The Ultimate Portland Brunch Experience: A Deep Dive into North Light (Permanently Closed)

Please note: North Light restaurant is now permanently closed. This review remains as a testament to a cherished Portland brunch spot.

Brunch in Portland, Oregon, isn’t just a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon. We Portlanders don’t simply enjoy brunch; we wholeheartedly embrace it. We meticulously plan our weekends, strategize our schedules, and sometimes even engage in friendly competition to secure a coveted spot at the city’s most popular brunch destinations. The quest for the perfect Eggs Benedict or the most innovative pancake creation is a serious endeavor here in the Rose City.

We endure long waits, sometimes bordering on the absurd, all for the promise of a truly exceptional brunch experience. And, more often than not, the culinary rewards are well worth the patience and effort. Portland’s brunch scene is renowned for its quality, creativity, and unwavering commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.

It is with a tinge of nostalgia that I share a review of one of my former favorite brunch spots: North Light. While the restaurant is now closed, its memory lives on in the hearts (and stomachs) of Portland brunch enthusiasts. The hesitation in sharing stemmed from the selfish desire to keep this gem a secret, to avoid the inevitable crowds that accompany rave reviews. But the food was so consistently delightful, the atmosphere so charming, that withholding this information would have been a disservice to fellow brunch aficionados.

So, with a fond farewell to North Light, I offer this review as a tribute to a restaurant that truly understood the art of brunch. While you can no longer experience it firsthand, perhaps this article will inspire you to seek out other hidden gems in Portland’s ever-evolving culinary landscape.

Remembering North Light Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Portland’s eclectic Mississippi Avenue, North Light was a bright and inviting space, known for its full bar and a pleasant outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the warmer months. The restaurant offered dinner service from Tuesday through Saturday, happy hour from Wednesday through Saturday, and the beloved brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Brunch at North Light was an experience to savor. The meal often began with a selection of freshly baked pastries, such as a hazelnut croissant, an apple cranberry scone, or a decadent chocolate cinnamon babka, often served with homemade apple butter.

Delectable Starters to Kickstart Your Brunch

One of the standout items on the menu was undoubtedly the house-made crumpets. These were simply divine: buttery, slightly sweet, and perfectly textured. They exemplified North Light’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.

To complement the delicious food, North Light offered a selection of tasty cocktails. One memorable concoction was the “Bee’s Secret,” a delightful blend of vodka, honey syrup, yellow chartreuse, and bubbles. It was the perfect way to elevate any brunch into a celebratory occasion.

Craft Cocktails to Enhance Your Brunch Experience

For those who prefer pancakes and waffles, North Light’s gingerbread pancake was a true crowd-pleaser. Served with maple syrup and apple compote, it offered a subtle hint of gingerbread in a light and fluffy pancake.

Main Brunch Dishes: A Culinary Adventure

If eggs were your preferred brunch staple, North Light offered a range of specialty dishes to satisfy your cravings. The Frittata of the Day was always a delightful surprise. On one particular visit, I savored a house-made lamb sausage and arugula frittata with lamb curry. The addition of curry sauce as a condiment was a particularly inspired touch, a sophisticated alternative to traditional ketchup.

Another inventive dish that stood out was the black bean fry bread taco. This flavorful creation was served with salsa fresca, cojita cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors made each bite a culinary delight.

For those who appreciate a classic Eggs Benedict, North Light offered a Benedict of the Day. On one occasion, it featured a perfectly poached egg with shaved steak, tomato, and a flawlessly executed hollandaise sauce.

For those seeking a more substantial brunch, North Light also offered heartier options.

The chicken fried buffalo strip steak was a standout dish. The steak was juicy on the inside, crispy and buttery on the outside, and served with a sausage gravy that was perfect for soaking up every last morsel.

Another memorable dish was the stuffed house-made Pullman bread French toast with farmer’s cheese, shaved ham, pear compote, and cumin maple syrup. The presentation was stunning, and the French toast itself was undeniably decadent. The addition of pear compote was a particularly inspired touch, highlighting North Light’s talent for creating exceptional fruit compotes.

The Legendary Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Finally, for those with truly hearty appetites, the bacon-wrapped meatloaf was an absolute must-try.

Yes, you read that right: *bacon-wrapped meatloaf*. And it didn’t come alone; it was accompanied by a delightful assortment of sides.

It was reminiscent of an elevated Scotch egg, but far more complex and flavorful. It featured a hard-boiled egg center and was served with demi-glace gravy, green beans, seasoned potatoes, and bacon jam.

North Light, though now closed, remains a cherished memory for many Portland brunch enthusiasts. Its commitment to quality, creativity, and exceptional service made it a true gem in the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. While we can no longer experience its delights firsthand, we can cherish the memories and continue to explore the ever-evolving world of Portland brunch, always in search of the next hidden treasure.