Pal’s snack bar opens Portland oasis on Hayden Island marina
The team behind the Suttle Lodge & Boathouse brings lively new fish-shack-meets-snack-bar to the shores of the Columbia River
Hayden Island is for most an Interstate 5 drive over landmass between N. Portland and Vancouver, Washington most notably as a stop for the Jantzen Beach Shopping Center and numerous hotels. Not many are aware that Hayden Island is also home to significant wildlife preservation areas and the largest complex of yacht moorages on the Columbia River. Despite over 3,000 people residing on the tiny 1,400 acre island, there is a dearth of restaurants and bars. That’s where Pal’s waterfront snack bar comes in, a destination space for wary travelers looking for a place to kick back away from the hustle-and-bustle of city-life, or to refuel before or after a day on the water.
Pal’s is located on the quiet east end of Hayden Island on the shores of the Columbia River just above the Tomahawk Bay Marina. Though it’s a little hard to find that’s all for the better, and Google maps will make it easy if you follow the twists and turns to this island inspired setting. Open year-round with bright beach-style indoor seating, Pal’s is really all about the 250 outdoor seats, and a multi-acre lawn designed by Pistils.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the setting. From the indoor window side seats, to a partially covered outdoor patio, a second level patio loft, to river views and trails lined with wildflowers, Manzanita, and native oaks. The open air lawn area has a stage for live shows, slips at the marina to arrive by boat, fire pits to take in the night sky, and a play area where kids can climb on a sanded log structure on sawdust. Lawn programming is on the way and there are kayak and paddleboard rentals straight from the dock just down the hill.
Rehabilitating the natural landscape was central to the project, with landscape architecture led by Pistils and native plant specialist Nick Lake of Earth Ecology. The result is a Hayden Island Arboretum, showcasing more than 200 species of West Coast native plants—many rare, underutilized, and well-suited to Portland’s Mediterranean-like climate—sourced from Xera Plants, Cistus Nursery, Humble Roots, and Winter Creek Nursery. Highlights include 25 native oak species, a half-acre meadow of 35 wildflower varieties, and shrubs like manzanita, coffeeberry, and buckwheat, all adapted to sandy, drought-prone soils. Featuring one of the region’s only Crevasse Gardens and embracing “assisted migration” to safeguard at-risk species, the arboretum will offer placards, field guides, and community talks that invite visitors to explore the West Coast’s natural heritage.
Pal’s is described itself as a “lively fish-shack-meets-snack-bar from the visionary team behind The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse,” and the same level of quality at related establishments like Spirit of 77 is evident in the food and drink.
On the menu at Pal’s: Oregon Albacore Tuna Salad, Crunchy Vegetable Plate, B’s Bay Shrimp Roll, the Pal’s Big Slap Cheeseburger, and a Fish & Chips Sandwich—wash it all down with regional beers, wines, and unassailable cocktails. Classic soft serve will be offered with a pirate’s bounty of toppings to choose from. The drinks are fun, irreverent, and tropical, but not tiki. Developed by PDT alum and partner Sean Hoard, the drink menu emphasizes simple cocktails that celebrate place and skip the overwrought, featuring standbys like the Mai Tai and a clever take on the tiki classic, the Neptune.
Craft beer, cider and wine are also featured on 5 taps that included a selection of north bank area offerings like Fortside Brewing Pilsner, Trap Door Brewing’s Glowed Up Hazy IPA, Barrel Mountain Brewing’s Luv Ya Light Lager, Grains of Wrath Brewing’s Built for Speed IPA, and Yonder Cider’s Dry Cider. Though not stocked yet, there are 4 cooler doors of packaged to-go items that will be ready to grab-and-go for locals or those hitting the parks, trails, or fun on the water.
Pal’s community-driven retail and grocery market and a Coava-supported coffee shop will round out the experience, serving visitors and island locals. Providing the only grocery market on the island, the Pal’s team crowdsourced community suggestions to stock the shelves. Pal’s will be open for coffee, pastries and grab-and-go during the hours of 7 to 11 a.m., and will serve an all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Located at 515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland, OR 97217. More information is available at www.palswithus.com