Family-style dining at a restaurant is the absolute closest thing you can get to those big family meals you used to enjoy at Grandma’s house, but no one has to spend hours cooking, and no one has to do the dishes afterwards! There’s a quaint little restaurant in Silver Lake that serves delicious meals, and its chicken dinners are to die for.
Welcome to Cowboy Dinner Tree! This place was once a stop on the cattle trail from Paisley to the Sycan Marsh. It was the halfway point, so cowboys stopped here under what was known as “the dinner tree” to enjoy a chuckwagon meal of beans and biscuits under the stars.
David Willer/Google
Today, Cowboy Dinner Tree stands in this spot, but you can still enjoy some tasty homemade biscuits and beans, alongside a delicious chicken or steak dinner.
Jo Blanchard/Google Address: 50836 East Bay Road, Silver Lake, OR, 97638
This isn’t the kind of place where you just pop in, order your food, bolt it down, and be on your way. It’s a dining experience unlike any other.
Mike Klein/Google
For one thing, this place is pretty remote. You really can picture it as a stop on the cattle trail. Also, it looks just like the set of every old Western you’ve ever seen. You can almost imagine Clint Eastwood walking out the front door.
Donna Hirschi/Google
All around the property, you’ll find authentic cowboy gear. It’s as though a team of cattle drivers just rode in, stabled their horses, and settled in for a meal.
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The restaurant’s dining room is just as authentic. You won’t find fussy table settings and stuffy folks in jackets and ties here - it looks more like an old-fashioned trading post where you’d pull up a chair to dig into a hearty meal while swapping tall tales of the trail with your dining companions.
Yvgenity D./Google
There are only two dinners on the menu: steak and chicken. Your meal starts with a salad with your choice of ranch or honey mustard dressing, followed by a hot bowl of soup…
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…and some of the most incredible yeast rolls you’ve ever eaten.
Rich M/Tripadvisor
Then they bring out the main course, and if you’ve ordered the chicken dinner, you’re in for a real treat. It’s an entire rotisserie chicken.
Dave Doucet/Google
That’s right - a whole chicken, and it’s absolutely delicious. Roasted on the rotisserie, it’s cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It’s served alongside a baked potato.
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The salad, cowboy beans, and dinner rolls are served family-style, so pass ’em around and eat your fill.
Sharon Flock/Google
You can choose from pink lemonade or iced tea to accompany your meal. It’s served in a mason jar.
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Dessert is also included in the price of your meal, so do your best to leave a little room.
Sharon Flock/Google
Walk-ins aren’t allowed at Cowboy Dinner Tree - you need to make an advanced reservation by calling (541)576-2426. Also, bring cash to pay for your meal. They don’t accept debit or credit cards, or checks.
David Willer/Google
David Willer/Google
Jo Blanchard/Google
Address: 50836 East Bay Road, Silver Lake, OR, 97638
Mike Klein/Google
Donna Hirschi/Google
canbbrown2/Tripadvisor
Yvgenity D./Google
lori pagel/Google
Rich M/Tripadvisor
Dave Doucet/Google
candbbrown2/Tripadvisor
Sharon Flock/Google
Visit Cowboy Dinner Tree’s website to learn more, and follow its Facebook page to see what’s new!
Looking for more great dining in Oregon? Visit this iconic restaurant that has a fabulous waterfall view.
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