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.
Sam Beebe/flickr
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.
Onesam97/Tripadvisor Address: 327 Main Street, Paisley, OR, 97636
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.
Diane Simonds/Google
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.
Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant/Facebook
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.
Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant/Facebook
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.
Rachel R/Google
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.
Matt Uhlman/Google
Make sure to ask about the specials - there’s often a new dish being created in the kitchen.
Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant/Facebook
You don’t want to skip dessert - the cakes and pies are made from scratch right here, and they’re absolutely delicious.
Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant/Facebook
While Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant is a bar, minors are allowed to dine here, so bring the whole family. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday.
Samuel Rutledge/Google
Make sure to follow Pioneer Saloon’s Facebook page to see what’s new there. Have you dined at Pioneer Saloon? Tell us about your experience there!
Sam Beebe/flickr
Onesam97/Tripadvisor
Address: 327 Main Street, Paisley, OR, 97636
Diane Simonds/Google
Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant/Facebook
Rachel R/Google
Matt Uhlman/Google
Samuel Rutledge/Google
If you’re looking for more rustic dining, check out this pizzeria that’s an unexpected gem hiding in a lake resort.
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