Eating Up the Columbia River Gorge: The Best Restaurants and More

The Columbia River Gorge: home of endless scenic vistas, Multnomah Falls, and historic highways.
These days, it’s also home to an increasing number of great places to eat.

This should come as no surprise — after all, the Columbia River Gorge is the home of the Hood River Fruit Loop, where farmers have labored for generations among some of Oregon’s finest orchards. On the banks of the Columbia River, Native Americans have fished for salmon and steelhead far longer. After the Historic Columbia River Highway opened in 1915, roadhouses sprang up along the winding route, offering hungry travelers salmon and chicken dinners.

Visit the Columbia River Gorge today and you’ll find an incredible variety of food options, from classic old standbys to trendsetting newcomers. Of course, my number one criteria for picking a place to eat is always the same: is it good? Yep, these places are good. Some of them are outstanding! And really, there is so much more to explore in the Columbia River Gorge, but I hope this list gets you off to a good start.

The map below shows the location of all the eateries included in this guide. Below that, a just-for-fun “best of” list highlights some of my family’s favorite eats and drinks. Click on each listing for more info. Finally, I’ve included photos and brief reviews for each location starting with Troutdale in the west and ending in The Dalles. Click on the restaurant name at the top of each listing to link directly to their website. Have fun, and 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. I have no affiliation with any of these businesses, but have chosen to list them based on my own positive experiences.

Yes, of course it’s subjective, but trust me, I have good taste!
Click on the restaurant names below to link to my reviews and photos.

SUGARPINE DRIVE-IN

Sugarpine Drive-In is located along the Historical Columbia River Highway in Troutdale, just west of the Sandy River Bridge. It’s only been around for a few years, but its popularity has soared. For good reason: Sugarpine serves some of the best fast food around. Fresh, inventive, and worlds away from your average burgers and fries, their menu changes frequently to reflect the flavors of the season. Look for creative salads and sides in addition to sandwiches.

The real highlight is the soft serve, which comes in fun, seasonal flavors and includes a variety of scrumptious homemade toppings. We loved it so much that we stopped here both on our drive out to the Columbia River Gorge and the return trip home.

Before you go, prepare yourself: Sugarpine can get obscenely crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid getting stuck in a parking lot jam, consider parking elsewhere if you notice a long line of cars. Yes, this means you’ll walk farther, but you’ll also avoid getting stuck in the parking lot due to high traffic. Ordering online can also ease the experience. When we visited, there was a walk up window just for ordering ice cream, which cut the wait time significantly if you don’t need additional food.

Sugarpine is more expensive than typical fast food joints, but in this case you get what you pay for. Sandwiches typically cost between $9 and $16, sides go for around $6, and ice cream treats are $4 and up ($2.50 for a kids’ serving).

One final note: if you have extra time, walk down to the Sandy River in Glen Otto Community Park. This beautiful park is next door to Sugarpine — you don’t even have to cross the street — and offers trails, picnic tables, and restrooms. The riverbank really is sandy (the Sandy River didn’t get its name for nothing), and this is a popular spot for swimming in the summer. It’s a great way to begin a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, or a worthwhile day trip in its own right.

THUNDER ISLAND BREWING

Thunder Island Brewing Co. is centrally located on the Columbia River Gorge in Cascade Locks. It’s a great place to stop en route to or from Hood River, or after a day of hiking along the waterfall corridor. Grab a seat on their patio for an awesome view of the Bridge of the Gods crossing the Columbia. Bonus: dogs on leash are allowed on the patio and in the beer garden.

We enjoyed both the beer and the food at Thunder Island. The sandwiches are great, and they offer a few lighter dishes as well, such as the delicious salmon bowl. For a decadent treat, order Dave’s fries. Your jaw may drop when a pile of fries loaded with beer cheese, bacon, and sauteed onions arrives at your table. Believe me, it’s worth the calories!

Thunder Island also offers a kids’ menu. They seem to have a true understanding of what kids like — the hamburger is “just the meat and bun”, which is exactly what my kids want from their burger.

Prices at Thunder Island Brewing Co. are typical for a PNW brew pub. Expect to pay around $15-$16 for a sandwich (including a side). Kids’ meals also include a side, and cost $7-$8. Beer is $7, and a variety of other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available, with something to please all palates. When I come back to the Columbia River Gorge, Thunder Island will definitely be on the short list of places to revisit.

BRIGHAM FISH MARKET

Brigham Fish Market, located next door to Thunder Island Brewing, is run by two sisters who are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Their ancestors have fished the waters of the Columbia River for countless generations, and the sisters and their families proudly continue this tradition.

Before ordering, ask what’s fresh and local. Different options are available depending on the season, and frozen fish is also used. That’s not a bad thing, as the quality is still high, but I like to order the local seafood when possible.

My family particularly liked Brigham Fish Market’s Cajun-seasoned halibut, with its thin, crispy cornmeal crust. It wasn’t too spicy, but was nicely seasoned. The chowder was excellent, and my older son loved his ciabatta with smoked salmon dip. I couldn’t resist purchasing some smoked salmon to take home and enjoy for breakfast.

The fish at Brigham Fish Market isn’t cheap, but that’s to be expected when buying high quality, wild caught seafood. Fish & chips and po’ boys cost between $15 and $24. Appetizers, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks are available, including chicken nuggets and cheese quesadillas for finicky eaters. Weather permitting, take your food to one of the outdoor tables on the lawn and enjoy a seafood feast within sight of the mighty Columbia River.

EASTWIND DRIVE-IN

Eastwind Drive-In is a Cascade Locks classic. It’s well known for its towering soft-serve ice cream cones, which were featured in the movie Wild. Wether you’re a thru-hiker or a day-tripper, Eastwind is a great place to stop for old school American fast food. Prices are low and satisfaction is high.

We stopped by Eastwind for ice cream after hiking at Fort Cascades and touring the Bonneville Dam. It’s also the perfect place for a treat after a bike ride on the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail.

GROUND ESPRESSO BAR & CAFE

Located at the east end of Oak Street, Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe is the perfect place to start your day exploring Hood River. Ground offers a full range of quality coffee drinks and delicious house made pastries. Not into coffee? Ground offers other drinks, too, including tea and smoothies.

The menu at Ground also includes breakfast and lunch sandwiches, ranging from $7-$12. In addition to a cozy indoor space, limited outdoor seating is available.

DOG RIVER COFFEE

Dog River Coffee is another great local Hood River Coffee shop. It, too, is located on Oak Street, a few blocks west of Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe. We didn’t get the chance to try the pastries or other goodies here, but I can affirm that the coffee is excellent.

In addition to selling coffee drinks on site, Dog River sells bulk coffee beans and brewing supplies. If you like their brews, consider buying some beans to enjoy at home.

PINE STREET BAKERY

Pine Street Bakery is a neighborhood coffee shop located up the hill from downtown Hood River. If you’re in this area, it’s a nice spot to stop for a caffeine fix or baked treat. It’s also a good place to pick up a sandwich to go or a loaf of bread. For breakfast, check out their English muffin sandwiches. Because of its location, Pine Street Bakery is a good stop if you’re visiting the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, which is just down the road.

RIVER DAZE CAFE

River Daze Cafe doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s a wonderful place to grab a sandwich. When we visited, take out was the only option, as the indoor seating was closed due to coronavirus.

Fortunately, sandwiches are the ideal picnic food. We took ours up the hill to Georgiana Smith Park, where the daffodils were in full bloom. It was an excellent picnic — River Daze Cafe uses crusty, house made rolls as their base, then tops them with a delicious combination of meat, cheese, and veggies.

River Daze Cafe also serves breakfast, including English muffin sandwiches and waffles. Waffles! While we didn’t have the opportunity to try them, if the waffles rise to the standard of the sandwiches, they must be good indeed. Lunch sandwiches range from $8-$15 for regular or large sizes. Breakfast items cost between $4-$12.

LAKE TACO

We were so eager to dive into our food at Lake Taco that I forgot to take a photo until we were almost finished. Yes, they are that good (and we were that hungry). These are traditional Mexican tacos, and while the meats are delicious, the real standout is the homemade corn tortillas.

Lake Taco used to be located in a colorful house at the top of the hill on June Street (where we stopped by in April 2022), but moved in December 2022 to Oak Street in downtown Hood River. For those passing through town, it’s a more convenient location, and only a block from Mike’s Ice Cream.

Tacos at Lake Taco cost $2.50 apiece and burritos are $10.25. The menu also includes a wide array of other Mexican favorites, such as enchiladas, mulitas, sopes, huaraches, and quesadillas, as well as a kid’s menu. Tasty as the tacos here are, it’s a great place to branch out and try something new. There are vegan options, too. Whatever you choose, Lake Taco delivers.

BRODER ØST

Broder Øst is the far-flug sibling of a trio of “Broder” restaurants located in Portland, Oregon. If you know Portland’s dining scene, you know that sets the bar pretty high. In our experience, Broder Øst lived up to any hype. It’s cute, with a casual Pacific Northwest-meets-Scandinavia vibe, but the food was the real standout.

Meatballs, fishcakes, smørrebrød (Danish open sandwiches) — the food at Broder Øst is a Nordic-lover’s dream. Everything we had was excellent, from the skagen shrimp salad on my smorrebrod to the smashed potatoes. And the æbleskiver, oh the æbleskiver! These puffy Danish pancakes were the star of the show. We made the mistake of ordering only a half order, not wanting to overdo it. Perhaps it should be no surprise that before brunch was over we found ourselves placing a second order. Don’t make the same mistake — order a full batch!

Another thing you should definitely do at Broder Øst is order a side to go with your meal. You can add a side to any lunch item for just $2. Michael found one lunch item and a side (plus a few æbleskiver, of course) was just the right amount of food.

Portions at Broder Øst aren’t huge, but will satisfy most appetites. Personally, I prefer quality over quantity. Main dishes for breakfast and lunch range from $11-$15 (without sides) and sides are available individually for $5.50. Many lunch items come with a small selection of house-made pickles (including pickled beets, my personal favorite), which pair perfectly with rich dishes like meatballs.

Broder Øst serves bread from White Salmon Baking Company, located just across the Columbia River from Hood River on the Washington side. And if you haven’t been to White Salmon Baking Company yet, add it to your list — it’s incredible! Just like Broder Øst.

KICKSTAND COFFEE & KITCHEN

KickStand Coffee & Kitchen is a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is inventive and diverse, ranging from bison burgers to octopus. It’s hard to categorize, but there’s something here for everyone. As is typical in the Columbia River Gorge, KickStand serves fine food, but keeps the atmosphere casual and fun.

My father-in-law raved about his bison burger, and my oldest son agreed that his cheeseburger was excellent. The house fries, cut into thick spirals, were addictive, and my crab cakes tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. The only person who was less impressed was Michael, who decided to go healthy with a grain and veggie bowl. Honestly, I think this had less to do with the dish itself than the fact that he would rather have been eating a bison burger.

One of the more unique items on KickStand’s menu is the Basque burnt cheesecake. Unfortunately, we were too stuffed from dinner to finish our slice. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy cheesecake in the Basque region of Spain, and while KickStand’s version doesn’t quite rise to those standards (possibly because it’s difficult to source the same kind of cheese in Oregon), it’s still a good cheesecake in its own right.

Breakfast dishes range between $10-$15, with lunch and dinner mains from $11-$22. Reservations are recommended. KickStand Kitchen & Coffee also serves a wide range drinks, including a creative list of cocktails.

PFRIEM FAMILY BREWERS

PFriem Family Brewers has a prime location across the street from Hood River’s Waterfront Park. This makes it a great place to stop by before or after some beach time (yes, there is indeed a beautiful beach here on the Columbia River).

The location makes it a popular place, so consider making a reservation or arriving early. The beer is great, and the food is reliably good, although some dishes stood out more than others. My veggie burger was outstanding — a hearty, flavorful chickpea patty with a perfectly crisp crust. The regular hamburgers were fine, but nothing special. With that said, I would definitely return for the beer and veggie burger alone.

Most main dishes and sandwiches at pFriem cost between $13-$18. Salads and a few vegetarian options help round out the menu. Kids menu items are $7. Beer is $6.50 and up, and wine and cider are also available.

MIKE’S ICE CREAM

Mike’s Ice Cream is the perfect place to visit on a sunny Hood River Day, especially if you have kids (or if you just love ice cream). Look for everything from decadent chocolate to fruity sorbets on offer, as well as homemade waffle cones.

Mike’s Ice Cream closes for the winter, but had reopened by the time we visited in April. The shop is small, and at that time only cash and check were accepted.

Part of the fun of visiting Mike’s Ice Cream is exploring the large outdoor play structure. There aren’t any slides or monkey bars, but it’s a great place for kids to run out some extra energy while they wait. Outdoor seating is also available.

One final note: we visited Mike’s Ice Cream in April, and there was a line. Not an especially long line, but a line nonetheless. Come summer, I expect the lines grow much longer, so plan accordingly.

THE GORGE WHITE HOUSE

The Gorge White House is one of those idyllic places that feels a little bit fancy, but at the same time easy going and relaxed. This is how we glam it up in Oregon — at a beautiful farmhouse serving cider and wine, where we won’t feel out of place in our jeans and hiking boots.

Located just south of Hood River on Highway 35, the Gorge White House is a wonderful place to visit whether you drive the entire Fruit Loop or not. Come for cider and wine flights, and enjoy a view of Mount Hood from one of the many outdoor tables. Fresh fruit and flowers are sold seasonally, including u-pick options. Hungry? A food cart offers burgers, sandwiches, and flatbreads. We didn’t try the food on our visit, but I hear the burgers are terrific.

The Gorge White House crafts their own local fruit ciders, which are only available on site. You can taste individual ciders, or sample a flight for around $8. Pints cost around $7, and growlers are available if you’d like to bring some home. These ciders are fruit-forward and flavorful, not dry, but not cloyingly sweet. Wine is also available by the glass, as a tasting, or by the bottle.

Like many wineries and breweries in the Columbia River Gorge, well-behaved children and dogs on leash (just the dogs, not the kids) are welcome outdoors.

DRAPER GIRLS’ COUNTRY FARM

Draper Girls’ Country Farm highlights the bounty of the Columbia River Gorge. Even in April, bushels of local apples and pears tempt travelers who stop in this homey store located a few miles north of Parkdale on Highway 35.

Also tempting? Cider! Like the Gorge White House, Draper Girls’ makes good use of their orchards by transforming some of their crop into tasty fruit ciders. For a small fee, they’ll treat you to a cider tasting. Their ciders range from semi-dry to full and fruity. If you find one you like, you can purchase a growler to take home.

Draper Girls’ also sells a wide variety of jams and other preserves, as well as a fun selection of kitchen antiques. Come u-pick cherries or apples in the summer or early fall.

APPLE VALLEY COUNTRY STORE

Apple Valley Country Store offers an impressive selection of Hood River Fruit Loop jams and preserves for sale, as well as locally made crafts. It’s the perfect place to find a souvenir with true local flavor.

Of course, the real draw is the huckleberry milkshakes… so good! And it doesn’t stop there. Apple Valley Country Store also sells homemade pies and pastries, making it a good breakfast stop if you decide to drive the Fruit Loop counterclockwise from Hood River.

Apple Valley Country Store is located just south of Hood River off Highway 281. Picnic tables under the trees provide a shady spot to sit and enjoy your treats. It’s also a short drive from Tucker Park, which boasts a beautiful picnic area and river access.

THE OLD TRUNK

The Old Trunk is not technically an eatery. This quirky antique store is a treasure trove for collectors of anything vintage… magazines, vinyl, glassware, kitchen gadgets… The Old Trunk has it all. But there was one particular thing that drew us to this spot…

Soft serve! Yep, The Old Trunk has its own soft serve ice cream machine, but they don’t serve any old soft serve. Instead, they mix vanilla Tillamook ice cream with local fruit for a mouthwatering treat. Dairy free options are also avialable. It’s a must-stop for any ice cream lovers driving the Fruit Loop.

Please note that The Old Trunk typically closes in winter, so check their hours if you plan to visit during the off season. Even if you aren’t driving the entire Fruit Loop, The Old Trunk is conveniently close to Hood River on Highway 281, and a fun stop following a hike to nearby Punchbowl and Dead Point Falls.

SOLERA BREWERY, PARKDALE

Located in Parkdale, Solera Brewery offers a winning combination — great beer and great views. If the sun is shining, order one of their many creative brews and take a seat outside to soak in the postcard-perfect view of Mount Hood.

In addition to beer, Solera Brewery offers a small menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads. We didn’t try the food, as we had just enjoyed lunch from Apple Valley BBQ, but the beer was a real treat.

Solera Brewery focuses on small-batch beers, including a number of unique sour and wild fermented beers. The selection changes frequently. Both Michael and I are fans of sours, and Solera’s brews are top notch. We bought a bottle of the “Peche” to take home, a wild ale that was aged on fresh peaches for one year! It should be no surprise that specialty beers like this come with a higher price tag, as the brewing process is more challenging and takes longer than traditional beer brewing. I compare it more to buying a bottle of wine — this beer is far removed from any mass-produced lager.

Kids are welcome in designated areas at Solera Brewery, including outside, and well-behaved dogs can enjoy relaxing outdoors with their owners.

APPLE VALLEY BBQ, PARKDALE

Apple Valley BBQ is operated by the same people who run Apple Valley Country Store. More than a barbecue joint, Apple Valley BBQ also sells a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

When we visited in 2021, Apple Valley BBQ was offering only food to go, so we enjoyed our meal at a picnic table outside the school down the street. And when I say “enjoyed”, I mean we really, truly enjoyed our meal. The sandwiches were scrumptious and the parmesan garlic fries were delightfully crispy and garlicky. I ordered the poblano chicken chili sandwich (next time I’ll have to try the veggie burger), while Michael chose the pulled pork sandwich. Everyone was more than satisfied.

Salads, sandwiches, and burgers cost between $10-$16, while dinner plates go for $14-$25. The kids menu offerings range from $6-$7, or $13 for a 1/4 rack of ribs.

If all this good food has made you thirsty, head across the street to Solera Brewery, where you’ll find the perfect beers to wash it down framed by a stunning view of Mount Hood. Cheers!

GRATEFUL VINEYARD

Grateful Vineyard was truly a highlight of our time in the Columbia River Gorge. That’s saying something, because our time in the Gorge was filled with great moments. If you are looking to treat yourself with an amazing meal in a beautiful location, look no further.

Located a few miles northwest of Parkdale, Grateful Vineyard is idyllically situated among vineyards and orchards with an incredible view of Mount Hood. They offer extensive indoor and outdoor seating, and reservations are strongly recommended. Grateful Vineyard is open to all ages, and dogs on leash are allowed outdoors.

We arrived at Grateful Vineyard to find the orchards below Mount Hood covered in April blossoms. The sky was cool and clear, fading from blue to pale gold as the sun slowly sank. While we waited for our food, the kids amused themselves by racing back and forth through the vineyard. Grateful Vineyard also offers a play area for children near the orchard, although this is further from the outdoor dining.

For dinner, we ordered wood fired pizzas. They came to our table hot and bubbling, laden with locally made sausage and seasonal vegetables. The crust crackled as we bit into it, the crisp exterior giving way to the airy, toothsome center. It was perfect. A salad featuring local pears, hazelnuts, and blue cheese was also exceptional, as was the bottle of reserve Willamette Valley pinot noir we chose (at our server’s recommendation) to accompany our meal.

Speaking of wine, Grateful Vineyard currently produces theirs with grapes from the Willamette Valley. While they have planted grapes on site near Mount Hood, the vines are still too young to produce fruit. In addition to wine, Grateful Vineyard offers beer and cider. The cider here is on the dry side, crisp and light.

At the time this post was published, Grateful Vineyard was not listing a food menu online. I recommend checking their website and social media for updates, as their offerings may change depending on the season. Call ahead for further information before you reserve.

WHITE SALMON BAKING COMPANY

The White Salmon Baking Company is not to be missed. OK, maybe not if you can’t eat gluten, but otherwise it should top the list for anyone searching for good food along the Columbia River Gorge. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast here before heading out for a hike at nearby Catherine Creek, and I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since.

White Salmon Baking Company uses wood-fired ovens to bake their breads, pastries, and more. A slow fermentation using wild yeast adds complexity and flavor. This place is understandably popular, so arrive early for the best selection. We loved the cardamon buns in particular, but really, you can’t go wrong. Paired with truly outstanding coffee, I can’t think of a better way to start your day. We were so impressed with breakfast that I purchased two — yes, two — loaves of bread for later. Needless to say, they were both excellent.

The White Salmon Baking Company also serves lunch, so if you can’t make it for breakfast, all is not lost. Breakfast sandwiches start at $6, while lunch sandwiches cost $7 and up. The menu also includes a couple of salads and a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, and nonalcoholic options. You can take your food to go, or enjoy a seat on the outdoor patio with a view of Mount Hood.

THE HUCK TRUCK

Sadly, the Huck Truck of Bingen is no more. Blue Bus Cultured Foods, which made the tasty sauerkraut and other fermented foods that the Huck Truck incorporated in its menu, is still up and running. Check their website to find where you can purchase their kombucha and other goodies around the Gorge. If you’re in Bingen and in need of a place to picnic, head to Daubenspeck Park, where you’ll find picnic tables, a playground, and a skate park.

THE RIV CAFE

Occupying a beautiful repurposed church building, The Riv Cafe is something special. The space is lovely, both inside and out. Come enjoy a meal on the leafy garden patio, or find a spot indoors within the serene whitewashed walls.

The Riv Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, and serves a variety of salads, sandwiches, toast, fried chicken, and more. And let me tell you, their fried chicken is some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Juicy, succulent meat encased in a perfectly crunchy coating — I’m salivating just thinking about it!

We ordered sandwiches to go and brought them to Sorosis Park for a picnic. This beautiful park is located atop a hill overlooking The Dalles and the Columbia River Gorge with views of both Mount Adams and Mount Hood. It also has one of the largest, most elaborate wooden playgrounds I’ve ever seen. It’s a must for families with young children.

Most menu items at The Riv Cafe range between $7 and $16, with fried chicken on the upper end of the scale. They also sell excellent coffee, smoothies, a variety of other nonalcoholic drinks, and a small selection of beer and wine.

Feeling hungry?
I hope this guide has given you inspiration on where to eat the next time you visit the Columbia River Gorge.
Happy exploring, from my backyard to yours!