Having a family means planning activities, building memories, and gathering around the table, time and time again. But one of the regular hurdles for modern families is taking everyone out to eat. Simply put, not all family members have the same definition of delicious. Venue, menu, and general atmosphere all play a part in the delicate dance of getting everyone fed. These things must be measured alongside bedtimes, travel routes, and the ever-present question of “What’s on the kids menu?” The great news is that family-friendly restaurants are in abundance in our area. Here are some of our faves.
Off the Waffle
Watch your kids’ eyes light up as they devour their plate of Liège waffles topped with Nutella, strawberry compote, and whipped cream. Sweet and savory selections are both available, with the option to customize your order by adding eggs, bacon, Havarti cheese, and more. 2540 Willamette St., 541/632-4316 • 840 Willamette St., 541/632-4225 • offthewaffle.com
Café Yumm!
Kids (and adults) can’t get enough of Café Yumm!’s signature rice bowls, featuring tangy Yumm! Sauce, avocados, beans, and salsa. For a tasty treat, kids can add a chocolate-dipped cookie or organic juice to their meal. Several locations in Eugene and Springfield • cafeyumm.com
Coburg Pizza Company
With two location in Lane County, Coburg Pizza Company ensures that a good slice of pizza is always nearby. Choose from a huge selection of pizza options or try their award-winning hot wings, calzones, salads, or pastas. The whole family will leave full and happy. 90999 S Willamette St., Coburg, 541/484-6600 • 1710 Centennial Blvd., Springfield, 541/484-6600 • coburgpizza.com
Cornbread Cafe
Cornbread Cafe is your home away from home, featuring vegan comfort food. The Kiddo-O-Meal ($6 each) offers a choice of tofu nuggets, phish sticks, grilled cheese, PB&J, and more. Each meal comes with juice, soy milk, or coconut milk; fruit or veggies; and a fun sticker! 1290 W 7th Ave. • 541/505-9175 • cornbreadcafe.com
Dickie Jo’s Burgers
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned burger joint to satisfy the famished family. Dickie Jo’s is the perfect spot for your kiddos to go whole hog, with a smorgasbord of food to feed even the hungriest of your group. The milkshake selection is incredible, from chocolate and vanilla to pineapple and banana flavors. Chili cheese dogs and house-made chili are in abundance, and all of Dickie Jo’s burgers come with homemade DJ Sauce. 1079 Valley River Way, Ste. C • 541/743-4106 • westrauntconcepts.com
Falling Sky Brewing
Family-friendly Falling Sky has three restaurants in Eugene, all offering delicious eats and a little something extra for the kids. The Delicatessen location provides a small sandbox where kids can keep busy, and the Pizzeria locale has plenty of room for active children, plus a couple of video games they can try their hand at. Three locations in Eugene • fallingskybrewing.com
Friendly Street Market and Deli
Going above and beyond the status of a convenient neighborhood grocery store, Friendly Street Market and Deli is a fantastic place for families to gather and gorge on any number of tasty meals or snacks. From assorted cheese plates to their spinach orzo caprese salad, Friendly Street is a great spot for a quick, healthy bite to eat. The outdoor patio area is often frequented by music performers, as well as kids snacking on ice cream from Red Wagon Creamery and pastries from Sweet Life Patisserie. 2757 Friendly St. • 541/683-2079 • facebook.com/FriendlyStreetMarket/
Mucho Gusto
Have a picky eater in the family? Mucho Gusto allows diners to customize their lunch or dinner with a plethora of options for your burrito, taco, or salad. The kids menu ($6) features quesadillas and burritos, and each comes with chips, orange slices, and a beverage or smoothie. 67 Oakway Center • 541/343-1481 • westrauntconcepts.com
Roaring Rapids Pizza
When it comes right down to it, few folks will pass on pizza. Located right on the Willamette River with a killer waterfront view, conveniently close to Camp Putt Adventure Golf Park, Roaring Rapids goes all out when it comes to the family pizza experience. They even have an old-school carousel on-site that you can hop a ride on every 20 minutes, not to mention a pretty stellar video game arcade. 4006 Franklin Blvd. • 541/988-9819 • roaringrapidspizza.com
