The Ultimate Guide To Pine State Biscuits: 5 Iconic Sandwiches And The Secret Behind Portland’s Southern Cult Classic

Since its humble beginnings at a Portland Farmers Market, Pine State Biscuits has transformed a simple Southern staple into a culinary phenomenon, and as of December 15, 2025, the brand continues to dominate the breakfast and brunch scene with fresh accolades and a menu of legendary biscuit sandwiches. This deep dive reveals the secrets to their cult-like status, the latest 2025 awards, and the exact ingredients that make their flaky, buttery biscuits a cross-country sensation, proving that true comfort food knows no geographical boundaries. The fusion of North Carolina tradition with Pacific Northwest ingredients has cemented Pine State as a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking the ultimate in hearty, Southern-inspired cuisine.

The Founders and The Journey from North Carolina to Portland

The story of Pine State Biscuits is a classic tale of homesickness cured by entrepreneurship. Three friends and North Carolina natives—Kevin Atchley, Walt Alexander, and Brian Snyder—moved to Portland, Oregon, and quickly realized a critical piece of their Southern heritage was missing: a truly perfect, flaky biscuit.

They began their mission in 2006, selling their creations from a tent at the Portland Farmers Market. The response was immediate and overwhelming, quickly leading to their first brick-and-mortar location. The founders' commitment to authentic Southern flavors—combined with a savvy approach to local sourcing, including using Tillamook cheddar—allowed them to build a loyal following.

• Founder: Kevin Atchley
• Founder: Walt Alexander
• Founder: Brian Snyder
• Origin State: North Carolina
• Launch Year: 2006 (Portland Farmers Market)
• Headquarters: Portland, Oregon
• Key Ingredient Partner: Tillamook Creamery

2025 Accolades and The Secret to Flaky Perfection

Pine State Biscuits is not just a local favorite; it is an acclaimed national entity. The brand continues to receive high praise, demonstrating its enduring quality and culinary relevance. For 2025, the restaurant has earned significant recognition, including the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and a ranking on the Opinionated About Dining Cheap Eats in North America list at #188.

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The Biscuit Baking Technique: Grated Butter is the Key

The foundation of Pine State’s success lies in their biscuits, which are renowned for their delicate layers and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This signature flakiness is achieved through a specific, non-traditional technique that serious home bakers have tried to replicate for years.

Instead of cutting cold butter into the flour mixture, the Pine State method involves grating the frozen or very cold butter directly into the sifted flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This process ensures the fat is distributed in tiny, uniform pockets, which melt during baking to create steam and lift, resulting in the perfect rise and separation. The final dough is bound with a combination of buttermilk and heavy cream, adding richness and tang.

This attention to detail in the preparation of a seemingly simple item is what elevates their entire menu, providing the ideal canvas for their inventive Southern-inspired fillings and gravies. The commitment to quality ingredients, from the flour to the locally-sourced dairy, is a cornerstone of their topical authority in the breakfast category.

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The 5 Must-Try Iconic Biscuit Sandwiches

While the menu offers a variety of plates, sides, and seasonal specials, the biscuit sandwiches are the main attraction. These five items represent the core of the Pine State Biscuits experience, ranging from the indulgent to the surprisingly plant-based.

1. The Reggie Deluxe

This is arguably the sandwich that put Pine State on the national map, even being named one of the best sandwiches in the country by Esquire magazine. The Reggie Deluxe is the ultimate indulgence: a flaky biscuit stuffed with crispy Southern buttermilk fried chicken, strips of thick-cut bacon, slices of melted Tillamook cheddar cheese, and topped with a choice of gravy, plus an over-hard egg.

2. The Reggie

The slightly pared-down, yet equally famous, version of the Deluxe. The Reggie features the same core of fried chicken, bacon, and Tillamook cheddar, all smothered in your choice of gravy, but without the egg. It is the go-to for purists who want to focus on the interplay of the crispy chicken and the savory sauce.

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3. The Five & Dime (or The Reggie with Gravy)

Often sought after by customers, The Five & Dime is essentially the Reggie sandwich topped with a generous ladle of their signature Housemade Sausage Gravy. The rich, peppery gravy, made with crumbled breakfast sausage, is a perfect counterpoint to the salty bacon and sharp cheddar. This classic combination is the epitome of comfort food, drawing on deep Southern culinary roots.

4. The Veggie Reggie Deluxe

A testament to Portland's influence, Pine State offers robust vegetarian and vegan options. The Veggie Reggie Deluxe features a vegan breakfast patty, soy bacon, and Tillamook cheddar, all topped with their famous Shiitake Mushroom Gravy and an over-hard egg. The mushroom gravy is a savory, earthy alternative that ensures no one misses out on the "smothered" experience.

5. The SEC (Sausage, Egg, and Cheese)

For those who prefer a straightforward, classic breakfast sandwich, the SEC is a reliable choice. It features a house-made sausage patty, an over-hard egg, and melted Tillamook cheddar. This simple yet satisfying sandwich highlights the quality of the core ingredients and the perfect texture of the biscuit itself.

The Expanding Footprint and Locations in 2025

From a single farmers market stand, Pine State Biscuits has strategically expanded its reach, bringing its unique Southern-meets-Pacific-Northwest cuisine to several key locations. As of late 2025, the company maintains multiple brick-and-mortar restaurants and a mobile operation.

The Portland locations are strategically placed across vibrant neighborhoods, making them accessible to locals and tourists alike. The expansion outside of Oregon to Reno, Nevada, demonstrates the brand's national appeal and ambition to share its comfort food far beyond the Pacific Northwest.

• Portland Location 1: NW Portland (NW 23rd Ave)
• Portland Location 2: NE Alberta (in the Concordia neighborhood)
• Portland Location 3: SE Division
• Portland Location 4: NE Schuyler
• Out-of-State Location: Reno, Nevada
• Mobile Unit: Airstream Food Truck

Pine State Biscuits has successfully built a lasting legacy by focusing on quality, consistency, and a deep respect for both Southern food traditions and modern culinary innovation. Whether you are craving the full, gravy-smothered experience of The Reggie Deluxe or a simple biscuit with house-made apple butter, the brand continues to deliver a fresh, hearty, and award-winning taste of comfort to all its patrons.