Pal's brings causal waterfront dining to Hayden Island
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More than 200 native West Coast plant species can be found around Pal's patio, with landscaping by Earth Ecology. Photo: Courtesy of Carter Hiyama
The fried fish sandwich at new eatery Pal's is a huge hunk of rainbow trout coated in crushed kettle chips, topped with American cheese and smothered in a house-made sauce. It's a monster of a bite that the restaurant's owners hope will lure Portlanders over to Hayden Island to try.
The big picture: Unlike our neighbors to the north, Portland has a dearth of waterfront dining options — a big missed opportunity considering the city has two rivers running through it.
- After being approached by a leasing agent for the former Columbia Crossings marina restaurant Hidden Bay Cafe, the team behind Sisters' Suttle Lodge saw an opportunity to recreate the magic of their Boathouse restaurant here, and Pal's was born.
The vibe: The result is an expansive dockside all-day fish-shack-meets-snack-bar — with 50 seats inside and 250 on the patio. There's a view of the marina (you get to see the boats cruising in and out) and it's just far enough away from I-5 to be serenely quiet.
- There are three fire pits, a space for games, a children's play area and a stage for live performances on the lawn as well.
Best bites: The location alone may be the draw for some, but the fish-forward menu is the cherry on top. There's an albacore tuna salad sandwich served on grilled bread, a bay shrimp roll with crab mayo and a teriyaki salmon bowl served on a bed of roasted broccoli and cabbage slaw.
- Burgers, hot dogs, salads and classic sides (like pasta salad, baked beans, onion rings and the springiest curly fries) round out the rest. Pal's offerings will change with the seasons — on land and at sea.
Plus: There's soft-serve.
The intrigue: There's also a market.
- Donald Kenney, one of Pal's partners alongside industry veterans Sean Hoard and Brandon Bowden, told Axios the decision to include one came after he learned there's no grocery store on Hayden Island, despite roughly 3,000 people living there.
- Coava coffee and pastries will be served in the mornings, and grab-and-go items will be available all day, alongside staples like eggs, veggies, milk and bread.
- "If we have broccoli on the menu, there will be broccoli in the fridge for people to purchase," Kenney said.
If you go: Pal's (515 NE Tomahawk Island Dr #105) will be open daily starting Monday, from 7am to 10pm.