 10 or 11 dollars for a similar cocktail in the city, but here it was only $7 despite the premium bourbon (Maker's Mark) used! The beers, too, were cheaper than almost anywhere else I have been. Only $3.50 for northwest microbrews.

What really got me was the way the bartender presented the check. He looked us in the eye, introduced himself, and said, "come back anytime." We will, and I want to give a shout out to Andy for the great service!

With cheap, strong drinks, a solid beer selection, great service, and a cool, local, not-quite-divey atmosphere, the Nite Hawk is a great place to have a beer or a cocktail. I can't speak to the food, but I plan on finding out about an omelette, hashbrowns, and a Bloody Mary some...

New go-to breakfast joint in the hood.

My GF and i have been gutted since The Overlook closed (R.I.P.). Haven't really been able to find a good, no-fuss, un-pretentious breakfast restaurant here in North Portland. Had been thinking of Maxing all the way down to Bertie Lou's in Sellwood, just to get some respectable biscuits & gravy.

Now there is no need. Had a delectable, delightful classic breakfast of two eggs, over medium, FOUR slices of bacon (!!!!), toast, and hash browns. Girlfriend had the french toast plate. Eggs were cooked to perfection (not easy w/ over-medium eggs), bacon was crispy but not dry. It was real thick-cut Oregon bacon, as well, for additional bonus points. Hash browns were the perfect consistency, cubed and crispy as you could hope for. I ate every last crumb, including the sprig of parsley, as did my girlfriend.

Girlfriend had a mimosa with orange juice, while i stuck with black coffee. She was stoked on the mimosa and i was satisfied with the coffee. Nothing too elaborate, but it wasn't old and burned as diner coffee can be, at times.

So so glad to have a breakfast nook one Max stop away from us. Made for an exquisite post-art show comedown zone, with a quaint mixture of local roughnecks and cute families. Service was friendly and exceptional, as well! Had a conversation about a convertible full of Great Danes while watching someone march an oversized painting down Interstate Ave. I love old, weird Portland, and the Nighthawk is a slice of that authenticity.

Friendly tip: they don't serve waffles or sausage gravy after 1 P.M. Get their early if you want the whole...