Roake's on Columbia

I took my time before posting this. I have been here 5 times in the last 2 months. All 5 times have been great experiences. I had tried to come here several years ago and left having not ordered anything after the former management/owners were pretty unfriendly. These folks who are running the place now are awesome. They're prompt, courteous, friendly, and they remember you when you come back. Each time I have returned the place has been busier. The word is getting out, and I am not surprised. If you like classic drive in lunch food, this place is not disappointing! The hot dogs, sausage, burgers, and milkshakes are all great! The only thing I haven't tried is the chili dogs as I can't have paprika. My only complaint is that they close at 4pm. Awesome job turning this place around and making it an awesome spot. I look forward to many more visits over the coming months.

Every once in a while I have a craving for a Coney Island dog and Roake’s is the spot! 11” dog and a huge basket of fresh cut fries for $10 c’mon! So tasty! Classic 50’s diner vibe but very clean and well kept! Highly recommend if you haven’t been!

Have been to the McGloughlin store a while ago, but this location is amazing. It's a full dine in with beers on tap too! Most of the food orders are gut busters but they're tasty. Total comfort food. The staff was pleasant and friendly. Only draw back is that it's cash only. Going back soon to get that monster burger 🍔😄

Stopped in for lunch. Ordered a bacon burger and fries. Order came quick! Was even able to order a Rockstar (afternoon preference lol) Burger was great, fries were the best! Homemade shoestring YUM Clean restaurant, friendly cashier Elivis on the jukebox Cool place 😎

Great service and great food, had the Little John Burger with fries. Plus the parking lot is pretty good size. I will definitely be back.

The owners are great. The food is awesome. You get plenty of food for your buck, and they have malts and shakes fries that are real potato skins, jalapeno, paupers=. The famous wimpy burger, which is huge. By the way, it's a 50s. Diner style have some of the old school music playing. Also, like the farmer, John there. But if you're just going for a burger, that's a great thing too, the Coney long hot dog is great. Brings you back to the old days in general. Just a great little place to be. Especially in an area where there's not a lot of things around this stands out to everyone.Going through it.

Grew up eating at Roake’s remains one of my “go to” restaurants for delicious dogs and fries. Do yourself a favor and visit this Portland institution.

Fun place to eat with seating outside if you want. Burgers were great and the fries were even better. Happy hour pricing made late lunch prices even better. No gluten free buns but willing to serve just a patty. Now it takes plastic and cash

Now there's this hamburger stand 30 minutes from my place Used to go for the best Coney dogs around That was until I met this Short order chef, eyes deeper than sound She wore a black apron like a silk nightgown Heat from the grill made her face glisten The sweat on her face showed the rosey cheeks Them work pants couldn't hide the love in them hips Call it bad taste, but this girl was the shizz It's the way that dark hair and blue bandana covered up her ear Had me asking why she was even working here Tattoos on the fingers and smirk on her face Great food and pretty girl Better know this guy will be back

This place was amazing! Extremely reasonable in pricing a great service. Fast serving with quality food! 10/10 recommend! The ambience was so cute 1950's feel!

The employees are friendly and you get exactly what you ordered. Extra this or crispy that no problem. I recommend hitting this place when you are nearby and want a burger or dog. Thanks for the extra pickles and the crispy fries!!!

Cash only when some chains aren't even accepting cash anymore is a bit of a pain, but 5 stars regardless- good value, excellent food, quick service, and generous portions on sides. Waited way too long before I tried this place- perfect for lunch! Had the coney dog and will definitely be back for more!

Good burgers, fast service, cash only A review needs to be at least 85 characters............

Good cheap hotdogs and chili dogs , easy to find only takes cash so make sure you have cash

This place is the bees knees for good old fashioned way to cook. Ever time. Burgers as they were intended to be. See progress photos.

Nice quick and easy... has the feel of a mom and pop shop and everyone is so friendly give it a check out atleast once

Good lunch with me and the workers of pdx. A long lasting establishment. Great service and loved my chili dog Cheers!

Amazing koni Island Dog and koni fries yummy experience and amazing family vibes. Highly recommend checking it out

I love this place. I've been looking for a restaurant that serves up a good hot dog. They don't make it fancy and up charge you for the look of the food, they give you what you want. A damn good hot dog and burgers. Once I found out about this place I couldn't stop talking about it. The hours they are open in NE Portland are short so get in at lunch, 11:00AM- 3:00pm.

Good food, reasonably priced. Wimpy burger is big, add bacon and cheese. Small order of small fries feeds two. Sausage dogs, hot dogs, coney dogs, ham and cheese sandwich.

Love a greasy spoon. Cash only so you know it's goIng to be good. Staff was very friendly and seemed to know a few regulars by name which was a nice touch.

Delicious! These are the best burgers and fries. It's hard to find a place that has good burgers AND good fries. This place has it nailed. Now I need to come back and try a coney dog

What a great way to start 2021, with 5 stars! Why is Portland not known as the hotdog capitol of the world yet? We have Otto's (top 10 in US), Olympia Provisions, Japanese/Korean style dogs at Kemuri (must review soon...), Zach's Shack... and now I add this to the list of honor..., so good! $5 for a footlong, nice. Good, friendly service to boot. Got one with mustard, sweet relish and onion (of course!). The dog was meaty and had the exact right flavor. The casing had a bit of stretch to it more than a snap, but you knew there was a casing there, for sure. The bun was really excellent, held up perfectly, was toasted nicely. Secret: On the way out, I asked if I could buy some dogs for home, uncooked. There was some confusion as, apparently, nobody asks for that. Well, that all got sorted and I brought home six really nice footlongs for $9, which is quite reasonable for good footlongs that are about twice the size of a normal dog. I had gotten lost on a bike ride and this was a happy accident. Not sure I can make it all the way out here often, but I will definitely be back for a dog and for some more to bring home. Thank you, Portland!

Good burgers and dogs, made fresh and fast. Cash only! It's surprisingly hard to find a good, traditional American hamburger but this is one of my go to spots. The restaurant seating is pretty shabby so this is not a place to take a date - but the eats are very good.

I went through the drive thru, got there at 11:50 and didn't get my sandwich until 12:30...very slow service, burger was okay. Probably wouldn't recommend and would say be mindful if you're going here to expect a long wait time.

Stop by for lunch today first we have been going to Roakes for over 40 years the one on 82 before that was closed the one on McLaughlin when I worked out in Clackamas now that we live in Washington the closest on is the one on Lombard I always get the Long Sausage with Onions but after today it maybe our last trip to this location. Don't get me wrong the food was great the building is the issue not sure why you would not take care of the place. Cash only no ice cream or soda only comes in bottles the booths are falling apart. Not sure if the same family is running it or not but just seams like they don't care.

I stopped in to try it with my dad who loves it. I haven't been since a little kid. It was good though. Definitely liked it and the service was great. I will definitely come again. I had the BBQ bacon cheeseburger and loved the bacon, I will try just a bacon burger next time but the BBQ one was good. The fries were good too.

This spot was great! Felt old timey, classic burger joint. Though there seemed to be only 2 people working, the cook and person on register, they were pumping out burgers and dogs with ease! During the lunch rush! We ordered the double bacon cheese burger, a double cheese burger, 2 coney dogs, a reg fries and coney fries. Fries were soooo good! Burgers were tasty but patties were kinda dry. And the dogs were great with the coney sauce. But the dogs really didn't have much flavor. The only reason this spot did not get 4-5 stars is because the patties weren't fresh and the dogs flavorful. But, I'd still come back! Service was fast and friendly, loved the fries and the coney sauce.

Food was pretty good. Got the double cheeseburger. Been here twice now. Lady who works front desk has been always super friendly. Will return again.

Love Roakes. Old school food, best Coney Dogs in Oregon. Our family has been eating at Roakes for over 30 years.

Tried to eat here today. All signs showed they were open but no one was on site. Really wanted a coney dog.

Pretty decent place to grab a good juicy burger. Took my buddy here from out of town. He loved his double bacon cheeseburger. The fires were hot and pretty decent. But for some reason at certain times I would get a funky taste in my mouth from taking a bite of the fries and also my cheeseburger. Kind of like a stale taste. Overall not bad. I will come back again in another 5 years. The place started to get packed while I was there. You can tell a lot of workers in the area like to eat there. Nice friendly service too. They have quick service too. The cheeseburger did not take long to be served. I will come back here for another burger soon.

Classic Roakes, I had my first visit sometime in the late 60's and have loved it since. This is the only place where the soggy, grease laden fries are both enjoyable and recommended. Budget friendly too, feed a family of 4 for under $30. They must be doing something right as they have been at this location since 1937.

This was a really old school family owned business. I came for the hot dogs, however I forgot when I arrived . I ordered a their regular Hamburger with cheese. It was pretty good. Cash is only accepted here. The ATM is in the restaurant if needed. No shakes! Which was a bummer since it was a hot day. No fountain drinks, however you can get a bottled drink which is probably more convenient. The service was polite and included smiling faces. Thank you for the Oregon Hospitality!

Skip your McDonald's stop or that jack in the crack. Probably even cheaper than McDonald's anyway but better quality than other fast food place around. The staff is really friendly! They have seating inside and outside. It doesn't get too busy but it's always constant flow of people. They also have beer, McDonald's won't offer you that either. They are known for their hot dogs and burgers. I usually like to get the mushroom burger or the hot dog that has everything on it. They have chili and them milkshakes for the sweet tooth's. Defiantly stop by. Guess you have a another bonus, there is a bikini barista stand right by them lol. ( Sorry to disappoint, this isn't then location with the barista next to it) still come though.

This place used to be so good. Quality has gone down but i would still suggest this place. Would really probably give it a 3/5..the chili fries are great and the coney dogs are pretty good just not what they used to be *sigh*

Always the best!! Nothing else to say ..... so consistent and fast and happy workers..... This business will never close doors..... Would eat there 3 times a week if my health let me

It is seldom that my wife and I will find a burger that does it right on all accounts. We shared the notorious Maximus. Which harbors a pound of beef patties, 1/4 pound of hamburger, two fried eggs, tons of bacon and cheese and the rest of the fixings... The burger was 10 dollars and 40 cents. Alone, the burger satiated the burger cravings and it was delicious! Best burger I've had for that price! Then there's the fries... Fresh made and also delicious! The people. They threw all the napkins, katsup, salt and pepper that we would need to seal the deal. On top of that the people working here are very pleasant, all had smiles and were fast to get us fed! Will recommend this place to anyone. Except vegans.

Ok. So I am going to put it like this because I like to get the cons out of the way first. This place is pretty nasty in the inside, no sugar coating it. LOL If it didn't have such good reviews on Yelp and my husband hearing by word of mouth from co workers how great it was, we would have never stepped foot in the door. The place is pretty run down. There are dirty walls, and spider webs all over. I'm very particular when it comes to restaurants cleanliness so I really pay attention to stuff like that. The seats were kind of raggedy, the floor was worn and torn up. Looked like the place hadn't seen a mop, soap or water in about a decade. Pros- The food, duh! Straight fire!!! I had an absolutely amazingly delicious burger, which I can't stop dreaming about (little john). It had bacon, it had a fried egg, it had cheese, it had a perfectly cooked patty, hell I think it had love in it! It was so good. OMG. I pretty much wolfed it down like there was no tomorrow and I of course had no remorse. I showed that cow who was boss! The fries were good, not my favorite. We also had a corn dog. Um hands down the best corn dog I've ever had in my life, I think they sprinkle brown sugar and butter in that batter because it was SMOOTH!! Food was cheap, food was delicious. Lots of burgers on the menu to choose from. I was a little disappointed they didn't have onion rings. I'm assuming that's something new because I seen people posting pictures of it in the past and they looked so good, I wanted to try them. Aside from the absolutely disgusting inside, I will be back in a heart beat. If I'd risk catching every germ known to man kind in a joint like this, then you know the food is good :)

Yesterday, (7/31) I was looking forward to trying this place because he was local and had recommended it. I drove 30 out of my way because the hours on line said this location is open until 7:30 so n Saturdays. I arrived at 4:25 and found it closed. Completely dark inside and no notes on the door to explain. I wish I could have given more stars, but since I was unable to actual taste the food, I can't.

I love coney sauce! This place has hot dogs, fries, burgers, soda, and milkshakes. What more could you want?

Filthy floors. I understand they are in an industrial area so their patrons track in debris. But dang. Food is OK (not great). Roake's was much better years ago - like everything else.

Very good food for the price and for a fast food burger place. I had the Little John burger which comes with fried egg and bacon. The hamburger meat and everything in it was very fresh. Like a better version of in-n-out burger. I also tried the long coney island. It's a foot long chili long coney island style. It's very good if you are in coney island hot dogs. I don't normally eat fast food but this place is pretty cool and it's fun to do a coney island chili dog once in a while.

It pretty much looks from the outside as it is on the inside. Divey, dated, maybe could use a good scrubbing. All of which I look for in this type of haute cuisine. I have been twice, and have been delighted each time. The counter help is friendly, and welcoming. The food is what you'd expect, but actually really delicious. As I am a Chicago native, I'm quite the hot dog snob. I felt like this place has carved out its own niche in the world of mystery meat in a tube. A big plus for me is that they have video poker, which I can play without the Mrs. knowing and still look like a good father. I took one star for the cash only deal. But otherwise, disregard your cardiologist and dive in!!

This place has some bomb burgers. The fries were hot but kinda limp. No crunchy ness. I got the Little John and my lady got the BBQ Bacon burger. Definitely a must try for their burgers hopefully next time our fries are better. The flavor on the fries is good just really soft

The reviews were spot on. I'm sad we have lived near this place and are just now finding it. Great prices that will certainly keep us coming back. I needed a solid burger today and we got it. Fries were good and the platter gives you a ton! Tried a bite of a burger with Coney Island sauce and it was good so will try that next time. Only downside is no onion rings. I imagine this will end up on a regular rotation for us.

Fast service. Cheap. And to top that off, the burger was soooo darn good. It was a great size and they have a good burger sauce they add on. I got a good sized hamburger and fries for $8!

At Roake's what's not to like? The food is cheap, filling and fun. Did I mention CHEAP? An appetizer of fried mushrooms, a fantastic cheeseburger, awesome coney fries accompanied with a long coney and a couple of drinks will set you back less that a $20. It aint healthy but its hearty. Definitely blue collar fare for the family. Cash only.

We loved it. A friendly woman took our order and in no time we had our food. I had the grilled chicken sandwich and my husband had a burger. No complaints.

I'll admit it. Looking at its shabby exterior and dated, divey interior, I was definitely skeptical about Roake's at first. Roake's is a testament to the phrase that "you can't judge a book by its cover." The food here was so delicious! I got the Roaker Burger, which came with Roake's famous Coney sauce. For starters, my burger was cooked perfectly. I love how crispy the exterior of the burger was in particular. The crispiness stood up to the fantastic sauce as well. I'm normally not one for too much heavy sauce on my burger, but Roake's Coney sauce is to die for. It's a thin consistency chili/meat sauce that added a nice bit of creaminess to break up the robust meaty taste from the burger. My partner and I also shared a Coney fries which came with...you guessed it, Coney sauce. And cheese...and tomatoes! Cheese + meat sauce is always delicious, and the tomatoes were actually a nice addition. I don't normally like raw tomatoes like that, but they brought a nice bit of freshness and acidity to break up the richness of the sauce. I had a bite of my partner's corn dog and it was equally great. The batter had a nice bit of sweetness to it and the hot dog was cooked nicely too. Roake's may be a hole in the wall, but this place is a total gem. The lady who took our order was also really nice and our food came quickly. Shoutout to Mark W. for finding this amazing place! PS: CASH ONLY.

We ate here a few times when we lived in Milwaukie, after Lew's left. It was ok, nothing spectacular and definitely no Lew's. Plus, we always ended up with intestinal issues after. If that doesn't matter to you, then go for it.

The food was ok, not bad, just not Good. I was however not disappointed. I'll go back :) I love burger joints.

Went there Thursday Oct 29. Had a killer burger and fries. Wanted a milk shake but the machine was broken. Good for me because they have beer! Had a 10 Barrel lager draft and burger out in the parking lot. The burger was cooked perfect, with the cheese oozing over the sides. I had them put on some ham and they were really generous with it. The fries were home cut with the skins on and just the right amount of salt. Kind of in an industrial area but who cares when the food is good. Have limited seating inside and a coffee place out front. Give it a try it beats the big burger joints hands down. Enjoy!

Not the same quality as McLoughlin for sure... Was I an imposition? They didn't take the time to care about my experience at all. No asking if I want cheese or onion on my Coney. I got a Coney with enough onions for 4 I'm certain. Amazing how dependent I had become on expecting the same service at this location. Older blond haired lady who acted the part of trying to rush me along.... I'll stick to McLoughlin.

A must stop in Portland and a local favorite. The Coney burger and dog are a must, and friendly service makes you feel like part of the family.

So much to like. It's really closer to a 4.5. This place is so old school, in the very best way. Reminds me a little of The Big Top Shoppe when I was growing up in CT. I was peckish on the way home, and had been wanting to try this place for a long time. In the middle of nowhere Columbia Ave. among all the other monstrosities but not far at all from my house. I had a $20 bill (which was technically not mine but my roommate's), four $1s, and a debit card. Unbelievably, I got my dinner for exatcly $4. A baby burger is $2. Comes on a bun with pickles, tomato? and sauce. The burger is very tiny but good - and only $2! The fries (also $2) come in a huge order! Easily enough for 2 so bring a friend when you go. The fries (with skin on) were a little greasy but simply deliscious. I think this place is a gem and I will go back. The inside leaves a bit to be desired in the following ways: the floor was quite untidy and I really wanted the inside of this place t feel super fun or family or something. But on an empty Monday evening - no such luck. I took my food and went home. So price: 5, food: 4, look: 5, inside appeal: 3, service:4. And again - they ONLY take cash.

This is one of those places I don't even want to tell you guys about it because it is one of those spots okay. Let me tell you the negatives so you'll stay away: it's near industry and congestion, they close early every day, they are cash only, video lotto type crowd, unmodernized interior. Okay now that you're not gonna come, I'll be able to find a booth so let me tell you what we'll get: little john burger cause you need an egg on it(also ham cause ham), corn dog cause they are bomb, and you finish it off with the coney fries, which have the coney sauce which is to die for but be warned, it has meat in it so if you are a vegetarian, don't be. Video lotto after I'm buzzing toward a food coma so I can loose that extra five I have and the girl n I had a quality meal and entertainment for under 20 bucks. That's what I'm gonna do but you're not, cause you're going somewhere else (probably a vegan bakery huh?). PS Also has the bonus of having one of those 'bikini baristas' right outside, so I caught an eyeful instead of reading the tribune and then I got coffee so I can wake up afterwards.

Please try this place!! I gave them a huge order today, they got it to me in record time. I love this place, it's so close to my work, the food is fantastic and they cut their own fries. Shannon, I hope I'm getting her name right, was super nice and professional. I was happy to see there were a few orders besides mine. If you have a choice, please support this place, you won't be sorry. It is cash only, but I believe they have an ATM. I Love ROAKE's. PS, try the fry sauce. Sincerely, Erica M