The Dalles is one of Oregon's most historic cities, harkening back to our pioneer roots and ties to the Oregon Trail. There's a total Western vibe in The Dalles that can't be denied, and it's felt in many of the town's historic buildings -- perhaps most of all at the Baldwin Saloon. One of Oregon's most historic establishments, the Baldwin Saloon is a charming old restaurant that embodies the Beaver State's proud pioneer spirit.

The Baldwin Saloon has deep roots in The Dalles community. The establishment opened in 1876 with the eponymous Baldwin Brothers, James and John, as its original proprietors.

With its prime location right along the railroad and Columbia River, the Baldwin Saloon was a popular hub from the beginning.

Over the years, the saloon changed owners many times, housing a restaurant, steamboat navigational office, warehouse, coffin storage site, state employment office, and saddle shop. Each new identity left an indelible mark on the property.

Finally, in 1991, the Baldwin came full circle, returning to its saloon roots. And after a nearly 30-year run, in 2021 the historic building changed hands once more, with Dalles residents James and Molli Martin taking the reins.

Their first order of business was restoring the saloon's iconic bar and oil paintings.

Today, the Baldwin Saloon carries remnants of all its previous lives, the history ingrained in its four walls.

Beautiful, turn-of-the-century oil paintings adorn the brick walls, and the original fir flooring and oak booths speak to a history far beyond the years of any of its guests.

The saloon's most defining feature, the 18-foot mahogany back bar, was made in the early 1900s and has large columns topped with scrolls and the original mirror trimmed with stained glass panels.

As you'd expect, this winsome bar is fully stocked, inviting guests to sit up on a stool and order a drink.

The fare here is incredible, too, and definitely more elevated than what was served to hungry railroad workers back in the day!

However, you can still get a simple steak-and-potato dinner here, too.

You'll also find old-fashioned favorites on the menu, like apple pie and bread pudding.

Nestled on a ledge above the dining room is an orchestra area, one of the saloon's original features, that boasts a beautiful, 1894 Schubert mahogany piano.

In true saloon fashion, there is an in-house pianist at the Baldwin. Her name is Caroline, and she's been treating patrons to her tunes since 1992.

The Baldwin Saloon has been a gathering place for over 100 years and continues to be a beloved hub in The Dalles community.

It's a step back in time that's stood the test of time, and we're lucky to have such a historic place here in Oregon.

Learn more about the Baldwin Saloon at its website or Facebook page.

You can discover more about the rich history of The Dalles by walking through its downtown, where a series of murals tell the story of this historic Oregon city!