Yikes. Dinner for a family of four @ Mingo: $107

But it doesn't have to be.

I generally never feel like cooking...ever...but particularly on Friday nights. So we tend to order or eat out. The Oregonian Diner guide came out on Friday, so as I was looking at all the restaurants I'd never eat at, the word "kids" popped out at me. Mingo West, in the Beaverton Round, got a great review and mentioned that their small pizzas "keep the kids happy while Mom and Dad eat real food." Price was listed as $$, which meant most entrees were under $20. We decided to give it a try.

We'd never been to the Beaverton Round, but it's got this great fountain and amphitheater/courtyard right next to Mingo's outdoor dining. If you're lucky enough to get an outdoor table, your kids could run around before and after dinner, while you enjoy a glass of wine with your spouse. Friday evening was gorgeous, so while we waited 20 minutes for a table, our kids worked off some energy. Meanwhile, MAX trains passed by continuously, much to the delight of my son. We were seated indoors, so the kids were forced to behave (ha). I wish I could say we had a delicious meal, but I thought the food was rather bland. My $20 risotto (yikes) was disappointing. The kid's cheese pizza, however, was quite good (and at $9 it was large enough to easily feed two adults). The biggest surprise came at the end when we ordered four cups of gelatto without looking at the menu. Each cup cost $7.

Now that we've made some costly missteps, this is how I'd approach our next Mingo family dinner: make reservations and request an outdoor table. Stick to the pizzas and wine. Buy a pint of Ben & Jerry's on the way home. You should be able to have a pleasant $40 dinner, and everyone leaves happy.

Comments

[Heather K]

I agree, it has a great location to keep the kids occupied, but it's spendy for food that isn't that amazing. I have taken the kids a couple of times, and we are vegan, so it makes ordering a little tricky. It would be nice to have a nice restaurant on the west side, like Mingo, with more veg options that just plain pasta.

[Erin]

I have to say that many a Mingo meal has left me fantasizing for months. My husband begs me to stop as I describe over and over how the green beans melted in my mouth, only to be followed by the most decadent mascato ever. Please don't give up on mingo. I'd maybe save it for a date night and eat at Typhoon or Mio to save cash. Make the kids split pad thai- cheap and good.

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