Packard Tavern — Restaurant in Pendleton

As a Colorado couple passing through town, we had no idea what we were getting into at a late night, seemingly “dive” bar on a ghost-like evening in the town of Pendleton, OR; following the presumably wild weekend that had been Labor Day. It didn’t take but one second of passing beneath the threshold of the establishment, that we were greeted by what we could imagine would the smiling-est face in the county. Stevie was her name. She enlightened us with historical and current facts; sold us instantly on local brews; and invited us to make ourselves at home, more so than we ever would at any other bar. She deserves 10 stars. And for a lowly pre-rodeo Tuesday night, we couldn’t be more satisfied after a sweet Huckleberry Ale and a crisp...

This place is anything but subtle. The patrons comment loudly on strangers, as if fishing for information or conversation but not directly confronting. The ladies bathroom is like being stuck inside a Tiffany & Co. gift box. There's a sign hanging from the ceiling which reads "HAPPY F*CKING BIRTHDAY" and, I'm guessing it probably was, though it's impossible to tell how long it has been above, encouraging the birthdays of those below. The bartender was pretty, friendly and served a recommended cider in one of those frosty mugs generally kept inside a freezer. Oh. And an actual Frogger video game. Five Star joint....

⭐ 4 Stars Overall

The atmosphere here is top-notch—laid-back, stylish, and a great spot to hang out. Service was excellent, the staff made sure everything ran smoothly and were really attentive. The food, however, didn’t quite live up to the rest of the experience. For the price range ($50–100 per person), I was hoping for more flavor and better quality.

That said, if you’re looking for a place with great vibes, strong drinks, and friendly service, Packard Tavern is a solid choice. Just don’t expect the food to...