This Rustic Restaurant Hiding In A Tiny Oregon Town Is Worth A Pilgrimage
By Catherine Armstrong|Published May 03, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
When you’re looking for a great dining experience, Oregon’s towns and cities offer tons of great options, from restaurants with executive chefs to humble taco trucks. We could spend the rest of our lives just exploring all of them, but we have a certain fondness for the rustic restaurants in Oregon’s small towns, and this is one we love:
The little town of Paisley sits on the banks of the Chewaucan River in the desert of southern Oregon. It's home to fewer than 250 residents, but it's also home to Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant.
Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant is one of the oldest bars in the Beaver State. It opened its doors in 1883, and visiting here is like stepping right back into the Wild West.
This rustic little restaurant is full of history. The bar was handcrafted in Boston back in 1905, and made the lengthy journey to Oregon on a ship that traveled all the way around South America and up the coast.
Settle into the bar and ask the owner to tell you some stories about the saloon's early days. They include gunfights, tales of Prohibition, and stories about the area's oldest ranching families. The walls feature cattle brands from area ranches, too.
While you're at the bar, order up a drink or two. You can get a shot of whiskey here, of course...but you can also enjoy some amazing, creative cocktails.
The menu at Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant includes everything from pizza to sandwiches to steak dinners. It's all tasty, and served with a smile by the friendly staff.
The French dip sandwich is one of the house favorites, and it's made with tender slices of smoked brisket and served with a mountain of fresh French fries.
