Laurelwood Public House - NW/NE Portland

Laurelwood Public House & Brewery is located in NE Portland at 5115 NE Sandy Blvd.  As well as a NW Portland restaurant, Laurelwood Public House at 2327 NW Kearney St.  These family friendly restaurants, which include a kiddie play area, are just the ticket for a fun and enjoyable meal.  Offering breakfast/brunch on the weekends, happy hour daily from 3pm-6pm and 9pm to close (with food items offered at only $4 and pints of beer for $3), they also have lunch and dinner daily, except for the NW location which is closed on Mondays.

Appetizers like housemade beer battered onion rings and Laurelwood garlic fries are a great way to get started.  A few of the food options that grabbed my attention were a mediterranean sandwich with chicken or veggie patty, topped with spinach, tomato, smoked mozzarella, red onion, roasted red pepper and basil-pesto spread on focciacia bread.  They also had a kobe beef burger with garlic aioli, extra sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, mushrooms and charred tomato.  Yummy!  Make sure to pair your meal with a delicious pint of Laurelwood beer, certified organic.  The Mother Lode Golden Ale is a refreshing, easy to drink beer.  For the more adventurous, try the Workhorse IPA, featuring over the top hop flavor and aroma.  All menu items were definitely in the affordable range and a kids menu is available.

For more info, go to:

www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com

Pastini Pastaria - NW/NE/SE/SW Portland, Beaverton, Bridgeport Village,

A locally born chain, these quick and easy Italian restaurants pack in families and couples every day for yummy meals. Starters include multiple types of bruschetta, antipasto plates and a large variety of salads. For the main course, options like rigatoni con chicken cacciatore, baked ziti with grilled italian sausage, fettuccini alfredo are all on the menu to tempt your tastebuds. Grilled panini and other sandwiches are also available for those who want a non-pasta option.

There is also a kids menu with items like pizza bread, macaroni and cheese, and chicken fingers with veggies. All kids meals are $5.50 and includes a soda. All restaurants are open for lunch and dinner. The entire menu is available to-go, so feel free to call ahead if you're in a hurry. Pastini is also available for catering.

For more info, go to:
http://www.pastini.net/

Old Town Pizza - NW Portland

Possibly haunted or not, Old Town Pizza at 226 NW Davis Street is a Portland icon, not to mention a great place to get amazing pizza. A wood bar and order-window greet you upon entering the restaurant. The multicolored, stained glass lights gently light the tables and booths. You can always sit on sofas and chairs around a coffee table if you prefer a even more relaxed setting.

Pizza is clearly "the thing" here, with traditional and customized pies available with medium-thick crusts, delicious sauce and fresh toppings. But they also serve panini, pasta and salads as well in case you want something different. They also serve a good selection of microbrews and wine.

I always have a great time here and it's very family friendly as well. Prices are reasonable and the ambiance and charm of this old building add to the dining experience. However, the pizza is always good as take-out or delivery too :)

They also have a location in NE Portland.
For more info, go to:
www.oldtownpizza.com