Proud Mary Cafe

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Proud Mary’s food and coffee has frequently made me consider turning tricks on Burnside so that I can afford to eat there every weekend. That’s how good it is.

They have EVERYTHING: A hot, indie-style waitstaff that makes you feel slightly intimidated but comforted at the same time; a seasonal, ever-changing menu that literally has something for everyone; a coffee menu with pours spanning from $8 to $30 (take my money); and even the option for seating that allows you to peer into their kitchen and watch the cooks craft the most delicious and aesthetically-pleasing dishes that you can find in NE Portland. The only bad experience I have ever had at Proud Mary was when I choked on a cilantro leave and almost had to self-administrate the Heimlich maneuver, but that was definitely on me.

I have been to the cafe a handful of times and have had a variety of dishes. Their avocado toast is a twist on the classic, delicious dish that we all know and love. With their additions of butternut squash, sometimes-dangerous cilantro, and a lovely chili-crisp like oil they take the base deliciousness of basic avocado toast and make it a perfect brunch for every type of person. If they ask you if you want to try their house hot sauce: DO IT. If you want something slightly sweeter, their bright and fruity pavlova is the stuff of dreams. I mean, it’s slap-your-momma good. I love my mom but I would slap her straight in the face for some free pavlova from Proud Mary.

You are making a grave mistake if you don’t stop by Proud Mary at your earliest convenience. I implore you to sit by the kitchen, order some avocado toast, and maybe even get one of their turmeric chais if you’re feeling fancy. You won’t regret it.