Locations: North Lombard and N. Brandon & N. Mississippi and N. Fremont

Description: The cutest little waffle stands in North Portland. Heck, the only waffle stands in Portland. Yet these are no mere waffles. These are waffles elevated to a new art form. Imagine large round “old school” waffles made fresh to order (the thin kind with the small indents, not Belgian waffles), stuffed, spread and folded into a type of giant burrito-sandwich hybrid with all kinds of inspired fillings both sweet or savory. Or both.

The Sausage and Maple waffle is dangerous stuff: a slight crunch from the outside of the waffle, then the slight saltiness of the sausage patties, then the sweetness of maple syrup combined into some kind of new food of the gods. ($4.00). A more savory choice is the Ham and Cheese with either cheddar or smoked Gouda ($4.00). The heat of the waffle makes the cheese melt perfectly into the ham while the waffle holes soak it all up for one giant comforting breakfast or lunch sandwich that is sure to keep you satiated for hours.

Sweet waffle choices include the basic Butter and Powder Sugar ($2.00) or the Peanut Butter & Jelly ($3.50). Or try one of the more complex and decadent things like the sugar coma inducing Black Forest with Nutella and Blackberry Jam ($3.50) or the S’More that comes with sweet as sin Mallow Fluff and more of that excellent Nutella ($3.50).

Beverages include all your usual espresso drinks or coffee (12 oz coffee is only 1.00!), Italian sodas, good old fashioned egg creams, and a limeade drink. They even serve my childhood favorite Ovaltine, either solo in milk or mixed in their signature Maltball Mocha ($3.00 for a 12 oz).

The location is a bit off the beaten track for some, the ambiance is very strip mall parking lot and there is only one uncovered picnic table for dining which makes Flavour Spot not the easiest choice. No matter, I’d happily brave traffic down Interstate Ave. to eat a Flavour Spot waffle sitting on the wet pavement in the pouring rain. Yes, they are that good.

Sample Menu: Please refer to the Flavour Spot Website for their whole menu.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30-3:00, Saturday 8-3, Sunday 8-3

Phone: 503-289-YUMM

Website: www.flavourspot.com

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