Fuel Up on Beer, Brisket, and Auto Body Americana at This Garage-Themed Restaurant in Oregon

The sky in was icy and clear, serving up the kind of frigid that makes you zip your jacket all the way up and shuffle a little faster to your car. It was one of those late-autumn days when the world felt quiet, almost subdued — except for the unmistakable hum of commuters in the distance, barreling home to beat the storm, and the eerily increasing rustle of leaves as the wind picked up.

Still, that didn't stop me from craving a little something-something as I was driving through town after a hike nearby. I’d heard about this place, Berts Growler Garage, from a friend who had sung its praises on more than a few occasions. This themed bar in Ontario, Oregon had managed to fly under my radar for far too long, and I was stoked to experience it for myself.

High on the list of must-tries? The pulled pork tacos.

I figured if there was ever a day for a pit stop like this, it was now! I was definitely in the mood for something warm and hearty to ward off the chill.

Pulling into the small parking lot, which was sandwiched between an unassuming cinderblock building and a thrift store, it wasn't immediately obvious that there was a restaurant just steps away. The vintage, glowing Berts sign along the road is eye-catching, but it doesn't offer any hints as to the delicious experience that awaits inside. Look closely, though, and you'll see Berts Growler Garage signage painted on the block walls in a few areas — including right over the shop bay doors.

This is a real, working auto garage after all.

Berts Motors has been on 4th Ave. in Ontario for around 20 years and is run by — not Bert — but Lonnie Bertalotto. Today, there's less commuter auto work going on, and a bigger focus on classic cars. (More on that later!) Berts Growler Garage is a newer addition, having opened in 2013, and is managed by the Bertalottos themselves.

Walking up to the front door, through the window I could spot a vintage gas pump standing guard across the room, its bright red paint gleaming defiantly against the white backdrop. Inside, hundreds (thousands?) of license plates from every state — and probably a few I couldn’t identify — layered the walls, while retro garage knickknacks and memorabilia filled every corner like souvenirs from a thousand road trips.

And me? I was more than ready to hit the brakes, grab a bite, and see what Berts had under the hood.

There's a lot to love about this gem hiding in plain sight, but the beer is an excellent place to start. With 38 beers, ciders, and sangrias on tap and over 150 bottles and cans to choose from off the shelf, there's a little something for every taste, including unique brews I'd never heard of before. Just sidle on up, choose a drink, and enjoy while you wait for your order to be ready.

That said, it's called Berts Growler Garage for a reason! Whether you're sticking around for a meal or itching to get home, bring in your own growler or pick one up at the counter to fill up with your beverage of choice to enjoy later. Sizes range from 16 to a whopping 128 ounces. (Fun fact: 128 ounces is around the size of a carburetor in a first-generation Chevy Camaro.)

That said, note that Berts is for the 21+ crowd (at least in the main dining area).

At first glance, the Berts Growler Garage menu might seem to consist of typical pub food, but don't assume that it's all pistons and tailpipes here. The menu revs up with comfort classics, a few unexpected twists, and the kind of flavor that makes you wish you had an extra stomach. Even dessert selections!

On the recommendation of the staff (who were all awesome, by the way), I couldn’t resist the Brisket White Mac & Cheese — a dish that screams indulgence. Think creamy, perfectly cheesy, and lusciously fat macaroni noodles beautifully blended with tender, smoky brisket. The brisket practically melted in my mouth, marrying perfectly with the rich cheese sauce.

I'm notoriously picky about all things BBQ, so y'all better believe me when I say I was so overjoyed that I immediately jumped back up and practically ran back up to the counter to order a full brisket sandwich, the infamous pulled pork tacos, and a heaping order of beer-battered air-fried fries. The floodgates were opened, and I wanted to devour everything on the menu, take a second lap, and not even think twice about it.

The sandwich: fantastic. The fries: heavenly, with the perfect amount of crunch and fluff and goodness. The vibe: off-the-charts friendly meets comfortable, auto body garage crossed with sports bar. I had multiple conversations with fellow diners who were excited to see how ecstatic I was to be there, eyes wide and ogling every knick-knack and vintage metal sign, noting that Berts is their favorite place to hang out, grab a drink, and chow down.

Ultimately, it's proof that if the vibes are right and the food is good, the people will come. The dining room was busy for the entirety of my stay, with regulars flocking in and out — some sticking around for hours.

The dining room at Berts is divided into two distinct areas, both showing off that retro, black and white tile floor that was a hallmark of the 50s. On the one side, couches, tables, TVs, and a jam-packed beer and merch wall. In another corner, antique photos, vintage service station and auto body equipment, and a whole host of cool finds and kitsch in between.

But the other half of the garage-turned-restaurant shows off yet another massive reason why Berts is so special: a classic car sitting right there in the dining room, just a few feet from the tables.

As I said earlier, Berts Motors is still very much in business, with a special emphasis on old-school rides. You'll likely see a different muscle car or hotrod parked here every time you visit (maybe even two), and it's pretty neat to see these shiny, chromed-out beauties up close. One day you might get to ogle a curvacious '46 Oldsmobile or 50s-era Buick Special, and a few days later come back to devour nachos next to a Willy's Jeep Pickup or Jeepster Commando. It's all part of the experience!

If you're feeling lucky, you'll also find lottery machines, retro arcade games (YES!), and a few other cool car-themed touches, like the license plate bar, Detroit blower standing quietly in a corner, and pickup bed benches.

For me, Berts Growler Garage was love at first bite. But as a car enthusiast, it was definitely a sweet pit stop to fuel up on some vintage vibes and delicious comfort food. Themed bars may be a dime a dozen in some parts of Oregon, but this hidden gem in Ontario is authentic and welcoming in all the right ways. I'll be back.