Best service and best food in Stevenson!! So glad that Big River Grill is only 4 short blocks away. Breakfast is amazing and the dinner selections have something for everyone.
Whether we take out or dine in, we are constantly impressed with the level of quality of our food.
The staff is also very friendly and quick to refill your beverage and make sure you have everything you need.
When in town; this place is a must for anyone!
I know you're not supposed to eat much sturgeon (bottom feeders and whatnot) but hot damn their pate is so good. Like crack, so addictive. If I glow in the dark, it's because of this place and their sturgeon pate.
I think I have loved every single menu item I've had here (except the Guinness float - blech). The one thing I remember - years later - is their housemade tomato basil vinaigrette. It was the first time I'd had something like that (this was probably 15 years ago) and I fell in love.
They always have fantastic beer selections. And Joe, the owner/bartender (at least he was back in the day), is fantastic.
It's interesting to me when Yelp reviewers will give a mediocre place an extra star just for being in a small town with few other options. Often it's the kind of place that would fail quickly if it existed in a bigger market with true competition. But somehow since they don't have to compete they can slide by on their mediocrity, and for this they get an extra star--as if the reviewer is simply grateful that there is Mexican food, or pizza, or whatever, in the tiny town they happen across. I don't get it. But I will say that I disagree with this practice, which is why this is a two star review rather than a three star. Â
This is where I go after a hike in the Gorge that finishes before Walking Man Brewery is open (before 4:00 PM). I've been here many times. I can say that if you want food at a place that has beer, this is probably your best option in Stevenson (until Walking Man opens).
The virtue of this place is that it's got some decent taps. They also have a full bar, although I ordered a martini here once (it was listed as a specialty on their cocktails menu) that was pretty awful. I asked for it with a twist and got olives with a micro-sliver of lemon rind as well. And it was warm.
The menu is pretty limited. They have burgers, a regular black bean chili offering, some salads, and some other sandwiches. The burgers are a pretty good choice. They're respectable. I've had the salmon burger and found it really dry. Today I had a chipotle chicken sandwich, which had absolutely no chipotle on it whatsoever. Even with pepper jack and jalapenos it was pretty uninspired. The black bean chili is okay, but also a bit boring.
Service is kind of hit or miss.
The space itself is really nice. There's a giant sturgeon painting on the back wall, and license plates from various places across the country. It's warm and cozy on a cold rainy day. Â But all-in-all, in a town with more offerings, I don't think I'd ever come here. The food is just not that good.
While staying in Cascade Locks, OR, I decided to cross the bridge to WA and try out this recommendation from fellow Yelpers and the Hotel staff.
Not a bad choice, since there aren't really any decent choices in Cascade Locks.
I ordered the Smoked Sturgeon Spread; excellent choice here. Â The sturgeon was creamy and flavorful topped with capers and red onion and a loaf of bread to spread it on. Â Though I'm not a bread person, it was freshly baked and worth ordering. Â It also accompanied a spread of fresh veggies and olives.
My main course was Home Style Meatloaf. Â It was tasty and if you like mashed potatoes you won't be disappointed with the base layer of homemade mashed taters covering the whole plate. Â Freshly perfectly al dente carrots were presented as well.
Service was a little slow, as they tend to manage and talk to the locals frequently. Â I kind of felt like a loner in the corner of the restaurant... oh wait, I was...ha
As for the ambiance of the restaurant, it's pretty dark in there (low lighting like it was a romantic setting, but it's a grill/bar style decor). Â A young child in a high chair was throwing her food around like it was a Jr. High food fight. Â After they left, one of the waitresses tried to clean up the mess, but missed the big chunks that got swept under the legs (not sure if she just missed the pieces or didn't want to actually pick those up, b/c the little push sweeper couldn't grab those).
Overall Rating: 65%
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Price: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Excellent!!!
Driving through on a Sunday morning and decided to stop for breakfast. So glad we did!
Are server John was awesome and recommended the Bloody Mary to drink. I have to say I am a huge Bloody Mary fan and this was the best one I have had.
I decided to try something different for breakfast and I got the corned beef hash. The corned beef was so flavorful and delicious. My fiance Paul got the meatloaf for breakfast and it was one of the best meatloafs I've had. But the best part was that delicious brown gravy that I got a side of to dip my toast.
This is a must try place and will not disappoint. Definitely will have to try again for lunch or dinner.
After having come up empty-handed following a craigslist ad to Carson, we decided to make the drive east worth it by trying out a new spot for Breakfast that we'd never have gone to otherwise.
Man, did we score. Â The street is quaint, and this place fits in the character of the area perfectly.
I had, no joke, the best corned beef hash I've had to date. Â The beef was crazy flavorful, and instead of taking on the typical relatively bland mix of just onion and potatoes to complete the hash, they added in tons of super tasty peppers and herbs to make it a veritable mid-morning party in my mouth. Â A couple perfectly cooked eggs on top of it all, some Tabasco, and I was happy happy. Â I was happy the next day too, as they gave me enough to make two meals of it.
Sir ordered a breakfast sausage sandwich with fresh basil, tomatoes, onion, and cream cheese (yeah, my heart slowed a little when I read that on the menu too) on fresh baked focaccia bread. BAMFS (the S is for sandwich, fyi).
Sir: I'll have the "Baby, Please Gon't Go."
Waiter: Nice. You know, I like to put some cheddar on that when I have it myself. Just a suggestion.
Sir: Instead of the cream cheese?
Waiter: No, I leave that on there too. You know, cheese party.
That's just how they roll. And it was indeed good. And Sir definitely took a food coma nap upon getting home.
So good, good prices, good people, and good location should you find yourself on the other side of the Bridge of the Gods.
Went hiking with my friend Sunday afternoon at Dog Mountain and I made her stop here on the way back to Portlannd. Â I had heard about this place before but had never gotten the opportunity to eat. Â We were starving after our hike and the delightful server kept our water glasses full and brought the food out as fast as she could. Â We had the sundried tomato torta (oh my goodness... heaven) and the salmon sandwich (heaven squared) with sweet potato fries. Â I barely remember eating my half of the salmon sandwich it was so good, but I do remember it being a thick cut of fish perfectly cooked. Â
When we couldn't finish the torta, she brought out a to-go container and extra bread. Â I love that woman. Â and the food she served was amazing. Â I would love to go there again.
Went to BRG for a company get-together and I was pleasantly surprised by the good service, great drinks and exceptional food! I had 3 drinks on the menu and they were delicious and unique.
We waited a while for food, but our company had rented the place out and we were all served at once (not the fault of the restaurant). When the food came, it was AWESOME quality. I had Pork Adobo with Polenta and it was done perfectly. We also shared a salad that was excellent.
Great food! Great drinks! It's totally worth a visit.
Sometimes a friend and I get itchy to get out of Portland and take a road trip up into the Columbia Gorge. Â When we stay on the beaten path, we end up going to the Big River Grill, which is always casual and relaxed, and a truly wonderful dinner always awaits. Â We usually start with their sturgeon spread, which is just so good that I want to lick the plate when I'm done because I don't want to miss one morsel of goodness. Â They also make some of the best chicken piccatta that I've had anywhere. Â Service is friendly yet professional. Â The decor is great - the walls are hung with all sorts of bits and pieces of memorabilia - and keeps you entertained while you wait for drinks and dinner to be served. Â Really a restaurant worth the trip, whether you're itchy to get out of Portland or just cruising on through.
Review Source:Enjoyed our first dinner while in the region. Â
While being led to our table, saw other parents/participants Laser Nationals taking
place at the Gorge. Â The staff was patient while we gabbed in the aisle.
Upon finally taking our seat, staff appeared, took our drink order and returned quickly.
We enjoyed a starter of Salmon cakes, crispy on the outside, nearly rare on the
inside. Â Very tasty.
For dinner we had hamburgers, Â ranging from the veggie to the very beefy. Â All
prepared perfectly. Â Wife enjoyed a mushroom soup which was simply marvelous.
Son and self  had regular fries and sweet fries.  Neither my favorite method of
preparing/frying, but nevertheless ok.
I washed my down with a Full Sail Amber from the tap, which
I must say tastes significantly better than the bottle................
What a great breakfast!! Waitress was wonderful!
Very very good... I had the eggs,sausage and potatoes. Hubby had biscuits and gravy. He loved it. Also had a pancake at it was wonderful. We were staying at the Skamania lodge and not a big fan of the food there and the cost. This was much better.
Stevenson, Washington is a great spot to plan your lunch break on a day trip out of Vancouver or PDX. Â A drive through the Columbia River Gorge is always good for the soul and venturing to the Washington side is always rewarding. Â One reason Stevenson is preferable to me over Cascade Locks (not that there is anything wrong Cascade Locks) is the Big River Grill.
Located on Highway 14 toward the eastern edge of town Big River Grill has a diverse menu that will satisfy any hungry traveler. Â You walk in and immediately you notice the place is bigger than it looks from the outside. Â Light colored woods highlight the bar, booths and tables are aligned throughout the space. Â License plates of every location line the walls and in the back stands an old wooden phone booth (seating for one?). Â
My group and I had a long morning out in the woods on both sides of the Gorge laying out a road rally, as we came across the Bridge of the Gods (has there ever been a bridge with a cooler name than that?) we were ready to eat. Â Out came the Droid X and my handy-dandy Yelp App and we knew exactly where to head. Â It's just that simple with the Yelp App on your smart phone.
My friends had the Pulled Pork sandwich and I opted for the Reuben. Â Everything was great from the corned beef to the kicky little sauce they put on the Reuben, definitely not just 1000 Island. Â The pulled pork looked and smelled great and reports were that it was "heavenly"... if in fact they slaughter pigs in heaven. Â Downsides? Â Not many, the bathroom is a little small so claustrophobic people need to hold it in. Â So venture into the Gorge, hike, explore, see the fisher ladder at the Bonneville Dam but make sure you come here for lunch or dinner.
Had a delicious steak sandwich, large strips of steak, grilled onions, on toasted bread. Surprised it wasn't overly salted. The black bean chili was great too. Split the sandwich and a dinner salad ($3!). Surprised the meal was quite delicious, service was very prompt. Would recommend stopping here while in the area.
Review Source:Ahh BRG. Â So many fond memories...been going there forever it seems. Â Best place to eat in the Gorge, IMO. Â I've gone in pretty dressy clothes, and I've gone after a long day's work at the nearby fairgrounds. Â So don't worry, you will fit in no matter what.
I recommend the Goat Cheese Torta (they will bring you more bread if you run out, just ask!), and the Veggie Burger (can be a tad dry but it's great with the Dijon mustard provided). Â The chili is a little on the spicy side for me. Â The African Peanut Soup is delicious. Â Oh, and they have fries now, but I would skip them and stick with either the soup or salads.
They brew their own root beer and have good local brews on tap, or so I hear -- I don't drink carbonated bevs, but the water is great!
End with the Brownie McGee (or thankfully now the "mini" BMcG) - and get both the chocolate and raspberry. Â So good!
A much needed time away from the kids, house, etc. for some alone time and R&R with hubby. Also a great Groupon deal for lodging in Stevenso for the weekend was another reason to have the opportunity to check out this place.
First, the decor was wonderful. Just what you would want in a grill. From the license plates on the wall to the wooden phone booth in the back, just perfect. It's a family owned and operated place that gave a really friendly atmosphere. The owner was very personable as we got to know her, her mother and 2 year old daughter. Her story was similar to our family, just loved them.
Then the food....their Salmon bisque was the best I had ever tasted!!! Â Large chunks of salmon, creamy, tasty. I had a refill and took two additional orders to go. It rivaled the same type dish at Skamania Lodge where we were staying for the weekend. Hubby had their cheese burger, which was cooked exactly as ordered.
We had a wonderful time with the owner and her family. I truly wish hat I could make this a weekly dine out for us but the drive from my house is considerable. I can say that it's worth taking a look, if your nearby. You won't be dissapointed. Say hello for us when you do.
Stopped here after a drive up the river from Portland. Quaint place, with a rural fishing vibe to it. Salmon was  moist and tender, good. I had the pulled pork which was very delicious. Not drenched in bbq sauce, which is a nice change. Staff was friendly and overall it was a nice spot to eat. Menu seemed good and the house made root beer was refreshing. Overall a good spot if you are touring or just driving up along the Columbia.
Review Source:We had rib eye and the salmon. Both were great. Husband's steak was tender and done perfectly. Decent size portions of both. I had the salmon and it came with rice pilaf, I requested to get a side of the garlic mash potatoes since the rice was kind of dry. They brought out a side of them and didn't charge for them either. Â
We would go back there.
Considering how small the town of Stevenson, WA is, this place serves up some good food. When reading a menu, I've observed that anytime a restaurant puts a box around certain items, it's definitely something to try. In this case, it was the Sockeye Salmon Sandwich and to go with it, French Onion soup.
My friend can witness how quickly I devoured that sandwich. Yes, I was hungry, but it wouldn't have gone down as fast if it wasn't delicious! Big River Grill provided a good sized  salmon fillet and it was fixed in a very classic way that couldn't have gone wrong. It absolutely hit the spot, and not to mention, the French onion soup was good too. I'd recommend this place if you're in the area.
The BEST smoked salmon I've ever had in my life. Seriously, folks. If you love smoked salmon, and you appreciate a maple flavor, you will go crazy with the Big River Grill's smoked salmon plate for brunch. They are incredibly generous with the portions, offer lots of capers and red onion slices, with the bagel and cream cheese, and my God, it's fabulous!!!
Big River Grill also has a nice lunch menu, they make their own root beer (yum!), and have great specials, especially for dessert.
Service is very friendly. Big River Grill offers delicious food, and though it's a place locals love, they don't skimp on the service for tourists like me.
Awesome!
Had a very nice meal here with my wife. Â I had the Salmon Dinner, she had one of their salads. Â The wait staff varied from mildly curt to reasonably friendly - but they were all very efficient. Â The food was far better than their prices would indicate and the home-made pie a la mode was a delish conclusion. Â The place was pleasant - a bit cluttered with nostalgia, but interesting stuff to look at so no complaints there. Â
Overall - a very nice dining experience and a great value. Â We'll come back when passing through Stevenson again.
Walking Man pub was having one of it's odd opening things, so after a long ride on the moto, my buddy and I ended up at BRG.
This is probably my third time there and it has never disappointed.
Ok, I missed the Garlic fries and Knuckle Dragger beer at Walking Man, but the Hickory Bacon tillamook Burger was delectable......absolutely superb. I never wax rhapsodic about a damn burger, but this was excellent!
Service was decent, prices are good.
Great meal.
Not much can touch BRG in the Stevenson area. Â Fantastic, stick-to-your-ribs fare. Â I was especially happy to see they had a house made veggie patty that turned out to be very good. Â
Nice selection of local beers and friendly staff.
Give it a shot if you are in the area and you won't be disappointed.
This place holds something special in my heart, so I had to give it a 4. If it wasn't for my first date with my wife I would give it a 3.
The best all time appetizer is the Goat Cheese Torta. It has unlimited bread refills too.
They have a good selection of local beers, they make there own root beer, and the water doesn't have a weird after taste.
Unfortunately they have changed their menu and chef a few times, and my opinion have degraded because of that. They have good food, but it seems to be leading towards a vegetarian menu. If your into that, great for you. Â :)
My wife loves the place. This place can be extremely busy.
Upon the recommendation of some nice folks across the river in Oregon, we decided to hop across said river and check out Big River Grill. Â Good choice!
- Cute -- if you're a tourist like we were, you'll feel "enriched" by the "small town experience"
- Great menu with lots of excellent choices
- Incredibly fresh, well prepared meals (you can tell with high quality ingredients)
- Good selection of beer and wine (especially local/regional stuff)
- Excellent service
Glad we stopped by!
A few years back a friend told me about this place and how much she loves it. Well a few years later I finally made it in!! It's about an hour from my house and well worth the drive. We loved eating here. I had a baked pasta dish with shrimp that was delicious. My other half had salmon which I also thought was great. Our service was nice and she didn't bother us too much, just came over when needed, which I appreciate. I loved that wine I had and the selection of beers they offer.
What prompted me to remember writing my review is that I think we are going back tonight! I would recommend you give it a try!
Stopped for a bite on our way home from camping.
Pro's: The veggie burger was pretty tasty and the African Peanut Soup was yummy too. Their house Root Beer was OK, I like it a bit creamier.
Con's: The waitress was cold and seemed put out when serving us.... she interacted the same way with all of the customers. The ambiance had that quiet uncomfortable feel about it.
Probably won't go back the next time we roll through Stevenson.
They label themselves 'High End Roadhouse'. Â I think that is pretty apt. Â
I stop here much more frequently than my hometown would indicate. Â I am out that way many a weekend laboring up the side of one mountain or another in the never-ending quest to find incredible views in less well known locations. Â After a long hike, Big River Grill is an absolute perfect place to stop and have a really good meal and a drink.
I love how they don't serve french fries. Â I love that I can splurge and get a decent burger or I can go healthy and get a really good salad (with homemade dressings). Â If I really felt the burn that day, I might even go for a dessert. Â
Just about everything I have had there has been good. Â Service is always good. Â I have never had to wait for a table yet they usually have a decent sized crowd. Â The only negative is that while okay, their pies could be much, much better. Â I have been on a mission to find really good pie somewhere within a days drive of Portland and as yet have been unsuccessful. Â
I also sometimes stop there on motorcycle rides and they are definitely motorcycle friendly. Â There is plenty of parking along Hwy 14 that you can back your bike into.
Given the timing of when I make it there, I have never had the opportunity to try their dinner. Â One day the stars will align and I will give it a shot (cuz it looks damn good).
Big River Grill is a delightful gourmet restaurant in the charming city of Stevenson, Washington. The Big River grill manages to serve gourmet, imaginative dishes while still maintaining it's small town ambiance.
The atmosphere here is fantastic. The walls are decorated with good art work, license plates from around the world, and historical photos and artifacts.
Service is friendly, attentive, but in no great hurry. While you're waiting for your check to arrive is a great time to study the artifacts on the wall.
The lunch menu leans towards burgers and sandwiches. The burgers here are good. Not great but good. In keeping with the river theme an excellent smoked sturgeon spread is offered. The real star of the lunch menu is the salmon sandwich.
The dinner menu ranges from Thai peanut chicken to meatloaf. The grilled salmon is outstanding. Big River Grill also offers a great version of spaghetti and meatballs. The homemade meatballs make this dish delicious.
Hope you make it to dessert because Big River Grill serves some delicious berry pies a la mode. Two people could easily share a dish of homemade berry pie here.
Big River Grill has some excellent Northwest beers on tap including Stevenson's own superb Walking Man Brewery.
A walk along Stevenson's water front followed by a visit to Big River Grill is a Columbia River Gorge high beyond comparison!
We stopped in for lunch on a busy weekday and were seated just about the time a really large table of diners, who seemed to be local business folks, were placing their orders. Â So that explained why service was a little slow to take our order and for the food to get from the kitchen to our table. But we didn't mind one bit given everyone was so friendly and the food was so good when it arrived.
We had a roasted portobello, red pepper and cheese sandwich that came on good ciabatta bread and also black bean soup / chili. Â Both were so good we ate every bite, which left us too full for dessert. Â Unfortunate because the desserts looked pretty darned good as they arrived at other tables. Â Save room!
Big River Grill also has a nice, casual and welcoming ambiance. Next time we're in the area we'll definitely eat here again and will probably  plan it so we can try the dinner menu.
This place has much going for it, despite a somewhat run-of-the-mill appearance.
1. Good beer selection -- I had a Walking Man IPA made just down the street in Stevenson (WM itself was closed the day I was in town.)
2. Tasty food. Â It appears that they put some care into how things really taste, if my pork BBQ sandwich with SPICY sauce, my yummy black bean soup, and my mom's unusual salad dressing, were any indication of overall quality.
3. REALLY yummy desserts. Â We'd just hiked for a few hours, so figured it was okay to treat ourselves to a warm brownie with ice cream and chocolate and raspberry sauce. Â It was worth any calorie overage...
4. Casual atmosphere. We strolled in wearing slightly dirty hiking duds, but nobody on the staff looked at us askance.
Oh, and one more thing: Â SEXRXRR. Â What does this mean? Â Well, if you ask the server at Big River Grill, she'll decipher this California license plate that's hanging on the wall with the dozens of others that decorate the joint. Â It drove us nuts for 30 minutes before we gave up and just asked. Â See if you can figure it out...
Good things: Â Local microbrews on tap, an ok selection of wine, big cozy booths, lots of bar stools, great food especially the veggie burger, good tunes.....
The bad things: Â Once in awhile a moody waitress, sometimes a wait for a table/food and too few vegetarian entrees.
The best part: Â A beautiful, funny waitress named Amber. Â She's the best waitress ever! Â I'm surprised that she didn't own the place.
Other than all that, the food has always been great. Â Try the portabello mushroom burger for lunch and the ribeye for dinner followed by the decadent brownie McGee (enough for 3-4 sweet tooths). Â And definitely go on a Wednesday when they serve their famous African peanut chicken soup. Â To die for! Â I also recommend the soft goat cheese appetizer.
Although classy enough to be a downtown hit in Portland, the dress code need not apply. Â Come as you are in your ovies or Sunday best.
We stopped in here for a quick beer. Â We tired their IPA and it was refreshing after a hot day.
Looking at the food it looked good. Â I want to come back here sometime and try the food. Â Big plates of mussels, Â Prime rib, burgers. Â It all looked great. Â We had different dinner plans.
What a great little place. Â Very cute decor with old license plates and old newspapers displayed.
Lots of booths and tables in the back of the restaurant.
I had the hummus plate which was an appetizer, however, very substantial. Â I ended up taking part of it home.
My fellow diner had a reuben sandwich with pasta salad which looked great.
The service was great.
I would go back again.
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