The Columbia River Gorge combines stunning scenery with a thriving food scene. Visitors can expect everything from elevated dining to casual bites in one of the most beautiful regions of the Pacific Northwest.
Local farms, orchards, and rivers supply much of what ends up on plates, making freshness a hallmark of the area’s cuisine. Breweries and cider houses showcase the region’s craft culture, often paired with hearty comfort food. Cozy cafés and bakeries bring a slower pace, perfect for mornings before exploring waterfalls or trails. Seasonal farm stands and food trucks add spontaneity, offering unique flavors on the go. Roadside drive-ins and ice cream stands deliver a touch of nostalgia, while lodge restaurants provide a sense of timeless Northwest hospitality. Together, these experiences make dining in the Gorge just as memorable as the views.
Backwoods Brewing CompanyWACarsonFamily-owned brewery with a laid-back cabin vibe. Known for wood-fired pizzas, smoked meats, and rotating craft beers. Popular with hikers and bikers finishing a Gorge adventure.Casual meals, beer, groupsbackwoodsbrewingcompany.com
Baldwin SaloonORThe DallesHistoric 1876 saloon turned restaurant, offering hearty American fare (prime rib, seafood, pastas) and an impressive wine list with over 300 labels. Decor includes vintage art and antique bar pieces.Historic dining, hearty mealsbaldwinsaloon.com
Balch Hotel BistroORDufurSet inside a boutique 1907 inn, this bistro serves locally sourced dishes in a romantic, old-world setting. Seasonal menus highlight Gorge produce and Oregon wines.Romantic getaway, destination diningbalchhotel.com
Bargeway Pub & CateringORThe DallesRiverfront pub with a lively bar scene. Offers big portions of burgers, ribs, fish, and pub classics. Outdoor seating overlooks the Columbia.Casual riverside diningbargewaypub.com
Bendiciones Mexican FoodORHood River / The Dalles (truck)Beloved food truck offering authentic Mexican street food. Their sopitos, tacos, and homemade salsas are especially popular with locals.Authentic Mexican, quick bite(no site; Facebook)
Big River GrillWAStevensonCozy, lodge-style restaurant with wood décor and hearty comfort food. Famous for its salmon chowder, burgers, and regional specialties.Groups, classic Americanbigrivergrill.com
Brigham Fish MarketORCascade LocksNative-owned market and café specializing in Columbia River salmon. Known for smoked salmon, chowder, and generous fish & chips. Great for take-out or quick riverside meal.Seafood, quick stopbrighamfish.com
Broder ØstORHood RiverScandinavian-inspired café with a modern aesthetic. Famous for Swedish pancakes, lefse wraps, and aquavit cocktails. Brunch hotspot with creative takes on Nordic comfort food.Brunch, unique flavorsbroder.com
Cascade Dining Room (Skamania Lodge)WAStevensonUpscale lodge restaurant overlooking the Columbia. Menu focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Elegant atmosphere, especially at sunset.Fine dining, special occasionsskamania.com
Celilo Restaurant & BarORHood RiverFarm-to-table fine dining with sleek décor. Dishes emphasize local meats, fish, and produce paired with Oregon wines. Known for attentive service and creative seasonal menus.Fine dining, winecelilorestaurant.com
Clark & Lewie’s Saloon & PubWAStevensonLaid-back pub and grill with deck seating over the Columbia River. Offers hearty burgers, sandwiches, and beers in a casual setting.Casual pub, groups(no official site)
Double Mountain BreweryORHood RiverBustling brewpub popular with both locals and visitors. Known for their house-brewed beers and gourmet pizzas with unique toppings.Beer, pizza, casualdoublemountainbrewery.com
East Wind Drive-InORCascade LocksOld-school roadside stop famous for towering soft-serve cones, marionberry milkshakes, and classic burgers. A must-visit for families driving the Gorge.Drive-in nostalgia, families(no official site)
Elk Ridge RestaurantWACarsonSet on a golf course, this casual restaurant serves hearty breakfasts, burgers, and comfort food. Offers scenic views of the fairways.Breakfast, casual meals(no official site)
Freebridge BrewingORThe DallesCommunity-focused brewery in a restored historic building. Menu features creative pub food (flatbreads, sandwiches) and small-batch craft beers.Casual, local beerfreebridgebrewing.com
Gorge White House CaféORHood RiverFarm stand café and cider house in a historic farmhouse. Menu includes flatbreads, burgers, and local wines. Set among orchards and flower fields.Casual outdoor dining, familiesthegorgewhitehouse.com
K&M Drive-InWACamas/WashougalRetro drive-in with charbroiled burgers, shakes, and fries. A local favorite for quick, affordable meals.Quick stop, burgers(no official site)
La Casa de SaborWAStevensonVibrant spot serving authentic Mexican and Southern California-inspired dishes. Generous portions and casual atmosphere.Mexican food, casual(no official site)
Locks of Dogs & TreatsORCascade LocksSmall walk-up stand selling hot dogs, snacks, and frozen treats. Great for kids or a quick bite during Gorge exploring.Quick bites(no official site)
McMenamins EdgefieldORTroutdaleExpansive historic estate turned hotel & brewery complex. Multiple dining options from casual pubs to more upscale fare. Known for quirky art and gardens.Groups, varietymcmenamins.com
Mike’s Ice CreamORHood RiverBright, family-friendly downtown ice cream shop. Serves locally made scoops in creative flavors. A Hood River summer tradition.Dessert, families(no official site)
Multnomah Falls Lodge RestaurantORMultnomah FallsRustic stone lodge restaurant with stunning waterfall views. Offers Northwest classics like trout, salmon, and wild mushroom dishes.Scenic dining at the fallsmultnomahfallslodge.com
Paco’s Tacos (Food Truck)ORHood RiverPopular taco truck known for fresh tortillas, flavorful meats, and friendly service. Affordable and quick.Quick Mexican bites(no site; Facebook)
Petite ProvenceORThe DallesFrench-style café with pastries, omelets, and hearty bistro plates. Known for croissants, French toast, and mimosas.Breakfast, pastry, French mealsprovencepdx.com
Pfriem Family BrewersORHood RiverAward-winning brewery with spacious taproom and patio overlooking the river. Menu includes gourmet pub fare, Belgian-inspired beers, and kids’ options.Beer, groups, familiespfriembeer.com
Red Bluff Tap HouseWAStevensonLocal tap house serving craft beers and gastropub food. Energetic vibe, popular with both locals and travelers.Casual dinner, beerredblufftaphouse.com
Riverside Restaurant (Hood River Inn)ORHood RiverRiverfront dining room attached to Best Western. Menu spans seafood, pasta, and Northwest specialties. Especially popular for weekend brunch.Scenic meals, fine casualriversidehoodriver.com
Simon’s Cliff House (Columbia Gorge Hotel)ORHood RiverElegant, old-world dining room with sweeping river views. Specializes in fine Northwest cuisine with a romantic atmosphere.Romantic dining, fine cuisinecolumbiagorgehotel.com
Skamania Lodge River Rock LoungeWAStevensonMore casual dining at Skamania Lodge. Pub-style menu, cocktails, and comfy fireside seating.Casual meals, scenic drinksskamania.com
Solstice Wood Fire Café & BarORHood RiverLively spot famous for wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and local beers. Great for families and groups.Pizza, casual groupssolsticewoodfirecafe.com
Sugarpine Drive-InORTroutdaleModernized nostalgic drive-in set on the Sandy River. Famous for giant soft-serve cones, fried chicken sandwiches, and seasonal sundaes.Ice cream, nostalgic diningsugarpinedrivein.com
Thunder Island Brewing Co.ORCascade LocksBrewery perched above the river. Casual, dog-friendly, with pub food and creative brews. Popular with hikers and cyclists.Beer, groups, river viewsthunderislandbrewing.com
Twin Peaks Drive-InORHood RiverClassic small-town drive-in serving hand-patted burgers, fries, and shakes. Known for no-frills comfort food.Drive-in style burgers(no official site)
Votum RestaurantORHood RiverUpscale fine dining restaurant with an intimate tasting menu. Emphasis on artistic plating and seasonal Northwest ingredients.Upscale special occasionsvotumrestaurant.com
Walking Man BrewingWAStevensonOne of the Gorge’s original breweries. Famous for IPAs and creative brews, with hearty pub food and a dog-friendly patio.Beer, casual diningwalkingmanbeer.com
The 35 Ranch & Farm StandORHood RiverCharming roadside farm stand with fresh cider, local produce, and their signature “Gorge Glacier” ice cream treat. Seasonal stop along the Fruit Loop.Family stop, orchard treats(no official site)