8/13/14 - Lunch
I hadn't been through Seneca in a while, and decided to try Bear Valley Roadhouse since I had heard it was under new management.
Let's be clear, we're largely talking pub-grub. But, it's probably the best pub-grub in Oregon, Washington or Idaho. And, the value equation is so good it's silly. All the food is from-scratch, and the wait staff is nice, with Eastern Oregon sensibilities.
We had 5 in our party, and we each ordered something different. Chicken Strips, Pizza, French Dip, Cheesburger, and Cobb Salad (if memory serves). Everyone enjoyed their meals, and the details really stood out: The beef for the French Dip was not overcooked, and the Au Jus was tasty; the cheeseburger, despite being grass-fed and lean (from Silvies Valley Ranch) was still juicy and tasty (!); and the fries were absolutely perfect, nice and crisp. The topper for several of us was the Huckleberry Shakes because it IS Eastern Oregon - we were all quite pleased.
If you happen through for hunting season, or the Malhuer Refuge Bird Festival, or maybe you're heading down to check out the Steen's Mountains, you should definitely stop in for a repast. You might need to resist the urge to eat in John Day or Burns, depending on your direction of arrival, but you'll be glad you did! read more