Where to dine in Troutdale: Gerry Frank’s picks

Tad's Chicken n' Dumplins

The chicken and dumplings from Tad's Chicken 'n Dumplins in Troutdale. Samantha Bakall

Happy Father’s Day! Every time I dine on chicken and dumplings, I am reminded of family dinners with my mother and father long ago. So I thought, what better way to celebrate a day like today than with a family dinner in pure comfort. While Tad’s Chicken ’n Dumplins (1325 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale; 503-666-5337) is known for this stick-to-your-ribs dish, it also entices diners with crispy fried chicken and chicken liver dinners, and has done so for many years. Other menu items include seafood, beef (liver and onions, too) and pasta entrees as well as hearty salads. Dinners include a rel­ish tray, soup or salad, bread and home-style green beans along with your choice of dumpling, potato or rice.

Needless to say the portions are quite large, but if you manage to save room the housemade apple crisp topped with handcrafted ice cream is worth trying. It doesn’t get much better than comfort food in a comfortable setting with beautiful views of the river. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

For a more upscale dinner house in the area, head to the Riverview Restaurant (29311 S.E. Stark St., Troutdale; 503-661-3663) led by Linda and Junki Yoshida. As you approach this beautiful restaurant’s 5-acre grounds, you can’t help but take a moment to wander around the property, taking in the trees, the flowers and the Sandy River. The best part is, you can tell that the structure was meticulously designed to capture the area’s natural beauty, which extends from the exterior to the interior with its rich wood details and an open space with vaulted ceilings and large windows to soak in the picturesque views – that is, if you’re not dining outside on the deck next to the river in the midst of it all. To add to the beauty of the interior, the Yoshidas have adorned the walls with original artwork from their private collection.

The Northwest cuisine showcases game dishes (seasonally available), fresh seafood, steaks and chicken punctuated with Asian influences. The chef’s four-course menu, made up of some of the restaurant’s best dishes, is a great choice for first-time diners. Entrée items include grilled salmon, Northwest Angus brisket with tasty grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes, portabella chicken and gorgonzola butternut ravioli. The lounge has a daily happy hour (4 to 7 p.m.; all day Tuesdays), specials and plenty of good eats including Mr. Yoshida’s Teriyaki Bowl, sandwiches, salads and other signature favorites. Diners are often enter­tained with local musical talent. Hours are 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday. Reservations are highly recommended.

The all-new fourth edition of “Gerry Frank’s Oregon” guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; amazon.com; Macy’s; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.