Avery Collins
Shari's Cafe and Pies is a restaurant chain that serves breakfast all day. While some customers have praised the restaurant for its comfortable atmosphere and reasonably priced food, others have criticized it for its poor service and decline in food quality. Shari's used to be a popular spot for families and high school students but has since changed its image by obtaining a liquor license and attempting to upscale its menu. Despite these changes, some customers still enjoy the casual dining experience and breakfast options offered by Shari's, including eggs, waffles, bacon, and hash browns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Breakfast availability | Shari's serves breakfast all day |
| Food quality | Reviews are mixed, with some praising the food and others criticising it as being cold or taking too long to arrive |
| Atmosphere | Described as comfortable and casual, but some reviews mention negative atmospheres due to poor service |
| Service | Reviews mention both improved service and poor service, including long wait times |
| Pricing | Reasonable, but there is a fee for using a credit card |
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What You'll Learn
Shari's Cafe and Pies serves breakfast all day
Shari's Cafe and Pies is a local NW chain that serves breakfast all day. It is a casual dining spot that offers comfort food without the high prices of a restaurant. While the decor is nothing spectacular, the place is nice and clean.
The menu includes eggs cooked to order, including eggs benedict, as well as waffles, bacon, and crispy hash browns. They also serve steak and eggs, club sandwiches, and fries.
Shari's Cafe and Pies has received mixed reviews. Some customers have praised the food and service, while others have complained about long wait times, incorrect orders, and cold food. There are also mentions of a decline in quality over the years, with one reviewer noting that the restaurant used to be a good, inexpensive option for families but has since gone downhill.
Despite the mixed reviews, Shari's Cafe and Pies remains a popular choice for breakfast, especially for those seeking a casual and comfortable dining experience. The restaurant's ability to serve breakfast all day long is certainly a drawcard for many customers.
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Breakfast is a safe choice at Shari's
Shari's breakfast menu offers a range of classic dishes that are familiar and comforting. Eggs Benedict, for example, is a dish that can be somewhat ""fussy"" to make at home, but Shari's seems to have mastered it, according to some patrons. The ability to get a well-prepared Eggs Benedict at a reasonable price makes Shari's a convenient choice for breakfast. Additionally, the restaurant's casual and comfortable atmosphere makes it a good option for a laid-back morning or late-night breakfast.
While Shari's has made changes to its menu and tried to "upscale" its offerings in the past, breakfast seems to have remained a consistent and reliable choice for patrons. The restaurant's focus on serving breakfast all day may contribute to the overall satisfaction with this meal option. By specializing in breakfast items, Shari's is able to provide a variety of well-prepared dishes that meet customers' expectations.
The availability of classic breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and waffles also contributes to the appeal of Shari's breakfast. These dishes are familiar and comforting, making them a safe choice for patrons looking for a satisfying meal. The ability to get crispy hash browns or perfectly cooked eggs can make a significant difference in the dining experience. Shari's seems to understand the importance of these classic dishes and executes them well, at least according to some reviews.
In conclusion, while Shari's has received mixed reviews overall, breakfast seems to be a safe choice at the restaurant. With a focus on classic breakfast items and all-day breakfast service, Shari's provides a comfortable and casual dining experience for patrons seeking a reliable morning or late-night meal. The consistency and familiarity of their breakfast offerings make Shari's a convenient option for those craving simple, comforting dishes like waffles, bacon, and eggs.
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Shari's used to be a family restaurant
Shari's Cafe & Pies, originally known as Shari's Restaurants, is a chain of family dining restaurants in the western United States. Shari's began in Hermiston, Oregon, in 1978 with Ron and Sharon "Shari" Bergquist as proprietors. The chain has had its ups and downs over the years. At its peak, Shari's was the ninth-largest family restaurant chain in the United States based on total sales and sixth in growth. However, in the years since, it has faced challenges such as lawsuits, management issues, and the impact of the COVID pandemic, leading to the closure of many of its locations.
In the early years, Shari's was a popular and inexpensive place for families to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It was also frequented by high school students and smokers late at night. However, when Oregon outlawed smoking in public, Shari's obtained a liquor license and a gaming license, which led to the addition of a smoking section with video poker machines. This change, along with an attempt to "upscale" their menu, caused some to feel that it was no longer a family-oriented establishment.
Over time, Shari's expanded its operations, taking over other restaurant chains and growing to nearly 100 locations across several states, including Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nebraska, and Wyoming. However, they also faced setbacks, such as permanent closures in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Texas due to poor management in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In recent years, Shari's has faced further challenges. In 2024, it was reported that the chain was struggling with unpaid bills and lawsuits, and many locations abruptly closed, including all of their restaurants in Oregon. This sudden shutdown surprised and saddened regular customers, as Shari's had become a dependable and favourite option for many Northwest residents and travellers.
While Shari's used to be a prominent and well-loved family restaurant, changes in the industry, management issues, and economic challenges have led to a decline in its fortunes. As of August 2025, Shari's has a significantly reduced presence, with only 10 locations remaining across Washington, California, and Idaho.
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Shari's has a liquor license and a gaming license
Shari's, a family-style restaurant brand in the Pacific Northwest, has a liquor license and a gaming license. This was likely a response to Oregon's smoking ban, which resulted in the removal of smoking sections in restaurants. To circumvent this, Shari's obtained licenses to introduce a gaming area and serve alcoholic beverages, potentially attracting a different clientele.
The acquisition of the liquor and gaming licenses by Shari's led to a notable shift in the establishment's atmosphere and target demographic. The presence of video poker machines and the sale of alcoholic drinks transformed the family-friendly image that Shari's once held. This change in ambiance may have been a strategic decision by the restaurant to cater to a more adult crowd and compete in the evolving market.
While the introduction of gaming and liquor options may have been a business strategy, some patrons may view it as a departure from the original concept of Shari's as a casual dining spot for families and older individuals. The addition of these adult-oriented amenities might deter families with children or those seeking a smoke-free environment for their meals. This shift in focus could potentially result in a loss of the core customer base that Shari's previously catered to.
The impact of obtaining the liquor and gaming licenses is evident in the mixed reactions from patrons. While some may embrace the new offerings, others might feel that the changes contradict the foundational values of a family-oriented restaurant. This evolution of Shari's brand image and target market showcases the delicate balance between adapting to market demands and preserving the core values that established their success in the first place.
Despite the adjustments in ambiance and offerings, Shari's continues to operate as a full-service restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The introduction of liquor and gaming options represents an attempt to enhance the customer experience and appeal to a diverse range of patrons. Whether this strategic shift will result in long-term success or a departure from their core customer base remains to be seen.
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Shari's food quality and service have been criticised
While Shari's has been a go-to diner for many, some customers have criticised its food quality and service. One common complaint is that the food is overpriced for its quality, with some describing it as "reheated" and "mediocre". The portions have also been criticised for being too small, especially considering the price.
Some customers have also had negative experiences with the staff and management at Shari's. One customer complained about being refused service because their party was too large, while another reported being treated poorly by the manager, server, and dishwasher. In addition, there have been concerns about the cleanliness and food safety practices at Shari's, with one location failing a health inspection and never reopening.
The decline in food quality has been attributed to the influence of corporate shareholders, resulting in a perceived focus on profit over customer satisfaction. This has led to a perceived homogenisation of the menu, with some blaming food supplier Sysco for the decline in quality. The introduction of a liquor license and video poker machines has also changed the atmosphere of the restaurant, making it less appealing to families.
While some customers still find the food acceptable, the general consensus among critics is that Shari's has declined in quality and service. Long wait times for food, cold meals, and inadequate portion sizes have been common complaints. In defence of the restaurant, some have pointed out that staff shortages and training issues may have contributed to these issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Shari's Cafe and Pies in Portland, Oregon, serves breakfast all day.
Some breakfast items served at Shari's include eggs benedict, eggs over easy, waffles, bacon, and hash browns.
Some people enjoy the breakfast at Shari's, describing it as "dependable" and "comfortable." However, others have had negative experiences, with issues such as long wait times, cold food, and poor service.
Yes, there is a mention of a Shari's in Keizer, Oregon, and another in Tigard, Oregon, indicating that there are multiple locations.
