Delicious dining opportunities…
The Willamette Valley is full of gastronomic pleasures, but nowhere are they more abundant than in downtown McMinnville. You can’t walk a block without passing a fabulous restaurant or cafe. Here are some of our favorite “walkable” options:
For Dinner. . .
Cypress at the Atticus Hotel is a locally rooted, Mediterranean inspired restaurant focused on nourishing our community with exciting flavors on every plate and in every glass. Drawing inspiration from the diverse kitchen traditions of the Mediterranean while staying connected to our Pacific Northwest farmer and rancher relationships, we create an experience at the intersection of old world flavors and new world energy.
Offering table service for lunch and dinner—all complimented by an intimate yet energetic hotel bar scene.
Whether seated in the restaurant for dinner, enjoying light bites and cocktails in the hotel lobby, picking up a cold snack or bottle of wine at our Grab and Go, or bringing a hot meal home through our takeout program, Cypress nourishes community in every way.
Make a reservation at Cypress here.
Please don’t come to town without having dinner at Bistro Maison, named Portland’s “2009 Best of City Search” in four categories. The accolades don’t do it justice. Chef Jean-Jacques and his wife, Deborah, do everything right, from serving amazing meals (white truffle oil fondue anyone? How about Coq au Vin, made in a rich Pinot Noir sauce?) to having OUTSTANDING service. In the summer months not much can top a dinner enjoyed on their back patio. Lunch & dinner.
La Rambla, serving Northwest inspired Spanish cuisine, is right next door to our Historic McMinnville Bank location. Try some of their tapas for lunch, or swing by late night to sample a drink at their amazing copper bar. Lunch & dinner.
If you’re looking to enjoy local ingredients transformed into beautiful Latin American dishes, don’t miss out on Pura Vida Cocina + Arte. With a rotating daily menu limited only by chef Ricardo Antunez imagination, meals at Pura Vida are as beautiful as they are delicious. Smoked salmon taquitos and Aguacate Frito (fried avocado) are not to be missed. Lunch & dinner.
For casual faire…
For a delicious and affordable dinner for the whole family, Thai Country is the go-to place for locals. Dishes like gang panang, tom ka soup and pad thai are always crowd pleasers. Lunch & dinner.
Occupying a former brewery in the heart of downtown McMinnville, Los Molcajetes provides terrific Mexican food in a fun and family friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss ‘The Molcajete’ meal, served in a giant pestle with a variety of meats and cactus in a delicious sauce. Other local favorites are the Tinga and the ceviche. Lunch & dinner.
Brew Pubs…
McMenamins offers pub food and their own microbrews with a fun vibe, and a happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00. It features three bars, including the Roof Top Bar, which has amazing views of the valley. They also make a broad array of mixed drinks, many with fresh fruit. With their eclectic style and amazing murals, McMenamins is popular with locals and tourists alike. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
If you love good old fashioned American fare, made with the highest quality local ingredients, make sure you visit Golden Valley Brewery. Not only do they brew a variety of outstanding beers (Red Thistle and Muddy Valley Stout are favorites) they also raise their own organic beef, fed on Golden Valley grain. Golden Valley gives a whole new meaning to farm fresh. But be prepared to wait a few minutes to have the experience, especially on the weekends. Lunch & dinner.
The new kid on the block, Grain Station Brew Works occupies an old barn in McMinnville’s Historic Granary District, just a few blocks northeast of our Odd Fellows Lodge location. With pub faire, live music and hand crafted beers, the Grain Station makes for a fun evening out. Lunch & dinner.
Breakfast & lunch. . .
Crescent Café serves breakfast and lunch only and it’s easy to find—just look for the long line on the weekends. Owner’s Michael and Danny moved to McMinnville from San Francisco where they owned the much loved Ella’s Restaurant. They quickly established a cult following in McMinnville. The food is outstanding and the service attentive—all in all, a fabulous place to start a day of wine tasting.
Groceries. . .
If you feel like cooking, Harvest Fresh, on the corner opposite from 3rd Street Flats Historic McMinnville Bank location, has a large selection of fresh local meat and produce. Their deli is also a great place to pick up food for a picnic at one of the wineries. Don’t miss the large wine selection at the back of the store.
Banner photo courtesy of Coral Van Zuwalt.
