Cheap Eats 2008

Classical music, framed art and traditional fare make John Street Cafe a reliable, unassuming North Portland destination for daylight dining. Breakfast doesn’t veer far from bacon and eggs ($9.25) or oatmeal ($5) and pancakes ($4.50-$5.75), and lunch is stacked with salads and sandwiches, but all your choices are solid. The Bacavo Omelette ($9.25) is a favorite, stuffed with thick-cut bacon, Jack cheese and hunks of ripe avocado, and topped with a garlicky blue-cheese sauce. (LC)