Finding family-friendly food is one of the hardest parts of vacation. But if you’re planning family travel to Tracktown USA, I got you. Here’s where to eat with kids: the best restaurants in Eugene, Oregon!
My youngest is notoriously picky, but these family-friendly restaurants in Eugene have gotten her stamp of approval. I can’t guarantee your kids will join the Clean Plate Club at these cafes and restaurants, but I can promise you less stress. After all, once you know where to eat with kids in Eugene, you can spend more time enjoying your family trip and less time frantically scrolling through Yelp.
So read on for the most kid-friendly, best restaurants in Eugene, Oregon. Bon appetit!
Eugene, Oregon returned to limited indoor dining in February 2021. Guidelines can change at any moment, though, so check the current status before visiting these Eugene restaurants.
Family friendly restaurants in Eugene, Oregon
I grew up in Eugene and my parents still live there, so we visit often. And sometimes, Nana and Grandpa just don’t want to cook—so we go out to eat with kids in Eugene regularly.
Luckily, I’ve collected quite a list of the best restaurants in Eugene, at least when it comes to satisfy your littles (and you!). Whether your kids are on a strict grilled cheese-only diet or they’re a little more adventurous, these family-friendly restaurants in Eugene will feed the fam.
Roaring Rapids Pizza
Any restaurant that has a carousel inside is inherently kid-friendly, amirite? That’s why we love eating at Roaring Rapids Pizza when we take a family vacation in Eugene.
The food is pretty standard—pizza and salads—but the main attraction is the chance to ride the carousel. This pizza joint is technically in Springfield, just up the road from the University of Oregon, and is along the beautiful Willamette River.
Hideaway Bakery
With a name like Hideaway Bakery, it should come as no surprise that this kid-friendly cafe in Eugene is a bit hard to find. It’s tucked behind an Italian restaurant in South Eugene, but it’s worth the search! Simply park in the lot for Mazzi’s Italian restaurant; the two places share a building.
This Eugene favorite serves hot dishes including breakfast sandwiches along with amazing wood oven-baked breads and pastries. You order inside the front area, pick up your food and coffee at the window, then eat at the tables outside (my favorite) or inside Mazzi’s.
When you’re deciding where to eat with kids in Eugene, Hideaway Bakery is an easy choice because of its sand box! Alongside the bakery, a clean sand box lets kids play while their parents linger over their coffee and tea. This play area makes Hideaway Bakery one of my kids’ favorite Eugene restaurants.
Cafe Yumm
This Eugene cafe has developed a cult following, and for good reason: Its Yumm sauce is so tangy and delicious that I put it on whatever I can. Cafe Yumm is a great kid-friendly restaurant in Eugene because its Yumm bowls are ultimately customizable. Your kid doesn’t like beans? Sub chicken or tempeh. Add or subtract delicious ingredients to your child’s preferences.
Cafe Yumm also has a kids’ menu that doesn’t sacrifice health or flavor. And I love that kids’ bowls are served in oversized bowls so little ones are less likely to spill.
When you leave, do like I do and buy a bottle of Yumm sauce to take home. I put it on roasted veggies, salad, beans and rice—pretty much anything I can.
Level 10 travel tip: If you don’t like or eat cheese or sour cream, ask to make your Yumm bowl vegan. Then you’ll get to sub in extra avocado or, my favorite, cabbage and carrots.
Laughing Planet
When I was a frazzled, brand-new mom of 2, I ate at Laughing Planet every chance I could. I knew Ne Big Sis Edie would devour food at this family friendly restaurant in Eugene, and I felt great since I knew it was all healthy.
My girls now love the smoothies at this Eugene, Oregon restaurant. Their kid’s menu offers littler portions of their signature dishes as well as kid standbys like quesadillas. Almost every time I go, I get my favorite meal: The Cuban Bowl, which includes roasted plantains, beans, pico de gallo and more deliciousness!
And get this: Every Laughing Planet location has dinosaur toys all over the restaurant so kids have fun while they wait (and eat). I also know the restaurant keeps the toys clean: They wash them every day. I’ve seen it!
Level 10 travel tip: Laughing Planet also has locations around the Portland, Oregon metro area.
Tacovore
Can I get a show of hands of those of you who think tacos are the best? I totally agree. But if your kids don’t, take them to Tacovore anyway. They can get a quesadilla while you chow on these delicious tacos.
What I love about Tacovore is that you can order individual tacos, letting you taste a whole variety of them. (This is also ideal for kids’ smaller appetites.)
Tacovore is definitely one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Eugene. The menu includes 10 different tacos, plus seasonal specials, including vegetarian-friendly options such as ones made with crispy tofu or cremini mushrooms.
Level 10 travel tip: My kids love to check out the mural right next to Tacovore. I bet your littles will, too!
Cornbread Cafe
Cornbread Cafe, a homestyle cooking vegan cafe in Eugene, serves the most delicious comfort food for a plant-based diet. This Eugene restaurant, which took over an old drive-in with its funky 1950s diner flair, was also featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Thrus and Dives!
But honestly, my kids (and probably yours) don’t know anything about that Food Network Show. They did, however, give their own review for this kid friendly restaurant in Eugene: “Yum!”
I love that I don’t have to compromise my own tastebuds to feed my picky eaters. The menu is seriously mouth-watering. Don’t forget to try a slice of their pie!
Off the Waffle
Off the Waffle, with several locations in Eugene, makes both traditional and inventive foodie-pleasing breakfasts. My kids generally stick with the usual toppings—fruit and whipped cream, or plain ol’ syrup. For the more adventurous eaters, though, I recommend the Be Brie Pared: a waffle topped with sliced pear, onion jam, melted Brie cheese and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. It’s seriously so good.
If you’re visiting Off the Waffle in Eugene, head to their downtown location. It’s much more spacious—a plus for parents bringing in baby gear or kids who like to move. Weekends can get a bit crowded, so go on a weekday or early on busy days. After all, once you smell the caramelized sugar on these mouthwatering Liege waffles, you won’t want to wait a minute longer than you absolutely have to.
If you’re staying overnight in Eugene, don’t forget to book your hotel ahead of time!
Booking.comElk Horn Brewery
Brewpubs tend to be family friendly, which makes Elk Horn Brewery one of our favorite Eugene restaurants. We choose a booth within view of the spacious play area so Max and Edie can pretend to run their own restaurant!
Now I love pub food as much as the next person—gimme all the tots!—but I’m also pro-vegetable. I appreciate I can get both at this restaurant in Eugene. You can get fries or sauteed veggies, a cheeseburger or grilled fish… or simply a grilled cheese.
Either way, the menu, play area and spacious seating make this one of the best restaurants in Eugene for families.
Falling Sky
People in Eugene are serious about their beer. So it should come as no surprise that another brewery made this list of best restaurants in Eugene for kids!
Falling Sky is a small craft brewery between downtown Eugene and the University of Oregon. It also has a second location in the Whitaker neighborhood.
The menu isn’t extensive, but they prioritize quality over quantity. And get this: You get a discount on pints of beer whenever it’s raining out!
When you visit this Eugene brewery’s location on 13th, look around: You’ll see several gorgeous murals. And if you want more things to do in Eugene, check out my DIY Downtown Eugene mural walking tour!
Did I miss any? In your opinion, what are the best restaurants in Eugene, Oregon—for kids or adults??
The Hideaway Bakery was a great find! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome! We love the Hideaway Bakery in Eugene. 🙂