Posted in Oregon American, Food & Dining, Hidden Gems February 27, 2023 by

This Rustic Restaurant In Oregon Serves Up Heaping Helpings Of Country Cooking

If you find yourself driving across Oregon on Route 26, and find that you are hungry as you approach the town of John Day, you’re in luck. The Snaffle Bit Dinner House is a fantastic place to eat and you’ll be pleased not only with the quality of the food, but the size of the servings, too. This place is about halfway between Bend and Baker City; if you’re looking for a rustic restaurant in Oregon, this must be the place. Read on to learn more.

The Snaffle Bit Dinner House has been serving happy patrons since October of 2001. The owner, Brenda, says her dad came up with the restaurant's name. A snaffle bit is the part of a horse's bridle that goes in the horse's mouth that allows the rider to steer.
Rachel Hall/Google Local
Inside, you'll find a warm and welcoming dining room with plenty of seating for all. The decor is rustic and that's the draw. This place is frequented by hunters, fishermen, horse people, and travelers, and all are treated with excellent hospitality.
Katherine Arnall/Google Local
You might consider pulling up a seat at the bar. The bartender will pour you a drink and ask you about your day.
David Mc/Google Local
Or, if you sit at a table, you'll be served with great care. In the summer months, there's also lovely patio seating out back.
David Lucke/Google Local
The atmosphere here is great, but the food is even better! Perhaps you'd like to start with a salad. Your order will begin with a house Italian salad, then you can add some additional toppings that you choose.
Andrea Locatelli/Google Local
These loaded baked potato french fries look great! There's actually a whole section of the menu devoted to spuds. You can get baked potatoes with a number of different toppings including grilled chicken, bay shrimp, mushrooms and broccoli, spicy seafood, and more!
Andrea Locatelli/Google Local
The Steak and Ribs section of the menu is especially enticing. Check out the Steak Oscar, shown here.
Robert "Rob" Scott/Google Local
Or, you might like the Copper Cricket. This is a house speciality. It's an 8 ounce top sirloin topped with bay shrimp, bay scallops, mushrooms, and asparagus in a garlic wine Alfredo sauce. Wow!
Tony Tornado/Google Local
The ribs at the Snaffle Bit Dinner House are tasty, too. How about a half rack of BBQ pork ribs? Mmmm...
Ira Franklin/Google Local
The Snaffle Bit Dinner House also offers fried fish and fried chicken that you'll absolutely love.
Harry Simpson/Google Local
Further, this establishment also offers pasta dishes, burgers, and a big Mexican menu featuring fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and more!
Don't forget about dessert! The desserts here are exceptional, too!
danielle goldblatt/Google Local
On your next drive across the state, you should stop at the Snaffle Bit Dinner House. The staff at this fine, rustic restaurant can't wait to serve you!
Ricchard Stillwagon/Google Local

The Snaffle Bit Dinner House is an Oregon hidden gem. You’re going to love everything about this place! Plan to stop on through soon.

Also, if you’re looking for a great business opportunity, The Snaffle Bit Dinner House is for sale! Brenda is ready to retire. Contact her for more info!

You know what’s near John Day, don’tcha? The Malheur National Forest. And you know what’s IN the Malheur National Forest, right? THE WORLD’S LARGEST FUNGUS! Learn more about it here: The World’s Largest Fungus Can Be Found Right Here In Oregon

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Address: The Snaffle Bit Dinner House, 830 S Canyon Blvd, John Day, OR 97845, USA