A new dining destination is set to open its doors on Hayden Island with an eagerly anticipated launch in early July.
Pal’s will operate year-round, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with an all-day menu available seven days a week.
Donald Kenney, a native of Oregon and a significant force behind this project, has co-created the restaurant’s buildout and menu to appeal to families and locals.
Located in the Columbia River, Hayden Island serves as a natural divide between the states of Washington and Oregon, creating a picturesque backdrop for the dining experience.
Pal’s will begin the day with coffee and pastries from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., providing quick grab-and-go items reminiscent of grocery store selections.
As the day progresses, the focus will shift to lunch and dinner offerings, available until 10 p.m.
What sets Pal’s apart as the only upscale outdoor restaurant on the island, which is home to around 4,000 residents, including houseboat dwellers, is its seafood-forward menu.
Diners can expect an array of dishes such as Oregon albacore tuna salad, generously portioned fish sandwiches, and a local twist on a lobster roll featuring Oregon’s Bay shrimp.
The seafood will be beautifully presented, battered in panko, sprinkled with kettle chips, and served between petite buns.
In addition, Dungeness crab is expected to grace the menu when it comes into season, ensuring that guests have access to a fresh and diverse dining experience.
Sweet treats are not forgotten, as soft serve will also be available for guests looking to satisfy their dessert cravings.
The cocktail program at Pal’s is set to impress, thanks to the skills of partner Sean Ford, a cocktail expert with a strong background in the industry.
Having previously served as general manager at Teardrop and owning several bars, Ford plans to offer a well-rounded drinks menu that includes classics like the Dark and Stormy, alongside creative cocktails such as the Banoffee Bahama Mama.
The unique Banoffee Bahama Mama will feature Hamilton dark rum, banana liqueur, and a delightful scoop of soft serve topped with a spoon, promising a memorable drink option for patrons.
Kenney, who was instrumental in opening the Suttle Lake Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters, aims to replicate that warm, family-oriented atmosphere at Pal’s.
He envisions a space that kids will remember fondly as they grow older, as the restaurant seeks to establish itself as a beloved community spot.
This vision for Pal’s is rooted in Kenney’s personal experiences, particularly inspired by his time in Austin, Texas, where restaurants often incorporate large, family-friendly outdoor spaces.
The restaurant is located within a 40-year-old leasing office in the marina, which is undergoing significant renovations, including the transformation of the grounds into a spacious lawn designed for families and children to enjoy their meals together.
Pistils Nursery has been enlisted to help design the buildout, contributing plant life to enhance the inviting atmosphere.
Kenney hopes that families will return to Pal’s time and again, enjoying warm summer days by the water, savoring soft serve late into the evening.
‘I see the kids running around throwing food for the geese,’ Kenney describes, ‘and people pulling their boats up for a bite to eat.’
Pal’s is located at 515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland, and is set to open in early July, with operating hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
image source from：https://pdx.eater.com/openings/104277/a-portland-boathouse-is-reopening-as-a-kid-friendly-destination-for-fish-sandwiches
