Sunday Brunch at Jam or jwa's big breakfast

Jam on Hawthorne
2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-4790
Open Tuesday – Sunday for Breakfast & Lunch

Let me set the scene: Last Sunday. Late morning. Much discussion around the house about breakfast (or the lack of breakfast).

me: We should really go out to eat.
jwa: No we shouldn’t.
me: Yes we should. I need to review something — I haven’t for a while.
jwa: The blogosphere will be in an upheaval without your review?
me: Exactly!
jwa: *sighs sarcastically*
me: Ty’s Big Breakfast….
jwa: Let’s go!
me: (thinking to self: wow…he’s easy)

***
Jam on Hawthorne is a nice place to stop by for breakfast. We’ve been there a number of times over the past few years, our first visit being when it was still Cafe Lena. We usually go on Saturday, when it’s a little less crowded and a little more laid back. I would imagine during the week, this is even more so. Sunday, it was a bit busy, but we were still able to walk in a little after 12:00 and grab the last table. Whew!

Being a fan of more savory (rather than sweet) breakfasts, I have tried a number of the different egg scramble breakfasts at Jam. Since I can’t quite remember the offical names, I will call them The Brie One, The Salmon One, The Italian One, The Mexican One and the Daily Special One. Last Sunday’s daily special had goat cheese, onions and mushrooms. This is what I ordered and it was quite tasty (as are typically all of the scrambles)!

The egg dishes come with toast and hash browns. While I am generally more a fan of roasted, herbed breakfast potatoes, the hash browns at Jam are typically well-seasoned and crispy on the outside.

As could probably be guessed from the introductory conversation, jwa is quite fond of a dish called, “Ty’s Big Breakfast”. This is a large plate consisting of a split, toasted english muffin topped with vegetarian sausage patties and eggs, slathered with vegetarian gravy. On the side is a healthy portion of crispy hash browns. It’s huge and judging by the number of times the waitress brought a plate of this out — very popular.

In addition to the scrambles and big breakfasts of the Ty variety, they also have a vegetarian breakfast wrap, as well as one deemed The Other One. I have gotten this before. It’s a wrap with bacon, eggs, cheese and hash browns and it’s very good. Additionally on the menu is an egg and muffin sandwich — very popular with the Jammites last Sunday. There are also pancakes and French toast and assorted sweet breakfast fare available.

The restaurant also boasts homemade jams. I’ve only ever tried the berry one (on the table and available for your breakfast jam needs) but they typically have other jams that can be purchased to take home by the jar (and probably order to go with your food).

The coffee is Stumptown, which is always a plus.

***
To Recap:

Atmosphere: It’s inviting and a little hippie-ish in decor. Bright orange-yellow walls with artwork and concert art on display. Booths line the far wall, smaller tables are down the middle and along the windows.

Service: Typically friendly. When it’s busy it’s a little less attentive but certainly adequate.

Food: Hearty breakfasts and lunches, which typically consist of sandwiches, salads and soups (we’ve never been for lunch but itt looks good). Large portions. It can be a bit noisy when it’s busy.

Overall: We tend to rotate Jam with Bread and Ink for our brunch needs and are typically very pleased and full after a meal at Jam. Sundays tend to be crowded but it’s worth it if you can get a table!

Three out of four toasters for Jam!