This Small Oregon Town Is One Of The Most Diverse Culinary Destinations In The U.S.
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 04, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Oregon’s foodie landscape is ever changing and evolving, with Portland leading the state in terms of culinary clout. But don’t think PDX is the *only* culinary superstar in the state; there are numerous smaller towns and cities that are putting Oregon on the map, too. McMinnville, Oregon is one such town that’s recently emerged as a culinary destination in the PNW. From authentic Italian, Mexican, and Asian restaurants to bakeries, food trucks, and farm-to-table eateries, McMinnville, Oregon, is a mecca for global and regional cuisine.
Editor’s note: This article originally referred to the Oregon Wine Village in McMinnville, which is no longer open.
Located the heart of wine country, McMinnville is a historic town with a thriving downtown district that's perfect for exploring -- especially for foodies!
Considered the "gateway" to the Willamette Valley wine community, Woodard Wines, which sits on the community plaza in historic downtown McMinnville, is a hub for Oregon oenophiles... and wine newbies! At this wine shop, guests can acquire new releases, rare and fine wines, and learn about up-and-coming producers.
Woodard Wines, 323 NE Davis St, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
But it's not *all* wine here; Grain Station Brew Works is a brewery and brewpub, full restaurant, and bar serving American food in the most charming of locations: a renovated timber barn! Come and order an only-in-Oregon brew, like the acclaimed "Bet the Farm" IPA.
Grain Station Brew Works, 4130, 755 NE Alpine Ave #200, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
You'll want to balance all those drinks with some tasty food; and happily, McMinnville has a world of options -- quite literally! The Diner is a popular spot in town, featuring fresh, made-from-scratch dishes based on classic diner menus. The Diner uses fresh, Oregon-grown ingredients whenever possible, all but guaranteeing the best brunch of your life!
The Diner, 2580 SE Stratus Ave, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
WildWood Cafe is another popular eatery in town, featuring classic greasy spoon grub like French toast, country fried steak, and epic breakfast plates.
WildWood Cafe, 319 NE Baker St, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
Craving Mexican food? Walk on up to Taqueria Tulancingo, a local food truck dishing up some of the best Mexican food in the PNW! Their tacos are perfection.
Taqueria Tulancingo, 903 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
If you're feeling a bit fancy, head to Bistro Maison, a French bistro with dishes that are almost too beautiful to eat. The Dungeness crab is incredible, as is the Trois Fromage, which features local Tillamook cheeses!
If you prefer classic American bistro fare, Thistle is a no-brainer. It's an American bistro and cocktail bar with a chef's tasting menu that's sure to delight every palate in your party. The menu plays up Oregon's amazing seafood, and you can't go wrong with the fresh oysters.
Thistle, 228 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA
