Though generally not the booziest of holidays, especially compared to Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby just a bit earlier in the month, Mother’s Day is one the busiest brunch days for any restaurant. Most popular cafes fill up weeks in advance, so we’ve rounded up some fun, drink focused events that still have spaces available for brunch, dinner, or just for dropping in. Let us know where you’ll be celebrating mom at our Facebook or Twitter.

 

Where better to honor mom than at a women-owned and run event space? The Nightwood Collective is hosting two fun events—on Saturday, the space is playing host to a Spring Pop-Up Market. From 11 AM to 4 PM find local, women-owned businesses including Nasty Woman Wines, Sugar Magnolia Massage, Grace and Flux, Alma Chocolate, and many more. While you shop, The Nightwood Kitchen will be putting out small bites and bubbly cocktails. Then on Sunday, Nightwood chef Sarah Schneider will be cooking up a Mother’s Day brunch with locally sourced ingredients, with seatings at 9:30 and 11 AM. Tickets are $40 and include brunch and a glass of bubbly, available here. (2218 NE Broadway St.; 971-236-2267)

 

Portland’s premiere Peruvian restaurant, Andina is celebrating the holiday with its “matriarch”, owner Doris Rodriguez de Platt, preparing a Peruvian dish from her childhood for all the moms who come in—alfajor, a layered shortbread cookie with lime zest, filled with manjar blanco and dusted with powdered sugar. The regular lunch and dinner menu will be available all day, and reservations can be made at OpenTable or by calling. (1314 NW Glisan St.; 503-228-9535)

 

Southfork, the Asian inspired Southern restaurant and jazz lounge, is serving its first ever Mother’s Day brunch, complete with a complimentary welcome glass of bubbles for mom. Along with live music provided by jazz duo Paul Ward and Ken Anoe, the restaurant will be making specials like a spring vegetable quiche with a mixed green salad and a farro breakfast bowl with soft boiled egg, braised greens, house ricotta and avocado. Brunch cocktails include a huckleberry mule and a peaches and herb vodka soda. Seating is available in both the cozy jazz lounge and the bright dining room, with reservations available here. (8:30 AM to 2:30 PM at 4605 NE Fremont St.; 503-477-4453)

 

Caffe Umbria, a cafe, coffee roaster, and casual Italian eatery with two locations in Portland, is offering complimentary coffee drinks to all moms as an after brunch pick-me-up. The cafes also offer happy hour between 4 and 7 PM with $2 off wine pours, $1 off beer, and complimentary snacks. (303 NW 12th Ave.; 503-241-5300 and 710 SW Madison St.; 503-719-5248)

 

The sprawling Punch Bowl Social, with its multiple bars, game rooms, bowling alleys, and karaoke spaces, is a fun, unconventional way to celebrate with whomever is mother to you. Moms will receive a complimentary gift on arrival, and then be given a chance to roll a strike; those who do will win their brunch (though hopefully someone else is already picking up the tab). The brunch buffet is $25 ($12 for kids 12 and under), and includes omelet, taco, and salad stations, plus sliders, eggs, fruit, and more. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling or visiting here. (10 AM to 3 PM at 340 SW Morrison St., 3rd Floor; 503-334-0360)

 

Departure Restaurant and Lounge, the modern Asian restaurant helmed by Top Chef finalist Gregory Gourdet, offers a sweeping view of the city from its large windows and two rooftop patios. For Mother’s Day, Departure is opting for a special dinner, rather than brunch, with food and drink specials all evening. (525 SW Morrison St.; 503-802-5370)

 

The dark and rustic Red Star Tavern, which serves as the restaurant and bar for the Hotel Monaco downtown, is offering an indulgent Mother’s Day brunch buffet, with carved meats, a seafood bar, omelets, and more. The buffet is $50 for adults and $20 for kids under 12, and reservations should be made by calling. Drinks from the bar will be available for purchase. (503 SW Alder St.; 503- 222-0005)

 

The casual bar and brunch spot Night Light Lounge is hosting a special drag queen brunch on Sundays, with an special installment for Mother’s Day. The brunch and show is $22, and includes coffee and tea, while $50 VIP tickets include brunch, coffee, mimosas, and extra attention from the performers. Grab your tickets at the Night Light website. (11 AM and 1 PM at 2100 SE Clinton St.; 503-731-6500)  

Photo via Red Star Tavern