Pendleton, Oregon isn't known for many things. In fact, unless you know where it is you probably would drive right past it without a second glance. Perhaps, on your trip across Oregon and into Idaho you've stopped to use the restroom at a roadside gas station or McDonalds. You'd have no reason to drive into the downtown area, to take a detour... until now.
It was just as much of a surprise to me as anyone else to find a brewery, a restaurant of such high quality in a small town of 16,000 people, but there it was: The Prodigal Son Brewery. Large glass windows bracing the street front, pic-nic styled tables out on the sidewalk, and a huge open area inside. These outdoor tables were perfect for us since we had our dogs and could not leave them in the car in the mid-summer heat. They even had a water dish out there for our four legged fur babies. What more could we ask for? A good menu? Yep. They have one!
There really is something for everyone here, including vegetarian options that are more than just a salad - I'm talking a portobello mushroom burger, people! There was so much to choose from it made it hard to pick just one thing, but in the end we survived the pressure and ordered our respective meals.
Sitting outside was great, but the inside was even better! The wide open dining hall was coupled with a bar deeper in. Cool lighting hangs from the high ceiling and the environment as a whole just felt welcoming. A long wait for your table? Send the kids to the playroom while you enjoy reading in the mini library... or.... sit down for a table game of PacMan!
It took a little while for our food to come out, but it was definitely worth the wait!
Overall, I highly recommend swinging through downtown Pendleton if you're driving through or in the area. You won't be disappointed!
