Nestled along the scenic McKenzie Highway sits McKenzie Station Pub, a cozy restaurant and bar where the smell of smoked meats drifts out the door and the coffee is always freshly ground. Whether you’re winding down from a day exploring waterfalls or simply passing through on your way to the mountains, this spot feels like home the moment you walk in.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting — rustic charm meets small-town hospitality. You’ll often find locals perched at the bar, travelers swapping stories over steaming mugs of espresso, and the friendly staff greeting everyone like an old friend. It’s the kind of place where people still take time to chat with you, where the service feels personal, and where the food reminds you that Oregon’s best cooking is often found off the beaten path.
But make no mistake — the real star of McKenzie Station Pub is the brisket.
Smoked in-house with care, their brisket is the kind of melt-in-your-mouth perfection that barbecue lovers dream about.
Tender, flavorful, and kissed with just the right amount of smoke, it’s served in several forms — from their popular Brisket Burger, topped with red onion, Havarti cheese, and house horsey mayo, to their Brisket Sandwich, layered with sweet and spicy pickles on a grilled pub roll. It’s hearty, honest food — the kind that satisfies your appetite and soothes your soul after a long day in Oregon’s outdoors.
Patrons rave about the brisket being “smoked and falls apart with a fork,” and the consistency across the menu shows how much pride the kitchen takes in its craft. Even their soups — made daily from organic vegetables and herbs — carry that homemade comfort that feels rare these days. You can taste the freshness in every bite, from the crisp lettuce in the salads to the perfectly seasoned fries that accompany the burgers.
The burger menu here deserves its own spotlight. Each one starts with fresh ground brisket cooked to a juicy medium rare, served with your choice of fries, chips, house salad, or potato salad.
The House Burger is simple perfection — fresh ground brisket with mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheddar cheese — while the Bleu Pool Bacon Mushroom Burger comes piled high with thick bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted bleu cheese. If you’re feeling bold, the McKenzie Double D doubles the meat and cheese, while the Triple D Burger takes it over the top with even more bacon and all the fixings.
Other fan favorites include the Reuben Burger, stacked with sauerkraut, house-smoked pastrami, swiss, and Reuben sauce on marble rye, and the Philly Burger, topped with smoked tri-tip, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, Havarti, and horsey mayo. These are the kinds of burgers that require both hands and maybe a few extra napkins — exactly how a pub burger should be.
The sandwich lineup keeps the quality high, showcasing that same house-smoked care.
The Tri-Tip French Dip comes on a grilled pub roll with Havarti and a side of house au jus, while the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich layers breaded chicken with ham, swiss, lettuce, and tomato under a drizzle of homemade honey mustard. There’s also the B.A.L.T.T., a hearty twist on a classic BLT with bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and turkey on grilled ciabatta. For something lighter, try the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich or the Veggie Sandwich, made with Toby’s Tofu, cream cheese, avocado, and crisp veggies on your choice of fresh bread.
Regulars swear by the Pastrami Reuben, the Innkeepers Club with smoked turkey, ham, and bacon, and the Albacore Tuna Melt with tomatoes and red onion — all crafted to order and served with the same generous sides. And if you love choices, the cold deli sandwiches let you customize everything from your bread to your cheese, with your pick of smoked turkey, ham, tri-tip, or brisket.
Beyond the hearty meals, McKenzie Station also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, plus a full bar and espresso drinks made with locally roasted beans. Whether it’s a morning coffee stop, a post-hike burger, or an evening pint, the experience always feels personal and grounded in Oregon pride.
The kitchen smokes its own meats — brisket, ribs, and pulled pork — using fresh, high-quality ingredients and local produce. Soups are made from scratch daily, the fries are crisp and golden, and even small touches like house-made sauces and pickles show the extra care that sets this pub apart.
Visitors often mention how the place blends the best of Oregon hospitality with a touch of mountain magic. One TripAdvisor reviewer put it best: “This is small-town pub food done right — hearty meals, generous drinks, and brisket that melts in your mouth.”
When you’ve finished your meal, browse through their gift shop, filled with unique collectibles and local treasures. Or, if you’re not ready to leave just yet, you can stay right across the river at their sister property, the Inn at the Bridge Cabins — cozy, modern, and surrounded by the serene beauty of the McKenzie River.
📍 McKenzie Station Pub
56404 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
📞 (541) 822-6006
⏰ Open Wednesday through Sunday, 3 PM – 7 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
☕ Full bar, espresso, and breakfast, lunch & dinner service
💻 Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/McKenzieStationPub
So next time you find yourself driving along the McKenzie Highway, don’t just pass through. Stop in for a plate of brisket, a cold drink, and a taste of the kind of genuine Oregon comfort that’s becoming harder to find.
Because at McKenzie Station Pub, the brisket isn’t just a meal — it’s a reason to come back.
