On the heels of the news that Tasty would be would be converted into a new Tex-Mex restaurant, we asked our readers to share their thoughts on Lake Oswego’s food scene.

Specifically, we wondered what types of restaurants people wanted to see in their town — and why a number of recent additions have closed shortly after arriving in the community.

Nearly 300 people weighed in, and these were some of their answers.

On which restaurants should come to Lake Oswego:

Reader: ”Family friendly! Anything with areas outdoor (covered ideally) for kids to run around/play, affordable, healthy (not all fried food) kid menus. We spent 10 days in Austin, TX in December and almost every restaurant we went to had some sort of kid play apparatus, either inside or outside. Also, some sort of drive through cafe with healthy options — us moms with kids in the car do not want to schlep everyone in and out of the car to grab a coffee and a few sandwiches or rice bowls.”

Reader: ”Approachable, food-forward restaurants where I could go for dinner with my family but also be a place I could meet with friends or couples for a nice dinner out. I feel like in LO its either super casual, or more “old school” formal.”

Reader: ”Someplace to go for a nice night out — a bit dressed up and special things to eat. AND once that doesn’t ask you to leave at 9:00 because they are closing. What are we, farmers?”

Reader: ”I’ve lived in LO for 35 years, it is very traditional and family oriented, and prefers family owned businesses — those are the ones that do the best. Also, those with a vibrant, cozy atmosphere. A Tex-Mex or Texas bbq/smokehouse style menu would be different, a Spanish restaurant would be good if it wasn’t too “different”, a family restaurant with an extensive ice cream menu like Ferrells in the 1970s would be amazing.”

Reader: ”Shalom Y’all/ Lil Shalom, Mediterranean Exploration Company, Olympia Provisions, Smith Tea, Afuri, an upscale bar (what about the “Clackamas Whiskey Library”?), a GREAT Chinese and Indian spot to name a few. A focus on high quality ingredients and a fun menu will get folks in the door. I was also sad when they didn’t open the Loyal Legion in Mercato Grove.”

On why some recent additions have closed:

Reader: ”I think many of the Portland-based restaurants moved here thinking they would have the same lines out the door. LO is filled with families — many that don’t have time to wait in line for breakfast/brunch like we did in our 20s.”

Reader: ”Hard to get help, lack of marketing and expensive. It seems restaurants are just duplicating each other. How many expensive hamburger, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, pizza restaurants do we need?”

Reader: ”The ones in Mercado can’t be seen from the road. The set up there is bad for recognition of the restaurants. Manzana’s prices increased a lot and I believe they lost regulars, like myself and of course the pandemic hit restaurants very hard.”

Reader: ”I think the price point of Tasty was ridiculous. Not everyone wants to pay $20 for a BITE of food. Sharing plates are fine but some folks just don’t like to share. Just because we are in Lake Oswego, not all of us make 6 figures nor do we want to feel ripped off every time we take out our wallet. VALUE.”

Reader: ”In Lake Oswego there is a shocking dearth of places that you actually WANT to hang out and can bring your family to. When pressed to pick a restaurant spot, the options are shockingly limited. The Willamette Garage food cart setup in West Linn is something LO should definitely have, but would likely stick its nose up at.”

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