Portland is famous for its amazing culinary scene and award-winning eateries, although not all restaurants welcome families with children with open arms. So we’ve picked some restaurants that are known for their family-friendly atmosphere as well as their delicious meals. From casual to more formal, here are some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Portland, Oregon…
1. The Old Spaghetti Factory – Family-friendly eatery featuring traditional Italian entrees amid turn-of-the-century decor
The Old Spaghetti Factory is one of the most popular Italian restaurant chains in the US and Canada. The restaurant was launched in Portland in 1994 and immediately grabbed the public’s attention.
The Portland branch is located in the South Waterfront near the Willamette River. The fresh atmosphere and antique decorations form a unique combination to enjoy your food to the fullest. You can tag along with your family and friends or even host your parties and events at the relaxed, chill venue.
Address: 715 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, United States
2. Off the Griddle – a cozy family choice for inventive vegan and vegetarian gluten-free lunches and brunches
This modern, hip restaurant provides tasty meals fresh from local farms. If you are looking for the go-to spot for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes then consider giving this beautiful restaurant a chance.
Off the Griddle was originally launched as a food cart that grew popular among the residents. Due to high demand, the food cart was transformed into a full-fledged vegan restaurant where guests could enjoy their food in peace.
Despite the expansion, the restaurant didn’t lose its original touch. The classic vegan menu is still made from scratch and features authentic, fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect place to visit with your family for lunch or dinner.
Address: 6526 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, United States
3. Santa Fe Taqueria – a kid-friendly Mexican spot with a counter-service dining room and boisterous adjoining cantina
Santa Fe Taqueria specializes in delicious Mexican food and unique cocktails. The restaurant takes pride in its “slowly” cooked dishes which are known to pack in more flavors and provide greater freshness than regular quick-fry dishes.
The owner first launched the restaurant by introducing recipes from his mother. Even today, the restaurant is known to feature traditional recipes that have been passed down from generations. You can also customize your meals according to your specifics by informing the chefs directly.
There are also plenty of options available for vegan and gluten-free peeps.
Address: 831 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, United States
4. Next Level Burger – Vegan burgers & hot dogs with organic toppings are the draw for the whole family
Not convinced of the flavor of vegan burgers? Wait till you try Next Level Burger’s delicious vegan menu. The meals are so well-made and tasty that you will forget the flavor of regular meat.
The restaurant features a wide variety of meals including shakes, fries, salads, burgers, and plant-based chicken. So why not help save the environment while also enjoying all your favorite fast-food items?
The modern, classy vegan fast-food restaurant is perfect to dine in with your family or friends.
Address: 4121 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, United States
5. Tom’s Restaurant – a classic American diner making the kids and you feel right at home with their friendly staff
Tom’s Restaurant provides an authentic Portland dining experience that goes head-to-head with modern fast-food chains. The restaurant was launched in 1975 and has enjoyed a loyal customer base over the years.
When you walk into the restaurant, remember you will be welcomed by a friendly and caring staff. The restaurant is family-owned and the guests are treated like family and friends. The restaurant is popular in the Richmond neighborhood and supports the local farmers by buying fresh.
Address: 3871 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, United States
6. ¿Por Qué No? – a family Mexican restaurant with bold flavour and colourful dishes for a fun evening out for both kids and adults
¿Por Qué No? (why not?) may be a mouthful to spell but it makes up for the complicated name with its delicious meals. The Mexican restaurant has two branches; one in the Mississippi neighborhood and the other in the Hawthorne district.
You will find delicious, on-the-go meals with strong, bold flavors in this unique restaurant. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining as well as open-air seats. Most popular for their outdoor tents, ¿Por Qué No? enjoys a loyal customer base who regularly frequent the place.
Address: 3524 North Mississippi Avenue, Portland, OR. 97227
7. Rally Pizza – Casual family dining setup with pizza, salads, small plates and even custard desserts
Rally Pizza is more than just a pizza spot serving mediocre fast food. The restaurant features delicious, Naples-style pizza, handmade Muffuletta dishes, yummy custard desserts, fresh salads, and a huge assortment of drinks.
It is the perfect place to visit with your family for a delicious, hearty meal. The restaurant has a wide variety of cocktails, wine, and beer for every kind of person. You can enjoy your food in the beautiful, open-floor restaurant or the fresh weather outside.
The restaurant also features delivery options in Vancouver as well as Portland (with a few exceptions).
Address: 8070 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664, United States
Drive from Portland: 21 min (14.0 mi)
8. Tin Shed Garden Cafe – Kids and dog-friendly special menus specializing in American food
Tin Shed Garden Cafe is the perfect place to visit alongside your dog for a meal for two. The restaurant specializes in on-the-go American meals including breakfast items, burgers, salads, and more.
There is a separate menu for kids and even for dogs. The restaurant is known to be the ultimate family spot for delicious meals in comfortable dining. There is outdoor dining available which stays heated in cold weather.
You can even enjoy sweet beverages, cocktails, coffee, and other drinks.
Address: 1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States
9. Oven and Shaker – Fun pizzeria for the family with wood-fired pizza’s & top-shelf cocktails in a lively, music-filled space
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Oven and Shaker is not your ordinary, fast-food restaurant. It is a culinary gem tucked away on Everett street. Featuring delicious Naples-style pizzas, this characteristic restaurant is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
With around twelve different pizza flavors there is no shortage of flavors. There is also an incredible menu for craft cocktails. Most of the items are gluten-free and you can even customize the dishes if you have any allergens. There are high-seats available for your kids as well.
Address: 1134 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
10. Que Pasa Cantina – Stylish Mexican dishes & margaritas served with lots of flavour in a colourful vibrant place for the family
Que Pasa is a popular restaurant on 12th Ave serving traditional Mexican dishes and craft cocktails. There is a huge selection of bold flavors and comfort items to satisfy your hunger. The dishes are homemade and feature fresh ingredients.
With a vibrant, cheerful environment, the restaurant is perfect to have a fun time with family or friends. You can dine in one of three places, the lounge, main indoor dining, and outside on the patio seating.
Address: 1408 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
11. Sizzle Pie Downtown – The kids will love the rock ‘n’ roll vibe serving delicious pizzas and pies
Sizzle Pie is the new cool spot in town to hang out with your family and friends. Serving fresh pizzas and pies, this pizza will get you away with its handmade sauces and farm-fresh ingredients.
The restaurant is known to support various charities and non-profit organizations to give back to the community. Whether you are a meat-lover or enjoy veggie pizzas, Sizzle Pie has you covered. You can even order desserts and fresh salads.
Address: 926 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97205, United States
12. The Observatory – a stylish neighbourhood eatery with a creative take on American classics & craft cocktails
The Observatory is the ultimate hub for Portlanders to enjoy all American dishes and inventive cocktails. With a deep menu including starters, salads, lunch, and dinner items you will never leave unsatisfied.
Upon its launch in 2008, The Observatory received instant feedback from customers who loved the incredible dishes. Today, the owners have launched a bar as well, present down the hall, featuring a wide variety of drinks. You will even find a pinball machine and a pool table.
Address: 8115 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215, United States
13. Mother’s Bistro & Bar – Homey country-chic decor and specializing in hearty comfort-food classics Mother’s Bistro and Bar aims to provide the coziest dining experience and great comfort meals so you don’t have to go anywhere else. Bringing the fun right to your town, this restaurant will impress you with its modern, well-lit atmosphere and flavorful dishes.
Located in the beautiful Embassy suites, the restaurant features around two hundred seats so feel free to bring along your family and friends. You will find separate menus for breakfast, dinner, lunch, desserts, beverages, and even espresso coffees.
Address: 121 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
14. Slappy Cakes – a unique interactive dining making your own pancakes however you like
If you want to have a little fun while enjoying a great breakfast, consider taking your family to Slappy Cakes. The unique concept allows you to prepare your own pancakes and customize them however you like.
The pancake spot is also a full-fledged breakfast restaurant offering dishes including forest mushroom scramble, classic benedict, and country fried steak. You can even order cocktails, sodas, or coffee to go alongside your meal.
Address: 4246 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215, United States
15. Elmer’s Restaurant – a family-friendly restaurant with local, farm-fresh ingredients
Elmer’s Restaurant is a true Portland-style, family-owned business that focuses on providing healthy meals to its customers and giving back to the community in different ways. You will find three branches scattered across Portland alone.
From omelets and crepes to sandwiches and salads, the restaurant has everything you can wish for. There is even a special menu for kids. The restaurant first opened in 1960 as a pancake spot and has since evolved into a full-fledged restaurant with numerous branches across the US.
Address: 10001 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220, United States
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam
