Best places to eat with kids in this celebrated, foodie city
Portland, Oregon’s reputation as a world-class foodie town is well deserved: farm-fresh ingredients, just-picked fruit from the Hood River Valley, freshly-caught seafood from the Pacific, award-winning wines from Yamhill County, and endless pints of microbrews. But remember, this is the laid-back Northwest, where diners laugh in the face of dress codes and dine al fresco, even in a drizzle. That carefree attitude makes dining with kids in Portland a breeze.
1. Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Stumptown Coffee & Burnside Bourbon? Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper? Pear & Blue Cheese? These concoctions are among the classic ice cream flavors at Salt & Straw that have people lined up out the door! Call it farm-to-cone, owners Kim and Tyler Malek (cousins) take locally-sourced ingredients – like Oregon berries, bacon, and craft beers – and develop unexpected deliciousness. While being listed as one of Oprah’s favorite things put the ice cream shop on the culinary map, it’s the ever-changing seasonal flavors that keep the whole family coming back again… and again. Several Portland-area locations. $
We also like the soft serve at Salt & Straw’s Whiz Bang Bar located at the Pine Street Market in Downtown Portland. Be sure to try it hand-dipped in Magic Shell. $
Have a sweet tooth? Read about the Underground Donut Tour in Portland that we recommend.
2. Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell Boulevard, Southeast Portland
Portland boasts more breweries per capita than any other city in the world, earning its nickname, Beervana. While I don’t have any hard numbers, I’m pretty sure that it has the most brewpubs with playrooms, as well! Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) in Southeast Portland and Hopworks BikeBar in North Portland both have play areas sponsored by local toy stores, monthly craft and story times, and a healthy kids’ menu with items like free-range chicken and nitrate-free hotdogs served with organic veggies or apple slices. Oh, and did I mention, Hopworks serves up world-class organic beer? $$
3. Tin Shed
1438 NE Alberta Street, Northeast Portland
Tin Shed is home to Portland’s best comfort food. Situated on trendy Alberta Street in Northeast Portland, this garden cafe caters to families… and dogs! The outdoor patio (enclosed with a fireplace during the winter) offers a no-fuss atmosphere. The kids’ menu lists homemade favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner: Freddy French Toast, Biscuit Sammy (optional veggie or vegan sausage), and Marcel’s Mac Daddy. There’s even baby food and a Babycino (steamed milk with a dollop of foam) on the menu. $$
4/Slappy Cakes
4246 SE Belmont St., Southeast Portland
It’s D.I.Y. breakfast all day long! At Slappy Cakes, your kids can make their own pancakes – any size, any shape – right at your table. The griddle is built in! (Just watch the hands of wee little ones.) They can combine their own sweet and savory ingredients or follow a recipe on the menu. Other breakfast choices are also available. It’s flippin’ fun! $$
For another breakfast favorite in Southeast, visit Jam on Hawthorne with a wholesome kids’ menu and play area. $$
5. Bamboo Sushi
836 NW 23rd Avenue, Northwest Portland
On bustling 23rd Street in Northwest Portland right next to Salt & Straw, Bamboo Sushi is my sons’ hands-down favorite restaurant. My teens can eat their weight in rolls. Executive Chef Jin Soo Yang has lured in customers with his commitment to sustainable fish, but it’s the Green Machine veggie rolls of crispy tempura-fried asparagus and green onions topped with silky avocado and cilantro sweet chili aioli that makes our mouths water. For added entertainment, sit at the sushi bar and watch the chefs work. Additional locations: Northeast, Southeast, & Southwest Portland. $$
KidTripster Tip: Arrive at 5 p.m. to avoid a line; no reservations for parties under 7.
6. Little Big Burger
Every town needs a good family burger joint. I like Little Big Burger, because the burgers are just the right size for small hands – 1/4 lb. of Cascade Natural Beef on a small brioche bun. The menu is uncomplicated – burgers (veggie, too), truffle fries, root beer floats, plus microbrews and hard ciders. Families can sit at the counter or grab a booth. The restaurant has seven locations in Portland. $
7. Hot Lips Pizza
Hot Lips does pizza the Portland way. This family-owned pizzeria partners with local farmers to provide the freshest ingredients for its pies. But pizza is only part of the draw. Hot Lips also brews its own fresh fruit sodas, like Black Raspberry, Pear, and Marionberry. Yum! Hot Lips has six locations, each with its own vibe, some locations have a large selection of pinball machines. The one on NW 10th and Irving in the Pearl District is conveniently located near the city’s most kid-friendly fountain at Jamison Park. On a hot day, they’re a perfect pairing. Gluten free slices and pies are available. $
8. Laughing Planet Cafe
Since my husband is a vegetarian (ok, pescatarian, if you wanna get technical), we’re always on the lookout for a satisfying restaurant with meat-free options. We land at Laughing Planet, a local chain delivering affordable and kid-friendly bowls, burritos, smoothies, and juices. There are lots of gluten-free options here, too. Plus, the dinosaur decor will make your kids feel right at home at one of its nine locations. $
9. Mother’s Bistro & Bar
121 SW 3rd Avenue, Downtown
With a name like Mother’s, it’s gotta be family-friendly, right?! Perfectly-located in downtown, the bright and sunny dining room with its crystal chandeliers is classy without being pretentious. Like the main menu, the kids’ version has slow-roasted favorites like chicken & dumplings and pot roast, plus Painted Hills Beef burgers and chicken strips. But our favorite meal at Mother’s is Sunday brunch: wild salmon hash, stuffed frittatas, and crunchy french toast. Before the food arrives, kids can pass the time in a small play area. $$
10. Food carts
No trip to Portland would be complete without sampling its legendary food cart fare. The 600+ carts are grouped in pods throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Here, even the fussiest eaters can find something that they’ll love, and everyone in the family can choose something different. Cart pods are also where you’ll find some the city’s best ethnic food. $
KidTripster Tip: Go for lunch, as many carts are closed for dinner.
For Top 10 Plays in Portland, click here.
For Top 10 Stays in Portland, click here.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
