The Waffles & Monster Cinnamon Rolls From This Oregon Eatery Are Melt In Your Mouth Good

by | Mar 29, 2024 | Columbia River Gorge, Featured, Food & Drink, Restaurants, Travel

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If you're on your way through the Columbia River Gorge and are looking for a great place to grab breakfast or get some down home cooking, there's a charming little spot in The Dalles you should check out. Cousins' Restaurant has been going strong since 1989, serving up family recipes, hearty breakfasts, and huge cinnamon rolls to locals and travelers, and has become a tradition for many who pass through The Dalles often.

Cinnamon Rolls And Waffle Dreams Come True In The Dalles

A large cinnamon roll with butter on top.
Photo by Brianna Bailey via Google Local.

Cousins' has a lot of awesome breakfasts you can order, including some truly delicious plates of scrambled eggs and pancakes. Many who come through stop in just for the waffles though. They have some crazy delicious waffles that you don't want to miss out on.

Chicken And Waffle.
Chicken And Waffle. Photo via Cousins' Restaurant Website.

Many of us have heard of chicken and waffles but haven't tried it. You're in luck when you come to Cousins' because their Chicken And Waffles is a local favorite dish and with good reason. A classic waffle is toped with a delicious fried boneless skinless chicken breast which has been dipped into seasoned beer batter and tossed in panko. It's deep fried to crispy perfection and then the entire thing is drizzled with warm maple butter sauce. Delicious!

Another go to on the breakfast menu is the Candied Bacon And Waffle, which is sweet, salty and crispy. What a perfect combination! This is a waffle topped with house made candied bacon, and I really can't think of a better way to start the day than this!

Strawberry waffles. Photo by Peter P. via Yelp.

If you're in the mood for something sweet, check out the strawberry waffle or the marionberry waffle, both served with whipped cream.

Note: Waffles are served at Cousins' until 11 AM daily.

A large cinnamon roll with butter on top.
Photo by Kathryn Cram via Google Local.

Another thing people often stop in for here is the freshly baked cinnamon roll. The meals you get at Cousins' Restaurant are all hearty and filling, and guests sometimes forget to leave room for dessert, so they opt to take a giant cinnamon roll to go!

Tip: Try the cinnamon roll French toast for an extra delicious treat!

Veggie scramble.
Veggie scramble. Photo by Shar V. via Yelp.

Whether you decide to have a cinnamon roll and coffee for breakfast, or take one for the road, you can't go wrong as both are great options!

Sandwiches, Chicken Fried Steak And More At Cousins' Restaurant In The Dalles

The inside of Cousins' Restaurant in The Dalles, Oregon. There's a green tractor inside next to the tables.
Photo by Cousins' via Yelp.

Cousins' has amazing breakfasts, but they have so many delicious options for lunch and dinner that you'll leave full and satisfied no matter what time of day you stop by.

French Dip sandwich with a side salad and Au Jus dip.
Photo by Logan Scott via Google Local.

For lunch we recommend the Stampede Burger, basted with award winning BBQ sauce and topped with cheddar, mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, and crispy onion straws! The French Dip with au jus dip is another great option for lunch or dinner.

Veggie skillet.
Veggie skillet. Photo by Shar V. via Yelp.

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic done right at Cousins', with locally sourced meat, country gravy, mashed potatoes and veggies.

Southwest chicken wrap with loaded tater tots.
Southwest chicken wrap with loaded tater tots. Photo by Jeff R. via Yelp.

You'll also want to try the delicious homemade Chicken Pot Pie, served up with fresh veggies and a large portion of chicken in a rich and creamy sauce, all topped with a homemade oh so flaky crust.

Chicken pot pie in a black skillet.
Chicken pot pie. Photo by Jennifer R. via Yelp.

Mac and cheese is another well known comfort food done right at Cousins'. The Cousins' Mac And Cheese features shell pasta smothered in house made cheese sauce with sharp white, jack, smoked cheddar and cream cheese. It's all topped off with a sprinkle of a crispy garlic crumble, and if you want you can add bacon, ham or chicken!

Marionberry mlkshake.
Marionberry mlkshake. Photo by Bhaskar G. via Yelp.

If you remember to save room for dessert, try the bread pudding, which is made from cinnamon rolls, layers of raisins, cinnamon roll bread, and slow baked sweet custard!

Cousins' Restaurant In The Dalles, Oregon Information

Biscuits and gravy.
Biscuits and gravy. Photo by Jennifer W. via Yelp.
  • Location: 2114 W 6th Street in The Dalles, Oregon
  • Hours: 6 AM - 9 PM, seven days a week.
  • Get more information on the Cousins' Restaurant website.

Cousins' Restaurant stands as a shining example of local businesses that we love in Oregon. If you’ve got a favorite spot or business in mind, don’t hesitate to nominate them—they might just be highlighted in an upcoming feature for That Oregon Life. Be sure to stay connected with That Oregon Life on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on remarkable destinations, attractions, and happenings in the Beaver State.


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Written By Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. She has been blogging since 2006. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds.

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