Al Fresco Family Dining in Portland

Mississippi Pizza Pub: This pizza bastion of kid-friendliness on Mississippi isn’t letting any old pandemic stop them—they’ve actually expanded their outdoor seating both in back by borrowing their neighbor’s, and in front, by using the parking plazas. Covered dining is also available.

3552 N. Mississippi Ave. 
Portland
Online: mississippipizza.com

Cadillac Cafe: A favorite for breakfast in Portland since 1989, this first-come, firs-serve American-style diner offers outside dining on their backyard patio. You might miss out on seeing the still-drivable 1961 pink Cadillac convertible on display inside, but you won’t even miss it with the lush patio and yummy food. And while you can get lunch and dinner, too, we’re really here for the French Custard Toast and the Smoked Salmon Benedict. 

1801 NE Broadway St.
Portland
Online: cadillaccafepdx.com

Kornblatts: Nestled into a corner of NW Portland sits one of the best Jewish deli’s of the Pacific Northwest. With a feel that’s straight from New York in the ’60s, you can find bagels, knish, challah, nova lox, blintzes, corned beef hash, pastrami sandwiches, bagel dogs, latkes, pickles, and more! Even the pickiest of kids will find something they’ll love. And if you or your kids have never tried an egg cream (not actually eggs or cream, but chocolate, milk and fizzy water), this is the place to go to introduce them to the iconic drink. 

628 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland
Online: kornblattsdelipdx.com

Level Beer: The founders of this brewery, situated on an impressive 2-acre property, are parents of young children themselves, and their family-friendly outdoor seating area proves it. Grab a burger, tacos or falafel from the food carts and then (for the adults) choose from a selection of beer brewed onsite. While there is a tasting room inside, we were truly impressed by the greenhouse beer garden that boasts plenty of outdoor space, games and even a hop field.

5211 NE 148th Ave.
Portland
Online: levelbeer.com

Tamale Boy Dekum: The Northeast branch of this food-truck-turned-restaurant boasts a well-priced kids’ menu and delicious authentic food from Oaxaca and Northern Mexico. Bonus? They have an awesome outdoor patio. Go for brunch on the weekend and enjoy breakfast burritos and chilaquiles (although the tamales are really where it’s at) over a game of Candyland—families are welcome to bring their own games. 

1764 NE Dekum St.
Portland
Online: tamaleboy.com

¿Por Qué No? Taqueria: Who doesn’t love tacos? One of our favorite spots for the best tacos in town is this cool restaurant with two locations on Hawthorn and Mississippi that both offer patio dining. The Hawthorn location offers both covered (clutch for impromptu rain) and uncovered seating options. The kids will love the tacos and parents can indulge in incredible ceviche and spectacular margaritas.

Good to Know: Keep an eye out on their Instagram page for special DIY drops of tamale and taco kits you can make yourself. 

3524 North Mississippi Ave.
Portland

4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland
Online: porquenotacos.square.site

Stormbreaker Brewing:  Two locations, one in St Johns and one on Mississippi, have patio dining options that include covered and heated seating, so even on the colder evenings your crew will stay comfortable. You’ll find a traditional tap room menu of great burgers, sandwiches, fish ’n chips and chicken tenders. Not to mention, their award-winning beer.

Mississippi
832 N. Beech St.
Portland

St. Johns
8409 N Lombard St.
Portland
Online: stormbreakerbrewing.com

La Buca: This sweet neighborhood cafe on SE 28th and Burnside serves up great Italian food with a friendly staff. Along with excellent service, you can expect outdoor heated seating set apart from the street with wide planter boxes. Kids will enjoy their own menu with pasta and veggie choices, and parents will enjoy the affordability—and the wine!

40 NE 28th Ave.
Portland
Online: labucaitaliancafe.com