Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, and finding a place that satisfies you right to the core is hard to come by. I think I can finally say I’ve found just that place. DeVito’s Old Market Grill on Washington Avenue serves a breakfast much like one cooked in your own kitchen, and better. Each bite satisfies every last hunger pain you were feeling before you entered. The red-faced storefront doesn’t stand out, but once you find it you’ll go back for more.
I was immediately greeted by the sweetest waitress, who gave me the lowdown on the place. She stressed that all the food was homemade, right down to the sausage and went on to tell me that the small restaurant had been around for nearly 2 1/2 years. She quickly served me fresh coffee, and as soon as I was ready to order she seated herself across from me and began to write.
The breakfast choices at DeVito’s are endless-after all, they serve breakfast all day. I went with the Texas toast egg, cheese and sausage sandwich special that also came with home fries ($ 4.25) While waiting for my food, I noticed the scenery around me. First, I noticed how small the place was. Only six tables are scattered about and a few tall stools facing the window counter-these are perfect for people watching. On one wall are black and white photos, one of which is an aerial view of Portland’s Munjoy Hill pre-1950. Along another wall are wood shelves displaying colorful Italian pottery and Italian food products in colorful cans, boxes and bottles. The tiny kitchen is in the back corner. Separating the kitchen from the dining room is an old-fashioned, slant-front refrigerator case, where cold-cooking supplies and some cookies and muffins are kept. In addition, DeVito’s has an outdoor patio that opens when the weather is warm enough.
My food arrived in no time. The large butter-soaked sandwich-made with two eggs, a large sausage patty and plenty of melted cheddar-was delicious. Each bite melted in my mouth and was filled with a savory smoked-sausage taste. The large portion of skins-on red potato home fries were perfectly cooked and seasoned. They were warm too! The meal was so filling that no matter how hard I tried to finish every last morsel my stomach stopped me short.
Other breakfast options include an array of omelet choices ($4-7), Belgian waffles with choice of fruit sauce ($5.95) and all the other breakfast regulars you can think of. Their lunch menu is just as generous. DeVito’s also delivers with a $10 minimum order and $2 delivery charge.
This is the place to go if you’re hungry and in the mood for some good-old home cookin.’ It’s a place to bring your friends and family, where you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere and good coffee!
Staff Writer Katie Gallagher can be contacted at: [email protected]