In the remote town of Spray, Oregon—population just a few hundred—something extraordinary has taken root along the banks of the John Day River. What was once a weathered old grain silo is now Ben’s Bar, a cozy riverside hideout that might just be the most unique new drinking spot in the entire state.
Tucked away in a place so small you could miss it if you blink, Ben’s Bar already feels like one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of place you discover by word of mouth, a lucky detour, or knowing someone who’s in the loop. With no flashy signs or tourist gimmicks, this silo-turned-bar offers a rare sense of discovery — like stumbling onto a hidden gem the locals quietly hope stays that way. But fair warning: once you’ve been here, you’ll have a hard time keeping it to yourself.
The man behind this brilliant transformation is Keith Mitchell, an arborist by trade and a white-water rafting enthusiast who has been making the journey from Battle Ground, Washington to this stretch of Eastern Oregon for over two decades. With a love for the river and a knack for seeing possibility where others see rust and ruin, Keith had a simple dream: create a place where rafters could pull in, grab a cold drink, enjoy a slice of pizza, and soak up the scenery before heading back out on the water. Now, that dream is a reality.
Keith first tested the waters in 2023 with the launch of the Top Water Pizza Trailer, parked at the northern tip of Spray just off Highway 19.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
The pizza was a hit, drawing locals and river-goers alike. But one thing was missing: a space that offered some shelter from the unpredictable high desert weather. That’s when he turned his eyes to the grain silo — a structure that had stood empty for years — and imagined something more.
Today, that silo has been reborn. With rustic barn doors that swing open toward the river, removable custom windows for those warm summer days, and a pellet stove to ward off the chill in cooler months, Ben’s Bar is nothing short of a masterpiece in creative, small-town hospitality. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon once and then tell everyone you know about — a watering hole with heart, history, and one heck of a view.
The official grand opening kicks off this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the pizza trailer serving up fresh pies right next to the bar. On Friday night, the party really gets going with live music by Zac Grooms and extended hours until 10 p.m. It’s the kind of celebration that feels less like a bar launch and more like a community coming together to welcome something truly special.
Ben’s Bar is located at 938 Willow Street in Spray, a spot that might be off the beaten path but is absolutely worth the drive. Whether you’re floating the John Day, road tripping through Eastern Oregon, or just looking for your next favorite hidden gem, this old silo turned bar is calling your name.
In a time when so many watering holes are just carbon copies of each other, Ben’s Bar is a reminder that the best places often come from the most unexpected ideas. Cold drinks, warm fire, river views, and a little piece of Oregon magic — what more could you ask for?
