The Best Restaurants and Bars in Hood River, Oregon

An hour’s drive east from Portland, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is primarily seen as a destination for outdoor adventure with a side of stellar river and mountain views. From hiking or skiing on nearby Mount Hood to world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding on the mighty Columbia, the wealth of adventurous things to do often overshadows Hood River’s other strength: its culinary scene.

Thanks to the Hood River Valley — an agricultural powerhouse full of orchards, farms, and cool-climate wineries with views of the Cascades and Mount Hood — dining in Hood River is the epitome of farm-to-table. Fresh produce, locally-reared meat, and bounties of apples, pears, cherries, and other fruits inspire hyper-seasonal dishes and meals reflecting the unique terroir and flavors of the Gorge. Hood River’s fresh fruits are almost the lifeblood of the area, working their way into everything from food to cider, beer, and wine. Thanks to pioneering microbreweries, Hood River was one of the first prominent beer towns in Oregon and remains so to this day, with seven local breweries pouring plenty of beer for that post-hike refresher.

Whether you’re craving flavorful fish tacos after a Mount Hood hike or just a good cheesy pizza to cap off a day on the water, these restaurants, food carts, breweries, and distilleries have some of the best eats and drinks around Hood River. And while you’re in town, be sure to drive or bike around the valley’s Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic route connecting farmstands, wineries, lavender farms, and U-pick orchards and fields. For more options in the Columbia River Gorge, check out our map and 24-hour guide.

— Additional reporting by Zoe Baillargeon

Read More