Papa Haydn - More Than a Local Favorite, a Portland Insitution

When you get to Portland - or if you already live here - there is a restaurant you must visit.

Of all my favorite places to eat, Papa Haydn's is probably my very favorite. There are two locations, one in NW Portland and the other, the original restaurant is on the eastside of Portland on Milwaukie Avenue.

I prefer the Southeast location, not just because it's in my neighborhood - it's one of those inexplicable, personal, idiosyncratic preferences.

Small, cozy and with an ineffable essence, I just like it better.

As I quietly say I like the restaurant, I hope you'll know it's a blatant understatement when I declare, I love the garden. Following an interior remodel which expanded the kitchen and bar, the patio was completed in 2007. I get there as often as I can in the outdoor dining season.

Under a pergola, surrounded by narrow evergreens reminiscent of Italian cypress, it's a delightful place to have lunch, dinner or an afternoon glass of prosecco.

Even on those cool spring or fall days, the heated patio will be appealing.

Opened in 1978, Papa Haydn's has been a trailblazer for the Portland restaurant scene:

the first espresso machine in the city, European pastries and eventually an expanded menu of high quality, local and seasonal food that attracts visitors and locals alike.

Often friends and I will consider one of their fabulous desserts before selecting dinner. You can't miss seeing them; the show cased desserts must be passed to get to any table, the bar or the patio. Who could resist a Swiss meringue drizzled with chocolate, and layered with fresh fruit and Chantilly cream? I can't! - Unless I choose the Panna Cotta, a really smooth and rich custard made of heavy cream.

Appetizer fondues, risotto with spring peas, simple pastas or an ahi Nicoise salad are just a few of the inspired choices you'll have to think about before the waitperson arrives to take your order.

And that's without going into the extensive wine list!

True to the name of the restaurant, you'll hear beautiful music, whether on the patio or inside at the bar while waiting for your table. Symphonic sounds, cool mixes, gentle jazz and more.

In so many ways, Papa Haydn's will win your heart, your taste buds and your summer afternoons.

Papa Haydn Restaurant East

5829 SE Milwaukie Ave
Portland, OR 97202

Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am (Midnight)
Sun 10 am - 9 pm

Tel: (503) 232-9440
Fax: (503) 236-5815

east@papahaydn.com