The PDX Parent Dining Guide

By Meg Asby, Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill

Any Portland restaurant is a kid-friendly place if you go early and come prepared. But sometimes you just need a restaurant that you know is solid and easy to venture to with kids. That means high chairs, food kids will eat (and maybe even are good for them), and coloring pages or toys to keep them entertained. A place you can roll into when your family is a hot mess and no one bats an eye. These tried and true restaurants that cater to the littlest diners are just what you need.

Hopworks Urban Brewery

I’ve been to a lot of brewpubs, but Hopworks Urban Brewery on Southeast Powell is the one I always recommend to parents. Their sweet potato fries are the stuff of legend — pair them with the chipotle mayo, and tell your family you aren’t sharing. They also make a great burger; I usually order the Whiskey Bomber with house-made BBQ sauce. They offer a wide range of beverage options, including great nonalcoholic drinks, but we like to get the choose-your-own tasting tray of craft brews to share. As someone who isn’t big on IPAs (gasp, I know), I love that I can fill the sampler with lagers I’ll enjoy. The play area is well-stocked and tucked in a corner so you can easily keep an eye on the kids while relaxing at your table. Just ask for a seat near the play space, and linger over those fries in peace.
2944 SE Powell Blvd. and 17707 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, Wash.

Grand Central Bakery

Grand Central Bakery Cafe is a reliable, family-friendly spot for breakfast, lunch or an after-school cookie. The quality is consistently excellent across all eight Portland locations, an iced brioche cinnamon roll or turkey and chutney sandwich tastes as delicious in Hillsboro as it does in Sellwood. And most Grand Centrals have a stash of kids’ books or toys. My kids have never turned down a Grand Central grilled cheese in their lives and will often cheer if we announce we’re going there for lunch.
Multiple locations.

Dick’s Primal Burger

Friday night burgers with the grandparents is a weekly tradition in my family. And one of the burger joints in our rotation is Dick’s Primal Burger, which sources from local vendors including Carman Ranch grass-fed beef, Franz buns and Portland Ketchup. The food is fresh and comes out quickly (even when we’ve gone with a group of 12!); you can even opt for a salad or salmon burger if you are feeling virtuous; and they’ve got an excellent stash of toys for kids to grab. The emphasis on local foods also extends to the kids’ menu with free-range, gluten-free chicken nuggets and Hempler’s hot dogs on tap in addition to a junior-sized burger. Pro tip: Order the sweet potato fries. My kids love them.
4905 SE Woodstock Blvd.

Double Mountain Brewery

Double Mountain Brewery knows how to treat kids, and it’s obvious on a Friday night when the place is packed with families. Not only do kids get a coloring sheet and crayons when seated, but the kids’ menu goes beyond cheese and pepperoni pies to include grilled cheese, a chicken quesadilla, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (And the appetizer mac ‘n’ cheese is a de facto kids’ meal as well.) But grown-ups can try Double Mountain’s more elevated pizzas like the Truffle Shuffle (a white pie with goat cheese and portobello mushrooms marinated in truffle oil) or the Jersey (capicola, provolone and Mama Lil’s peppers), not to mention Double Mountain’s excellent brews. Pro tip: Go on a weekday evening for a less crowded experience.
4336 SE Woodstock Blvd. and 1700 N Killingsworth St.

Pho Hung

For kids open to food not in the nugget form, Pho Hung is your next stop. Pho Hung serves 20 different types of pho (Vietnamese rice noodle soup with extremely flavorful broth), but for newbies, No. 11, rare steak with well done brisket, is a great starting point. There’s even a kids’ bowl with well-done brisket and meatballs sans cilantro and green onions (and sans the plate of bean sprouts, jalapeño and basil leaves that come with other bowls). We’ve taken family trips to Pho Hung since my kids were babies and fondly remember the manager who gushed over our chubby-cheeked daughter in her high chair. (There are lots of high chairs.) Admittedly when my kids were younger, they split a chicken teriyaki plate that comes with rice, steamed broccoli and a small bowl of plain broth. But after sampling that broth a few times, they started ordering their own kids’ pho and now consider pho one of their favorite foods. Portland’s rainy winter nights make pho a perfect, warming meal — and the incredibly fast service at Pho Hung means you’ll be feeling cozy in short order.
4717 SE Powell Blvd. and 3120 SE 82nd Ave.

Pizza Jerk

Your family can get their ‘za on at one of Pizza Jerk’s two Portland locations. New Haven style, these pies are thin crust with that characteristic spotty char and just the right amount of cheese and sauce. Our favorites are the Kale Blazer topped with fennel sausage, kale, Bunk hot peppers and garlic, and the It’s Always Sunny in Cully, with pepperoni, pineapple, Bunk hot peppers, basil and honey. If kale or honey prove too weird to be on pizza for your kiddos, there’s always the classic cheese, build-your-own option, or just get a slice. While Pizza Jerk’s pizzas are great to-go, sometimes you just need to get the family out. We love the Northeast spot’s cozy play area and old-school arcade games. Pro tip: For vegan families there’s a whole menu page of vegan pie and salad creations.
5028 NE 42nd Ave. and 1708 SW 6th Ave.

BG’s Food Cartel

Going to a restaurant with kids is hard, but going to BG’s Food Cartel in Beaverton is easy — dare I say, even relaxing. Try to snag one of the picnic tables surrounding the astroturf “Human Area” (not to be confused with the “Pet Area”), and enjoy your meal while the kids chase each other around the lawn. The tables act as a natural barrier, keeping the kids from wandering too far, and with no play structure, parents have great visibility. That said, bring a few toys if your kids need more than open space to stay entertained. I’ve tried three of the 31 carts, and my favorite by far is From Russia With Love. The first bite of their piroshki made with handmade dough might convince you that the generous portions are actually just right for one person. And if piroshki sounds a little too adventurous for your kids, don’t worry — Daisy’s Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup cart has you covered.
4250 SW Rose Biggi Ave., Beaverton

Jam on Hawthorne

Jam on Hawthorne is a favorite breakfast place for Portlanders. Who can resist their homemade biscuits and jam? And while it can get busy on the weekends, the good news of dining with kiddos is that you’ve been up for hours, so you can get there right when they open at 8 am and beat the brunch crowd that’s probably still in bed. Jam on Hawthorne’s kids’ menu features varieties of the all-time brekkie fave of children: pancakes. There’s traditional buttermilk pancakes under a thick maple syrup blanket; lemon ricotta pancakes served with housemade blueberry compote; and vegan chai cakes, made with apple cider and chai. Pro tip: Gluten-free pancakes are also available on the kids’ menu. Coloring pages are available for pre-breakfast entertainment, which means you can enjoy one of their renowned Bloody Marys in relative peace.
2239 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Wonderwood Springs

When public joy creator, Mike Bennett, opened Wonderwood Springs in St. Johns in 2022, we knew it was going to be a hit with families. This magical, medieval-themed cafe is chock-full of Bennett’s signature creatures and decor, and is welcoming for kids whether they are 2 or 12. Younger kids love the Bennett-created character coloring pages, and the fact that kindie musician Mr. Ben plays here every Sunday at 10 am. And for those too cool for kiddie songs, there’s an entire bookcase filled with games like Uno, Apples to Apples and Catan Junior, plus books for readers of all ages. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with a cup of the cafe’s warm apple cider or chocolate soft serve before a group sing-along or for a little friendly competition. For food, Wonderwood Springs serves simple but tasty breakfast sandwiches or burritos in the morning, and pulled pork quesadillas, fried chicken sandos and salads for lunch and dinner. The kids’ menu features kid classics like buttered noodles, chicken tenders and fries, and grilled cheese. And for families that want even more activity pre or post-meal, there’s a 9-hole mini indoor golf course next door! Pro tip: Look out for the PDX Parent hole on the course!
8811 N Lombard St.

Rocio’s Mexican Restaurant

There’s lots of reasons your family should head to Rocio’s Mexican Restaurant in the Reed neighborhood: fast, friendly service, tasty enchiladas, mouth-watering crunchy tacos and plenty of delicious tortillas chips and salsa. But an even more compelling reason might be the kids eat free deal on Wednesdays and Thursdays. (One free kids’ meal per adult entree purchase.) Kids get options like an enchilada, quesadilla, or bean and cheese burrito with a side of fries, or rice and beans, and a fountain drink. The burrito was small for my tween, but she shared the steak from my husband’s huge skillet of steak and shrimp fajitas that was impressively sizzling and steaming as it was set down on the table. Pro tip: Since you saved some dough on the kids’ meals, try Abuela’s Flan for dessert; it was creamier, richer and less eggy than other flans we’ve tried and my kiddos gobbled it up.
2850 SE Gladstone St.

¿Por Qué No?

It can be frustrating as a parent to peek at the kids’ section of the menu only see that items are A) not cheap and B) not favorites of your kiddo. The end result can be taking a gamble on a dish that they may take three nibbles of, forcing you to play the mental game of Do I take it home and try to reheat it? Or just eat it myself to neutralize the cost? That’s why we love ¿Por Qué No? You’ll often find lines of visitors and locals outside of both locations of this popular taquería. Pro tip: Get there right when they open. Parents love it because their kids’ menu is simple — often like your child’s taste palate — and affordable! The kids’ rice and bean bowl starts at $3.75, and if you get extras like avocado, meat or fish, it’s still under $10. There’s also a kids’ bean and cheese taco for $2.75. And for older kids and adults, ¿Por Qué No?’s taco selection can’t be beat. Everything we’ve tried here has been a winner. The outdoor, heated patios at both locations are also very family-friendly.  Pro tip: ¿Por Qué No? also has a stellar happy hour from 2:30-5 pm, Monday through Friday, perfect for an early dinner with littles before their bedtime.
3524 N Mississippi Ave. and 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Mother’s Bistro

With a name like Mother’s Bistro, you know it’s going to be warm, homey and inviting,  and that extends to the kiddos. This downtown dining institution features all of your favorite comfort food classics — think meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, slow-cooked pulled pork — including upscale kid-approved favorites such as macaroni and cheese, fried ricotta ravioli or pulled pork quesadilla. What we really love at Mother’s (in addition to the hits-the-spot entrees and desserts)? There’s a sectioned off play kitchen kids area tucked along the wall, perfect for some pre-meal pretend play.
121 SW 3rd Ave.

Old Market Pub & Brewery

When you don’t want to work hard while eating out with the family, head to the Old Market Pub & Brewery. Located a short 8-minute drive from Washington Square Mall, this brewpub has it all: an arcade for the kids (and let’s be honest, grown-ups, too), a covered patio (that’s also pet-friendly), large tables to spread out at, and a sizable menu with American classics from burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads to pasta and pizza. You won’t have to cajole the kids to eat their meals; they’re time-honored favorites like chicken tenders, a hot dog, or pasta with either butter and parmesan, marinara or alfredo sauce. And each kid’s entree comes with a drink and a side dish like tots, apple sauce or carrot sticks. And since this is a brewpub afterall, Old Market also has an impressive tap list and the beer is brewed in house, all with organic ingredients.
6959 SW Multnomah Blvd.

Salvador Molly’s

When your family can’t agree on what kind of food to eat, long standing table service restaurant Salvador Molly’s in the Hillsdale neighborhood should be your go-to spot. The global menu ranges from bulgogi barbecue tacos to loaded nachos (pictured above) to tempting catfish po’ boys. And the lengthy kids’ menu includes mini corn dogs and curly fries as well as grilled shrimp with rice and cucumbers; so adventurous eaters and not-so-adventurous eaters will both find something to suit their tastes. Pro tip: The Great Balls of Fire habanero-cheese fritters live up to their name and are scorchingly hot!
1523 SW Sunset Blvd.

Buranko Cafe

If you’re looking for something beyond pizza and burgers, add Buranko Cafe to the top of your list. This Asian fusion restaurant in Old Town feels like date night, but take a peek in the corner and you’ll find an incredible play space stocked with a train table, children’s books, and more. There’s even a fish tank. Linger over a cocktail and life-changing crispy chicken while your kids play happily, and don’t forget to order the mango sticky rice for dessert. Despite its elevated dining experience, Buranko offers a kids’ menu with a coloring sheet, and plenty of healthy, child-friendly options.
108 SW Pine St.

Slappy Cakes

I used to hate making pancakes. It was always a lose-lose experience: either I was stuck at the stove while everyone sat at the table, or half of us had to eat cold pancakes. Not anymore! At Slappy Cakes on SE Belmont, everyone makes their own pancakes — even the kids. Each table has a built-in griddle, and pancake batter is served in squeeze bottles that let you create any shape you want. Write your name, draw a heart, or get creative with animal designs if you’re feeling artsy. Pick your own toppings, and choose from a variety of batters including seasonal and gluten-free options. Their drinks are stellar, and there’s a full menu if pancakes alone don’t feel like the breakfast of champions. It is no surprise that Slappy Cakes is the reigning winner of Favorite Family-friendly Restaurant in our annual PDX Parent Reader Favorites poll. They definitely get my vote; I even bought an electric griddle to bring the experience home — I’ll never make pancakes standing up again.
4246 SE Belmont St.

Laughing Planet

While parents might applaud Laughing Planet Cafe for its healthful kids’ menu and variety of bowls, burritos and salads for vegans, meat eaters and gluten abstainers alike, kids cheer it for one main reason: the dinosaurs. Those tabletop dinos (and maybe an order of chips and guac) make it much easier for kiddos to wait for their kids’ trifecta or bean and cheese burrito. And let parents enjoy their grilled chicken burrito or harvest bowl. OK, maybe the dinosaurs are parents’ favorite thing about Laughing Planet, too.
Multiple locations.

Boke Bowl

Where can you enjoy duck confit and crispy brussel sprouts swimming in a house-made ramen broth that’s simmered overnight … while your kiddos munch on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Look no further than Boke Bowl. This Central Eastside ramen spot knows that parents deserve delicious meals, like ramen, curry and poke bowls, while their kiddos can fill their bellies with tried and true classics — with an Asian fusion twist. Here you’ll find PB and J bao buns, as well as fried chicken, beef brisket or pork belly nestled in between the steamed dough, plus wontons and potstickers. For more adventurous eaters, there’s the Bambino ramen or rice bowls, simply made with noodles or rice, protein and veggies. Pro tip: The restaurant also has plenty of kid chopsticks, with ninjas on top. For dessert, don’t miss the Boke Twinkie.
1028 SE Water Ave.

Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Public House

For families with little kids, it truly does not get better than Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Public House. The Pearl brewpub has everything for the makings of a pleasant night out with your kids. You’ll find a reasonably priced kid’s menu — with options like grilled cheese, buttered noodles or seared salmon — that include a side and drink; coloring pages and crayons; and large tables and booths. But what kids really love is the large play area near the back of the restaurant. It’s outfitted with books, a tabletop race car track, pretend-play kitchen with utensils, fruits and veggies, and more. Pro tip: Deschutes can get busy. Put your name in and head to the back so the kiddos can play while you wait for a table. There are even tables adjacent to the play space, which means you can sit and enjoy one of the brewpub’s more than 20 beers and ciders on draft. We also love anything with smoked chicken here, and you can’t go wrong with one of Deschutes’ pub burgers. 210 NW 11th Ave.