Tired Of Cooking? Portland Restaurants That Let Kids Eat Free (Or Cheap!)

Taking the family out to eat can feel like a special treat—no cooking, no dishes, and everyone gets to choose what they like. But if you’ve ever looked at the check after a night out, you know just how quickly those little kids’ meals add up. Thankfully, Portland has several restaurants that understand the challenges of family dining. A handful of local spots, along with a few national chains with locations in the area, offer deals that let kids eat for free (or very close to it). For families trying to stretch their dining dollars, these specials can be a real game-changer.

Here’s a guide to the restaurants around Portland where you can enjoy a night out with the whole family.

Pizza and Family-Friendly Breweries

Pizza is already one of the most kid-friendly foods out there, and Portland is spoiled for choice when it comes to good pies. A few places make it even better by giving families a break on price.

48 North Pizzeria – Sundays

Located in Northeast Portland, 48 North is a cozy neighborhood spot that has quickly become a family favorite. On Sundays, when you order a 12-inch or 18-inch pizza, kids get a free 8-inch cheese or pepperoni pizza. It’s the kind of deal that not only saves you money but also saves you from the endless negotiation of which toppings the kids will agree on.

Migration Brewing – Sundays

With locations in Williams, Glisan, and Gresham, Migration Brewing combines craft beer for adults with a welcoming environment for kids. Every Sunday, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. It’s a rare win-win: parents get a quality meal and maybe even a pint, while kids leave full and happy.

Rally Pizza (Victor-23 Brewing) – Tuesdays

Head across the river to Vancouver for this one, and you’ll be rewarded with Rally Pizza’s “Family Dinner Tuesdays.” Children under 12 receive a free cheese pizza with the purchase of a regular pizza. It’s an easy midweek pick-me-up for families who don’t want to cook after soccer practice or a long day at school.

SteepleJack Pizza & Beer – Tuesdays

This family-friendly brewery in Northeast Portland is housed in a converted church, making it a fun spot to visit. On Tuesdays, kids can get a cheese or pepperoni pizza for half price with the purchase of an adult pizza. The atmosphere is lively, the building is beautiful, and the kids get fed without straining your wallet.

Mexican Restaurants

Mexican food is another go-to for families, and Portland has plenty of casual options where the kids’ meals come free with the grown-ups’.

Si Señor – Mondays

This Portland-area favorite offers one free kid’s entrée with each adult entrée on Mondays. Whether your kids love tacos, quesadillas, or just plain rice and beans, it’s an easy and affordable way to kick off the week.

Pepino’s Mexican Grill – Tuesdays

At Hawthorne, Pepino’s offers a free kids’ burrito or quesadilla plate with the purchase of an adult meal. It’s a small, no-frills spot, but the food is fresh, the portions are generous, and the price is definitely right on Tuesdays.

Classic American

Sometimes you want the comfort of a classic diner or family restaurant, and these places deliver both nostalgia and budget-friendly deals.

Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar – Mondays

At the Clackamas and Tualatin locations, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Claim Jumper is known for its hearty portions and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a reliable choice when you have hungry kids in tow. Please call ahead to confirm.

Denny’s – Tuesdays, 4–10 pm

This one varies by location, but many Denny’s offer a kids-eat-free deal on Tuesday nights. Buy an adult entrée and you’ll get a kid’s meal free. For families on the go, it’s hard to beat the convenience—Denny’s is open late, and the menu has something for everyone.

Red Robin – Wednesdays

Red Robin’s deal is technically half-off, not free, but it’s still a solid discount. On Wednesdays, kids’ meals are 50% off when you dine in or order to-go (use promo code “KIDSMEAL50”). With bottomless fries and a lively, kid-friendly atmosphere, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

A Few Things to Know

While these deals can make family dining much more affordable, there are always a few fine-print details worth remembering:

• Most require an adult entrée purchase. That’s how restaurants balance the deal.
• One kid per adult is usually the limit. If you have three kids and two adults, you may only get two free meals.
• Check the age cutoff. Many restaurants set the age limit at 10 or 12 years old.
• Call ahead. Promotions change, and individual locations may opt in or out. It’s worth a quick phone call to confirm before promising the kids.
• Dine-in vs takeout. Some specials are dine-in only, while others (like Red Robin) extend to to-go orders.

Final Thoughts

Going out to eat as a family doesn’t have to feel like a financial sacrifice. Portland’s dining scene, renowned for its creativity and community spirit, also boasts numerous establishments that cater to kids without causing parents undue stress about the bill. Whether you’re craving pizza, tacos, or just a classic burger and fries, there’s a night of the week when you can find a deal that works for your family.

So the next time you’re tempted to cook mac and cheese at home again, remember: you’ve got options. With a bit of planning, you can give yourself a break, keep the kids happy, and still stay on budget.