Walking past Morning Glory Cafe three times before finally stepping inside was one of my biggest regrets on a recent trip. Tucked along Siskiyou Boulevard in Ashland, Oregon, this breakfast spot looks like a quaint converted house from the street – but once inside, it’s pure magic.
Colorful murals cover the walls, tall-backed booths create cozy little nooks, and the aroma of lemon butter pancakes and freshly brewed coffee hits you like a warm hug.
It feels like discovering a secret that locals have been happily keeping to themselves for years.
Breakfast lovers across Oregon are obsessed for a reason. The line out the door speaks volumes, and every dish arrives like edible art, with flavors that pack just as much punch as the presentation.
Morning Glory turned an ordinary Thursday morning into a food adventure I’ll never forget, and I’m already plotting my next visit.
Cozy Atmosphere That Wraps You Up
Walking into Morning Glory feels like stepping into your coolest friend’s living room, if that friend happened to be an incredible chef. The space radiates warmth from every corner, with hand-painted murals splashed across the walls that tell stories of local culture and whimsy.
High-backed booths create little private havens where conversations flow easily without the noise from neighboring tables crashing your meal.
I snagged a booth near the window during my visit, and honestly, I could have stayed there all morning. The converted house layout gives the cafe character that chain restaurants could never replicate.
Sunlight streams through the windows, hitting the colorful decor just right and making everything feel extra cheerful.
Staff members weave through the tight spaces with practiced ease, somehow managing to keep everyone happy even when the place is absolutely packed. The outdoor patio offers another dimension when Oregon weather cooperates, giving diners a chance to soak up fresh air with their fresh food.
Located at 1149 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520, this spot makes you want to linger over your coffee and soak in every detail of the thoughtfully designed space.
Lemon Butter Pancakes That Changed My Life
Some menu items sound good on paper but fall flat in execution. These pancakes are absolutely not that.
When my server set down the towering stack of sourdough pancakes drizzled with lemon butter, I actually gasped a little, which made the couple next to me laugh.
The first bite sent my taste buds on a journey I wasn’t expecting. The tangy brightness of the lemon butter cuts through the richness of the fluffy pancakes in a way that feels both surprising and completely right.
These aren’t your average diner pancakes that sit heavy in your stomach.
I watched multiple tables around me order the same thing, and every single person had the same blissed-out expression after their first forkful. The sourdough base adds a subtle complexity that elevates the whole experience beyond basic breakfast fare.
Fair warning though, the portions are massive. I’m talking two-meals-in-one massive, so come hungry or be prepared to take home a delicious reminder of your visit.
Customers rave about pairing them with blueberry compote too, which I’m absolutely trying next time.
Huevos Rancheros Worth The Hype
Twelve customer reviews specifically mentioned this dish, and after tasting it myself, I completely understand why. Morning Glory’s take on huevos rancheros arrives as a gorgeous plate that looks almost too pretty to destroy with your fork, but destroy it you must.
The black bean mixture forms a flavorful foundation that’s been seasoned to perfection, not overpowering but deep and satisfying. Two perfectly cooked over-easy eggs sit atop corn tortillas, blanketed in a saucy pico de gallo that brings just the right amount of kick.
Melted cheese ties everything together in gooey, delicious harmony.
What sets this version apart from countless others I’ve tried across Oregon is the balance. Nothing dominates, nothing gets lost, and every component plays its part in creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
The flavors build with each bite rather than hitting you all at once.
Locals swear by this dish as the best huevos rancheros in town, and honestly, I’m not about to argue with them. It’s hearty enough to fuel a full day of exploring Ashland but doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a nap afterward.
Lemon Ricotta French Toast Dreams
People lose their minds over this French toast, and after experiencing it firsthand, I’m joining their ranks. The lemon ricotta version takes a breakfast classic and launches it into fancy brunch territory without being pretentious about it.
Thick slices of bread get soaked in a custard mixture that includes creamy ricotta cheese and bright lemon, creating a texture that’s simultaneously fluffy and rich. The outside achieves that perfect golden crisp while the inside stays pillowy soft.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and do a little happy dance in your seat.
One reviewer mentioned trying the blueberry cheesecake stuffed version, which sounds absolutely incredible and is definitely on my list for next time. The portions are generous enough that sharing becomes a smart strategy, though I’ll admit I was reluctant to give up any of mine.
Strawberry rhubarb and other seasonal variations rotate through the menu, giving repeat visitors something new to discover. The kitchen clearly understands that French toast can be so much more than basic egg-dipped bread, and they’re not afraid to get creative with their flavor combinations.
Omelets That Pack Serious Flavor
Morning Glory’s omelet game is ridiculously strong. The smoked bacon omelet stands out as a customer favorite, and one bite explains exactly why it’s earned that status.
These aren’t thin, wimpy omelets that barely hold their fillings.
The eggs get whipped to fluffy perfection, creating a tender exterior that cradles generous amounts of quality ingredients inside. Smoked bacon brings a depth of flavor that regular bacon just can’t match, while perfectly melted cheese adds creamy richness throughout.
Every fold reveals another pocket of deliciousness.
An avocado omelet option provides a lighter alternative without sacrificing satisfaction, and the apple gouda chicken sausage version combines sweet and savory notes in unexpected ways. The kitchen clearly sources quality ingredients, because you can taste the difference in every component.
Hash browns arrive alongside as the perfect sidekick, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Some customers opt for the au gratin potatoes instead, which are made with Gruyère cheese and could honestly be a meal on their own.
The omelet selection changes based on what’s fresh and available, keeping the menu exciting for regular visitors.
Service That Actually Cares
Great food means nothing if the service makes you want to leave, but Morning Glory nails both sides of the equation. Despite the constant crowds and limited space, the staff somehow maintains their cool and keeps things running smoothly.
During my visit on a packed Saturday morning, I watched servers juggle multiple tables while still finding time to chat with regulars and make newcomers feel welcome. They know the menu inside and out, offering helpful suggestions without being pushy about it.
One server even made a special pancake for a little kid, which earned major points in my book.
The owners, Ryan and his wife, clearly set the tone for excellent hospitality. Customer reviews consistently praise the friendly and courteous nature of everyone working there, even during the busiest rushes.
When a restaurant gets slammed and the staff still manages to smile, you know they’re doing something right.
Sure, you might wait a bit for your food when they’re busy, but the staff keeps you updated and makes sure your coffee stays filled. They handle the chaos with grace, making the whole experience feel relaxed despite the controlled madness happening behind the scenes.
Creative Specials That Rotate
The regular menu alone could keep you coming back for months, but Morning Glory kicks things up with rotating specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and creative combinations. I spotted a pulled pork verde special during one visit that had neighboring tables buzzing with excitement.
These limited-time offerings give the kitchen a chance to experiment and keep longtime customers on their toes. You never quite know what genius creation might appear on the specials board, which adds an element of adventure to every visit.
Moroccan-inspired dishes pop up occasionally, bringing North African flavors to Oregon breakfast culture in ways that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.
The specials also reflect what’s fresh and available locally, supporting Oregon farmers and producers while giving diners the best possible ingredients. Seasonal fruit finds its way into pancakes and French toast variations, while savory specials might incorporate local vegetables or artisan cheeses.
This approach keeps the menu from getting stale and gives staff something to get excited about recommending. I love restaurants that take risks with their specials instead of playing it safe, and Morning Glory clearly falls into the adventurous camp.
Sides Worth Ordering Extra
Most restaurants treat sides as afterthoughts, but Morning Glory elevates them to supporting characters that deserve their own spotlight. The au gratin potatoes made with Gruyère cheese nearly stole the show during my meal, and I watched one couple literally order an extra side just to have more.
These aren’t your standard breakfast potatoes. Creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes get baked with fancy French cheese until everything melds into pure comfort food magic.
The top develops a golden crust while the inside stays luxuriously soft and cheesy.
Hash browns arrive crispy and golden, cooked to that perfect point where the edges get extra crunchy while the interior stays tender. Chicken sausage offers a leaner protein option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, with apple notes adding subtle sweetness.
Even the simple sides like fresh fruit get treated with care, arriving perfectly ripe and beautifully arranged.
The kitchen understands that sides can make or break a breakfast experience, so they give them the same attention as the main dishes. This commitment to quality across the board sets Morning Glory apart from places that phone in their accompaniments.
Worth Every Penny and Every Minute
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Morning Glory isn’t cheap, and you will probably wait for a table. Some reviewers complain about the prices, with breakfast for three people hitting over eighty dollars.
But here’s the thing, you’re getting restaurant-quality food with massive portions that often provide two meals worth of eating.
The wait times on weekends can stretch to thirty minutes or more, which tests your patience when you’re hungry. Smart visitors arrive right when they open at 8 AM Thursday through Monday, or they embrace the wait as part of the experience.
Some folks grab coffee while they wait, turning the delay into a pleasant prelude rather than an annoying obstacle.
Parking presents another challenge, with only six spots behind the building and street parking filling up fast. I parked a block away and walked, which honestly wasn’t a big deal and gave me a chance to explore the neighborhood a bit.
Despite these minor hassles, the crowds keep coming because the food and atmosphere deliver something special. Morning Glory earned its 4.6-star rating from over a thousand reviews by consistently exceeding expectations, and that kind of reputation doesn’t happen by accident.
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