When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Wonderwood Springs
Why Wonderwood Springs is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Wonderwood Springs in Portland, Oregon, is a uniquely enchanting destination that transcends the typical cafe or restaurant experience. Situated in the St. Johns neighborhood, this fantasy-themed gathering place combines a cozy coffee shop, a restaurant with imaginative themed drinks and dishes, and an immersive mini golf course, making it an ideal spot for friends and families to meet up and create memorable experiences. The cafe offers an array of delights like specialty coffees, soft serve ice creams, popcorn, grilled cheese, and breakfast sandwiches, all set atop a mythical spring that adds a magical ambiance to every visit. The venue exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed by local artist Mike Bennett, blending fantasy art and community spirit to foster meaningful social connections. Visitors can enjoy board games and themed events in the cozy cafe space while waiting to play the 7,000-square-foot indoor 9-hole mini golf course adjacent to the cafe. Additionally, Wonderwood Springs features the newly introduced Dragon Alley, an outdoor patio with a curated menu developed by former Paley’s Place executive chef Luis Cabanas, offering full meals, snacks, and beverages to enrich the community experience even further. Open seven days a week with extended hours, Wonderwood Springs is more than just a place to eat or play—it’s a vibrant hub of creativity, camaraderie, and magical wonder that invites everyone to relax and connect.
Here's what people think of Wonderwood Springs
As of recent, Wonderwood Springs holds a 4.8-star rating based on 400 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Wonderwood Springs for its unique fantasy theme and the immersive experience it offers, with an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 400 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the delicious and innovative menu, particularly the themed drinks, ice creams, and dishes crafted by former Paley's Place chef Luis Cabanas, along with the friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors also enjoy the imaginative art and decor by Mike Bennett, which creates a whimsical setting that appeals to all ages. The indoor mini golf is frequently noted as a fun and creative activity that complements the dining experience, making it a great place for group outings and family fun. On the other hand, some reviewers mention occasional wait times during busy hours and limited outdoor seating capacity before the introduction of Dragon Alley. A few also expressed a desire for more varied food options and quieter areas for conversation. Overall, the reviews confirm that Wonderwood Springs successfully balances a fantasy-themed adventure with quality food and strong community engagement, making it a cherished spot in Portland’s social and cultural scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
V Rosales
Love this place so much! The artwork is everything and the atmosphere is so fun. But it's not a gimmick!! They genuinely have really good drinks (both coffee and not) and snacks. And the workers are so kind. Family friendly, but anyone would feel like a kid in this place.
William Mobley
The best restaurant this side of Wonderwood! The atmosphere is whimsical and ever changing. There are scavenger hunt cards by the register and coloring sheets by the door as well as a variety of tabletop games to play. The themed drinks and desserts are delicious and so are the entrees. There are vegan and gluten free options as well. There are hundreds of whimsical handmade pieces all over the restaurant, including the bathroom. The entire restaurant is a whimsical art gallery! There's indoor and outdoor seating, and fun things to do outside as well, like giant Connect Four and bean bag toss. Sometimes there are goats to pet outside too! Check the website or social media for event times. Overall 10/10! My favorite cafe, restaurant, museum, ice cream shop, bingo parlor, event space! Don't forget to stop by Wonderwood Mini Golf next door before you leave Wonderwood! 😊
Bryan Turner
I brought my daughter here for miniature golf and it was amazing. I had gone to the artist's Dinolandia pop up a few years ago, so I knew I needed to come here once I heard about it and it didn't disappoint. I got the same excited reactions from my daughter yesterday that I did a few years ago. The lady at the golf area also gave my daughter a sticker if she promised to read a book. Core memories achieved!
Jessamyn Long
Our first experience at Wonderwood Springs restaurant and mini golf surpassed our expectations! There was an hour and a half wait for the mini golf which we used to meet the goats and grab something at the restaurant. I had a hot tea. My daughter had a steamed milk which I loved as an option for a hot non surgary beverage. My guy had a malt shake with the bacon gouda burger that was superb! Burger cooked perfectly, the fries were perfect amount of crispness and hot from being so fresh! We played one of the many card games available to play while we waited. Also took advantage of the scavenger hunt throughout the restaurant. We received a 5 minute warning for golf. Loved the mini golf with all the things to look at. Next time we'll try and go on a slower day so we can see and read everything during golfing.
Kristin S
The restaurant speaks volumes to their desire to create a space for the community. As a fantasy/ D&D nerd it was so cool, but there were so many families and working people there! I loved it
How to reach Wonderwood Springs
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Website: None
Why Wonderwood Springs may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Wonderwood Springs with your friends?
Gathering friends for a memorable outing requires a place that offers more than just food or drinks—it demands an atmosphere of fun, connection, and shared experiences. Wonderwood Springs, with its outstanding 4.8-star rating from over 400 reviews, epitomizes such a destination. This magical café and restaurant, nestled in Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood, is much more than a typical eatery. It offers a unique blend of enchanting medieval fantasy decor, engaging activities, and a vibrant community spirit that invites friends and families to relax, laugh, and bond. Whether it's the whimsical ambiance crafted by local artist Mike Bennett, the diverse menu offering delicious comfort foods and themed drinks, or the adjacent exciting mini golf course, Wonderwood Springs immerses guests in an experience where friendship and fun take center stage. The space is designed to feel like a “third place” beyond home and work—a cozy retreat where social interaction flourishes, and everyone can feel welcome and inspired. It’s no surprise that patrons repeatedly cite its warmth and imaginative atmosphere as reasons to make their group meetups truly special and repeatable.
What activities can you enjoy together at Wonderwood Springs?
Wonderwood Springs goes beyond being just a café or a restaurant; it’s a full-fledged entertainment hub perfect for group outings. One of the core attractions is the Wonderwood Mini Golf, a sprawling 7,000-square-foot indoor, 9-hole mini golf course that plunges players into an immersive medieval fantasy world filled with artful detailing and thematic challenges. This offers a perfect blend of friendly competition and interactive fun that can engage groups of any size and age. Beyond mini golf, the café itself is an inviting space where you can indulge in an array of delicious themed drinks—including specialty coffees and soft-serve ice cream—and enjoy tasty comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and popcorn. Notably, the café also provides an extensive selection of board games, fostering relaxed and playful socializing for groups waiting for their golf turn or just looking to unwind. The recent addition of Dragon Alley & Street Bites introduces an expanded outdoor kitchen featuring a new menu curated with local culinary expertise, where guests can enjoy craft beers, wines, street-style bites, and more. This mix creates a multifaceted social environment where everyone in your group can find something to enjoy, making it ideal for long, leisurely meetups.
Why is Wonderwood Springs perfect for hosting group meetups?
Hosting a group meetup demands a location that accommodates different interests and allows for comfortable socializing, and Wonderwood Springs excels in both. Its inviting environment—enhanced by artful fantasy elements and comfortable seating—is designed explicitly to encourage conversation and connection. The café symbolizes a "public relaxation" space, a concept known as a Third Place, where locals become familiar faces, new friendships blossom, and collective joy is abundant. Whether your group wants to challenge each other in mini golf, share laughs over board games, or savor imaginative dishes and drinks, the seamless combination of entertainment and dining options ensures no one feels left out. Additionally, the establishment is inclusive and welcoming to all, offering a transgender-safe space and accommodating pets outside, making it a community-oriented venue. With plenty of parking (though street parking requires attention to time limits) and accommodating service hours from 9 am to 9 pm every day, Wonderwood Springs is accessible for morning meetups, afternoon activities, or evening hangouts. The consistent rave reviews about friendly staff and the warm ambiance confirm it as a dependable choice for group gatherings.
What is the dining experience like at Wonderwood Springs?
Wonderwood Springs provides a dining experience that complements its enchanting atmosphere by offering a creative and satisfying menu crafted for diverse tastes. The café specializes in comfort foods with a magical twist—grilled cheese sandwiches, PB&J favorites, themed specialty drinks, soft-serve ice cream, and freshly brewed coffee form the cornerstone of their menu. Designed to fuel both the body and imagination, the food and beverages play a key role in the overall social gathering experience. Guests often comment on the quality and taste of the offerings, praising how the dishes enhance the cozy, fantasy-rich vibe of the place. The outdoor kitchen at Dragon Alley, added in partnership with a former executive chef, extends dining options with street bites, craft beer, and wine, perfect for casual sampling and sharing among friends. Whether you’re meeting for breakfast sandwiches early in the day or unwinding after a round of mini golf with inventive beverages, Wonderwood Springs ensures that the food keeps pace with the fun and ambiance.
How does Wonderwood Springs cultivate a sense of community?
At the heart of Wonderwood Springs is a mission to be far more than a typical café or mini golf; it aims to be a cornerstone of community and social interaction. It achieves this by hosting a wide array of events that bring people together in their cozy café space. Whether you seek live music, trivia nights, game tournaments, or art gatherings, the venue serves as a hub where friendships can blossom and social bonds deepen. This emphasis on community aligns with the carefully curated “third place” ethos—a welcoming environment that promotes warmth, inspiration, and connection beyond the usual routines of daily life. Regular patrons become familiar with the staff and each other, creating a friendly atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and longer stays. The thoughtful combination of fantasy-themed surroundings, interactive entertainment, and a supportive cultural vibe makes Wonderwood Springs a magnetic place for groups to feel rooted and engaged, fostering lasting memories over shared adventures.
What makes Wonderwood Springs stand out in Portland’s social scene?
Wonderwood Springs stands apart through its exceptional blend of artistic vision, thematic detail, and social inclusivity, backed by consistently high customer satisfaction reflected in its 4.8 rating from hundreds of reviews. Unlike typical cafés or entertainment venues, it provides a carefully crafted fantasy gathering space that appeals not just to gamers or families but to anyone seeking a touch of magic in their social experiences. Its unique décor, inspired by medieval fantasy, transforms ordinary group meetups into immersive journeys, delighting guests of all ages. The synergy of an exceptional mini golf experience adjacent to a warm café outfitted with games, themed food, and a special event calendar shapes an environment that nurtures both casual hangouts and special occasions. Moreover, its commitment to diversity and accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the space comfortably. For groups looking for a fun, creative, and inclusive venue in Portland, Wonderwood Springs offers a distinctive atmosphere where social connection and joyful experiences are always on the menu.