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The scenic riverside city of Grants Pass, Oregon, is home to a thriving dining scene. Grant Pass is a region populated by upscale eateries sitting comfortably alongside laidback bistros and lively brewpubs, all of which have a passion for Pacific Northwest produce. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants in Grants Pass to discover the very best local flavors and foodstuffs.

Taprock Northwest Grill

Restaurant, American, Pub Grub

Set on the banks of the beautiful Rogue River in a lovely log cabin-style building, Taprock Northwestern Grill is a popular local restaurant and bar. Taprock bases its American pub fare menu on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the rich bounty of the Pacific Northwest’s farms and waters. Grab a table on its charming patio and dine on dishes like herb roasted prime rib and cedar wrapped wild Alaskan sockeye salmon. Enjoy Pacific Northwest wines while taking in the scenic river views.

River’s Edge

Restaurant, American

An upscale-casual restaurant serving new American cuisine in an idyllic riverside locations, River’s Edge is a charming locale which serves popular Pacific Northwest flavored fare. During colder months, diners can sit at cozy banquettes in the restaurant’s smart dining room. From spring onward, guests can enjoy the venue’s lovely patio, complete with its own bar, and take in breath-taking views of the Rogue River as they dine. The menu is full of local and seasonal flavor with standout dishes like rainbow trout with lima beans and charred radish of rack of lamb with confit tomato, garlic puree and grilled artichoke.

The Twisted Cork

Bar, Bistro, Restaurant, Pub Grub, American, Mediterranean

A must-visit for any dedicated oenophile, The Twisted Cork is a bistro and wine bar pairing fine Pacific Northwest wines with tempting American and Mediterranean inspired fare. The Twisted Cork boasts an impressive 800 bottle cellar with varieties not just from Oregon, but Washington and California too. Sixteen wines are available each day either by the glass or as flights and are matched with soups and salads, pasta dishes, flatbreads and tempting entrees. For a real treat try The Twisted Cork’s Winemaker Dinners which pair specific wines with an exquisite five-course dinner.

The Laughing Clam

Bistro, Restaurant, Seafood, American

Conveniently located in the heart of Grant Pass’ historic downtown, The Laughing Clam is a laidback seafood bistro and alehouse specializing in creative fish and shellfish dishes served alongside locally produced microbrews. Live music each Friday and Saturday night provides entertainment for diners in a stylish, brick-walled space adorned with monthly changing artwork displays from locally based artists. Guests will love The Laughing Clam’s award-winning fish and chips or New England-style clam chowder. Other delicious dishes include grilled ahi with ginger coleslaw or creamy scallop and pesto pasta. Complete your meal with one of The Laughing Clam’s 14 rotating microbrews or a local Rogue Valley wine.

The Vine

Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian

An Italian restaurant specializing in pasta and steaks, The Vine is one of the city’s most popular restaurants – it’s even received praise from British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey. An inviting, Tuscan-themed dining room and lounge welcome guests, but what really sets The Vine apart from other Italian restaurants is its local, organic menu. All tastes are catered for with plenty of gluten-free, healthy, vegetarian and dairy-free options. Some of The Vine’s most popular dishes include its pepper-crusted beef medallions with house-made creamy Oregonzola cheese sauce and its Italian sausage lasagna.

Roux 26

Restaurant, American

Located in the beautifully renovated former Grants Pass Steam Laundry, Roux 26 is a truly local restaurant that first opened its doors in 2013 and has since been delighting diners with its eclectic mix of locally inspired American and Italian eats. Walking into Roux 26, its passion for all things local is clear – southern Oregon timber and cowhide prints complement local artworks and tables crafted out of reclaimed wood from the old Steam Laundry, while its menu is full of produce from local farmers and even Roux 26’s own organic farm. Try the spicy pan-seared prawns with toasted garlic and grilled bread followed by cider pork chops with apple pear compote.

R-Haus

Bar, Pub, Restaurant, American, Pub Grub

The Haul’s beer lines
Courtesy The Haul
Situated on the edge of the Rogue River in the historic former Locoda Fishing Lodge, R-Haus is a lively restaurant and sports bar that first opened its doors over 40 years ago in 1972. With its ‘home away from home’ vibe, R-Haus is a popular gathering place where friends and family meet to sip locally brewed craft beers and creative cocktails complemented by hearty American pub grub-style eats. Juicy burgers, filling sandwiches and succulent steaks are offered alongside supper dishes like hand-battered home-fried chicken or blackened catfish and R-Haus’ popular ‘one dish fixins’ which include pot roast, spaghetti and chicken and biscuits.

The Haul

Bar, Gastropub, Pub, Pub Grub, American

The Haul serves craft beers and cocktails paired with upmarket pub grub crafted from locally sourced Rogue Valley produce in a hip downtown property. Live music entertains guests as they snack on coriander honey pork dumplings, and butternut squash and black bean tacos. A range of beers from local artisan breweries is also available.

Ma Mosa’s

Restaurant, Soup, American

A popular local cafe with an eclectic and seasonal menu, Ma Mosa’s is the place to be for diners looking for healthy, wholesome fare. Located in downtown Grants Pass in a cute and cozy space with shabby-chic multi-colored furniture and outdoor patio seating, Ma Mosa’s is open for breakfast and lunch and alongside its locally inspired regular menu, also offers daily specials. Go for breakfast for a hearty, healthy kick start to your day with dishes like house-made granola, coconut rice porridge or biscuits and gravy. Lunchtime diners can expect sandwiches, tacos, soups and salads.

Gtano’s

Restaurant, Argentina, Mexican, Peruvian, American

For something a little out of the ordinary when eating out in Grants Pass, look no further than Gtano’s – a cozy, inviting restaurant serving an eclectic Nuevo Latin menu encompassing the cuisines of countries including Argentina, Mexico and Peru. The restaurant’s creative, diverse menu includes dishes such as seco de pollo (a traditional Peruvian stew of chicken, fried potatoes, sweet yams and peas in a spicy sauce) and creamy poblano pepper soup served alongside adventurous drinks like its aji pepper Peruvian margarita.

About the author

Helen Armitage lives near Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England where she recently graduated with a Masters in Magazine Journalism. She enjoys writing about culture, pop culture, feminism and film and her favourite destinations are New York City and Dublin. She is about to embark on a three-month placement in Seville, Spain and in the future would love to visit Reykjavik, Vancouver and New York (again).

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