FUEL CAFE
| Address: | 1452 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-335-3835 |
| Site: | fuelpdx.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 7AM–4PM 7AM–4PM 7AM–4PM 7AM–4PM 7AM–4PM 7AM–4PM 7AM–4PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 16
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Nathan Miller
We should have realized that the empty tables here, just half a block from Tin Shed, where two dozen people were waiting to get in, were a bad sign. The only thing that came promptly was water. The two coffees we ordered came only after we asked again half an hour later. Our food came a full hour after we ordered, and well after several tables had been served that had sat after us. Had the food justified the wait I might have given "okay" ratings across the board, but the food was actually terrible. Were I to cook such a plate for a guest in my home I would throw it away and suggest we eat out without for a moment considering serving it. None of my party of threes dishes had any seasoning, nor were salt or any other condiments to be found. Accompanying my bland scrambled eggs and untoasted "toast" were potatoes that were both greasy and half raw, and the bacon side was composed of two tiny, thin, limp strips about which the best thing I can say is that they were edible. Our server finally apologized for our long wait and offered us a free pastry in recompense, but by then we were so turned off by the food that we merely smiled weakly, paid, and left. It may not have been the worst breakfast experience Ive had in Portland, but have thus far failed to think of one worse.
RO
Robert Green
We just had an awful breakfast experience. First off, they left a dirty ramekin in my coffee cup which I found at the bottom after drinking. Next, that was replaced by a cup of coffee that tasted like soap was poured directly in. Finally a good clean cup followed but when breakfast arrived after 30 minutes we were really let down. We both ordered Belgian waffles with bacon and eggs. This is an EASY dish to make well. The waffle was cold and flavorless. The bacon wasnt good at all somehow and to top if off, they piled the sides on top of the waffle. Why in the world would I want bacon and eggs on top of a Belgian waffle? We paid and still tipped normally but for $30 I expect much better. I would have had a better meal at jack in the box. After paying, I told them as nice as I could about the experience and didnt ask for anything free but received a blank stare and an unsympathetic "OK.". This place should stick to coffee and stop pretending they can handle food on Alberta street.
ME
Melissa Rae
Fuel benefits from the Tin Shed overflow. Its the second time Ive gone here in five years because we had a time constraint. The server was really awkward telling us how annoyed the cook gets over substitutions. The is less than ordinary. There is no integration of flavors, but rather they are just lumped in the same dish. I dont even know how thats possible. I love onions but this photo are just the onions I didnt eat. Theyre huge and overwhelming. Asked for my meal to GF twice and still came with toast.
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A Private User
Fuel is around the corner from my house, and is my go-to coffee shop. I usually just get coffee and hang out, but the food is good, mostly standard coffee shop stuff. Theres comfy seating, a decent patio for sunny days, friendly staff, wifi, and good music. What else do you need? This is a good spot for getting work done or a good conversation. If Im meeting someone, this is usually my first suggestion.
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Diane McDowell
Just discovered this gem after finding the wait at the Tin Shed next door would be an hour. At the Fuel we had immediate seating, and the wait staff was the best! Friendly but not intrusive, efficient but ready to listen to special orders, and coffee refills appeared like magic, even when the place got busy. The food was good, with really fresh ingredients. Its my new favorite spot on Alberta.
J
J W
Theyre trying to turn this place around, and have been successful. Worth checking out if Tin Shed line is too long. First time I went here, about a year ago, the food and service were terrible. I went there a week ago and only somewhat poor service. Food was pretty good and the waitress sincerely apologized for making us wait so long to be served when we first came in. Food came quickly.
MI
michelle bradley
The service was terrible it took a long time after we sat to get a glass of water the place was half empty it should not have took that long. Then we got our food the waitress got one of our orders wrong. The potatoes was cold and burned. I ordered coffee but never came to ask me if I needed a refuel. Just terrible service. I wont be coming here again.
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Nix Shannon
I cannot say enough about this place. Ive been a regular from the first day I moved to Portland. Great service and food. Lots of comfort food and gluten free options. The staff are like friends now. I love them all and I love that I never feel rushed to finish my food and go. You can relax, enjoy conversations with friends and your meal.
MA
Marjorie Varner
Huge plate of fresh, well-prepared food (ham and cheese omelette recommended by chef) with red potatoes and fruit garnish. "Fueled" me all day for a hike in Forrest Park. Lovely service. Clean restroom. No wait for a table. Brought by a local after Tin Something proved to have a long wait list. Think shes now a true believer in Fuel.
JO
John Macias
This was the best breakfast I have EVER eaten. I had the salmon Benedict and my wife had the breakfast of champions and everything about both dishes was absolutely delicious. The fresh fruit, cold brew, and even down to the organic ketchup, all were amazing. We wish we lived closer to Portland because we would come back often
LE
Leila Bristow
The food here was tolerable but on the bad side. Bacon floppy and served in puddle of grease. Flavorless sandwiches fell apart. Biscuits and gravy literally looked like slop, and you could see clearly that the gravy was separated. Also, flies everywhere! Overall a waste of money. A disappointing dining experience.
AN
Antonio Castillo
The breakfast burrito is hearty! It will fill you up for the day and keep you energized. Throw in a side of fruit and you have a balanced breakfast. The patrons here are so much fun. Fuel is the neighborhood hangout for many locals, who love to chat to their neighbors.
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A Private User
Great hours, great coffee, comfy chairs, decent snacks, free Wi-Fi. That pretty much sums up my coffee shop needs, and also Fuel Cafe. Ive found a lot of places that can hit four out of those five, but this place is the perfect storm of reading/working spots for me.
JE
Jea kams
A friend and I have gone here twice after trying to wait for a seat at Tin Shed. Man, we made the right choice. The coffee is delicious and the food is just right. We had the Migas once and the breakfast sandwich the next time. These people know how to make breaky.
JO
Joanna Bartlett
Delicious, gluten free breakfast. I was going to go to Tin Shed next door, but there was a 30-minute wait. No wait here and good food. I had the gluten free egg florentine with potatoes. It was plenty of food (more than I needed) with friendly service.
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Rick Fahnestock
Dont waste your time. 2 of 3 dishes had to be sent back. Specials for the day were anything but special. Service was reluctant. Fruit flies invaded our table. We believe the crowd was due to the long wait at The Shed Cafe next door. Pass this one up.
