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Bars where Pete has had a Drink (5,608 bars; 1,754 bars in Seattle) - Click titles below for Lists:


Bars where Pete has had a drink

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

#2617 - Baldwin Saloon, The Dalles, OR - 9/12/2014

Baldwin Saloon, The Dalles, OR
Baldwin's Restaurant was first founded in this location in 1876 and soon became a saloon, still in the midst of the gold rush days when the Dalles had some 30 saloons. The building hosted a range of non-bar businesses for most of the 20th century until 1991, when Mark and Tracy Linebarger purchased the building and refashioned it into the Baldwin Saloon again.

The Dalles, Oregon was named for the French word for "slab" ("dalle"), inspired by the flat slabs of rock that populated this part of the Colulmbia river. The locals will tell you that the city was the true termination of the Oregon Trail, as gold miners and other emigrants ended the land portion of the route here and floated the rest of the way to the coast down the Columbia.

The current Baldwin Saloon offers a large menu of mostly traditional American favorites made from scratch, with an occasional anomaly ("Chef Tammy's Thin Mint rubbed lamb roast!"). They have a very nice selection of craft beers and their cocktails -- well, let's just say the cocktails are not among the many reasons it is worth going out of your way to stop by.

Baldwin Saloon, The Dalles, OR
Above the dark woody booths and wainscoting and around the attractive, antique, mahogany back bar the exposed brick walls are covered with period oil paintings, with the focus on a growing collection by landscape artist John Englehart. The owners were not afraid to take an ethical stand on the 2017 "Day Without Immigrants," and include a few offbeat attractions. Perched on a ledge high about the tables is an 1894 Schubert mahogany piano, which includes a live pianist on weekends, described thusly: "Caroline Homer, 78, who's been playing an 1894 Schubert piano at the Baldwin every Friday and Saturday night for 20 years, except when she goes elk hunting."

To close with a bit more history I quote the saloon's own web site:

"It all began in 1876 with the Baldwin Brothers, James and John, as the original proprietors of the Baldwin Saloon. With the railroad right out front and the Columbia River nearby, business at the Baldwin Saloon kept the two brothers busy, as it was said to be the headquarters for the many men who worked the river and the railroad.Following the era of the Baldwin brothers, an interesting fellow by the name of Dr. Charlie Allen operated a saloon in this same building. Allen was an arrogant man who used the title “doctor”, although his previous occupation consisted of simply selling and adjusting eyeglasses.Allen insured his time spent at the Baldwin Saloon would go down in history when he had caduceus (medical insignias) included in the cast façade that trims the original front of the building. This cast iron façade was made specifically for this building by Golden State Iron Works in San Francisco.During the ownership of Dr. Charlie Allen, a brothel in a small frame building was attached to the back of the saloon. The operator of this establishment later married Allen, and they operated their businesses together.

The Baldwin Saloon
Photo from Wasco County Pioneer Assoc.
Since those colorful times 0f long ago, the Baldwin Saloon building has served many other purposes including a restaurant, a steamboat navigational office, a warehouse, a coffin storage site for a nearby mortuary and a state employment office.In 1962, Garth and Evelyn Bonney purchased this building for their business, Bonney Saddle Shop. For nearly 30 years Garth worked at this location making quality saddles by hand, a rare and true art passed on to him by his father. Then, only months shy of Garth’s 80th birthday, the Bonneys retired, selling their building to Mark and Tracy Linebarger, new owners with an old business in mind.They restored the saloon to its original use as a restaurant and bar. ‘the renovation process, including the conversion of the unfinished basement into a commercial kitchen, took almost one full year. Finally, on December 15, 1991, the Baldwin Saloon opened its doors and welcomed history all over again.

Today’s Baldwin Saloon certainly doesn’t have the bawdy atmosphere of its predecessor. The interior has a simple, yet elegant look that radiates warmth and comfort. Rich mahogany and golden oak booths and tables are complemented by various brass fixtures throughout the restaurant. Beautiful turn-of-the-century oil paintings are all around, and the original brick walls and old fir floor have been uncovered and given new life.

Inside the Baldwin Saloon are several old fixtures of interest. The most talked about is an 18-foot long mahogany backbar made in the early l900s. It features large columns topped with scrolls and the original mirror is trimmed with stained glass panels.

A large pendulum clock with local historic significance now hangs in the Baldwin Saloon. In 1879, this clock hung in the Umatilla House, another historical building which carries much of The Dalles’ early history. This unique clock was made in the early 1800’s and is inscribed “This clock belongs to Judd S. Fish”, who was one of the owners of the Umatilla House. Another clock like this one, but still in its original wood encasement, can be seen at the Fort Dalles Museum.

At the end of the bar is a big brass cash register that today’s bartenders use with the same enthusiasm as they did in the 1920s. To ring up a sale, the bartender must crank around the register’s arm, which in turn opens one of the three mahogany drawers the register rests on. Also on display are an old floor safe and a scale, both originally used by saddle maker Henry Kuck. Ralph Bonney (Garth Bonney’s father) and Henry Kuck were partners in the saddleshop business years ago. Kuck and Bonney Saddles was located at the corner of 2nd and Laughlin downtown The Dalles. This is where Garth first got started in the business.

Nestled up on a ledge above the dining tables is a 1894 Schubert mahogany piano. Weekend evening guests are entertained by melodies of the past sent sweeping through the building, creating a genuine feeling for the turn of the century.

The Baldwin Saloon’s history is forever in the making. As additional Englehart oil paintings are acquired and historically significant pieces are found, they will continually be added to the collection that makes the Baldwin Saloon so unique. This is a building whose spirit will live on forever."

Source: http://baldwinsaloon.com/our-history/



205 Court St, The Dalles, OR 97058 - (541) 296-5666
Est. 1876/1991 - Building constructed: 1876
Web site: baldwinsaloon.com - facebook
Reviews: eater - sticksandsconesyelp - tripadvisor - judysbook  

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

#2616 - Chips Bar and Grill, Bingen, WA - 9/11/2014

Chips Bar and Grill, Bingen, WA
Bingen is a tiny city stretched along Highway 14 on the Washington side of the great Columbia River. Since at least the 50s there was a tavern there called the Pastime. In fairly recent years it was renamed Chips Bar and Grill to emphasize the card room and gaming. It's a friendly place with card room in back, diner style stools, classic pub food, and knotty pine walls covered in a very randomized set of bric-a-brac.











Chips Bar and Grill, Bingen, WA



219 W Steuben St, Bingen, WA 98605 - (509) 493-1010                   
Previous bars in this location: Pastime Tavern
Web site: facebook
Reviews: yelp - tripadvisor 

Monday, January 22, 2018

#2615 - Lone Fir Bar and Grill, Kelso, WA - 9/11/2014

Lone Fir Bar & Grill, Kelso, WA
The folks at the Lone Fir told me it is the "oldest bar in Cowlitz County," which is exactly what the folks told me at the bar we visited just before this. However, in the case of the Lone Fir, they have photos right on the wall from when it started out as a gas station, to adding a tavern, and eventually converting completly to a bar. Also on the wall is a liquor license dating back to 1934, the year after prohibition (among the notes added by the licensing official, "Problem -- occasional drunks drop in.").

But regardless of age, it is a beauty of a a backwoods bar, just 1500 feet from I-5 but it feels like a joint you stumbled upon after a long drive through the mountains. In addition to the cabin-like feeling of the building they have a large outdoor patio with a fire pit, conestoga wagon wheels, picnic tables and ample seating. They have friendly people, genuine old geezers hanging out during the day, live music on weekends, free chili dogs during Seahawks games, and a potluck dinner at Christmas time.

Lone Fir Bar & Grill, Kelso, WA
I would love to have a bar like this within a few miles of my town.


































3741 Pleasant Hill Rd, Kelso, WA 98626 - (360) 423-5412                      ;
Est. 1934? (bar)
Web site: facebook 
Reviews: yelp - tripadvisor 

Sunday, January 21, 2018

#2614 - Oregon Way Tavern, Longview, WA - 9/11/2014

I wish I remembered more of the context of my notes on this bar, but after getting way behind on blogging this is all I have:
  • Bartender, Sue, born and raised in the area
  • "Our Becka is a character"
  • "Oldest bar in Cowlitz county" (heard same at "Lone Fir")

I do, of course, remember that Oregon Way and the Oregon Way Tavern are not in Oregon -- although Oregon's just a couple miles down the road. The old lumber town of Longview Washington sits on the bend where the Columbia River turns from north to west in a final leg toward the Pacific.

Oregon Way Tavern, Longview, WA
I also don't know how long the tavern has been around, although in addition to the comment above I've found it listed in city guides at least as far back as 1951, and it may well go back considerably further, as my data on the area is quite limited. As for internet references, it appears that fans of the tavern are not particularly active in online reviews. Yelp has zero reviews and thinks the place is closed -- unlikely, unless that happened shortly before I wrote this, given recent the Facebook activity -- although there is mention of a 5-day suspension of their liquor license in December, with a cause described on their Facebook page only as "[owner name] is a dumb ass." (The Facebook page is a little less formal than many business pages, with posts like "I just wanted to thank my bestie [person 1] for being here for me always. As for that fat bitch [person 2] remember what goes around comes around. Karma bitch!"

Oregon Way Tavern, Longview, WA
Meanwhile, the sole review on TripAdvisor goes like this:
"DO NOT GO HERE! Sad if this is one of the top 10 things to do in Longview. Do not go here. This is not a feature of Longview. Go on a hike. See Mount St. Helens. Got to Ashtown Brewing. Go to Roland Wines. Not Oregon Way Tavern."
(For the record, the Oregon Way Tavern comes in at #9 on TripAdvisor's Longview list.)





Oregon Way Tavern, Longview, 
But if you like neighborhood dives, as I do, this seems like one of the more divey and more neighborhoodie joints around and I hope to be able to stop in again someday.



















This sign was on a big screen TV.
It seems like a unique  negotiation approach.
Oregon Way Tavern, Longview, WA - Sep 11, 2014























446 Oregon Way, Longview, WA 98632 - (360) 577-5773
Est. ?
Previous bars in this location: None known
Web site: facebook
Reviews: tripadvisor

#2613 #S1279 - Pono Ranch, Seattle - 9/7/2014

Pono Ranch, Seattle, WA
Pono Ranch doesn't seem like a sort of place that could last many years, but it also seems to be exactly the sort of thing Ballard needs. As the Ballard neighborhood and nearby Fremont sacrifice their funky, unfussy spirit to burgeoning condos and upscale restaurants, here is suddenly a touch of a Burning Man communal space built around a 1903 45' steam crane. It feels like a hippie beach camp, and it's the sort of place where you are torn between telling all your friends and trying to keep it as secret as possible for as long as possible.

The breezy outdoor area defines the character of the place and thus it is, of course, substantially more fun on warm, sunny days. That should probably come as no surprise given that owner Jon Burgett designed the decor and menu with his years in Hawaii in mind -- "Pono," says Burgett, means organic balance and harmony.” (westsideseattle) There are corhhole games, shared wooden tables, a fire pit, and a stage that hosts live bands of a large variety of styles.

Pono Ranch, Seattle, WA
The menu skews a bit Hawaiian, including choices like Huli Huli Chicken and Kahalui Rice mixed in with more prosaic tavern fare, and organic, local ingredients. There is a nice, small selection of beers with a number of cocktails you would sip on the beach. The service can be hit and miss -- it is not the sort of place you want to go when you are in a rush.






Pono Ranch, Seattle, 
Pono Ranch, Seattle, WA
4502 Shilshole Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 258-2162
Est. Feb 2014 - Building constructed: 1981
Previous bars in this location: None known
Web site: ponoranchballard.com - facebook
Reviews: westsideseattle - seattlemet - westsideseattle - yelp - tripadvisor 

#2612 #S1278 - Pomerol, Seattle - 9/5/2014

Pomerol, Seattle, WA
Pomerol, named after a wine-making commune in the Bordeaux region, serves French cuisine based on northwest ingredients and with ample use of the wood-fired grill. Chef Vuong Loc opened Pomerol in the Fremont neighborhood with his wife Tricia (whom he met at the CIA) after they had short runs with several other restaurants around Seattle (Pig 'n Whistle in Greenwood, June in Madrona, Portage in Queen Anne). They subsequently opened "China Pie" next to Portage, which seems to highlight the cocktail/bar side a bit more, along with dumplings and pizzas. Pomerol itself is probably not the sort of place you would choose if you were simply looking for drinks, but nevertheless they feature some nice classic cocktails and aged scotches.

Pomerol, Seattle, WA

































127 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103 - (206) 632-0135
Est. July 14, 2014 - Building constructed: 1949
Previous bars in this location: None known
Web site: pomerolrestaurant.com - facebook
Articles ranked: mealswithjamie - seattleweekly - thestranger - starchefs - seattlemeteater - yelp - tripadvisor - suzipratt - thrillist - lonely planet 

#2611 #S1277 - 8oz Burger & Co. (Ballard), Seattle - 9/1/2014

8oz Burger and Co., Ballard, Seattle, WA
The bar and cocktails are by no means the centerpiece of 8oz Burger, either here or at the original location on Capitol Hill, both run by local chef Kevin Chung (and very tenuous connections to the chain started in Miami and LA). The focus, of course, would be the massive burgers, made from 100% Black Angus from Pasco, WA, and generally requiring no little amount of strategizing to plan fitting into your mouth. But there are some decent cocktails, wine, and beer options, and even boozy shakes. The fries are delivered in metal mini fryer baskets, as if the kitchen were equipped with three-inch wide Lilliputian deep fryers. If you're not in the mood for burgers they have several other options including Bhan Mi, Wild Boar, and Pork Belly Kimchi sandwiches.

If you are in the mood for a burger, it's hard to go wrong here. I tend to stick fairly close to the classics when it comes to burgers, but lest you suspect that 8oz may not be accommodating the young foodie crowds of Ballard and Capitol Hill, you might note that burger ingredients include thyme infused truffle salt, cave aged gruyere, redwine braised shallots, cotija, avocado cilantro crema, and an espresso rubbed patty.






2409 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 782-2491
Est. Aug 20, 2014 - Building constructed: 1950
Previous bars in this location: Sea Breeze, Hamburger Harry's
Web site: facebook
Reviews: seattlemetseattletimes (Capitol Hill) - thestranger - yelp 

#2610 #S1276 - Ballard Beer Company, Seattle - 8/31/2014

Ballard Beer Company
If you're from out of town or would just like to get a sample of Seattle craft beers, you could do a lot worse than to choose this new place along Market Street in the Ballard neighborhood. Since there are, at last count, 11 breweries in this neighborhood alone, it seems to make sense to have a bar that specializes in these "hyper-local" brews. About 15 of the 17 taps will be dedicated to these, plus they have a growing bottled selection. Of course it's also fun to visit the brewery tap rooms, as so many breweries have been attracted to the combination of reasonable rent industrial spaces, nearby population-dense spaces, and the old school maritime history that still lingers to some degree even as a crush of new bars and restaurants has modified the area.

The Ballard Beer Co. is owned by Greg and Lena Anderson, who deny being "Boeing engineers." Their space feels much like a typical craft brew taproom, with high ceilings, long, wooden picnic-style community tables, board games, and big bowls of pretzels.


2050 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107 - (206) 783-0179              
Est. July 10, 2014 - Building constructed: 1932
Previous bars in this location: None known
Web site: ballardbeercompany.com - facebook
Reviews: washingtonbeerblogseattlemet - eater - thestranger - yelp - tripadvisor  - thestranger