Portland has a mom-and-pop breakfast gem where made-from-scratch brunch meets eclectic Portland charm seven days a week. 🥞
Bayside American Cafe has been owned and operated by Joe and Diane Catoggio since 2003, continuing a local landmark tradition started by chef Roger Bintliff in 1990.
This Portland brunch institution, formerly known as Bintliff’s, began as a 5-table cafe and expanded to a two-story establishment with indoor seating, a full-service bar, and seasonal outdoor deck and patio.
The cafe earned ten Portland Phoenix “Best of Portland” awards over the years, including recognition as the best brunch spot in the city.
How Bayside American Cafe won Portland’s hearts
Bayside American Cafe captured Portland’s breakfast scene by creating made-from-scratch favorites like corned beef hash and multiple Benedict variations that kept guests coming back week after week.
Their commitment to house-made applewood smoked salmon rather than purchasing pre-smoked fish demonstrated a genuine dedication to quality over convenience. 🐟
Their partnership with Portland’s own Coffee By Design, featuring an exclusive Bayside blend, showed pride in supporting local businesses and serving exceptional coffee. ☕
The restaurant’s 100% Maine maple syrup from Skowhegan’s Strawberry Hill Farms and bourbon maple option elevated pancakes and waffles beyond typical breakfast fare.
The eclectic, casual atmosphere, with Portland’s history visible in the decor and architecture, created a cozy space where stories lived in every corner. ✨
Their seasonal outdoor deck and patio during warmer months gave guests the option to enjoy breakfast al fresco in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood.
Their willingness to accept waits of 2+ hours during peak times showed that Portland breakfast lovers considered Bayside worth any amount of patience required.
Food Highlights
- Lobster Scramble: A lighter alternative to heavy Benedict sauces featuring fresh hand-picked Maine lobster, baby spinach, grape tomato, scallion, goat cheese, and a dab of butter. 🥚
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Louisiana Bayou Benedict: The signature dish featuring grilled andouille sausage, homemade corn cakes, two poached eggs, and spicy Cajun hollandaise. 🌶️
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Maine Lobster Benedict: An indulgent creation featuring hand-picked fresh Maine lobster, baby spinach, two poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce served over an English muffin. 🦞
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Cinnamon Bun Pancakes: The must-try sweet option that delivers on cinnamon roll flavor in pancake form, earning consistent praise as amazing and addictive, especially when paired with bourbon maple syrup.
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Smoked Salmon Benedict: A showcase of house technique, presenting house hot-smoked salmon, baby spinach, two poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce over an English muffin with perfectly cooked salmon and hollandaise.
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Lemon Blueberry French Toast: An elegant twist on the classic, topped with house-made lemon curd and sprinkled with Maine blueberries.
- Homemade Corned Beef Hash: The breakfast classic showcasing Black Angus corned beef, three-potato homefries, onion, and a house blend of herbs and seasonings topped with two eggs any style.
Atmosphere
The vibe at Bayside American Cafe creates a cozy Portland gathering spot perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch. 🌟
The eclectic interior with a story in every corner showcases Portland’s history through decor and architecture, making the space feel like a living museum of the city’s past.
Seasonal outdoor deck and patio seating provide wonderful al fresco dining options during warmer months, perfect for enjoying Maine mornings with coffee and Benedict.
The homey feeling atmosphere with upstairs and downstairs seating plus a small full-service bar creates versatility for any group size or dining preference in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood.
Bottom Line
Visit Bayside American Cafe for made-from-scratch brunch classics, including house-smoked salmon, seven styles of creative Eggs Benedict featuring the famous Louisiana Bayou with Cajun hollandaise, locally-sourced ingredients from Maine farms and fisheries, Portland’s own Coffee By Design exclusive blend, and warm mom-and-pop hospitality from Joe and Diane Catoggio’s team. ✨
Address:
98 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
📞 (207) 774-0005
🕐 Open Daily, 7 AM–2 PM (Brunch All Day)