Blue Duck Saloon in Prineville, Oregon may be off the beaten path, but for those who know where to look, it has become a destination worth every mile. The saloon has built a reputation on elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and a rustic setting that feels as cozy as it does cinematic. It is the kind of place that blends small town authenticity with chef-driven creativity, and it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Take a saloon from any western movie, set the year to the 2020s, and bring in a hardworking team and culinary creativity, and you have the Blue Duck Saloon. It’s your new favorite upper-scale restaurant that just happens to be a saloon. Inspired by the classic Western series Lonesome Dove, chef and owner Kelly Green decided to take her chance on something she had always dreamed of—running a country saloon that was more than just a bar. She envisioned a place where people could gather for good times and bad, enjoy mouth-watering meals, sip delicious drinks, and take the time to pause and enjoy the little things. That vision is alive and well inside the Blue Duck today.
Tucked just outside of town on NW Lamonta Road, the Blue Duck looks like a classic country saloon from the outside. Step through the door, however, and you’re welcomed into a space that is warm and inviting, with a Lonesome Dove inspired atmosphere that is both rustic and refined. It feels like a saloon, but it also feels like the kind of restaurant that would be at home in Portland or Bend. It is this balance of relaxed Western charm and thoughtful dining that makes the Blue Duck stand out.
Part of its success is due to its identity as a woman-owned, chef-driven business. Kelly Green didn’t just open a restaurant; she built a community space that reflects her passion for food and people. Every dish is made with intention, every sauce crafted from scratch, and every plate presented with care. You can taste the pride behind the menu. From the first bite, it becomes clear that the Blue Duck isn’t content with being “good for Prineville” — it is simply good, period.
The menu is full of surprises, the kind that take familiar comfort food and elevate it into something memorable. One of the house favorites is the Gourmet Grilled Cheese, served on herb sourdough with cheddar, Swiss, and gorgonzola. Paired with a rich tomato soup and crispy onion rings, it’s the kind of dish that makes you rethink what a grilled cheese can be.
The sandwich comes golden and gooey, the soup is velvety and full of flavor, and the onion rings are light and crunchy without being greasy. It is comfort food reimagined, a dish that seems simple but is executed with skill.
The Mango Habanero Wings are another standout. Juicy and bold, they strike the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. They’re spicy enough to keep you reaching for a drink, but delicious enough that you keep reaching for one more wing long after you told yourself you were done.
From steaks topped with crispy onion strings to fresh salads with vibrant arugula, the menu is diverse enough to satisfy any appetite.
The Blue Duck has become known as a true “foodcation” stop. Travelers and locals alike rave about it, often describing it as worth the trip no matter where you’re coming from. One diner put it best after visiting with friends following the Crook County Fair: “Blue Duck in Prineville, Oregon may be off the beaten path, but it’s worth every trip.
The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, the staff is always welcoming, and the food consistently delivers—making it one of those rare places you can call a true foodcation stop.” That’s the kind of reputation you can’t buy; it’s earned one plate at a time.
Being a 21+ saloon, the experience goes beyond the food. The bar program is just as carefully considered, offering cocktails that are crafted with the same level of pride as the kitchen’s creations. Whiskey, beer, and adventurous house drinks complement the menu perfectly. It’s a place to gather for lunch, settle in for dinner, or stay late into the evening for a nightcap with friends. The hours stretch from lunch at 11 a.m. into late night service, giving guests plenty of chances to enjoy the saloon at their own pace.
Community plays a big part in the saloon’s success. It has become a gathering place for locals to bring friends, for out-of-town visitors to discover a hidden gem, and for anyone who simply wants to treat themselves to something special in an unexpected setting.
The staff is consistently praised for being welcoming and attentive, adding to the overall sense that the Blue Duck is more than just a restaurant. It is a place where people feel at home.
In many ways, the Blue Duck represents what makes Oregon’s food culture so unique. It takes pride in creativity, but never loses sight of its roots. It is rustic but polished, approachable but surprising. For a town best known for rodeos and data centers, Prineville now has a saloon that locals can brag about, and travelers can add to their must-visit lists.
The next time you find yourself in Central Oregon, make the short drive to Prineville and stop in at the Blue Duck. Order the Gourmet Grilled Cheese, grab some Mango Habanero Wings, or let the bartender surprise you with something from the cocktail list. Whatever you choose, you’ll see why so many call it a foodcation destination. The Blue Duck isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the last bite.
Visit & Contact
Blue Duck Saloon
3770 NW Lamonta Rd
Prineville, OR 97754
Website: https://www.blueducksaloon.com/
Phone: 541-903-8639
Opening Hours (21+ only):
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Saturday, 2 PM – 5 PM
Late-Night Menu: Available after 9 PM on select nights
