This Oregon Breakfast Spot Serves Mornings Better Than Anyone Else

Breakfast along the Oregon coast has taken me to more cafés than I can count, but nothing comes close to the tiny, magical world inside Lazy Susan Cafe in Cannon Beach. This cash-only gem at 126 N Hemlock St has been turning out perfect eggs and massive scones for more than 40 years, and the line on a rainy Tuesday morning suddenly makes a lot of sense.

Stepping through the door feels like walking into a favorite aunt’s kitchen, if that aunt happened to be a European bistro chef with elite poaching skills.

This is the kind of breakfast spot locals protect like a state secret. Tables sit close enough that strangers turn into breakfast buddies.

Coffee refills appear without asking. And those marionberry scones?

They’re the reason trips to Oregon somehow keep leading back to Cannon Beach.

Four Decades of Breakfast Perfection

Running a breakfast joint for over 40 years in a coastal tourist town isn’t just impressive, it’s basically superhuman. Lazy Susan Cafe opened its doors when cassette tapes were still cool, and it’s been serving up morning magic ever since.

The longevity alone tells you everything you need to know about the quality and consistency that keeps people coming back generation after generation.

I’ve watched families return year after year during their annual beach trips, kids growing into adults who now bring their own children. The cafe has become woven into the fabric of Cannon Beach memories.

Locals treat it like their morning headquarters, and tourists stumble upon it like they’ve discovered buried treasure.

What strikes me most is how the place hasn’t tried to modernize itself into oblivion. Sure, it’s adapted, but the heart remains unchanged.

The same commitment to fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and genuine hospitality that opened the doors in the early 1980s still guides every plate that leaves the kitchen. That kind of dedication is increasingly rare in our fast-everything world, making Lazy Susan Cafe feel like a delicious time capsule worth preserving.

European Bistro Charm in Eight Tables

The moment you squeeze through the door, you realize this isn’t your typical American diner sprawl. Lazy Susan Cafe channels serious European bistro energy with only about eight tables crammed into a space that feels more Paris than Pacific Northwest.

White tablecloths, fresh flowers, and an intimacy that forces you to embrace the coziness rather than fight it.

I actually love how small it is, even though I’ve definitely bumped elbows with neighboring diners while reaching for the homemade jam. There’s something about the tight quarters that creates instant camaraderie.

You’re not isolated in a booth scrolling your phone; you’re part of a communal morning experience where conversations blend and the energy feels alive.

The upstairs seating adds another layer of charm, with windows offering peeks at the street below and just enough space to feel slightly less sardine-packed. Some people might find the closeness claustrophobic, but I think it’s exactly what makes breakfast here feel special.

You’re not just eating; you’re participating in a daily ritual that’s been perfected over decades in Oregon’s most beloved coastal town.

Poached Egg Mastery That Borders on Art

Let me tell you about these poached eggs, because they’ve ruined me for every other breakfast spot. The chefs at Lazy Susan Cafe have elevated egg poaching to an art form that should probably be taught in culinary schools.

Each egg arrives with a yolk so perfectly runny it puddles across your plate like liquid gold, whites set just enough to hold together without any rubbery edges.

Then comes the cheddar cheese blanket, melted over the top in a way that makes you want to write poetry. I’ve ordered variations of their poached egg dishes probably two dozen times, and I’ve never once been disappointed.

The consistency is remarkable given the tiny open kitchen and constant stream of orders.

What makes them truly special is the attention to temperature and timing. Overcooked poached eggs are a tragedy; undercooked ones are a health hazard.

Lazy Susan Cafe nails that sweet spot every single time. Whether you’re getting them on the Dungeness Crab Benedict or smothered in one of their savory scrambles, those eggs represent everything this Oregon institution does right: simple ingredients treated with respect, skill, and zero shortcuts.

Scrambles That Redefine Savory Breakfast

Forget everything you think you know about breakfast scrambles. The varieties at Lazy Susan Cafe go way beyond throwing random ingredients into beaten eggs and hoping for the best.

Their “My Favorite Omelette” and “Fiesta Omelette” have cult followings among regulars, and after trying both multiple times, I completely understand why.

The Fiesta brings serious flavor with a combination that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them. Meanwhile, My Favorite lives up to its confident name with a blend that feels both comforting and exciting.

I’ve watched them customize orders for vegetarians and picky eaters, always maintaining that perfect scramble texture that’s fluffy without being dry, rich without being greasy.

One reviewer mentioned ordering a custom omelette loaded with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, scallions, jalapeños, and Swiss cheese, and the kitchen executed it flawlessly. That flexibility combined with the baseline excellence of their standard options makes the scramble section of the menu dangerously tempting.

The potatoes that accompany most dishes are nicely seasoned and crispy-edged, providing the perfect supporting act to the main egg event unfolding on your plate.

All-Day Waffle Availability for Sweet Tooth Satisfaction

Some breakfast spots cut off waffle orders after 10am like they’re rationing wartime supplies. Not Lazy Susan Cafe, where waffles flow freely throughout the entire morning service.

Their oat waffles have developed a particularly devoted following, with a texture that’s somehow both crispy and tender, nutty and slightly sweet.

The seasonal waffle specials are where things get really interesting. I tried the gingerbread waffle with fresh pears, lemon curd, and whipped cream on a chilly November morning, and it tasted like autumn decided to throw a party in my mouth.

The homemade yogurt option provides a lighter, tangier alternative to traditional whipped cream, and the fresh fruit is actually fresh, not that sad canned stuff some places try to pass off.

What I appreciate most is how the waffles provide a perfect counterbalance to all the savory egg dishes. If you’re dining with someone who leans sweet while you’re firmly in the savory camp, Lazy Susan Cafe accommodates both preferences beautifully.

The waffles also come out surprisingly quickly despite the tiny kitchen, maintaining that golden exterior and fluffy interior that makes a great waffle worth the carb splurge on a lazy Oregon coast morning.

Large and Luscious Scones Worth the Hype

Calling these scones “large” feels like calling the ocean “damp.” The marionberry scones at Lazy Susan Cafe are legitimately the size of your fist, possibly larger, and they arrive at your table still warm from the oven with that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, berry-studded interior. I’ve tried marionberry everything across Oregon, and these scones rank in my personal top three.

The berries themselves are generous, not the token two or three pieces some bakeries scatter through their dough like they’re precious gems. You get actual marionberry flavor in nearly every bite, tart and sweet and distinctly Pacific Northwest.

The homemade jam on the table amplifies the experience, though honestly, these scones don’t need much help being absolutely perfect.

Multiple reviewers mention ordering the scone as a side and then regretting not getting it as their main dish. I’ve learned to just order one immediately and share it as a table appetizer before the main breakfast arrives.

The apple walnut cake gets similar rave reviews, with one person admitting to eating cake at 8:30 in the morning without a single regret. That’s the Lazy Susan Cafe effect: making you do deliciously irresponsible things with baked goods.

The Charming Open-Air Kitchen Theater

Most restaurants hide their kitchens behind walls and swinging doors, but Lazy Susan Cafe puts the cooking process on full display. The tiny open-air kitchen setup means you can watch the chefs work their magic, flipping eggs, assembling benedicts, and pulling scones from the oven while you sip your constantly refilled coffee.

It’s part theater, part cooking show, all authentic.

I’m consistently amazed by how efficiently they operate in such a confined space. There’s no room for error or wasted motion when your entire kitchen could fit inside a typical restaurant’s walk-in cooler.

Every movement is practiced, every station organized with military precision. You can see the decades of experience in how smoothly orders flow despite the constant stream of hungry customers.

The open kitchen also creates accountability in the best possible way. You’re watching real people prepare real food with real ingredients, not mystery items emerging from a hidden back room.

When your poached eggs arrive perfectly cooked or your scone is still radiating warmth, you’ve already seen the care that went into making it. This transparency builds trust and appreciation, making the meal feel more personal and the wait more worthwhile when you’re finally seated at one of those coveted eight tables.

Cash-Only Policy in a Digital Age

Yes, Lazy Susan Cafe is cash only, and yes, some people get annoyed about it, and yes, I’m going to defend this choice anyway. In 2026, when you can pay for gum with your phone, requiring actual paper money feels almost rebellious.

But there’s something refreshingly authentic about a place that operates on its own terms rather than bending to every modern convenience.

The cash-only policy is clearly stated, though some visitors miss the signage and have to make the walk across the street to the ATM. I’ve learned to just bring cash when I’m heading to Cannon Beach specifically for breakfast here.

Think of it as part of the experience, like dressing up for a nice dinner or taking your shoes off before entering someone’s home.

From a practical standpoint, the policy probably helps keep prices reasonable by avoiding credit card processing fees. It also speeds up transactions and keeps the focus on food rather than technology.

Multiple reviewers note that the cash-only requirement actually reflects how genuine and established the place is. In an era where everything feels increasingly homogenized and corporate, Lazy Susan Cafe’s insistence on cash feels like a small act of independence that I’ve grown to respect and appreciate.

Outdoor Seating for Coastal Air Enthusiasts

If the indoor tables are full or you’re craving that fresh Oregon coast breeze with your breakfast, Lazy Susan Cafe offers outdoor seating that lets you soak in the Cannon Beach atmosphere. Sitting outside means you can people-watch along Hemlock Street, catch glimpses of beachgoers heading toward Haystack Rock, and feel that salty air that makes coastal mornings so magical.

The outdoor option also provides a solution during peak times when the indoor wait stretches longer. I’ve grabbed an outside table on beautiful spring mornings and felt like I scored the best seat in the house.

You’re still getting the same incredible food, just with a side of sunshine and street life instead of the cozy European bistro interior.

Weather obviously plays a role in how appealing the outdoor seating is. On a drizzly November morning, you’ll probably want to wait for an indoor spot.

But during those perfect summer days when Cannon Beach feels like paradise, eating your Dungeness Crab Benedict outside while watching the town wake up is an experience worth having. The outdoor seating reinforces that Lazy Susan Cafe understands different people want different things from their breakfast experience, and they’re happy to accommodate however they can given their small footprint.