Kid-Friendly Dining in Portland, Oregon

Portland’s inclusive and laidback spirit makes dining with kids easy and tasty.

Brewpubs

Sampling Portland microbrews is a rite of passage for visitors, kids or no kids.  With that in mind, many local brewpubs feature family-friendly amenities.

At Hopworks Urban Brewery, the “l’il brewers” menu features organic kid favorites (and even baby food), while two play areas offer train tables, Melissa & Doug toys, books and chalkboards, all within view of parents.

Laurelwood Brewing has three locations around town, all of which include expansive play areas and kids’ menus, too.

Pizzerias

Pizza is a perennial kid-pleaser, and Portland has a number of pizza joints with added perks for families.

In addition to tasty pies, Mississippi Pizza Pub serves up a youth spelling bee every Saturday afternoon (grown-up kids can participate in the adult bee on Monday nights).

Old Town Pizza has two locations, each with its own attractions. The Vanport Square restaurant, in Northeast Portland, has a kids’ kitchen where half-pint chefs can play. And the original site in Old Town comes with a long history, and — some say — its own ghost, named Nina.

More Options

With six locations, Laughing Planet Café offers healthy, multi-ethnic fare at down-to-earth prices. Kids can play with dinosaur toys while waiting for their burritos or mini-quesadillas.

Popular breakfast spot Slappy Cakes brings out the chef in everyone with built-in table griddles where hungry diners create pancake masterpieces — think Mickey Mouse; your take on “the Elvis” with chocolate chips, banana and peanut butter; or any other silly combination your kid (or the kid in you) can create.

Now a national chain, the Old Spaghetti Factory began at this location along the riverfront in Portland, serving up economical “complete meals,” including salad, bread, pasta and spumoni. Arrive early for a table in the trolley, or snag a seat beside windows overlooking the Willamette River.

At Old Wives’ Tales, kids can select from more than 30 affordable, healthful options (including items for those with food sensitivities), then cavort in an ocean-themed playroom while the adults converse.

Busy families can take to the streets with a visit to one of Portland’s collections of food carts. Offering kid-friendly window ordering and menu options in a to-go format, carts forgo the need to sit and wait. Here are a few items to try:

• Waffles at FlavourSpot
• Ice cream at Scoop
• Grilled cheese at The Grilled Cheese Grill
• PB&J at PBJs Grilled