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Top 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Portland

From the lively atmosphere of The ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria to the cozy and inviting atmosphere of The Screen Door, these top five family-friendly restaurants in Portland offer delicious food, friendly service, and an enjoyable dining experience for the whole family.

1. Screen Door – Screen Door, one of the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a Southern-style restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is a top restaurant because it offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families, and its menu features classic Southern dishes that are both delicious and affordable. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, and its portion sizes are generous.

2. Kenny & Zuke’s – Kenny & Zuke’s, one of the most popular family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a Jewish deli that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. It is a top restaurant because it offers a wide selection of classic deli sandwiches, salads, and sides that are perfect for families. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, and its portions are generous. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a meal together.

3. The Observatory – The Observatory, among the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a restaurant that specializes in American cuisine. It is a top restaurant because it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for families, and its menu features a variety of dishes that are sure to please everyone in the family. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, and its portions are large. Additionally, the restaurant has a rooftop patio that provides a beautiful view of the city.

4. ¿Por Qué No? – ¿Por Qué No?, another of the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a Mexican restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. It is a top restaurant because it offers a fun and lively atmosphere for families, and its menu features a variety of Mexican dishes that are both authentic and delicious. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, and its portions are generous. The outdoor seating area is particularly popular with families.

5. Tasty n Alder – Tasty n Alder, amid the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a restaurant that specializes in brunch and dinner. It is a top restaurant because it offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for families, and its menu features a variety of brunch dishes, small plates, and entrees that are perfect for sharing. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, and its portions are generous. The restaurant’s communal seating adds to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Portland

1. Screen Door - Restaurants in Portland

Screen Door

Address: 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Phone Number: (503) 542-0880

Screen Door, one of the most popular family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a family-owned Southern-style restaurant located in Portland’s east side. The restaurant’s decor features exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and comfortable booths, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Screen Door is known for its breakfast and brunch offerings, including classics like shrimp and grits, buttermilk biscuits, and chicken and waffles. The restaurant also offers lunch options such as sandwiches, salads, and po’boys.

One unique aspect of Screen Door is its use of locally sourced ingredients, which not only supports the community but also ensures that the dishes are fresh and flavorful. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, making it a great option for families.

Main Menu Items:

Fried Chicken and Waffles: This dish features two pieces of crispy fried chicken on top of a fluffy waffle and drizzled with syrup. It’s a classic Southern favorite and a must-try at Screen Door.

Shrimp and Grits: This dish features plump, juicy shrimp served on a bed of creamy grits, with spicy Andouille sausage and a tangy tomato sauce.

Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy: Screen Door’s buttermilk biscuits are light and fluffy and topped with a savory sausage gravy. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Po’Boy Sandwich: This New Orleans classic features crispy fried shrimp or oysters served on a French roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce. It’s a filling and flavorful lunch option.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich: This sandwich features tender pulled pork smothered in barbecue sauce and served on a brioche bun with coleslaw. It’s a satisfying and delicious option for lunch.

Screen Door’s service is known for being friendly and attentive, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that customers are seated and served promptly.

Customer Reviews:

“The chicken and waffles were absolutely amazing! The chicken was crispy and juicy, and the waffle was light and fluffy. The service was also fantastic, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”

“I had the shrimp and grits, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the grits were creamy and flavorful. The portions were generous, and the service was top-notch.”

“Screen Door is a must-visit if you’re in Portland. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is charming. I had the pulled pork sandwich, and it was so flavorful and satisfying. The service was also great, with friendly and attentive staff.”

In summary, Screen Door is a fantastic restaurant that offers delicious Southern-style cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Its locally sourced ingredients, kid-friendly menu, and excellent service make it a great option for families and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Portland. They stand out among the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland.


2. Kenny & Zuke's - Restaurants in Portland

Kenny & Zuke’s

Address: 1038 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97205
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone Number: (503) 222-3354

Kenny & Zuke’s, among the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a Jewish deli located in the downtown area. The restaurant’s interior features a classic deli atmosphere with a modern twist, including a long counter and chalkboard menus.

The menu features traditional Jewish deli items such as corned beef, pastrami, and matzo ball soup. The restaurant is known for its excellent sandwiches, which come with a choice of bread, meat, and toppings.

One unique aspect of Kenny & Zuke’s is its use of locally sourced and organic ingredients. The restaurant also has a pickling program, where they make their own pickles and sauerkraut.

Main Menu Items:

Reuben Sandwich: This classic deli sandwich features corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread. Kenny & Zuke’s version is considered one of the best in the city.

Matzo Ball Soup: This traditional Jewish soup features a hearty broth, chunks of chicken, and soft and fluffy matzo balls. It’s a comforting and filling option.

Pastrami Sandwich: Kenny & Zuke’s pastrami is hand-cured and smoked in-house, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. The sandwich comes with a choice of bread and toppings, including mustard and pickles.

Bagel and Lox: This classic breakfast dish features a toasted bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and onions. Kenny & Zuke’s bagels are made fresh daily and are some of the best in the city.

French Toast: Kenny & Zuke’s French toast is made with thick slices of challah bread and topped with maple syrup and whipped cream. It’s a delicious and indulgent breakfast option.

Kenny & Zuke’s service is known for being friendly and efficient. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that customers are seated and served promptly. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations.

Customer Reviews:

“The Reuben sandwich at Kenny & Zuke’s is hands down the best I’ve ever had. The corned beef is tender and flavorful, and the sauerkraut and Russian dressing are the perfect complement. The service was also excellent.”

“I had the bagel and lox, and it was delicious. The bagel was fresh and chewy, and the smoked salmon was top-quality. The coffee was also fantastic. I highly recommend Kenny & Zuke’s for breakfast.”

“Kenny & Zuke’s pastrami sandwich is a must-try. The pastrami is smoky and delicious, and the mustard and pickles are the perfect toppings. The service was great, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”

In summary, Kenny & Zuke’s is a fantastic Jewish deli that offers delicious sandwiches and traditional deli fare in a classic yet modern atmosphere. Its use of locally sourced and organic ingredients, as well as its pickling program, sets it apart from other delis in the area. The service is friendly and efficient, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or breakfast in downtown Portland. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 family-friendly restaurants in Portland.


3. The Observatory - Restaurants in Portland

The Observatory

Address: 8115 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
Hours: Monday to Thursday – 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday – 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday – 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Phone Number: (503) 445-6284

The Observatory, another of the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a restaurant located in Southeast Portland that specializes in American cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist. The interior of the restaurant features a warm and inviting atmosphere with wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and large windows that offer a stunning view of the city skyline.

The restaurant is known for its delicious cocktails and its rooftop patio, which provides a beautiful setting for outdoor dining.

One unique aspect of The Observatory is its use of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, which not only supports the community but also ensures that the dishes are fresh and flavorful. The restaurant also has a focus on seasonal ingredients, which means that the menu changes frequently to reflect the best ingredients available.

Main Menu Items:

Grilled Pork Chop: This dish features a juicy and flavorful pork chop served with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed kale. The pork chop is cooked to perfection and is a popular item on the menu.

Pan-Seared Scallops: This dish features tender and succulent scallops served with risotto and roasted mushrooms. The scallops are seared to a crispy golden brown, and the risotto is rich and creamy.

Mac and Cheese: The Observatory’s mac and cheese is a decadent and indulgent dish made with a blend of four cheeses and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Burger: The Observatory’s burger is made with a juicy beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and served with fries. It’s a classic and satisfying option for dinner.

Fish and Chips: The Observatory’s fish and chips are made with locally caught fish and served with tartar sauce and a side of fries. The fish is crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the fries are crispy and golden brown.

The Observatory’s service is known for being friendly and attentive. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that customers are seated and served promptly.

Customer Reviews:

“The Observatory is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland. The food is always delicious and beautifully presented, and the cocktails are top-notch. I had the grilled pork chop on my last visit, and it was cooked to perfection. The service was also fantastic.”

“The Observatory has an amazing rooftop patio with a stunning view of the city. I had the pan-seared scallops, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”

“The Observatory’s fish and chips are a must-try. The fish is crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the fries are delicious. The service was great, and the cocktails were fantastic. I highly recommend this restaurant.”

In summary, The Observatory is a fantastic restaurant that offers delicious American cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Its use of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, as well as its focus on seasonal ingredients, sets it apart from other restaurants in the area. The service is friendly and attentive, and the rooftop patio provides a beautiful setting for outdoor dining. They have earned the rank of the top 5 family-friendly restaurants in Portland.


4. Por Qué No - Restaurants in Portland

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria

Address: 3524 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday – 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Phone Number: (503) 467-4149

The ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria, amid the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a Mexican restaurant located in the vibrant Mississippi neighborhood of Portland. The restaurant’s interior features a colorful and lively atmosphere with murals on the walls and bright lights.

The menu features authentic Mexican dishes made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant is known for its delicious tacos and its homemade salsas and guacamole.

One unique aspect of ¿Por Qué No? is its commitment to sustainability and the environment. The restaurant uses compostable utensils and plates, and its food waste is composted or donated to local farms.

Main Menu Items:

Tacos: ¿Por Qué No?’s tacos are made with homemade corn tortillas and filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, including pork carnitas, carne asada, and grilled vegetables. The tacos are served with a choice of salsa and are a customer favorite.

Guacamole and Chips: This appetizer features homemade guacamole made with fresh avocado, lime, and cilantro, served with crispy tortilla chips. It’s a great starter or snack to share with friends.

Enchiladas: ¿Por Qué No?’s enchiladas are made with corn tortillas filled with a choice of chicken, beef, or vegetables, and topped with salsa and melted cheese. The enchiladas are hearty and filling and are a great option for dinner.

Chiles Rellenos: This dish features roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, coated in egg batter, and fried until golden brown. It’s a classic Mexican dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Margaritas: ¿Por Qué No? serves a variety of delicious margaritas made with fresh lime juice and agave nectar. They are the perfect complement to any meal.

The service at ¿Por Qué No? is known for being friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that customers are seated and served promptly.

Customer Reviews:

“The tacos at ¿Por Qué No? are amazing. The tortillas are homemade and fresh, and the fillings are flavorful and delicious. I also loved the guacamole and chips. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was lively and fun.”

“The enchiladas at ¿Por Qué No? are some of the best I’ve ever had. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and delicious. The margaritas were also fantastic. I highly recommend this restaurant.”

“The chiles rellenos at ¿Por Qué No? are a must-try. They are crispy and flavorful, and the cheese inside is melted and delicious. The service was great, and the atmosphere was fun and lively.”

In summary, The ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria is a fantastic Mexican restaurant that offers authentic and delicious cuisine in a lively and fun atmosphere. Its commitment to sustainability and the environment sets it apart from other restaurants in the area. The service is friendly and efficient, and the homemade tacos, guacamole, and margaritas are customer favorites. They can definitely be counted among the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland.


5. Tasty n Alder - Restaurants in Portland

Tasty n Alder

Address: 580 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Hours: Monday to Friday – 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Phone Number: (503) 621-9251

Tasty n Alder, one of the top family-friendly restaurants in Portland, is a popular restaurant located in the downtown area that specializes in American cuisine with global influences. The interior of the restaurant features an industrial-chic atmosphere with high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

The menu features a variety of dishes, from small plates and shareable items to larger entrees and breakfast dishes. The restaurant is known for its creative and delicious cocktails and its flavorful and globally inspired cuisine.

One unique aspect of Tasty n Alder is its use of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, which not only supports the community but also ensures that the dishes are fresh and flavorful. The restaurant also has a focus on family-style dining, with many of the dishes designed to be shared.

Main Menu Items:

Korean Fried Chicken: This dish features crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce and served with pickles and a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s a customer favorite and a great option for sharing.

Moroccan Chicken Hash: This breakfast dish features roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and onions, topped with a poached egg and harissa hollandaise sauce. It’s a flavorful and hearty way to start the day.

Grilled Octopus: This small plate features tender grilled octopus served with a flavorful romesco sauce and pickled vegetables. It’s a great option for those looking for something a little more adventurous.

Steak Frites: This entree features a juicy grilled steak served with crispy French fries and a house-made béarnaise sauce. It’s a classic and satisfying option for dinner.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates: This small plate features plump dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

The service at Tasty n Alder is known for being friendly and attentive. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, but the staff works hard to ensure that customers are seated and served promptly.

Customer Reviews:

“The Korean fried chicken at Tasty n Alder is amazing. It’s crispy, spicy, and full of flavor. I also loved the Moroccan chicken hash for breakfast. The service was great, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting.”

“The bacon-wrapped dates at Tasty n Alder are a must-try. They are sweet and salty and incredibly addictive. I also had the steak frites for dinner, and it was cooked to perfection. The cocktails were also fantastic.”

“The grilled octopus at Tasty n Alder was one of the best I’ve ever had. It was tender and flavorful, and the romesco sauce was a perfect complement. The service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was bustling and lively.”

In summary, Tasty n Alder is a fantastic restaurant that offers creative and delicious American cuisine with global influences in a chic and inviting atmosphere. Its commitment to locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, as well as its focus on family-style dining, sets it apart from other restaurants in the area. The service is friendly and attentive, and the cocktails and globally inspired dishes are customer favorites. They rank amid the top 5 family-friendly restaurants in Portland for good reasons.


Portland is home to a vibrant culinary scene with many family-friendly restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, globally-inspired dishes, or classic American fare, there is something for everyone.

So the next time you’re looking for a great restaurant to enjoy with your loved ones, consider one of these top picks in Portland.



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