Driving east of Springfield along the McKenzie Highway is one of those Oregon experiences that never really gets old. The trees close in, the river runs alongside you, and suddenly you are surrounded by some of the most iconic outdoor spots in the state. Tucked right into that corridor, right next to Mather’s Market, is Stage Stop Pizza and Brew, a family owned pizza spot that feels perfectly at home in its surroundings. After visiting ourselves, it is safe to say this place gets it right.

Still fairly new under experienced ownership and opened in early 2025, Stage Stop has already become the kind of place locals talk about with genuine excitement. And once you see the menu, it is easy to understand why.

Pizza Names That Actually Mean Something to Oregonians

One of the first things that impressed us was not just how many pizza options there are, but how thoughtfully they are named. If you know the McKenzie River area, these names instantly click and feel intentional rather than gimmicky.

We ordered three family size pizzas, feeding three kids plus my wife and me without a single complaint, which is always a good sign. The standout for us was the Blue Pool pizza, named after one of my most favorite hikes of all time at Blue Pool, which is just a short drive away. This one instantly became my wife’s favorite. Canadian bacon and pineapple might sound simple, but the balance was spot on, with fresh dough and a sauce that never overpowered the toppings.

We also tried the Camp Creek Combo, and if you are a pepperoni lover, this one delivers. Loaded with pepperoni, beef, green pepper, olives, onions, and fresh mushrooms, it was hearty, flavorful, and hard to stop eating. It is the kind of classic combo pizza that reminds you why well made pizza never goes out of style.

Then there was the Belknap BBQ Chicken, named after nearby Belknap Hot Springs, a favorite place to soak and unwind along the McKenzie River. BBQ sauce, chicken, and red onion came together beautifully, and it felt especially fitting to enjoy a pizza inspired by a place many people visit after a long day of hiking or exploring.

We did not personally order The Hoodoo, but it deserves a mention. Named after Hoodoo Ski Area, this pizza features Canadian bacon, pepperoni, and ground beef, and it is easy to imagine it being a popular choice during ski season.

What really stood out is just how extensive the menu is. From classics like pepperoni and meat lovers to creative options like Sahalie Falls with white sauce and ranch or the Tamolitch Ultimate Taco pizza, there is something here for every kind of pizza lover. Guests can build their own pizzas, choose gluten free crusts, add hot honey drizzles, or branch out with calzones, salads, and drinks from the Stage Stop Saloon. It is clear this menu was built with intention by people who genuinely care about good food.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere sealed it for us. The vibe is cozy and relaxed, the service was excellent, and during our visit the owner stopped by our table to talk with us. Friendly, down to earth, and clearly passionate about what they are building, it reinforced the feeling that this is more than just another restaurant. That experience mirrors what many other guests have shared, with reviews consistently mentioning welcoming service, fresh dough made daily, and thoughtful details like the Chicago style rolled edge crust with a buttery finish and generous house made sausage.

As if the pizza lineup was not already exciting enough, Stage Stop is starting 2026 by adding breakfast to the menu, and it might be one of the most unique things happening along the McKenzie Highway right now. Their new breakfast pizzas feature Canadian bacon, sausage, bacon, and a country gravy base, which alone sounds like the perfect way to start a winter morning in Oregon.

They have also introduced a breakfast calzone and are serving classic biscuits and gravy. It is not something you see every day, especially from a pizza and brew spot, and we are genuinely excited to get back and try it. Breakfast along the McKenzie River just became something to look forward to.

We will admit it, we are a bit picky when it comes to pizza, and Stage Stop Pizza and Brew absolutely passed the test. Everyone left full, happy, and already talking about what we would order next time, which is always the mark of a place done right.

If you are planning to check out Stage Stop Pizza and Brew soon, a little planning goes a long way, especially since this spot has quickly become a favorite along the McKenzie River corridor. Located right off the highway at 38491 McKenzie Hwy in Springfield, it is an easy stop whether you are heading east toward the mountains or coming back into town after a day of hiking, soaking, or exploring.

One of the things we appreciated right away is how relaxed and approachable the experience feels. This is not a reservations kind of place, and that honestly fits the vibe perfectly. Stage Stop offers outdoor seating, a cozy indoor dining area, and even a private dining room, making it a great option whether you are stopping in as a family, meeting friends, or just grabbing a laid back meal after being outside all day.

When we visited, the service was excellent from start to finish, and the owner even stopped by our table to chat. That family owned, genuinely welcoming feel shows up not only in the food but in how they run the place. It is the kind of restaurant where you immediately feel comfortable settling in, and it is easy to understand why so many locals speak so highly of it.

Their hours are also very road trip friendly, especially if you are planning a lunch stop or an early dinner. They are currently open Tuesday through Thursday from 12:30 PM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Sundays from 12:30 PM to 7 PM. They are closed on Mondays, which is worth keeping in mind if you are mapping out a McKenzie River drive. These hours were updated by the business recently, so it is always a good idea to double check before heading out.

If you want to call ahead for takeout or just confirm availability, you can reach them at (458) 215-8035. They also offer outdoor seating, which is especially nice when the weather cooperates and the river corridor really shines.

If you are heading up the McKenzie River for hiking, soaking, skiing, or simply a scenic drive, this is a stop that fits perfectly into the experience. With Oregon inspired pizza names, an impressively deep menu, exciting new breakfast offerings arriving in 2026, and a warm welcoming atmosphere, Stage Stop Pizza and Brew feels like it belongs exactly where it is.

And yes, we will absolutely be back.