Island Cafe

Reviews

• Anne L.

  star star star star star 9 June 2026

  Great hidden gem by the river! They're open during spring-summer seasons and closes during the winter seasons. So plan ahead.
  Friendly, attentive staff. Call for large group reservations.
  There's a Steep ramp to get to this place so wear proper shoes with grip!!
  Fish n chips were made perfectly. The fish tacos are also highly recommended here. Fun spot right on the river and a great place to unwind.
  
  Don't get caught feeding the begging ducks!
  Stop by the cute gift shop on your way out for some fun gifts.
  
  Can't wait to return next year!

• Sharon C.

  star star star star star 5 June 2026

  July Birthday dinner @ The Island Cafe. Beautiful setting among the boats & homes on the water at Hayden Island. Clean, casual & fun with an upbeat playlist.
  
  We had a really nice waitress with great service.
  My first ever beyond burger...so yummy & tasted like a real burger. A real birthday treat!
  
  I had heard about this place before & happy accidentally ran into it looking for Dick's Sporting goods. Must be a well kept secret.
  
  Be sure to check it out!
  
  P.S. Ask for a Virgin Shary

• Tricia S.

  star star star star star_border 3 June 2026

  Enjoyed a weekday lunch at Island Cafe. Getting to the cafe was a little difficult as I was with someone who had a knee injury and the dock "ladder" is quite steep. Having said that, it had good traction so we moved slowly and made our way there.
  
  We sat outside ... there was a beautiful view and a nice beachy feel. We were seated at the corner table so people arriving kept bumping into the back of my chair.  The tables are tight but it allows the most seating so we made it work.
  
  On to the food .. we both had the 2pc halibut and chips - divine. It was the right amount of food and the fish was fresh. Crisp on the outside but juicy meat inside. Service was great so will be back and try other things.

• Kent H.

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  Tip: They are closed for the winter, so plan accordingly. Ask for the jalapeño ranch or chipotle mayo sauce! It's goes really well with fries - my favorite hands down was the jalapeño ranch.
  
  Overall: Amazing food, amazing view and spectacular service! And the perfect date night place.
  
  Location/Parking: For those that live in the surrounding southeast Portland area, it is a bit of a drive but can be well worth it. For the first timers like me, you'll definitely need to use your GPS because the restaurant is literally on a dock floating on the river so you won't see it as you're driving. That said, parking is limited because they have designated spots that they are sharing. Be prepared for a bit of a downhill walk to the dock which is well worth it. If you have any members of your group that need special assistance, I would recommend driving to the dock to drop them off before parking. Ladies, don't wear heels of any sort because it will get caught on the dock.
  
  Food: I ordered the two piece fish and chips with french fries. The fries were cooked perfectly - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The fish and chips were also cooked perfectly, just the right amount of crispiness. The jalapeños ranch that our waitress gave us paired perfectly with the fries! I almost wanted to ask for it to go because it was that good. There is a tiny bit of a kick - just enough that you can taste it. The chipotle mayo on the other hand definitely had way more kick, would pair perfectly with a sandwich.
  
  View: If you go on a sunny day but not too warm, you'll love this place. People are out enjoying themselves and you'll see the ducks on the river - a great way to relax.
  
  Service: I've never said this before but the service can't be any better! I didn't get the chance to ask for her name but she is the representation of what a waiter/waitress should be! My girlfriend told her it's our first time here and she immediately had recommendations of what to get and steered us away from ite that didn't fit what we were looking after. On top of that, she brought out the two sauces for us to try and we didn't even ask for it! This isn't even mentioning that the place was packed! Even though I fell in love with the jalapeño ranch, my favorite part was her attention to detail and the small little things she did. When she cashed us out, she looked my the credit card and came back to say, thank you with my girlfriend's name. That extra faction of a second to add the personalized touch means a lot.

• Rose L.

  star star star star star_border 18 May 2026

  Nice outdoor seating right in the water. They offer different options for folks who enjoy burgers, sandwiches, seafood and the like. It's a cute spot that many can enjoy a drink at the bar and take in the surrounding activity with the boats and the water.
  
  We tried the fried shrimp which was tasty and crispy. I had the lobster seafood mix salad which was decent - glad they listed out it's a medley of seafood which they added scallions and other ingredients to. And the other person ordered a burger cooked to their liking.  
  
  It's a crowded spot that locals clearly love and very unique experience for anyone who enjoys being on the water.