Southeast Portland Gets a New Belgian Waffle Cafe

Southeast's Clinton/Division neighborhood got a new breakfast option over the weekend. Off The Waffle, a Eugene-based, family-owned chainlet, branched out to Portland to open its third location.

Sweet, dense, Belgian liege-style waffles are nothing new here, thanks to take-out options like Waffle Window and carts like Gaufre Gourmet (which is opening its own brick-and-mortar cafe in Hillsdale later this fall). But Off The Waffle's cafe is meant for lingering, offering custom-roasted coffee from Eugene's Cafe Pacori, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and, you know, tables and chairs.

Waffles come plain or fully loaded, and range from savory to sweet. The Goat in the Headlights comes topped with chèvre, avocado, fresh basil, two sunny side up eggs, smoked paprika, fresh coriander and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Sweet options tend to be more tame. The Overachiever layers Belgian chocolate chips, sliced banana and housemade dark chocolate sauce. The indecisive can go with something from the "In Between" section, where you'll find savory-sweet combos like the Shmooli: fresh pears topped with melted smoked gouda, apple sauce, crushed walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup. Prices hover around $8 and all produce and eggs are organic.

The cafe also offers Gluten-free waffles, sugar-free brioche waffles, and omelets. You can even take home a six-pack of frozen waffles, so you can make your own over-the-top creations in the comfort of your pjs.

Off The Waffle: 2601 S.E. Clinton St., Portland; 503-946-1608

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.