Everyone should have a road trip through the Beaver state on their bucket list. Not because of the beautiful and diverse scenery, but rather because of how Oregon does hole in the wall establishments that pack some serious flavor. If you love to pull over after you see a shack advertising the best fried tuna on the coast or a neon lit penguin holding a towering ice cream cone, then this is the article for you. Here are five roadside restaurants that will surely satisfy your cravings during your next Oregon travels.
Eastwind Drive in in Cascade Locks
395 Wa Na Pa St, Cascade Locks, OR
Just a short distance from the Bridge of the Gods, a summer time tradition is taking place in the mouths of those passing by. A retro outfitting serves towering ice cream cones that seem to mimic the grandeur of the Cascade Mountains in this historic town of Cascade Locks. Choose to pair your vanilla soft serve with swirled flavors of blue goo, butterscotch, black cherry, or more. And if ice cream doesn't do it for you, cheeseburgers, curly fries, and other classic American fares are sure to fill your desires.
Cowboy Dinner Tree in Silver Lake
50836 E. Bay Road County Rd 4, 12 Forest Service Rd #28, Silver Lake, OR
Imagine an old cattle drive homestead turned restaurant and you get the Cowboy Dinner Tree in Silver Lake. The offerings are large, with all you can eat family style dinner which includes either a 30 ounce sirloin steak or a whole roasted chicken. The sides are also plentiful with delicious yeast rolls, your choice of pink lemonade or coffee/tea, salad, hearty soup, baked potato, and desert. At $50 set price per person, it's a steal! Do note that it is a reservation only establishment, so prepare in advance. But don't worry, if you need someone to roll you to bed after feasting, you can stay in one of their four cabins on site.
M. Crow General Store in Lostine
133 OR-82, Lostine, OR
Since 1906, M. Crow General Store has been serving the rural community of Lostine in northeastern Oregon. The Crow family owned and operated the general store for a century and then it was bought by Wallowa County native Tyler Hays in 2013. Hays has since transformed it into a pizzeria, brewery, meeting place, and radio show which plays solely vinyl. Along with his general store venture, he is also a designer and you can find quality denim, ceramics, and house fermented M. Crow wine and beer. It is a multi use space that has something for everyone.
Sno Cap Drive in in Sisters
380 W Cascade Ave, Sisters, OR
Some places just do a classic burger and fries right and Sno Cap Drive In in Sisters is just one of those places. It has been replenishing outdoor adventurers' stomachs since 1952 and doesn't plan to stop anytime soon. My perfect order is an ooey gooey grilled cheese with crispy fries and a vanilla shake to wash it all down. A great view of the Central Cascades can be enjoyed while sitting patio side so take a moment to slow down and enjoy the food.
Grizzly Tuna in Seaside
850 N Roosevelt Dr in Seaside, Oregon
When you think of the best fish and chips on the coast, your first thought probably isn't a roadside shack with a drive thru window. However, when a place only has two items on the menu you know it's going to be delicious. Grizzly tuna's namesake is in it's title and they are cooking up fresh fish and chips or tacos. They keep it simple with the emphasis being on the perfectly cooked tuna. It's perfectly crispy, golden, and hot! Pro tip: drive a few blocks to the beach and peer out over the Oregon Coast for the ultimate experience.
