Good meals and great breakfast and chicken fried meals too and great coffee too with…read more Muffins for breakfast too

We recently moved to the area and tried The Black Iron Grill for the first time on May 28, 2026,…read morecoming in the early afternoon for a late lunch. My husband and I came in through the back/side door to dine in, and our server, Kris S. (per receipt 5EGX), told us to sit wherever we wanted. There was only one other customer inside, so the restaurant was not busy at all. There weren't many customers sitting outside, either. We sat for about 15 minutes while Kris walked past us to assist an older gentleman who was dining in at roughly our 10:00. During this time, she never once stopped to ask if we wanted anything to drink or even acknowledge that we were waiting, yet she made multiple trips outside for reasons that were not clear. At one point the gentleman asked if he could fill his water bottle, and instead of simply helping him, Kris loudly shouted directions across the restaurant to tell him where the water station was. This went on for about 30 seconds and was quite a spectacle. After about 15 minutes, Kris finally came to our table and asked if we wanted something to drink. My husband said we were ready to order as well. Her response was snotty and dismissive--something along the lines of, "Well, I like to get your drink order first, and then we'll get your food order." After that rude interaction and the lack of basic hospitality, I pretty much lost my appetite and, honestly, if I could go back in time, we would have just left at that point. Unfortunately, we did stay and ordered food. The food eventually came, but I couldn't really eat mine because the entire experience had put such a bad taste in my mouth and I lost my appetite. My husband ordered a cheeseburger and said it was awful. We got to go boxes so as to not cause a scene, but we threw the food away as soon as we got home. Between the poor service and the disappointing food, there is nothing that would make us want to come back. I was surprised to see the good reviews for this place on Google, because our experience did not match them at all. It honestly makes me wonder if the positive reviews are mostly from bar regulars, friends, or acquaintances who might be getting different treatment than new customers. We are locals now, but unfortunately The Black Iron Grill will not be receiving any more of our business. My husband and I have lived in small towns all over this country, and we see the same pattern of predatory behavior from certain businesses: bad or apathetic service while taking advantage of locals who have fewer options and lower incomes, knowing many people can't easily drive out of town for alternatives. We're not in that position, so we choose carefully where we spend our money--and we don't have to spend it on bad service and bad people. Let's call this what it is: this was a woman on a power trip, making sure we knew who was in charge and that we were at her mercy as customers. To further highlight the predatory nature of this place, they charge $3 just to split a meal (on top of already marked-up food prices--this isn't Pelican Brewery on the coast). Given how hard times are for people these days, with inflation and everything else, and given that not everyone is a business owner, it's shocking you'd treat your community this way. We don't believe these people are clueless; we believe they are selfish and vain. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend The Black Iron Grill and would encourage others to think twice before dining here.

This is your basic old skool small town place that has been around forever but for a reason. I…read morestopped by and had their Sunday breakfast while I was in town on business. The place is basic but warm and inviting and when it's full of locals you know it will be good. As long as you are not in a hurry (think Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore) with one waitress you'll get a great meal at a great price.

We came in after a day of antique shopping. Wanted to sit down and have a nice lunch. The food was…read moregood, we ordered sandwiches with fries. The service was lacking, one of there staff members has a horrible attitude. He seems like he doesnt even want to be there. The restaurant is dirty. There's dust and greasy fingerprints everywhere. The carpet is stained with cobwebs in the corners. I overheard someone talking about ants in their soda last time they were in, so I didn't get a beverage. This feels like a local spot that caters to a regular crowd and isn't very accommodating to out of towners. I guess we should stick to what's on the main street.

It's more about family and family experience. The food is pure comfort and delicious. I don't…read morealways get pictures because with my family, we enjoy each other, no time for pics. Coffee is outta this world. They also can do veggie omelettes etc. they also honor First Responders and Veterans. As a local it's my favorite spot for quality, service, & fun!

Traveling through town and stopped by this tiny diner on a Sat morn. Place was packed to the gills…read moreso def a local spot and you'll likely need to wait a bit on the weekend.Prices are reasonable, service is friendly and the bacon was delish. I'd stop by again if I'm ever in the area for a quick breakfast.

A fun and filling pit stop between Portland and the coast! Lots of cool historical photos and…read moretchotchkes. A bunch of old logging equipment and train cars to see scattered around outside. Clean bathrooms and a good place to stretch your legs after a long drive or a hike. I got the bowl of clam chowder and not only was it delicious but it was HUGE!! I had enough to eat 3 portions and the leftovers heated up surprisingly well. Their dinner salad was also large and the veggies were fresh. The only reason why this is not 5 stars is my husband asked for his steak medium rare but it was well done. We didn't complain tho so that's on us. I think if you stick to the simpler dishes it's fine for what it is (it's not a steakhouse). Portions were massive! Friendly and attentive service. We got our drinks refilled, checked on the appropriate amount of times, even a few jokes. We noticed all kinds of cool birds visiting the outdoors as we sat by the window.

I wish I loved it, but I didn't. The food is just so so, even when I put to the side the fact that…read moreI bit into my sandwich and got a mouthful of bread tie... they took $10 off for that but it put a bad taste in my mouth (literally and figuratively). Unless you're really hungry, this spot is a skip for me. The woman at the register really struggled to make change and I had to wait at the register for her to come and help me for a few minutes while they all just stood in the kitchen talking about school and stuff. It is fun to watch the birds at the feeders and walk around a little bit.

What a treat!! The food and service was outstanding. The French onion soup was so delicious and has…read moreso many good layers. It's a good place to have a date. We sat outside by the river and it was beautiful!

Excellent everything, food was amazing, service, ambiance. Had the grilled New York steak and I…read morefinished everything on the plate. It's one of those dishes you want to eat slow to savor the flavors. Even the vegetables were amazing. The menu had our last name on it which was an especially nice touch and really made our valentines dinner extra special!

The BEST fish n chips I have ever tried. Great portion, fries were beautifully seasoned and fish…read morewas juicy with just the right amount of batter. The slaw is amazing too! Super friendly staff and seating along the river is refreshing! Must try: 3pc Cod with fries and coleslaw

Pricey, yet well worth it. Brother... this place smacked my fish n chips game into a new…read moreperspective. They play ball. Prices were high (I spent $20 on a 3 piece cod) albeit the quality softened that blow. I've already spread the word. This gem of a spot needs a visit. Right along the river as the name implies. Batter was right where it needed to be. Oh do I wish I could go back. Some fish n chip spots mess with the formula. I'm no specialist but when it comes to FnC it seems only few spots know how to get the batter right without drying out the fish. If you're in the Nehalem area you gotta try it.

The service was amazing I ordered the Belgian waffle with chocolate chips inside and strawberries…read moreon top It was amazing!!!! Bacon was also spectacular!! Definitely would recommend

Ordered the Halibut Fish (the homemade tartar sauce (had some fresh dills and capers) was very…read moredelicious too) & Tots (fried to perfection), and Hungarian Goulash (Homemade Stew). Both were very good and homemade. The water is tap water.

Have been meaning to update this: I eventually went back and am happy I did. I haven't been…read moreyelping as much so I forgot to give me updated redeeming review. Glad I went back, we are regulars now. Food (the menu doesn't do it justice) at first looks small but then you realize there is a lot to explore Ambiance ( still cool ) Events (happening and really fun for our small/medium town)

Perfect cozy dinner for a rainy day. Love the food and love the people here. We love coming here-…read moreone of our very favorites.

Came in on a whim one day after one of the many events on the waterfront…read more Got a couple drinks with my brother and his fiancé, also shared some appetizers. We sat at the bar so service was excellent and everything came out quickly. The ladies working the bar were very friendly and checked in often. The spot in a typical dive bar feel. The dollar bills on the ceiling were probably my favorite part. I'm not out in Vernonia often but whenever I am I'll definitely stop back in for another drink.

I really like this dive bar. It's been here at the same location under various names for over 100…read moreyears. It's everything you could want in a dive bar. Great comfort food and lots of it for very reasonable prices. Outstanding wait staff! Parking can be a little tight but go around the corner and there is lots of parking if you don't mind walking a half a block. The sub shop next door has lots of parking but they get a bit snippy if bar patrons park there. For me it's a burger, fries and a Colorado koolaid. They do have a full menu but when I find something I like I tend to stick with it.