Known for its well-priced Oaxacan and Northern Mexican fare, the Northeast Portland restaurant of this former food truck also dishes up burritos and quesadillas for the niños. Families are welcome to bring toys and games, so parents shouldn’t feel shy about spreading out on the large patio and catching some rays while sipping a happy hour margarita or Modelo.

This old-school pizzeria is the ideal place to take kids for pepperoni and soft-serve, with beer for the booze-friendly grown-ups and Martinelli’s for the kids and non-drinkers. A large backyard with a play structure and area for kids to wander around and explore is a particular hit, especially in the summertime. Finish the day with some of the shop’s soft serve.

Catering to kids of all ages, Tin Shed serves bright, flavorful American-style dishes at family-friendly prices. Kids breakfast plates range from cheesy eggs and potatoes to sourdough French toast, with vegetarian options like tofu, greens, and grits; during lunch, plates of grilled cheese and quesadillas are accompanied by carrot sticks or chips. Tin Shed also offers Crayon coloring, and a selection of small toys for little ones. The key is to visit during the week or make a reservation, because the lines can get a little extreme on weekends.

Laughing Planet has been a regional staple in Oregon and Southwest Washington for years, with its vegetable-packed, quick, eclectic fare. Laughing Planet also caters to those with gluten-free or vegan diets, which means there’s something for all kids — even picky eaters. Mini burritos or mini quesadillas made with pinto or black beans can come with steamed broccoli or corn, along with a choice of apple juice or milk. Laughing Planet’s Lil Spanky’s bowl is the gluten-free option for kiddos, with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, corn, and cheddar cheese. Or choose your own adventure with the kid’s Trifecta bowl: brown, white, or jasmine rice, along with a side of broccoli, green beans, veggies, yams, or mashed potatoes; proteins like tofu, tempeh, or chicken are optional. The restaurant also has two smoothies specifically for kids — namely berry-peach and mango-banana. 

Like at mom’s, families will find a warm welcome and a comfortable vibe at this Portland institution, made famous for its brunches, high-quality comfort food, and special Mother of the Month dishes. Younger children will enjoy the kids’ menu with things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese, and plain macaroni and cheese — plus, the restaurant’s root beer floats, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider are sure to please.

This downtown breakfast spot maintains the all-day brunch diner tradition with some range: Alongside the biscuits and gravy and corned beef hash, the Daily Feast blends green smoothies, fills bowls with steel-cut oatmeal with berries, and slings plates of chilaquiles. Kids can opt for fresh-squeezed juices and pancakes; plus, the restaurant offers an entryway bookshelf loaded with animal figurines that the kids can bring to the table, such as gorillas, giraffes, moose, elephants, and dinosaurs.

This extremely kid-friendly breakfast joint lets diners make their own pancakes on griddles right at the table, utilizing batter-filled squeeze bottles and adding their choice of fixings like fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips. If the adults at the table aren’t feeling the idea of eating DIY pancakes, Slappy Cakes also has a slew of à la carte options and plates prepared in the kitchen, such as country fried steak, eggs Benedict, and “Slappy Hash.” Note: Due to the heat of the griddles, may not be appropriate for very young kids. 

The Bambino Bowl at Boke Bowl on Southeast Water Ave is one of the best kid-friendly dishes you’ll come across in Portland. The simple-but-delicious ramen bowl comes with noodles, broth, squash, and a choice of caramelized fennel tofu or pork. Similarly, the Bambino rice bowl comes with a choice of protein plus squash, carrots, and cucumbers. Boke Bowl also has a nice assortment of steam buns — fried chicken, miso mushroom, jackfruit, brisket — and a peanut butter and jelly steam bun for kids. Some juice for the kids and craft cocktails or sake for the adults will have everyone happy, and the shop’s dinosaur chopsticks are a great way to get uninitiated kids started.

Home to a casual, no-frills atmosphere and brick oven-baked pizzas, the sole spin-off of the popular Hood River-based brewery is a magnet for neighborhood families. If pizza’s not the kiddo’s thing, this Woodstock pub slings sandwiches and quesadillas for tiny diners. Coloring pages and Crayons available upon seating. 

With its dialed-in menu of fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and chili dogs, Holler makes a great destination for family game day. Along with its “Kiddo’s Menu”— hello, chicken fingers, meatloaf, veggie and fruit trays — the restaurant also appeals to youth for its lineup of pinball machines and other arcade games like Skee-Ball and mini basketball. For dessert, make sure to check out Holler Treats next door.

Located in the Nelson Thomas Building since 1983, Marco’s has an eclectic vibe and umbrella-clad ceiling that provides a conversation starter for the table. Marco’s offers a kids’ menu printed out with games like mazes and crossword puzzles. Standout lunch options for kids include chicken strips, quesadillas, and buttered noodles, and on the all-day breakfast menu, a single buttermilk pancake, and a “waffle gnome” with whipped cream and berries.