What’s a road trip without delicious road food?
When I travel, I love to look beyond the fast food chains and seek out good local eats.
This can be a challenge on a long drive; without some advance knowledge, it’s hard to know where to go. With that in mind, I’ve created a list of great places to brake for food along I-5, that inescapable freeway connecting the West Coast from Canada all the way to Mexico. It may not be the most scenic stretch of road in the west, but at least you can eat well!
Now, before you dive in: yes, I know this is hardly a comprehensive listing. Don’t worry, new restaurants are routinely added as we continue our travels. In the meantime, if you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments. Happy eating!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Restaurants come and go and prices, hours, and selection change frequently. The information posted below was accurate at the time I published it, but is always subject to change. Please click on the restaurant name at the top of each listing to link to the restaurant website for up-to-date information. I have no affiliation with any of these businesses, but have chosen to list them based on my own positive experiences.
Looking for more great food while out exploring?
Check out my guide to Eating Up the Columbia River Gorge.
Washington
TACOS TECALITLAN, BURLINGTON
LOCATION
Tacos Tecalitlan is located in Burlington, just north of Mount Vernon, Washington. To reach Tacos Tecalitlan, take exit 231 from either direction on I-5.
PRICE
Tacos cost around $2 each, while gorditas and sopes are $3.50. Hungry travelers will likely want at least two or three of these small items to make a full meal. Kids and those with small appetites may want just one or two. Burritos and tortas start at $6.50, and specialty dishes, like pozole or menudo, are $10 to $13.
THE GOODS
Tacos Tecalitlan started as a taco truck and recently opened a brand-new restaurant in Burlington. You can order inside or out, and there’s a lovely patio where you can enjoy your meal, as well as their own parking lot.
The menu includes a long list of Mexican street food favorites: tacos, tortas, gorditas, sopes, and more. Choose from a wide range of different meats, and create your own meal. We tried the pollo, carnitas, and adobada, and all were great — succulent and flavorful. The kids were happy with their chicken tacos (even though they brushed off most of the onion and cilantro). Beware the red hot sauce, however. J made the mistake of dousing his taco with it before tasting it, and flames practically shot from his mouth! I still highly recommend the sauce if you enjoy spicy food, just don’t overdo it.
Tacos Tecalitlan also sells Mexican sodas, horchata, jamaica, and Mexican snacks, so stock up for the road. It’s a wonderful place to stop and get your Mexican food fix whether you’re driving along the I-5 corridor or heading out to the North Cascades on Highway 20.
FARMSTRONG BREWING & ROOTED KITCHEN, MOUNT VERNON
LOCATION
Farmstrong Brewing and Rooted Kitchen are located in Mount Vernon off I-5 exit 227.
PRICE
Tacos and sandwiches range from $7 to $13, while appetizers and sides are between $5 and $12. Please note that while all ages (and dogs!) are welcome, there is no kids’ menu. Beers and ciders (made under the label Ragged & Right) are all locally crafted and range from $4 to $8. Farmstrong offers either 12 or 16 ounce pours, and I really appreciate the option to get a smaller beer when on the road.
THE GOODS
If you enjoy trying local brews, Farmstrong is a great place to stop on your way through Mount Vernon. It’s a casual place, and you can stop by for drinks only, or order food from their on-site food truck, Rooted Kitchen. The focus here is on supporting local agriculture, and Farmstrong sources many of the ingredients for their beer, cider, and food from the Skagit Valley.
We enjoyed a casual dinner here on Mother’s Day to cap off a weekend spent camping at Deception Pass State Park. Michael was in love at first bite when he received his Skagit steak & cheese sandwich — wow! I kept it lighter with the veggie sando. Topped with delicious tangy freshly pickled cabbage, it was good, although I was disappointed to find they forgot to add the cheese. Oh, well, I quickly realized that gave me more room to enjoy the poutine, a mess of French fries doused in brown gravy and fresh cheese curds. We may not be able to travel to Canada right now, but we can still eat poutine!
The beers were refreshing and well-balanced, and it was great to share a picnic table outside with both our kids and dog. I do wish there was a kids’ menu, however. We ordered them grilled cheese and tomato soup, which, at $10 each, was a bit pricey. Next time, I might ask if there’s a discount for ordering only the sandwiches, as we adults were the ones who ended up eating the soup. We weren’t about to waste it! In any case, I’ll be happy to stop here again, especially on a sunny day.
TAQUERIA LA BAMBA, MARYSVILLE
LOCATION
Taqueria La Bamba is located in north Marysville off I-5 exit 202 when coming from the south, or exit 206 when coming from the north.
PRICE
Prices range from around $3 for one taco to $15 for the carne asada plate. Most full meals cost between $8 to $12.
THE GOODS
We stopped at Taqueria La Bamba on a whim when driving up to Deception Pass State Park. It was nearing 8pm, and we needed dinner. La Bamba was both open and, from the sound of it, served delicious food. As it turns out, this was quite the find. Eating take out in the comfort of our car, we discovered some of the best Mexican food we’ve had north of San Diego!
Michael ordered the pork adovada burrito, which was filled with succulent roast pork wrapped in a freshly griddled tortilla. I don’t know if they make their own flour tortillas, but they were definitely a step above the usual factory-made versions, and nicely charred from the griddle. Tasty red and green salsa was served on the side. The red salsa had a little kick, while the green was mild. The kids’ quesadillas were huge, filled with melty Mexican string cheese and your meat of choice. The chicken in my older son’s quesadilla and in my tacos was moist and flavorful, definitely some of the best “pollo” I’ve had at a taqueria. Only my younger son was disappointed; he prefers his quesadillas American-style, with cheddar, not with the more authentic Mexican-style cheese. The rest of us couldn’t stop raving.
In addition to food, Taqueria La Bamba makes its own horchata (a sweetened cinnamon-flavored rice drink) and jamaica (a hibiscus drink). Fortunately, my younger son loves jamaica, so he quickly got over his disappointment with the quesadilla.
I’d also like to thank the staff, who were so gracious when I ordered our food. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the were serving take out only, but we still had access to restrooms and they were happy to give me sour cream when asked. Thank you, Taqueria La Bamba — we’ll be back!
ZEN RAMEN & SUSHI BURRITO, TUMWATER
LOCATION
ZEN Ramen & Sushi Burrito is located in Tumwater off I-5 Exit 103. There are a couple of locations in Tacoma as well, but the Tumwater location is the most convenient to I-5.
PRICE
Ramen bowls, sushi burritos, and poke bowls cost $14 and up. There are also a variety of sides and appetizers, most for under $6. Beverages cost around $2 and up.
THE GOODS
While driving home to Seattle on a cold winter’s day, a stop for a hot bowl of ramen at ZEN Ramen & Sushi Burrito really hit the spot. Who doesn’t enjoy a comforting bowl of steaming noodle soup? The bowls at ZEN are rich and flavorful, with a variety of protein options.
Excited as they were by the prospect of ramen, our boys were immediately drawn to ZEN’s decor. With anime characters on the wall and a blossoming cherry tree in the middle of the restaurant, the atmosphere here is certainly unique. Be sure to check out the bathrooms, which held a few surprises of their own, most notably a wall fireplace mounted by the toilet. This, it seemed to the kids, was surely the height of restroom luxury.
We didn’t have the chance to try the other menu options, but are eager to stop by for sushi burritos on a future trip. For now, I’m reminded fondly of our ramen dinner every time I see the Totoro mug my husband purchased following our meal. Yes, ZEN Ramen & Sushi Burrito doesn’t just sell food, they also sell adorable Totoro mugs for that perfect cuppa at home.
Take note that ZEN Ramen & Sushi Burrito doesn’t offer a kids’ menu, and portions are sizable. We poured our leftover soup into take away containers and enjoyed it for lunch the next day.
MCMENNAMINS AHLES POINT CABIN, KALAMA
LOCATION
The Ahles Point Cabin at Kalama Harbor Lodge is located in Kalama off exit 27 from northbound I-5 or exit 30 from southbound I-5.
PRICE
10″ pizzas range between $14 and $16, while 16″ pizzas are between $34 and $38. There are also a few snacks, salads, and sandwiches on the menu. Pints of McMennamins beer are $6.25, and wine starts at around $9.50 per glass. Soda, coffee, tea, and other nonalcoholic beverages are available for $3 to $5.
THE GOODS
First things first: McMennamins in Kalama is not the place to go for a quick pit stop! It is convenient to I-5, however, and if you are looking to take a longer break from driving, this is just the place. Be aware that wait times can be long for the restaurants in the lodge. All ages are allowed in the Pub at the Lodge, but the Ahles Point Cabin is 21+ only.
The Ahles Point Cabin is located a ten-minute walk south of the Lodge. Car parking is available near the cabin, but if you’re traveling with a trailer or RV, you’ll need to park north of the Lodge and walk down. It’s a beautiful walk through the park along the Columbia River. On a sunny day, it’s a real treat to stretch your legs here, and the park is an ideal spot for a picnic and play time on the beach.
We didn’t have to wait to be seated at Ahles Point, but we did have a long wait for the food. Drinks are served at the bar here, but there’s no kitchen in the cabin. Instead, food is driven down from the Lodge — no kidding! It’s quite the system. It’s also completely charming, with riverside seating surrounded by a lovely garden. I was happy to relax in this gorgeous spot, slowly sipping a beer while waiting for our food.
We ordered pizzas, which were delicious, with crisp crust and plentiful toppings. True, we got home a bit later than expected after spending nearly two hours at McMennamins, savoring our meal and riverside walk, but I had no complaints. It’s the perfect place to stop, slow down, and enjoy good food on a beautiful stretch of the Columbia River.
LITTLE CONEJO, VANCOUVER
LOCATION
Little Conejo is located at 114 W 6th Street in downtown Vancouver, Washington, just north of the Oregon-Washington Bridge. Take Exit 1C from southbound I-5 or Exit 1B from northbound I-5.
PRICE
Tacos cost between $4.25 and $6 apiece. Depending on your appetite, two to four tacos is a decent lunch. Tortas cost between $12 and $18, and a small kid’s quesadilla is $4. Drinks are $3 and up.
THE GOODS
Do you like tacos that are a little bit fancy but also (most importantly) really, really delicious? Little Conejo is the place! With its suave downtown atmosphere and super fresh ingredients, it’s a higher price point than a traditional taco truck, but boy this food is tasty. It can also be a little spicy — nothing extreme, but kids who prefer mild food will probably want to stick with a quesadilla.
I stopped here with the kids on a rainy drive down to Oregon. My older son and I agreed that the chicken tinga tacos were the juiciest we’ve ever eaten, and the pork al pastor was rich and flavorful. Tacos dorados, stuffed with fluffy mashed potatoes and fried to a delicate crisp, were also a hit. But for me, the real standout was the taco nopales. The flavors in this veggie cactus taco were spot on. The crunch of the onion, saltiness of the cotija, hint of spice from the salsa, and vibrant freshness of the nopales and cilantro were a delight.
Unsurprisingly, Little Conejo is a popular spot. We arrived around 2pm on a Tuesday to a packed restaurant. Fortunately, a table opened up within a few minutes. In better weather, outdoor tables are also available. Order at the counter before claiming your seats. On a busy day, you may have to wait a little for your food, so order some chips and salsa and a drink to enjoy while you wait.
Oregon
LARDO, EAST PORTLAND
LOCATION
Lardo is located in East Portland on SE Hawthorne Boulevard. From southbound I-5 use Exit 300B, or take Exit 300 when northbound. There are a few other locations, including one in downtown Portland, but this one is the closest to I-5.
PRICE
Lardo’s sandwiches and burgers cost $12 and up, while sides are $4 and up. The East Portland location also serves a variety of craft beer, a few cocktails, and some non-alcoholic options. There was no kids’ menu, but we were able to order plain cheeseburgers and a grilled cheese sandwich for our boys.
THE GOODS
We stumbled across Lardo accidentally when checking out the food truck pod nearby. After reviewing our options, we decided Lardo’s sandwiches sounded too good to pass up, and boy were we right! Their menu changes frequently, but everything we tried was lip-smacking delicious… cheese burgers, falafel burgers, street corn, fries… you name it, we devoured it. I admit I’m a little disappointed to know that if we go back we may find the menu totally changed, but at the same time I’m excited to try something new.
Lardo’s seating is all outdoors, with a large covered patio that is dog-friendly. Order at the counter, then snag a table or wait to take your food to go. The menu emphasizes pork, but always has a few non-pork options, including a vegetarian one. One constant on the menu are the Lardo fries, generously dusted with herbs and parmesan (and cooked, no doubt, in pork fat). For the non-vegans and non-vegetarians out there, these fries are a must. Take a break from the road and enjoy!
OREGON BBQ COMPANY, ALBANY
LOCATION
The Oregon BBQ Company has a couple of locations, but the most convenient one to I-5 is found right off the freeway in Albany, Oregon, on Old Salem Road. Another location is off Highway 20 in South Lebanon, Oregon.
PRICE
Sandwiches range in price from $5 to $10, and combo meals cost between $8 and $15. You can also get meat by the pound and large servings of sides, making this a good option for a group picnic.
THE GOODS
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the Oregon BBQ Company serves tasty, filling food to stick to your ribs. When we arrived, no one else was there and the restaurant appeared closed. Fortunately, a tap on the window brought attention to our presence, and someone came to take our order.
The Albany location is takeaway only, but picnic tables outside gave us the chance to eat before heading back on the road (always a better option than eating messy BBQ in the car). A port-a-potty was available for guests to use, and some of the tables had umbrellas to provide a refuge from the hot summer sun.
The kids stuck with the basics — sausages on a bun. Michael got a little more adventurous with a “lazy dog”, a sausage topped with pulled pork and coleslaw. This was a great combination, if a little challenging to eat. For me, BBQ chicken is where it’s at, and the Oregon BBQ Company’s chicken was succulent and flavorful. My only quibble was that I prefer a toasted bun, but that’s a minor concern. All in all, the Oregon BBQ Company is a solid pick for a good meal that tastes like real road food (real good road food, that is).
CRESWELL BAKERY, CRESWELL
LOCATION
Creswell Bakery is located in the small town of Creswell, about 15 minutes south of Eugene, Oregon. It’s a couple minutes’ drive off I-5 in a charming neighborhood.
PRICE
Sandwiches range between $8 to $13. Sides and other savory items run between $4 to $7. Most pastries are between $2 to $5, and they sell loaves of fresh baked bread as well.
THE GOODS
Stopping at Creswell Bakery felt like entering a leafy grean oasis, with fig trees and rosemary leading us to the front door. A line snaked along the path; clearly, this place was popular. And for good reason — our sandwiches were even more delicious than they looked. The fact that Creswell Bakery makes all their own breads likely contributes to the high quality. Not only that, but they also prepare their own meats, smoking their own bacon and serving beef from their own farm!
Creswell Bakery also wins points for excellent customer service. When one of the items I requested was accidentally left out of our order, the server apologized and offered us a free pastry of our choice! Honestly, I would not expect any compensation for such a minor mistake (they of course also brought us the missing sandwich), but we sure appreciated the chocolate hazelnut bar.
It was summer, so we enjoyed our lunch at one of Creswell Bakery’s outdoor picnic tables. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no indoor seating was available. It’s a small space, with little room for indoor tables. But regardless of seating, I would revisit Creswell Bakery at any time of year. Next time, I’ll be sure to pick up a loaf of bread and pastries for breakfast, too!
KEN’S SIDEWALK CAFE, CANYONVILLE
LOCATION
Ken’s Sidewalk Cafe is located in Canyonville, about an hour north of Medford. To reach the Cafe, take exit 98 from either direction on I-5.
PRICE
Most menu items range from about $2 to $7. Burgers are available in a variety of sizes, and a 1/4 lb. cheeseburger costs around $3. Drinks are between $1 and $2, and milkshakes are $4 to $5.
THE GOODS
Ken’s Sidewalk Cafe is a simple, family-run classic American fast-food joint. If you’re looking for inexpensive fast-food, but prefer to support locally owned restaurants over chains, then Ken’s is the place. Michael and I appreciated the fact that their menu is fairly extensive, including items like taco salad, chili, and reubens. I even got a lobster wrap! It may not compare with a fresh lobster roll, but at around $6, it was a nice alternative to another burger.
The onion rings are good, and the fries have that distinctive potato taste that J and I love (and that I find lacking with many fast-food fries). The milkshakes and malts are especially delicious. Check the menu for seasonal specials.
The cafe offers outdoor seating on a pleasant patio and a restroom is available for patrons. The grassy yard is great if your kids need some space to run around before the food arrives. All in all, Ken’s is a solid pick for an easy, inexpensive, kid-friendly meal near I-5 in Southern Oregon.
FORAGE COFFEE COMPANY, MEDFORD
LOCATION
Forage Coffee is located in central Medford near Hawthorne Park. From northbound I-5, take exit 27. From southbound I-5, take exit 30.
PRICE
Standard coffee shop drinks (espresso, lattes, etc) are between $3 and $4, but seasonal speciality drinks may be more. Pastries are under $5, and breakfast dishes, such as avocado toast, are between $5 and $10.
THE GOODS
Originally, Forage Coffee Company was my back-up plan in case the brunch lines at the other restaurants in town were too long. Sure enough, long lines drove us to Forage, a simple coffee shop that may not serve piles of pancakes and waffles, but still serves a delicious light breakfast. Housed in a former gas station, they also offer plentiful shady outdoor seating.
Forage is undeniably trendy, with its minimalist decor, leafy green plants, and avocado toast. But the food and coffee here are great, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. After all, who cares if avocado toast is “trendy” as long as it’s delicious? And so are the muffins, the yogurt bowls, and mmm…. that coffee was wonderful!
Forage is conveniently located near Hawthorne Park, an ideal spot if you prefer to enjoy your drinks while the kids play at the playground. Despite its proximity to I-5, it’s a charming neighborhood, and a welcome rest break when you still have a long drive ahead of you.
California
YAK’S SHACK, MT. SHASTA & YAK’S ON THE 5, DUNSMUIR
LOCATION
Yak’s Shack is located in the town of Mt. Shasta, about an hour north of Redding, CA. From northbound I-5, take exit 738. From southbound I-5, take exit 740. Yak’s on the 5, located south of Mt. Shasta in Dunsmuir, is even closer to the freeway. Take exit 730 from either southbound or northbound I-5.
PRICE
Sandwiches and burgers range from $13 to $19 (housemade veggie patty or gluten-free bun cost extra). Buddha bowls and salads range from $10 to $18. Kids meals are $9 to $11.
THE GOODS
Yak’s on the 5 is a well-known pit stop in northern California. Since it was closed the day we drove through, we visited sister restaurant Yak’s Shack instead, which offers a similar menu. And wow! After eating a Yak’s burger, I completely understand the hype. They don’t come cheap, but these burgers are huge, loaded with creative toppings, served on a homemade bun, and mouth-wateringly delicious. Best burger I’ve ever had? Maybe! I ordered a veggie burger (I’m a big fan of veggie burgers), and it was crisp, well-seasoned, hearty, and flavorful.
The fries are also great, but beware: the garlic fries are potent. Only order them if you love garlic (and make sure everyone else in your party eats some — dragon breath for all!). The kids’ burgers are hefty, and Yak’s understands that all kids really want is a bun, meat, and cheese (at least, that’s all mine want). They sweeten the deal by garnishing the burgers with a Dum Dum. Nice touch!
The Yak Shack also has a bakery, which was closed when we visited. But another trip to Yak’s will definitely be on the menu the next time we pass through this area of California. Don’t miss it!
Anna S
I’ve never even heard of that bakery. I’ll definitely it!
Anna S
I mean meant I’ll definitely try that bakery!
Ruth Ann
Definitely! All four of us loved it. J still remembers his ham and cheese croissant!