Blue House Cafe — Restaurant in Vernonia

Our first order of business in Vernonia was to get our Greek on, and where better to pop in for lunch than the Blue House Café? Blue is definitely the operative word when it comes to the interior décor: everything from the walls, to the seats, to the little bottles and glasses on the mantle over the counter share a deep, radiant cerulean hue that creates a nice, casual, welcoming ambiance. I like it.

Instead of table service, ordering is done at the counter; grab a table of your choice (indoor or out; there's a little patio up front, and on the side as well), and your order will arrive in a reasonably short amount of time. My wife and I split the Dolmades platter, hummus with pita bread, and a side of beef/lamb with tzatziki. The Dolmades were thankfully fresh, handmade and delicious: too many casual Mediterranean places skate by on the canned stuff, which is vastly inferior to the real thing. In fact, these were the best I've had anywhere. Similarly, the only flaw with the hummus and the meat is that we ran out of them; we would have ordered more, if we weren't stuffed already!

True to the name, you can order all manner of coffee, tea and espresso drinks here, as well as a small selection of ice cream, pastries and other desserts (baklava!). Other available beverages include a complimentary water station, seasonal lemonades, and alcoholic options such as beer, wine and...gluhwein? Okay, THAT is a little out of place, but I do enjoy a mug of the stuff on occasion...but usually only on a cold winter evening. I couldn't see myself sucking one down on a hot midsummer's day, as it was during our visit. But hey, to each their own!

Despite being swathed in sapphire and absorbed in its azure ambiance, it's impossible to feel blue after dining here at the Blue House Café! Although our experience in town is limited, there doesn't appear to be a finer dining option anywhere in Vernonia. Very...

This is a find on the Vernonia Trail. This restaurant is ideally located for anyone enjoying the trail or visiting Vernonia Lake. Whether you're looking for a meal after a bike ride or a stop before heading to the lake, it's incredibly convenient. The atmosphere is great, and I really enjoy my visits. The cafe itself is charming, filled with interesting old decor and trinkets like antique irons, etc. They also offer thoughtful touches like a winter heater and indoor bike parking, perfect for cyclists taking a break from their ride. This restaurant is perfectly situated for a pre- or post-adventure meal. It's so convenient to just roll off the trail and into a welcoming spot. The bold yellow and blue colors are an interesting color palette but somehow beautifully works. Just brace yourself if you go into their bathroom because it feels like an outlier to the decor, and while very clean, it invites patrons to write on the walls as long as it is an encouraging and not offensive message. We are still in Oregon mind you. I love their commitment to incredibly fresh food, thanks to their commitment to seasonal ingredients. It's always a sad wait when they close for the season, anticipating their return in March or April when the lambs are ready. My absolute favorite is their appetizer tray, especially the baba ganoush, delightfully tasty olives🫒, and that fantastic red pepper paste with herbs – it's delicious . Their Jallab or Date Tea (preferably hot!) with actual pine nuts and raisins and other dried fruit is a must-try for any tea lover. Perfectly sweet and flavorful, so comforting to drink on drizzly cool days. And whether you go for the hearty gyro platter (my pick!) or the sandwich wrap, you won't be disappointed. Their chicken is also excellent. Don't forget to check out their Italian sodas and syrups to customize your drink. I highly...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Blue House Cafe in charming Vernonia, and I must say, it left a delightful impression on me. Let me share my experience:

Warm Welcome: As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted with genuine warmth. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff instantly put me at ease.

Mediterranean Magic: The menu boasts a delightful array of Mediterranean and Greek dishes. I opted for the lamb/beef gyros, and they were nothing short of heavenly. The flavors danced on my palate, and I savored every bite.

Perfect Patio: Whether you choose to dine inside or outside, the Blue House Cafe has you covered. I sat on the patio, enjoying the fresh air and the view of the street. It felt like a little oasis tucked away from the world.

Jalleb Delight: Looking for a unique beverage? Try their Jalleb – served iced or hot. It's a delightful twist that complements the Mediterranean fare perfectly.

Family Vibes: The Blue House Cafe exudes a family-friendly vibe. They remembered how I liked my mint tea (brown sugar, please!) and ensured that my crepes were just right. It's these personal touches that make a place truly special.

In summary, the Blue House Cafe is a gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a local or passing through, treat yourself to a memorable meal here. Kudos to the family-owned team for creating such a...