Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Eats These beloved eateries, recommended by locals, are especially worth seeking out on your trip. Breakfast fans will love Pine Street Bakery, located in the Heights neighborhood, for its fresh breads, rolls and pastries with Shepherd’s Grain flour and produce from local farms and orchards. Nearby, The Mesquitery has a great patio and neighborhood feel. It’s known for its charming service and global flavors, including homemade pierogies. Or get spicy with Sichuan and Hunan specialties at China Gorge, a longtime Hood River favorite. Definitely don’t miss two classic drive-ins in the area. The giant soft-serve ice cream cones at the Eastwind Drive-In were locally famous in Cascade Locks even before it was featured in Cheryl Strayed’s bestseller “Wild.” A fixture since the 1950s, Twin Peaks Drive-In near Hood River Airport might be the only place you can enjoy a freshly made old-school burger on a patio with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. For mouthwatering meats fresh off the smoker, try Apple Valley BBQ in Parkdale — where options include pulled pork and jerk chicken. On a hot summer day on the Fruit Loop, stop for a famous huckleberry milkshake at Apple Valley Country Store. Another amazing barbecue stop is the food truck Grasslands Barbecue, located on the Hood River waterfront behind Ferment Brewing. It’s run by serious students of the art of brisket, pork belly and sausages. Hood River County’s vibrant food-cart community offers everything from Italian to Thai to fish and chips. The community food blog, Hood River Eats (HoodRiverEats.com), is the local go-to for updates on locations of mobile trucks, as well as restaurant openings. Equally relaxing after a round of golf or sightseeing on the Fruit Loop, Divots Restaurant at the Indian Creek Golf Course has an excellent happy hour. Enjoy an ahi tuna poke bowl and local pinot gris on an outdoor covered patio with views of Mt. Hood. If you’re fresh off the Pacific Crest Trail, drop by Cascade Locks Ale House or Thunder Island Brewing Co. for a cold microbrew and pub grub. Something for Everyone BREAKFAST SPOTS For traditional breakfasts like blueberry pancakes, dine at Egg River Cafe or Bette’s Place. Downtown Broder Øst serves Nordic-influenced breakfast boards and egg dishes. Freshies, Doppio Coffee or Ground Espresso Bar & Cafe all offer coffee to go. PLANT-BASED OPTIONS Remedy Cafe serves up healthy juices, burritos and bowls while KickStand Coffee & Kitchen has a killer veggie burger. Farm Stand in the Gorge fills the bill for fresh superfood smoothies. Pho River, Mugen Noodle, Sushi Okalani and Riverside at the Best Western feature many plant-based options, including soups and salads. FAMILY-FRIENDLY On the waterfront, Solstice Wood Fire Pizza has a play area for kids to enjoy after fueling up on mac and cheese. Mike’s Ice Cream is the place to go on a hot day in Hood River. For pizza, try Andrew’s Pizza & Skylight Theater for East Coast-style pies with a movie. Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery has hot pizza and pizza kits for takeaway. Inspired by the flavors you experienced in Hood River County? Download our new digital community cookbook, Tastebound, with recipes from local chefs at visithoodriver.com/cookbook. Mike’s Ice Cream Grasslands Barbecue FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF GRASSLANDS BARBECUE; VISIT HOOD RIVER visithoodriver.com 25
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