8 Great Hood River Restaurants to Try

Guides
by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
on JUNE 15, 2016

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With the rushing Columbia River sweeping through, and a plentiful wine region surrounding, Hood River is at the tip of the list for any visit to Oregon. Paired with a thriving winemaking and microbrewery industry, the area has a flavorful, soul-satisfying restaurant scene to match the complex nuances in its local wine and beer.

1

Restaurants / Portland

Riverside

Riverside is essentially a must-visit restaurant during a Hood River stay — it’s the only restaurant that is actually directly on the Columbia River. The food is a smart blend of Italian and New American cuisine, so there are options, like the braised beef gnocchi or kale Caesar salad, for a variety of palates. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, with fantastic daily specials dreamt up by the chefs each morning.

Insider Tip

The veggie bowl, with a seasonal mix of continually changing produce, is a great lunch choice for vegetarians.

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2

Restaurants / Portland

Solstice Wood Fire Cafe & Bar

Just a few steps away from the riverfront, Solstice Wood Fire Café & Bar lives up to its name with its roaring fireplace inside. The wood-fired pizzas and other meals inspired by the Italian countryside are an unpretentious way to finish the day, and the full bar has an amazing wine list that boasts dozens of bottles grown in nearby vineyards.

Insider Tip

With options including wood-fired s’mores, the dessert menu is difficult to choose from, but you should definitely save room for the coconut key lime pie that flawlessly blends sweet and tart.

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3

Restaurants / Portland

Full Sail Brewing Co.

This brewery is owned by its employees and free tours are offered every day to intrigued beer lovers. For those who don’t need to know how the beer is brewed, the pub features gorgeous panoramic views of the river and a full menu featuring cozy pub-grub favorites like burgers, steaks, and wedge salads. Some of the beers on tap, like the Black Gold Imperial Stout aged in old bourbon barrels, are available nowhere else, neither in bars, nor grocery stores.

Insider Tip

As would be expected at such a prestigious brewery, the beer cheese soup is out of this world.

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4

Restaurants / Portland

Bette’s Place

Hood River locals flock every weekend to Bette’s Place, which serves diner favorites like burgers and omelets for breakfast and lunch. It opens at 5:30 every morning, so it’s a fantastic stop for early risers or those looking to get an early start on a full day of boating, fishing, or wine tasting. The cinnamon rolls, based on a recipe conceived by the owner’s grandmother, are basically a Hood River landmark.

Insider Tip

Just like at grandma’s house, save plenty of room for seconds: the breakfast portions are massive, so expect to take some home.

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5

Wineries /

Pfriem Family Brewers

The inside of this brewery is decorated with modern touches — a sophisticated finish to a day spent taking in the Hood River air. The beer, like the very drinkable Belgian ale, and light bites, like a terrific chicken salad sandwich, bring Oregonians and tourists from all over streaming into the dining area. Deviled eggs aren’t just for Easter; pFriem Family Brewers’ version are deliciously spiced and make a great appetizer for the table.

Insider Tip

The brewery makes a fine visit for family since there is a park right across the street: kids can play while their parents watch from the brewery’s patio.

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6

Restaurants / Portland

Celilo Restaurant & Bar

Farm-fresh ingredients, sourced from the surrounding Pacific Northwest countryside, are extremely important to the owners of Celilo Restaurant & Bar, who place as much an emphasis on sustainability as they do on flavor. The wooden and chic dining room is always filled with the aroma of grilled steak and other New American-inspired dishes on the menu, and the farm-to-table ethos extends to the bar, which serves up a bevy of wines and beers produced locally.

Insider Tip

There’s hardly a better way to start a romantic evening than by eating oysters on the half shell, harvested fresh from the Pacific.

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7

Restaurants /

Sixth Street Bistro & Loft

The menu at Sixth Street Bistro & Loft offers lunchtime favorites like burgers, fries, salads, wine, and beer every day. While the kitchen may not be the most inventive in the city, with such satisfying fare, there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken. The décor in the dining room, cozy and dim during the evening, leans into the eccentric, with a large bicycle hanging from the ceiling serving as a central focus.

Insider Tip

Sixth Street Bistro & Loft is an easy choice for the health conscious — a large selection of wraps are lighter on calories, and there are also plenty of gluten free options.

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8

Restaurants / Portland

Egg River Cafe

This bright country-style eatery is about as friendly, fun, and easy-going as it comes, with dozens of hen figurines lining the walls. Breakfasts are hearty (heavy on the meat and potatoes), but options include lighter fare, including steel-cut oatmeal with organic fruit. Only open between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, this is a favorite breakfast and brunch spot for the locals.

Insider Tip

During long brunches, the guys in your group can sip on “manmosas—” mimosas served in giant steins.

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