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.

Laughing Planet has been a regional staple in Oregon and Southwest Washington for years, with its vegetable-packed 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. 

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 can easily make a mini breakfast out of sides; 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.

Taqueria Por Qué No’s colorful atmosphere makes it a fun spot for kids to explore, with sidewalk chalk and crayons for kids along with coloring pages. The kid’s menu includes a bean-and-cheese taco for $2.50, a kids quesadilla for $4.75, and a kids bowl for $3.50, making it one of the cheaper dining out options for kids in Portland. Pro tip: The Mississippi location has a large outdoor area upstairs that kids can move around in a bit more freely than the street-level area seating. 

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.

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.

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.

Yes, places like Playdate and the Wiggle Room exist, but as far as indoor play areas and restaurants go, Milwaukie’s Two Sisters seems to find the right balance between fun for kids and food you actually want to eat. The breakfast menu here, while simple, is inexpensive and well executed, serving things like soft scrambled eggs and thick cut bacon, or sausage gravy-smothered biscuits. Kids can play for around $5, and kids’ menu meals don’t exceed $7 — including a main, side, and drink.

This old-school pizzeria is the ideal place to take kids for pepperoni and slushies, 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.

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. 

Home to a casual, no-frills atmosphere and brick oven-baked pizzas, the 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. 

The Argay location of this video game-themed brewery in Portland is perhaps the best place to grab a beer while entertaining an antsy kid: Indoors, the brewery is home to several pinball machines and arcade games, where older kids can entertain themselves while waiting for food. Outdoors, the backyard and patio is expansive, meaning kids can run around without tripping nearby patrons or servers. The carts nearby supply oysters for the adults and fish and chips or quesadillas for the tiny crowd.

This Troutdale drive-in can be a busy scene on a summer afternoon, and there’s a good reason why: The custardy soft serve here comes slathered in toppings like miso caramel or honey hot fudge, the grilled cheeses are waffle-pressed, and the salads come loaded with Oregon- and Washington-grown produce. Kids can toddle around the picnic tables or nearby park while waiting for treats, and soft serve comes in kid-sized servings.