CLOSED: Grandma Leeth's

While I'm glad that there is a veg*n friendly place on that side of town, Leeth's unfortunately fulfills most of the negative stereotypes about veg*n food. My family decided to give it a try as we had a 50% off coupon from the Portland Chinook Book - if we'd been paying full price, we would have asked for a full refund...
I like the idea behind Grandma Leeth's, the place looks nice and the service was decent but
- prices were exceptionally high,
- vegan options were limited,
- portions were decent, just not for the price
The food itself was ok at best, bland and overcooked at worst. The staffed play area for kids is a great idea but doesn't come cheap.
If you are already in the area, feeling desperate AND have the 50% off Chinook Book coupon it *might* be worth stopping in - otherwise, there are far too many better options in the Portland area to enjoy.

We have been to GL's twice now, and both times we had similar experience. The play area for kids is great. Our 2 year old loves all the toys, she gets to eat there while someone reads her a story and is just so happy to be there. When you come in the place looks very clean and colorful and its design is very nice.
However, the food is okay. The kids' choices can be healthier than other restaurants, however the "yakisoba noodles with veggies" looked like ramen noodles with frozen veggies. And the fruits didn't look that fresh. Off the regular menu we have ordered many of the vegetarian options, and found them all to be bland.
Maybe I am just used to spicier cuisine, but when I see Asian and Indian dishes I expect some flavor. But I definitely think that the food is overpriced. $6 for kids' meals, and adults are easily $12 to $14 in the vegetarian options. I just don't think that's good value for the money especially after paying $13 for one and a half hours of playing. Both times, we had light lunches and ended up paying over $50.
I understant that you have to pay to have someone play with your children but I think they should spice it up in the kitchen, and reduce their prices. But my daughter loves it!

I have never felt inspired to write a review but after our dining experience last night I was!
I went to Grandma Leeth's Restaurant with my four children (ages 3-9) The play area for the kids was GREAT! There were activities for all ages. The area is contained so the dining area was not too loud for conversation. The kids played, came and ate with us and then played some more (they had the option of eating in the play area) Some things that made Grandma Leeth's stand out from other family restaurants (and we have been to many!):
1. The kids had a great selection of kid friendly food that was also healthy (no corn dogs, no chicken nuggets) The kids loved the food AND they could eat as much as they wanted. This is a great bargain if your kids are big eaters like mine.
2. The adult menu was varied and delicious! Great vegan and vegatarian meals.
3. The play area was so much more than just a play area...the staff was clearly very experienced with kids and felt more like a summer camp, with art projects and activities or they could have free play.
4. There is plenty of space to eat away from kids so I would return even without my children.
5. Although you have to pay for the play area, it is reasonable since you pay full price for the first child and half for each additional. There are also "frequent dining" discounts. After seeing what the kids got to do in the play area the money was completely worth it.

This restaurant is a little hard to fine, so mapquest directions and follow carefully because it is really worth it when you get there! The exterior does not reflect the interior.

Happy Eating and Playing!