Tad's Chicken 'n Dumplins • Sandy River • Troutdale, Oregon
A Piece of Oregon History. A New Chapter Awaits.
- Listed at
- $1,450,000
- Building
- 6,988 sq ft
- Land
- 0.80 acres
- Setting
- Sandy River riverfront
1325 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, Oregon 97060
Nearly a century of stories along the Sandy River. From a humble roadside roadhouse to one of Oregon's most remembered dining destinations, Tad's Chicken 'n Dumplins has welcomed generations of neighbors and travelers. The approximately 6,988-square-foot building retains its Northwest wood interiors, gathering spaces and riverfront setting, and the sale includes an additional parcel used for overflow parking. A new owner has the opportunity to imagine what comes next.
Tad's historic roadside entrance and sign
History
A Place Worth Remembering
A century of stories along the Sandy River. Classic Northwest dining rooms, windows full of trees and water, and a family's worth of memories. Now, an invitation to write the next chapter.
- 1916
The Historic Columbia River Highway era
DocumentedThe scenic Historic Columbia River Highway opens, shaping roadside travel through Troutdale.
- Late 1920s
Roadside beginnings
ApproximateTad's begins as a roadside hot dog, smoked fish and beer stop connected to fisherman Tad Johnson, near the east end of the Sandy River Bridge.
- 1930s
The Tap Pot Inn
DocumentedThe early roadhouse is known as the Tap Pot Inn. Menu and roadhouse anecdotes were researched by historian Richard H. Engeman.
- 1946–47
Move to the riverfront
ApproximatePost-WWII highway construction leads to relocation to the current riverfront location. Dates are approximate.
- 1950s
The famous neon sign
FolkloreThe roadside neon sign becomes a local icon, remembered at times as reading "Tad's Chic Dump." Dating is approximate.
- 1980
Remodel documented
DocumentedA 1980 remodel photograph appears in Troutdale's historic plaque inventory.
- 2019
An era draws to a close
DocumentedThe restaurant closes after generations of serving chicken and dumplings.
- 2026
A new opportunity
DocumentedThe property is offered for sale, inviting the next owner to write the next chapter.
The neon vignette
"Tad's Chic Dump"
The famous 1950s-era neon sign is remembered, at times, as reading "Tad's Chic Dump" when lights or lettering failed. A charming bit of local lore; dating is approximate.
Sources
- Tad's Tap Pot Inn, Recreating the Columbia River Highway
- Roughhouse Times at Tad's, Richard H. Engeman, Oregon Rediviva
- City of Troutdale historic inventory
- The Columbia River Nostalgia Tour, Portland Monthly
Entries are labeled Documented, Approximate or Folklore. This is not a formal landmark designation. Archival photographs are used only with verified rights.
Gallery
Inside and along the river
Professional photography of the dining rooms, bars, kitchen and the Sandy River grounds.
The Property
Details at a glance
1325 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, Oregon 97060. MLS #175712976 (also listed as #213139318).
Active
$1,450,000
Two parcels convey with the sale: the restaurant site and an additional lot used for overflow parking.
Request a tour- Offered at
- $1,450,000
- Building
- Approx. 6,988 gross sq ft over two floors plus a full basement
- Year built
- 1947
- Historic use
- Former Tad's Chicken 'n Dumplins restaurant and bar, currently vacant
- Parcels included
- Two parcels: approx. 0.80-acre restaurant site plus approx. 0.56 acres used for overflow parking (about 1.36 acres total)
- Interior
- Multiple dining rooms and bar spaces, commercial kitchen with walk-in cooler
- Setting
- On the Sandy River along the Historic Columbia River Highway
- Zoning
- Gorge General Commercial (GGC)
- 2025 property taxes
- $8,131.05
- Occupancy
- Vacant; showings by appointment
- Documents
- Full 29-page Lawyers Title Builder / Developer Packet available on request
Listing information is provided courtesy of the listing brokerage and may change without notice. Contact the listing agents for current details.
The Next Chapter
What Could Tad's Become?
Ideas to spark the imagination. None are approved or promised.
Reimagined Destination Dining
Carry the restaurant's legacy forward with a new culinary concept in the dining rooms, bars and full commercial kitchen.
Concept only, shown for inspiration.
River-Oriented Hospitality
Make the most of the Sandy River setting and the property's place at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge.
Concept only, shown for inspiration.
Gathering & Event Spaces
Generous rooms and wide windows suit a place where people come together again.
Concept only, shown for inspiration.
A One-of-a-Kind Private Use
Wood-lined rooms and a riverside setting invite a distinctive private use, from a creative retreat to a singular home.
Concept only, shown for inspiration.
Location
On the Sandy River
1325 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, Oregon 97060
Tad's sits on the Historic Columbia River Highway, the scenic road first opened in the 1910s, along the banks of the Sandy River.
It is close to historic downtown Troutdale and at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge.
Open in Google MapsMap pin marks the property building and grounds.
Property Research
Explore the details
A few highlights from the Lawyers Title research packet. The complete 29-page document is available below.
Two parcels included
The building site and overflow parking
The sale includes the approximately 0.80-acre restaurant parcel plus an additional 0.56-acre parcel used for overflow parking, roughly 1.36 acres in total.
The building
6,988 square feet of character
Approximately 6,988 gross square feet over two floors plus a full basement, with multiple dining rooms, bar spaces and a commercial kitchen with walk-in cooler.
The research behind the property
Prepared by Lawyers Title, the packet covers the property, its two parcels and the surrounding area.
The entire PDF is available to download.
View all 29 pages with no login required.
Available property materials
Source: Lawyers Title Builder / Developer Packet (October 2026).
Contact
Write the next chapter
Ask a question, request the full 29-page developer packet, or schedule a private tour.
Jason and Kyle are collaborating on the sale of this property. Inquiries go to both listing contacts.