Not too long after my wife and I married, we started a quarterly habit of picking a direction and driving out to a different town and finding a local cafe we had never been to before. It was a great balance of family time, beautiful scenery and good food. However, I made the mistake once of telling my kids of a place known for it’s milkshakes. They both ordered one with their breakfast.
To be fair, they were quite delicious.
There is something about Oregon and diners that go hand in hand. Walking in to hear the clatter of dishes, the sizzle of eggs on a hot griddle, the talk of the old men in the corner during the daily meeting of the minds. It is not only where one finds comfort food for the body, but the soul as well. Here are a few to check out next time your wanderlust brings you to Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory.
The Huckleberry Inn in Government Camp.
The Huckleberry Inn in Government Camp is a local institution. Open 24 x 7, you can indulge in all things Huckleberries year-round. (Somewhere in the back of my mind, I hear Forrest Gump saying “Huckleberries? I love huckleberries. There’s huckleberry pie, huckleberry pancakes…”)
Gingerbread pancakes from the Blackberry Cafe.
Just below the mountain in Welches, the Blackberry Cafe along Highway 26 Larry and Michelle Rose offer the “HWY 26 Papa Bear” omelet. A 26-ounce challenge stuffed with cheese, ham, sausage, bacon, tomato, and mushrooms, is perfect for those with a massive appetite, and a HDL under 80.’
Click here for a brief video on the Blackberry Cafe.
Sandy’s Tollgate Inn is a gem on the way to Mt Hood. Housed in a restored inn, the family style dining features excellent meals all day long. Be sure to pick up a few of the mouth-watering cookies on your way out. The staff in the office still raves about them!
Come for the breakfast. Leave with the cookies!
Halfway between Estacada and Molalla is a personal favorite, the Colton Cafe. Here, your kids can order milkshakes with their meal. Be sure to check out the local artwork on the walls. Did I mention the milkshakes?
If you like your eggs with a side of history, Milwaukie’s Bomber Restaurant is for you. Veterans from all service branches are welcome here the first Friday of the month to trade stories amongst themselves. After breakfast, see the “Wings of Freedom Showcase” museum across the parking lot. It features wonderful artifacts from the front lines and the home front.
Click here for a brief video of The Bomber Restaurant.
There are so many wonderful places I have yet to see and try. But the kids and I are almost ready for another Sunday morning breakfast. This time I swear, no milkshakes. Well, maybe.
