Bridgeside — Restaurant in Cascade Locks

“How many are in your group?”

Our visit to Bridgeside started with this innocent-sounding question from the staff. We soon found out that it was anything but innocent, as we found that this was the company’s way of tacking on an 18% gratuity to any “group” larger than 8 people.

Probably a way to add to their profit from groups of elderly people on your buses.

The food was mediocre at best. My 11-year-old got a kids burger ($6.00 = $7.05 with the family tax), and literally started crying when it was brought to us, as the portion was not even the size of a McDonald’s cheeseburger and small fry. I switched with him and ate the smaller portion, giving him my “larger” burger, which was still on the small size, and not nearly what one would expect from a burger that cost $14 ($16.50 with the 18% family tax).

Apart from the prices, the food also was not great. About the quality one would expect from a low-budget political fundraiser potluck or drive-through fast food. Definitely not restaurant quality.

The restaurant recently changed its hours, so you can no longer eat dinner at the place.

The staff does bring your food to your table when your order is ready. If you have never been to the restaurant before, however, be prepared to get your own drinks. I didn’t know this, and went back to the register to report that we didn’t get our drinks, and was told where to get the drinks for ourselves.

The view from the seating area is spectacular, and there is outdoor patio seating if you want to go and find it. Directly beside the “Bridge of the Gods,” the setting is idyllic.

If only the business were run in a similar fashion, with quality and integrity.

Unfortunately, Bridgeside Family Dining cannot be recommended. If you must stop, don’t bring friends, or you’ll be charged...

Never again. We have been stopping for breakfast at the Char Burger in Cascade Locks for more years than I care to remember but our last stop, about a month ago, will be our last. I sensed something was wrong/different as soon as I walked in the door: No menu on the wall as you enter the order line. Then I was asked if I had a voucher, I said no, and wondered what that was all about. Looks as if they have made a deal with the hotel next door to offer subsidized breakfasts to their guests. And what happened to the glass coffee carafes next to the cash register? Now they have a huge urn on a counter in the middle of the room, so of course the waitresses/waiters no longer have to bother themselves topping off your cup once in a while and exchanging a few pleasantries. The food quality has slipped a couple of notches in my opinion, maybe more than a few, and there is just something off-putting about the place now. I suppose if you have nothing to compare your experience to everything will be OK, but for me, my family and friends we’ll eat somewhere else, even if we have to hold our appetites until we get to Troutdale or Portland, or in the other direction, Hood River. The one thing that has not changed is the spectacular view of the Columbia River and the Bridge of the Gods, and if you are not familiar with the Columbia Gorge perhaps that will make up for what I f.eel...

5/30/22 : A very cute little restaurant in the middle of nowhere, the views were amazing!. The staff was friendly but not helpful

When we ordered soda we weren't told where to get the cups we were standing there waiting after we paid and then finally we asked

Food: BBQ Pulled Pork - Slow roasted pork shoulder, coleslaw, house BBQ sauce on a brioche bun

It was lukewarm. It was flavorful, sweet and good but no Steam was coming off the food, You would think french fries in a 350°f oil would have some kind of steam, It's pretty clear. There are no food quality standards here or pride / passion in their work :(

A kitchen staff was witness playing on his phone until an order came in he Did NOT wash his hands or put on gloves before Grabbing the baskets and bread.. then after completing an order he went back to texting on his phone He also was touching other kitchen equipment. This could be potential cross-contamination

The tables were clean and the gift shop is full of cool stuff

the staff, inside the gift shop was very friendly and welcomed us in immediately as we stepped foot...