The Byways Café, located near the corner of NW Hoyt and 12^th in the heart of the Pearl, has got to be good. Not only was it featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, but there’s almost always a wait. Their website (www.bywayscafe.com) says it best: “For the past ten years, we’ve been serving authentic, yet creative home style meals to people from all over the world! We’ve watched the neighborhood grow and change around us, but we’ve stayed true to our vision; nothing too ritzy here, just solid American classics with our personal touch.” Well said!

Byways Cafe – 1212 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 221-0011

 

The Reviews:

Chuck Swanson:  I had the NapaBurger, which came with avocado, havarti cheese and bacon. I held off on the avocado; I’m just not a huge fan of the texture on a burger. It also came with lettuce, tomato and onions. They use Painted Hills organic ground beef and they top it all off with a nice sesame seed bun. The burger came cooked to perfection and was delicious. One of the best burgers I’ve had in Portland and this one, unlike some, was well worth the $9.95 price tag. The fries were done perfectly as well.

It was hard to come up with anything to fault, though they could probably stand to hire another waiter or waitress. The service was a little slow. I’d give it 4.5 tomatoes. Well done Byways!!

4.5 out of 5 Tomatoes.
Jason Nuss:  The burger menu was not extensive so I ordered the NapaBurger like Chuck, my DudeSweet counterpart.  However, I did have the avocado.  I’m not sure how Chuck could pass that up!  The burger is a 1/3 pound feast that pleases the eye as much as the appetite.  Fresh produce, including some very good avacado, tasty crispy bacon, and a homemade style burger bun with sesame seeds left me very happy and ready for a nap.

After a slight wait, due to the cafe’s popularity, we were seated in a comfy booth reminiscent of a “Back to the Future” diner.  Sparkly red and white booths, black and white checkerboard floors, and a row of stools at the bar made it all a great eating atmosphere.  The quirky wait staff was friendly and attentive.  My drink was always full.

If I was going to give any criticism I would have to agree with Chuck about increasing the speed of the service, especially for the business folks that are eating on a timer.  It would also be nice to be able to request how I would like my burger patty cooked.  With the burger already amazing, that might put it into the perfect category.  As it was the patty came medium-well to well.

It was an awesome experience and meal.  Now I need to get back for there breakfast.  I hear it’s amazing!

4.5 out of 5 Tomatoes.

You can find additonal pictures at our Facebook page at http://facebook.dudesweet.com.   Be sure to leave a comment here or on Facebook.  See you next review.

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