Sugarpine Drive-In

Sugarpine Drive-In is Oregon's premier destination drive-in restaurant on the banks of the Sandy River. 

Driving out to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland is not complete without a stop at Sugarpine Drive-In in Troutdale. Sugarpine Drive-In is a destination all on its own. It used to be a 1920's gas station and has been revamped into an adorable and very popular restaurant that, yes, offers a drive-thru window. Of course, the food here is amazing, but the vibe is also superb.

The mural in the parking lot that says "You Are So Gorge," a play on the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, is the perfect photo-op while you wait for your food. I've come here in the summer on a weekend when it's so crowded there is no seating, which is mostly all outdoors. But, Glen Otto Park next door, with a playground, plenty of picnic tables, and a sandy river beach, is the perfect place to take your picnic to go. I've also come here in the winter on a weekday and had my pick of tables indoors or outdoors. No matter how crowded it is, though, it's worth it. And, they conveniently allow online ordering or the drive-thru for you to either skip the waiting in line or wait in your car. This is especially nice if your kids are asleep in the backseat. Yes, this has happened to me. And when they woke up, they wanted to know where their ice cream and kombucha were.

The menu here is fit to quench the most discerning foodie's hunger (and thirst), yet it is also extremely kid-friendly. Bacon grilled cheese, potato chips, soft-serve ice cream (with lots of topping choices), non-alcoholic beverages (including sodas, shrubs, and kombucha), and pizza next door at their adjoining food truck are all aimed to please, including the little tykes. Yes, if Sugarpine Drive-In doesn't have the choices your kid is looking for, they also have their pizza food truck, Apizza Pine. It is open in fall and winter. Starting in the spring through the summertime, they have another food truck, DaPine Grinds, serving up healthy Hawaiian fare. The food truck is designed to change every six months to let employees experiment.

But, it isn't all about the kid's menu. For adults, they have plenty of local beer, cider, and wine options and culinary delights with colorful salads and sandwiches. It reminds me of the health food co-op sandwiches I crave with all the rainbow produce but mixed with a pub restaurant's delicious sauces and dressings. It's the kind of food your vegan friends will love, but also your dad, who stops in after a motorcycle ride to replenish his energy with a meal and a frosty beer. Yes, they have lots of vegetarian and vegan options and some quick switches for allergies like gluten or dairy. They even have oat milk soft serve as an option! There is something for everyone. It is a place like no other. Trust me. Once you visit, you'll never forget it. It will beckon you to return. The menu is seasonal and changes which is the perfect excuse to go back again and again.