Cracker Barrel announced Monday it would close all but one of its restaurants in Oregon. The “old country shop” style restaurant chain will close its locations in Bend, Tualatin and Beaverton.
The Cracker Barrel in Medford will remain open and become the chain’s only location in the state.
Now, if you don’t live near Medford, where can you get your fried chicken steak and cookies? The good news—and perhaps one reason for Cracker Barrel’s limited success in the region—is that Oregon is home to a plethora of excellent country-style restaurants, some in unexpected locations.
Here’s a list of 10 country-style restaurants that will fill the cracker keg hole in your life — and maybe make it even better.
Cousin’s Restaurant & Salon
Hello cousin!
IYKYK via Cousins Restaurant in The Dalles. This long-time Gorge favorite cooks everything from burgers to turkey dinners to pot roasts, chicken and dumplings. Breakfast is served all day.
Beverage offerings include craft beers from the Northwest and wines by the glass from wineries in the Gorge area.
One of the things people seem to really like about Cracker Barrel is the country store. Cousin’s also has a gift shop, complete with a walk-in bakery counter that sells plate-sized cinnamon rolls, among other things.
why should you go The cake box alone is worth a trip to The Dalles.
Cousins Country Inn: 2114 W. Sixth St., The Dalles; open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
camp 18
Camp 18, located on the site of an old logging camp off Highway 26 on the way to the Oregon coast, serves what they call “lumberjack-style meals” and features another famous giant cinnamon roll.
The site is also home to a gift shop and the Camp 18 Logging Museum. When the weather is nice, there are outdoor areas to explore.
why should you go Antler chandeliers, a roaring fire in that huge fireplace, and the Lumberjack Burger.
Camp 18 Restaurant: 42362 US-26, Coastal; open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Alice’s country house
Alice’s Country House is a classic family restaurant in a rustic little town outside of Tillamook. According to social media posts from visitors to Alice’s, menu highlights include fluffy pancakes, giant cheeseburgers and, since this is the Oregon coast, clam chowder.
why should you go The whiskey BBQ burger and a side of fries. Or really one of the specials – prime rib, steak and shrimp and more.
Alice’s Cottage: 17345 Wilson River Hwy., Tillamook; Open Wednesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cowboy Dinner Tree
Cowboy Dinner Tree is a whole atmosphere. Available by reservation only, the restaurant offers country dining on a “Central Oregon Outback Homestead” in Silver Lake – about 90 minutes outside of Bend.
There are cabins for those who wish to stay on-site, as well as a gift shop offering “a unique collection of art, authentic Western crafts, gifts and memorabilia.” You can also take home a piece of sustainable, “ethically farmed” beef.
why should you go The whole experience is worth a bucket list.
Cowboy Dinner Tree: 50836 E. Bay Road County Road 4, 12 Forest Service Road #28, Silver Lake; Open Friday-Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen
Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen is located at 10519 SE Stark Street. It was founded in 1946 by brothers Art and Dick Sayler and is now run by Art’s grandsons, David and Bryan. Stephanie Yao Long/Staff LC – The Oregonian
Arguably more of a steakhouse than a diner or country dinner, Sayler’s is still the go-to spot for fried chicken steak and other classics.
Sayler’s is still offering its “Full Meal Deal” — a complete meal that “includes everything: relish tray, salad, bread, entree, sides, and ice cream,” according to the Sayler’s website.
Sayler’s also has merchandise for sale, though it doesn’t have a full gift shop like some of the other restaurants on this list.
why should you go Someday we’ll try this 72-ounce steak.
Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen: 10519 SE Stark St., Portland; Open Monday to Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
McCrae’s Country Cafe
This breakfast spot in Gresham is famous for big – and we mean big – portions. A quick perusal of Trip Advisor reviews reveals a plethora of four- and five-star ratings for the biscuits and gravy, the “mountains of whipped cream” hot chocolate, and the giant omelettes.
why should you go “Mountains of whipped cream” seems self-explanatory.
McCrae’s Country Cafe: 401 Powell Blvd., Gresham; open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Heidis of Gresham
Another East County staple, Heidi’s is like cracker barrels with a Scandinavian twist — and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is huge and offers everything from butter croissants to cheese fondue to old-fashioned pressure cooker rotisserie chicken.
Heidi’s also has an eclectic gift shop.
why should you go The seasonal specials are always the best on the menu – Dungeness crab omelettes, seared razor clams, Oregon strawberry crepes, Hood River peach waffles. If it’s on the reading board outside, order it.
Heidi’s of Gresham: 1230 NE Cleveland Ave., Gresham; open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
country house restaurant
Located near Woodburn Estates & Golf, The Country Cottage serves all-day breakfast staples like corned beef hash and chicken fried steak.
why should you go Lobster and prime rib for less than $40 on special occasions.
Country Cottage Restaurant: 1776 Country Club Road, Woodburn; Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bob’s Red Mill Whole grain store, restaurant and bakery
Bob’s Cookies. That’s it, that’s the tweet.
Employee business Bob’s Red Mill serves breakfast and lunch just off Highway 224 in Milwaukie. The fare is a bit healthier than a typical country breakfast, but that’s a good thing. Try the sweet Marionberry Rolls when they’re in season.
why should you go Not only are these cookies delicious, but you might catch a glimpse of founder Bob Moore.
Bob’s Red Mill: 5000 SE International Way, Milwaukie; Restaurant opening hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 9am-3pm
Motherfucker Country Store
This is a shop only, not a restaurant – but the food counter at this iconic spot stocks some of the country’s deliciously hearty staples. There’s also an espresso counter, a small wine shop, and a cigar room.
Why you should go: Country roast steak with a buttermilk biscuit and three JoJo potatoes. Pack it up and take it with you.
Wanker’s Country Store: 19995 SW Stafford Road (at the junction with Borland Road), West Linn; Open Monday to Friday from 5am to 9pm, Saturday to Sunday from 6am to 9pm.
RIP Tads
The neon sign in front of Tad’s Chicken ‘n Dumplins. Samantha Bakall/The Oregonian
We wish we could have included longtime Troutdale favorite Tad’s Chicken & Dumplings on this list, but sadly it went on sale in 2019. The location sat vacant despite attempts to buy and renovate the space, much like how he left neighbor Shirley’s Tippy Canoe.
Have we forgotten one of your favorites or an insider tip? Let us know. There is always room for more chicken and dumplings.
– Julie Evensen