Celebrate National Hot Breakfast Month with These Mt. Hood Favorites

Let’s face it, folks. February can be a tough month on the mountain. The holidays are officially over, and our lush corner of Oregon is charging up for a green spring with an endless parade of gray, rainy days. Nothing knocks off that cold shroud like a hot, filling breakfast. Maybe that’s why February is National Hot Breakfast Month.

For any mountain residents or visitors who want to start their day with a hearty hot breakfast, here are some of The Mountain Times’ favorite options.

Whistle Stop

Looking for a classic breakfast with all the fixings? Whether you’re craving eggs and bacon or one of their signature omelettes, you really can’t go wrong at the Whistle Stop.

Located right on Highway 26, this mountain staple is a favorite among locals who are looking for a solid meal (and maybe a Bloody Mary or two). The Whistle Stop has plenty of room, so there’s rarely a wait. Spring days will see revelers spill out into the expansive back patio.

Brightwood Tavern

It’s possible for mountain tourists to miss the Brightwood Tavern entirely, since it’s tucked off Highway 26. That’s too bad for visitors, because this cozy little joint is a perfect pit stop for anyone in search of a wonderful hot breakfast.

In recent years, the Brightwood Tavern changed hands, and the new owners have set to work transforming the bar into a community spot known for its scrumptious dining options. The breakfast options are no exception. (be sure to get there early to secure some of the scratch-made biscuits).

Taqueria al Jalisciense

We don’t always have time to sit down and enjoy a three-egg breakfast. Maybe you want to be the first in line at Skibowl. Maybe you have to visit the hardware store for a day full of honey-dos. If you need a grade-A breakfast while you’re on the move, consider checking out Taqueria al Jalisciense, a food cart with a knockout breakfast burrito.

Located in the up-and-coming food cart pod behind Goodwynn’s, Taqueria al Jalisciense is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a taste unlike anything else on the mountain. There’s also a second food cart in the heart of Sandy. So you’ve got options.

Zig Zag Mountain Cafe

If you’ve got some time to spare, take a break and have a meal at the Zig Zag Mountain Cafe. The sumptuous breakfast options will leave you with fond memories that linger days after eating them. Give serious thought to any meal featuring white gravy. Biscuits and gravy, country-fried steak, it doesn’t matter.

Just be sure you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, because these gourmet meals take a few minutes to whip up.

Sandy Honorable Mention: AntFarm

Sure, it’s not technically in the Hoodland area, but AntFarm Youth Services is more than just a critical part of Mt. Hood’s community-building efforts. Those traveling through Sandy can find their public-facing coffee and sandwich shop right in the heart of the town. And it’s worth the stop, whether you’re looking for a breakfast sandwich made largely from locally sourced ingredients or you just need a quick cup of coffee for your journey farther up the mountain.

Bonus: Every penny you spend at the AntFarm Cafe goes to build a better mountain community. These folks do everything from mentoring youth to clearing trails to delivering seasoned firewood to homes in need. So you get a great meal and you’re helping a fantastic cause.

Wrap-Up

The restaurants we’ve featured here are just a few of our favorites. Of course, we’ve certainly missed a few. Mt. Hood has innumerable options for diners between Government Camp and Sandy.

If we overlooked your favorite spot, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us on Facebook at @mountain.times.oregon, or on Instagram @the.mountain.times.