Celebrate Dad at These 6 Special Restaurants

Father’s Day is around the corner, and with all the changed diapers, kissed boo-boos, bedtime stories, bug hunts, and shared jokes he lovingly doles out, dad deserves a three week luxury vacation (don’t all parents?). If sending him on a getaway is a bit out of your reach right now, try doing something a little closer to home and just as meaningful! Treat dad to an amazing meal that the whole family will enjoy at one of these six restaurants. Scroll down to find out what they have to offer your special guy this Father’s Day.

photo: Andrés Nieto Porras via flickr

Russell Street Bar-B-Que
This straight-from-Texas-BBQ serves up a wide variety of meats, homemade BBQ sauces, and southern-style veggies and sides sure to please Dad. The food is developed from cuisine foune all over the southern United States, with classics like Frito Pie, Pimento cheese, and Hush Puppies. Carnivores will love the Meat-a-palooza (with portion sizes that leave plenty to share with the kids!), and vegetarians will enjoy expertly smoked tofu and lots of veggie-friendly sides. Plenty of seating, high chairs, friendly waiters, and the low hubbub of diners enjoying a good dinner assures you that your child “asking loudly” for more bread won’t stand out.

Bonus! This wonderful eatery just opened a second location opened on SE Belmont just in time for Father’s Day and prices are midrange with a standard dinner entree running around $15.

Russell Street Bar-B-Que
325 NE Russell St.
4246 S.E. Belmont St.
503-528-8224
Online: Russellstreetbbq.com

photo: Silvia L. via Yelp

Hopworks Urban Brewery
Hopworks (HUB) is well-known for their great kid’s play area, which is an excellent combo of toys and space to goof off. This gives Dad a chance to enjoy his taster tray of beers while the little ones play in the corner. A full menu of pretzels, burgers, build-your-own-pizzas, and salads gives everyone a choice, and their kids’ menu is extensive and complete with healthy veggie options. They even have baby food choices for the littlest party members!

This father-friendly restaurant has three locations, two of which are appropriate for the whole clan and if you have a large crew or are wanting to throw a big bash, their Powell Blvd. location you can reserve for the festivities. HUB’s prices are reasonable, with burgers and sandwiches running between $10-$14.

HUB
2944 SE powell Blvd. Portland
503-232-4677

17707 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA
360-828-5139
Online: hopworksbeer.com/eat/

The Original Dinerant
A modern diner that’s a step up from the classic greasy spoon, the Original offers classic flavors with surprising local twists. Uber kid-friendly (don’t leave without a soda-fountain malt or milkshake!) with lots of options for customization, Dad won’t leave disappointed. Try donuts for dinner with the donut burger sliders appetizer, or get there for breakfast and enjoy chicken and waffles. And the downtown location makes a perfect jumping off point to explore Portland for the day!

Entrees go for between $14-$18 and sandwiches average around $10 with plenty of apps and extras for under $10.

The Original Dinerant
300 SW 6th Ave.
503-546-2666
Online: originaldinerant.com

Papa Hadyn
Maybe Dad wants to do his own grilling for Father’s Day, but he can’t resist going out for dessert, can he? Take him to Papa Hadyn’s to browse over 30 dessert options ranging from the fruity meringue of Boccone Dulce to the rich Chocolate Cube. The best way to try it all is to have everyone pick one dessert then let them parade across the table for all to try. Maybe Dad can pick an extra one just for him—it’s only fair. And if he wants more than dessert, both locations serve full dinners, as well. Desserts are priced at under $10 each.

Papa Hadyn
701 NW 23rd Ave.
503-228-7317

5829 SE Milwaukie Ave.
503-232-9440
Online: Papahadyn.com

photo: Emran Kassim via flickr

Toji Korean Grill House
Offering a family-style meal with lots of variety, this restaurant lets you grill your own classic Korean food right at the table! Beware that the hot grill is within reach, so littler hands might need more attention. Older kids will love to choose and cook their own dishes with supervision, and the huge variety is sure to please any carnivore with a range of spices and sauces. It’s a memorable, special dinner for a super special Dad!

Toji is as affordable as it is tasty with most dishes running between $10-$15.

Toji Korean Grill House
4615 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR
503-232-8998
Online: Tojikoreangrillhouse.com

Nicholas Restaurant
For a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere and loads of delicious plates, nothing beats Nicholas. This family-owned restaurant has been serving distinctive Lebanese food since 1987, and is a Portland institution. Celebrate Dad with an abundance of kofta, shawarma, falafel, kababs and more—and be sure to stay for their extensive dessert menu!  Kids can enjoy the family-style meal by trying some of everything, or get their very own chicken skewer. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, as well, and with several locations, it’s easy to get to that baklava quickly.

Menu items vary in price with entrees averaging around $15 a plate.

Nicholas Restaurant
318 SE Grand Ave.
503-235-5123

3223 NE Broadway
503-445–4700

323 N Main Ave.
Gresham
503-666–3333
Online: Nicholasrestaurant.com

What’s your favorite way to celebrate Dad? Tell us in the comments below!

-—Katrina Emery