Columbia River Gorge restaurant?
 

Desperately seeking moderation.
Our camping trip has been forfeited by the weather this weekend and I'm still determined to get some family time in with the grown children so I'm forcing the boys into the car for a daytrip. I'm planning a gorge drive with a stop at a winery (for me) and a brewery (everyone else) and would like a nice venue for a lunch or late afternoon meal. Because there will be four of us I'm looking for something less expensive than the nicer restaurants yet with a nice venue and/or view. Pizza or burgers would be fine if the setting is pleasant. This is tomorrow so I'm hoping someone will read this tonight!

PDX, have you ever eaten at the restaurant at Multnomah Falls? I always think those places will be overpriced for the food you get, but a few years back I went in with a friend and was pleasantly surprised by the meal.

Or are you thinking further out?

I agree, Multnomah Falls restaurant would be good. Plus you can do a bit of hiking if you want. Another place to look at would be the Edgefield. You mention late afternoon, so what about doing a loop and coming around the back side of hood and stopping at Timberline? I have been to all of these places and like them each for what they are. Oh, another option...if you decide against Timberline but are over that way, Huckleberry Inn in Govt Camp is good.

Nice ideas, thanks. I especially like the idea of looping around via Timberline. I looked at a menu at one of their bars earlier and it was perfect for what we needed but changed the drive over to the gorge. I'll look into the loop route now. And the Multnomah Falls restaurant is a beautiful spot, haven't been there in years, either. Thanks again, both of you.

Another vote for the Edgefield. It's a big place, not just a restaurant. Spend some time walking around the hallways of the main building, looking at all the interesting murals and photographs. The place was originally a "poor farm" and later and retirement center; the pictures and murals on the wall tell stories about a lot of the former residents and workers as well as some of those involved in the restoration. If there's a free tour offered that day, take it! (Ask at the gift shop or call ahead.) My friend used to do tours there and has given me hers a few times - it's really a unique place.

My favorite restaurant is Celilo in Hood River but I agree that Edgefield is the right place for your family. The place is very interesting; the food not so much, but it will appeal to the kids.

We ended up at Solstice in Bingen.
http://www.solsticewoodfirecafe.com/
Pretty decent. I would recommend it for a casual lunch or dinner. Very nice pizza with thin, stretchy crust. Caesar salad needs a little help. The boys liked the portabella panini with added bacon but not the meatloaf panini. Great local wine and nice microbrews. Nice drive over all even with the pouring rain. Beautiful and sunny back here in Portland. Go figure. Had to get back home for one of the kids ('kids' are 24-28) to pick his fantasy football team or whatever.
I'd like to make the drive again in October for the apple harvest.

Hood River definitely. Either the brewpub or the Best Western with its deck down by the river.