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Nestled along the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway in Troutdale, Oregon, Sugarpine Drive-In redefines the classic American drive-in experience with a fresh New American twist. This charming spot, once a humble gas station, has been thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant, upscale eatery that’s as much about comforting nostalgia as it is about innovative flavors.
The cuisine here is a harmonious blend of familiar favorites with bold, unexpected touches. Not to be missed is the Waffle Grilled Cheese, whose crispy, golden waffle exterior envelopes melty cheese that pairs beautifully with the Classic Tomato Soup Plant-Based—a creamy, moreish soup that’s equally comforting whether you’re a plant-based eater or not. If you’re craving something heartier, the Pulled Pork Sandwich delivers tender, smoky goodness that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
For something lighter yet incredibly flavorful, the Nori Potato Salad offers a refreshing twist with its subtle umami notes, a perfect complement to the hearty mains. Those with a sweet tooth will find pure delight in the array of ice cream treats, with the Larch Mountain Sundae and the seasonal sundae specials showcasing artisanal creativity. The soft serve cones dusted with maple offer a silky, indulgent finale to any meal, while the rotating seasonal shrub sodas provide a crisp, effervescent contrast to the savory dishes.
Sugarpine Drive-In’s beverage selection is equally thoughtful, featuring not only classics like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and creamy root beer but also special teas such as the aromatic Fez Green Tea Blend and the delicate Lord Bergamot Black Tea. For wine enthusiasts, the collaboration bubbly rosé, “Current State of Mind,” sourced from the Columbia Gorge's unique terroir, elevates the dining experience with its bright, lively profile.
The dining atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and curated—ideal for families, friends, or anyone seeking a flavorful pit stop on the road to iconic sites like Multnomah Falls or Vista House. Guests frequently rave about the seamless, friendly service even on busy days, and many love the vibrant, cheerful ambiance that makes every visit feel special, whether you’re savoring an indulgent pulled pork sandwich or sharing the seasonal apple fritter sundae.
Customer testimonials paint a vivid picture: Jillian Toda-Currie praises the harmonious pairing of pork belly grilled cheese and tomato soup as delicious, while Rachel Hibbs calls Sugarpine a “drive-through truly worth the wait” on a trip to the Columbia Gorge. Abdul Chamseddine found the shrimp roll light and refreshing, though opinions vary delightfully across the menu. Noa's experience with the vegan "TASTE THE RAINBOW" soft serve emphasizes the creamy, vibrant flavors that the kitchen expertly crafts. And Tiffany Warren’s birthday visit highlights the well-orchestrated service and welcoming vibe that brings customers back again and again.
In every bite and sip, Sugarpine Drive-In radiates an authentic love for quality ingredients and imaginative pairings, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Troutdale or the greater Portland area. Whether you’re in the mood for nostalgic comfort food or a new flavor adventure, Sugarpine promises a memorable experience that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
I've been wanting to go to Sugarpine for a long time and finally got to during October, apple month. Everything we got was delicious! The seasonal grilled cheese with pork belly went perfectly with their tomato soup. My husband got the meatloaf sandwich and he said it was amazing. We shared the seasonal apple fritter sundae - it was all so good. Wish we lived a bit closer, but we'll definitely try to come back!
We stopped at Sugarpine Drive-In on the way back from Multnomah Falls. The service was quick to get us seated, but the food took a bit longer to come out—understandable given how busy they were. We tried the shrimp roll, which is similar to a lobster roll but made with shrimp. I thought it was light and refreshing, but my wife wasn’t a fan. We also ordered the waffle grilled cheese with tomato soup, and that combo is definitely a must-try—comforting and delicious. I sampled the potato salad as well, but I probably wouldn’t order that again. Unfortunately, we had to skip the ice cream since the line was long and our toddler had reached their limit. Overall, it’s a fun stop with some standout items. Worth a visit if you’re in the area—especially for the grilled cheese and soup.
If there is one drive-through that is truly worth the wait, it’s Sugarpine Drive-In. Heading out toward Mount Hood and the breathtaking Oregon Gorge, you’ll find this small, unassuming spot that was once a gas station—now transformed into an upscale, thoughtfully designed, and wildly comforting drive-in. This is not the place you want to skip when you’re on your way to Vista House or Multnomah Falls. The warmth, hospitality, and intentionality behind everything they do makes it feel like a destination, not just a stop. The staff alone deserves a standing ovation. You can tell they truly love what they do, and it shows in every plate they hand out. The food here isn’t just delicious—it’s edible art. First things first: always try the sandwich special of the month. The owners and chefs frequently collaborate with local restaurants, and somehow they manage to create sandwiches that are completely out of this world. Everything is made from scratch, and the rotating monthly specials keep things exciting and seasonal. My top two favorites from the past year: • Albacore Tuna Melt – This one comes around a few times a year and it is perfect. Fresh, clean albacore paired with red onion, mayo, and celery creates a balance that’s both light and hearty. I always add the chili crunch oil (because chili crunch belongs on almost everything ), and it takes it to another level. • Pear / Apple Melt (seasonal) – Depending on the season, this sandwich is pure magic. The sweetness of the fruit paired with the bold, savory richness of the cheese creates a flavor combination that literally reminds me of that scene in Ratatouille—an explosion of taste you want to relive over and over again. Perfectly cooked pears or apples, usually a blend of one hard cheese and one soft cheese, chives, and that waffle-style Texas toast… unreal. Their tomato soup deserves its own shoutout too—deep, rich Roma tomato flavor with no cream or dairy, making it perfect for a cool fall day and a big bonus for anyone with allergies or dietary restrictions. And finally—you must get dessert. I don’t make the rules; I just enforce them. The handmade soft-serve ice cream is next-level. Every sundae they create is a literal work of art—almost too beautiful to eat (almost). They also offer thoughtful vegan and vegetarian options, doing their absolute best to make sure everyone can enjoy something special. I could honestly go on forever about Sugarpine. We lost our Nordstrom Café here in Clackamas, and I will happily drive out to the Gorge for Sugarpine because it brings back that same feeling—elevated, aesthetically comforting food that feels like home. 12/10 worth the wait. Pro tip: you can order ahead online during the week or in winter when things are quieter. In summer, online ordering often shuts off due to volume—but trust me, the drive-through line is still 100% worth it. Yes. It really is that good.. Take a self care drive and check it out for yourself.
Such a pretty sandwich and soft serve! The TASTE THE RAINBOW is amazing! It’s not just about the veggies, it’s super flavorful and delicious! Their swirl looks so pretty and it’s really popular too! I got the vegan one with toppings, and you can choose your own toppings! It was creamy and refreshing, I totally recommend it!
What a fun place! Sugarpine has been on my list to try for forever and we finally decided to go for my daughter’s birthday. I was a little worried about how busy I’d heard it gets and showing up in November, but honestly they have everything down to a science. It was surprisingly fast, we had no issues getting a spot to sit, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming! It’s extremely cute, and the soft serve was fun and delicious. They even added a candle to the birthday girl’s dessert. There’s a ton of cute and fun little extras around, from a giant pumpkin named Bob, to super adorable coloring sheets. We’ll be back for sure!
One member of our team summed it up, "Our visit was life changing!" We sat in their adorable and comfortable clear-walled tent, along with the pumpkin display, and had incredible service by Chris. Every bite was delicious. We will be back for those curries! Thank you for the incredible hospitality and making us feel at home
We got there right when open. Have a few tables inside with a 45 minute time limit and tables outside. Seem to cater more towards ice cream. Tried the tri-tip dip and pulled pork. Both were really good. Took about 10 min for food. Also tried the snickers sundae which was ready in minutes. Was pretty busy when we left.