14 Unique Restaurants In Oregon That Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience

In a place like Oregon, there really is no shortage of amazing dining options. It’s a special time in the state’s food history. Some of the best chefs in the country are making Portland their home. The Willamette Valley’s wine country pairs perfectly with farm-to-table establishments. And, well, given our background as a frontier territory, there are plenty of downright unusual Old West-themed restaurants that are fun for the whole family to check out. We decided to explore some of the truly unique restaurants in Oregon, just for you. Prepare your taste buds.

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, 707 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA

"Rimsky-Korsakoffee House-2" by Visitor7 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, filled with kitschy whimsy, is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Portland. It's easy to see why this local business has weaved its way inside people's hearts! With so much character and class, you'll never want to stop at a Starbucks ever again.

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Editor's Note: Brunch Box is permanently closed.

Burger lovers and grilled cheese lovers unite at this spot, known for sandwiching giant beef patties between two grilled cheeses instead of buns. Believe us, it's one of the best restaurants in Oregon! You'll want to come back again and again.

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Editor's Note: Canyon Way Bookstore and Restaurant is permanently closed.

Pick up a good read and some really amazing clam chowder at The Canyon Way Bookstore and Restaurant. This Newport gem belongs on your bucket list.

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Celilo Restaurant & Bar, 16 Oak St, Hood River, OR 97031, USA

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The menu at Celilo Restaurant and Bar changes constantly to go with what's locally available, so you know the food is always fresh and delicious. Plus, it's set in a sleek dining room. Sounds like it's worth the drive to Hood River!

Grilled Cheese Grill, 2315 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, USA

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Insane grilled cheese combos that come right out of a school bus, turned food bus? Yeah, must be Portland. When it comes to comfort food restaurants in Oregon, nothing beats Grilled Cheese Grill. Trust us, you've never had tasty eats quite like this.

Haines Steak House

Come for the beef, stay for the Oregon Trail ambiance. Haines Steak House offers a rustic and welcoming dining experience that you can't find anywhere else.

Jacksonville Inn, 175 E California St, Jacksonville, OR 97530, USA

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The storefront of Jacksonville Inn dates all the way back to 1861, but the menu and wine offerings are definitely modern and vast. It's the best of both worlds at this beloved local eatery! Come see why this business has stood the test of time.

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Multnomah Falls Lodge Visitor Center, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA

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The building for Multnomah Falls Lodge was built in 1925. It's a gorgeous setting, and we just love the location - right up against the falls trail head. Visit during autumn and enjoy all the magnificent colors around you.

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Editors Note: New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro is permanently closed.

Tucked away in the Southern Oregon town of Talent, New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro this place is said to have to one of the best wine lists in the country. Who knew?

Noah's Ark Restaurant

Editor's Note: Noah's Ark Restaurant is permanently closed

This place, set aside the Wildlife Safari in Winston, is one of the most unique restaurants in Oregon. It's got replicas of the ark itself and is surrounded by "animals," but it's run by the nicest old lady who will welcome you into her menagerie.

Renata, 626 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214, USA

Renata

Renata has been named Restaurant of the Year, and it's easy to see why. The restaurateurs Sandra and Nick Arnerich earned their stripes at acclaimed French Laundry in the Bay Area of California, and they brought their culinary expertise to this gorgeous restaurant in Portland.

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Editor's Note: The Roxy is permanently closed.

Fun and snarky waitstaff, open 24 hours, and bottomless coffee. A night owl's paradise.

Thistle, 228 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA

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A 2011 Oregonian Restaurant of the Year, Thistle is easily the best spot in downtown McMinnville. Whether you're coming for a date night or solo adventure, you'll love your meal.

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The Wishing Well Restaurant, 8800 N Lombard St #3735, Portland, OR 97203, USA

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1970s kitsch, old school, big plates of Chinese food and... That palm tree. Perfect combo. Check out Wishing Well Restaurant to see it for yourself. There's nothing else quite like it.

So that’s just a taste of some of the most unique restaurants in Oregon. Obviously, Portland is a treasure trove of weirdness that would require a series of stories, but we wanted to give you an array of strange, classic, New American and upscale. What’s on your list of totally unique dining experiences Oregon? Tell us in the comments below!