Dining out with the family doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are places around the Portland area that won’t break the bank and will leave everyone with happy, full bellies.
Dining out — in this economy? While we are lifelong fans of Portland’s robust and award-winning restaurant scene, going out to dinner with the family this year has gotten … expensive. And there is certainly a time and place for higher-cost food experiences, but as the parent of a toddler, those glorious occasions are saved for when we have a babysitter. For all those in-between times — the days you can’t cook, you need to get out of the house or are simply craving a quality smash burger or giant burrito — we’ve got you. We present our annual dining guide, cheap eats edition. With virtually everything around us costing more, it’s nice to know that dining out in our city is still doable. These places offer quality meals at amazing prices. Like less than $15 per item amazing. So go ahead, skip the cooking and cleaning today.
North and Northeast Portland
King Burrito
This no-frills Mexican food joint has been a long-standing establishment on North Lombard. And you can’t beat the prices for a giant burrito. (Enough for a second meal!) The food here is solid. In fact, one online reviewer notes that they’ve been coming to King Burrito since they were a kid, and still visit with their teenage son for their al pastor fix. 2924 N Lombard St. 💰 Burritos start at $11 and tacos start at $2.50
Pizza Creature
When the family is both hungry and has differing opinions on pizza toppings, head to the Pizza Creature food cart in St. Johns Food & Beer Porch. The kids can split a plain cheese (or take it home for the next day), while the grown-ups can tuck into the Eggplant, blanketed with roasted eggplant, Calabrian chile, mozzarella, feta and toasted walnuts. We can’t get enough of this wood-fired sourdough crust. Plus there’s vegan, and gluten-free options available. 7316 N Lombard St.,
💰 12-inch pies start at $11
Mole Mole Mexican
If you love mole (a sauce made from dried chiles and spices, and sometimes chocolate or nuts), there’s only one spot to go to: The Mole Mole Mexican food cart (with two locations). Discover a variety of Mexican cuisine favorites from tacos, hefty burritos, nachos, and of course, all the mole your heart desires, from burritos to enchiladas. There are also vegan options here, and kid-approved favorites like quesadillas and mini burritos. 4237 N Mississippi Ave. and 2231 NE Alberta St. 💰$10 for burritos and $3.50 for tacos
Sure Shot Burger
With its retro-ish color scheme, this food cart in the Oakshire Beer Hall on Alberta gives us Bob’s Burgers vibes. But unlike in the cartoon, these burger slingers always have a steady stream of hungry customers. These smash-burgers come out with crispy, lacey edges and leave you full, but not overly stuffed. Fries are extra, but worth it. Pro tip: For families (or those with bigger appetites), get the Bag-O-Burgers. It’s five classic cheeseburgers for $25. 5013 NE 42nd Ave. 💰$6 for a classic cheeseburger
Taste Tickler
For many Northeast Portlanders, a packed-to-the-brim sub from Taste Tickler is their lunchtime go-to. Not only are the subs sizeable — ranging from 7- to 14-inches — they are made with fresh-baked bread, giving it that classic hoagie chewiness. But that’s not all! This enduring sandwich shop also sells bentos, drawing from Korean and Japanese influences. Or combine the two by ordering the chicken teriyaki sub. 1704 NE 14th Ave. 💰 7-inch subs start at $9.75; bentos start at $9.95
Southeast
Master Kong
This friendly Chinese restaurant is easy on the wallet serving traditional dishes, like xiaolongbao, noodles soups, congee, braised pork belly and more. Kiddos will love ordering from the touch-screen kiosk, and there’s items like fries and popcorn chicken if they want something more familiar. Pro tip: Don’t skip ordering the jianbing, a savory handheld crepe-like dish filled with vegetables, egg and crispy wonton strips for $8.95. 8435 Southeast Division St. and 1522 SE 32nd Ave. 💰 Dishes range from $8.95 to $14.95
Olé Olé Taqueria
This cozy taqueria is easy to order from and even easier to devour. Like many of our standout Mexican joints, you get a lot of food for not a lot of money. And for the grown-ups, visit between 2-5 pm and get two tacos and a Corona beer for $10. Pro tip: Make sure you bring cash with you; Olé Olé doesn’t accept credit cards or digital, contactless pay. 2137 E Burnside St.💰 Burritos start at $10 and tacos start at $3.50
Humdinger Pizza
A fun tradition in my family is going to the Lents Park playground, followed by lunch at Humdinger Pizza. This place is kid-friendly (even toddler-friendly) with the row of pinball machines in the back. There’s roomy bench-style seating so it’s easy to go with a group. And the pizza? Delicious. We love that you can order by the slice here, and they’re big slices. For bigger appetites get a 12- or 18-inch pie, ranging in price from $18 to $36. Pro tip: The garlic knots for $7 are kid-approved. Humdinger also sells Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches. 9201 SE Foster Rd. 💰 $3.50-$5 a slice
Multiple Locations
La Bonita
You’ll find homestyle Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients at the three La Bonita locations. From tacos to burritos to nachos and quesadillas and even seasonal pozole, your family will leave full and happy. 💰 Burritos start at $7.50 and tacos start at $4
PDX Sliders
Sometimes you want a burger, but not a giant, how-am-I-going-to-eat-this burger. Enter PDX Sliders, with locations in Sellwood-Moreland, on Division and on North Williams. Like the name implies, this neighborhood burger joint offers reasonably sized burgers at reasonable prices. And there’s an impressive menu: from cheeseburger classics, to fried or grilled chicken, pork, corned beef or meatball varieties. 💰 $6.50 for slider-size burgers
Laughing Planet
This long time PDX Parent Readers Favorites champion is a winner for a good reason: the food is healthy and affordable. (Not to mention kiddos love those table top dinos!) Choose from a robust menu of salads, rice bowls, burritos, quesadillas, soups and more. The kids’ menu has solid choices like a mini quesadilla for $4.75, or the tween burrito for $6.75. Pro tip: Visit during happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-5 pm for $8 meal specials, and smoothies, beer and wine for $5. 💰 Dishes range from $5 to $16
MidCity SmashedBurger
Tucked in locations like Prost!, Level Beer and Uptown Beer Co., these smashed burgers are reason enough to dine out with the family. The popular Smashy Boi is two beef patties, topped with American cheese, SmashSauce, served between a Martin’s potato roll. And for kiddos who prefer chicken to beef, get the order of six nuggets. Don’t forget the crinkle-cut fries, including the Mr. James Fries smothered in nacho cheese. Pro tip: MidCity also sells Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches. 💰 $7 for the double smash burger and $5 for chicken nuggets
Best Baguette
Best Baguette knows that banh mi doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. That’s why you’ll find these Vietnamese sandwiches for affordable prices. There are also options with sweet chili chicken, tofu and green onions, grilled beef, and even sardines with tomato. Pro tip: Your kiddos can get their sandwiches without jalapeños (or any of the toppings) if they aren’t into spicy foods. Best Baguette even serves breakfast sandwiches served on either a baguette or croissant. 💰 Banh mi starts at $7
Happy Hour and Dining Specials
There are some great deals around the city during happy hour and beyond. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly options:
Life of Pie
Each day, from 11 am-6 pm, get a margarita pizza for $8 (plus $6 beers and wines for the adults). Pro tip: Can’t make it in? Order your pie to go during happy hour for $9.
Que Pasa Cantina
During daily happy hour from 4-6 pm (plus 9-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays) enjoy a $5 menu with items like nachos; Frito pie; street tacos; tortilla soup; and fries and mini corn dogs for the kids (pictured right). Plus $5 frozen margs!
Big’s Chicken
During daily happy hour from 2-5 pm and all day Monday, enjoy discounted prices on wings, jojos, a smash burger and more. But the standout deal is The Big Family Meal: a whole chicken (fried or grilled), a salad and two large sides, all for $29.95.
Killer Burger
The local burger chain offers its Lunch Box deal daily from open until 4 pm where you can get a pint-sized burger, small fries and a fountain drink for $11.
Sizzle Pie
Families love the anytime $40 Family Deal that can easily feed a family of four: any large specialty pizza, large salad, and garlic or cinnamon knots.
Hungry for even more family-friendly dining? We’ve got you! Don’t miss these kid- (and adult) approved favorites.