Smeads Pub — Restaurant in Washougal

This was by far the worst place we have ever stopped at in Camas or Washougal for a quick lunch.... the "perky" blonde bartender had about 8 people at the bar when we got there, she yacked it up with them for over 5 minutes before she acknowledged us, then it took her 5 more minutes to bring us lunch menus. We quickly made our selection, but it took her another 20 minutes to come and take our order. It took her another 30 minutes to cook a burger and fries for my husband and to put some shredded lettuce on a plate and slather it in Caesar salad dressing, a sliced, fried chicken nugget or two, and a small sprinkling of Parmesan cheese---- it was the worst Caesar salad I have ever had. We could hear another employee ask her from the kitchen; "would you like me to take some of this out?" Evidently she turned down the help, because the blonde served our meals to us a few minutes later; and then it took her a few more minutes to bring me a fork.... we got the impression that she really did not care if we were there or not, and the only apology we got from her was that she was "so busy" and had to fix 2 orders (ours and one other couple) all by herself.... and that it was so hard, she didn't have time to leave off the lettuce and tomato of my husband's burger as he had requested, she even went so far to tell him when he requested his burger that way that he could take it off himself! Rude service is not what we are used to, this place was not what we were expecting when you read their menu on line and advertise it as a Pub, the atmosphere was more than loud, and it was only noon.... how 8 people at the bar could yell and scream at each other and not care about the others dining right behind them...

Crystal was our bartender/server and was very attentive, friendly and helpful. $4 margarita specials and a pretty good IPA got us off to a good start while watching Game #1 of the 2017 World Series (AKA Dodgers Win!)

We came to try their Taco Tuesday, but I decided to have the Chili Burger with Fries Special ($10) instead. The burger and chili were very good with plenty o' onions and cheddar cheese. The fries, a basket, were hot, crispy (not burnt) and scrummy.

Taco Tuesdays gets you two tacos for $1 all night. The tacos are in pre-fab shells, but the meat was good and the lettuce, cheese, salsa and sour cream fresh. Whaddya want for 50 cents for cryin' out loud?

We returned for their Thursday night Prime Rib Special (starting at 6PM) - $15 for salad, roll, prime rib (10-12 ounces) with baked potato (add $1.50 for "loaded"), au jus, horseradish sauce, thufferin' thucatash, and dessert (I had the cheesecake). Without a doubt, it was the best $15 prime rib dinner i have had (ever) and as good if not better than many you will find at twice the price. My wife had the Monte Cristo ($11 plus $2 for fries vice chips/potato salad) and was pleased, not thrilled, with the outcome.

We recently moved in up the street and I think we may have found our new home away from home in Washougal. Well done!

CombatCritic Gives Smeads Tavern 8 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More...

Update - We want to thank the owner for responding to our review. We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We can totally understand you not being present may cause issues without staff to carry on your intended customer service. It is unfortunate that you do not have the support you deserve while you are grieving. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. In time we will return to support your local establishment due to your kind response. Thank you

Unfortunately the atmosphere here has changed. You can't have a conversation with the person across the table since the music is so loud... if you are not sitting at the bar be prepared to wait to get served. Best to stand at the bar if you are thirsty. Disappointed and have given the place several opportunities to change my mind but around 6-7 if you aren't sitting at the bar where others are spaced every other stool you better have some time on your hands. Even being a local for several years I do not plan to stop here anymore and suggest you drive on by and find...