As much as I love to be on the river, eating really good food is also one of my favorite past times. I’m not just talking about getting a good slice of pizza, although there is some really good pizza in Ashland, Oregon. I’m talking about where can you get the best burger that you have ever put in your mouth. Where can you get some of the best cocktails in town? Where can you get the best sushi in a town that is not right on the coast? I’m here to tell you some of the best places that I know of to fill your belly.
Hamburgers!
I had not experienced a hamburger this sinfully delicious in my life until just a few weeks ago. Sesame in downtown Ashland is the place to get one! Their website describes their cuisine as this “Sesame’s menu is inspired by the various cultures of the Far East, representing a fusion of cuisines from the South China Seas. We incorporate fresh Asian vegetables, free-range meats and house-blended spices with other specialty ingredients to create seasonal menus.” It’s interesting that an Asain inspired restaurant would serve a hamburger.
Their Kimchi Bacon Burger is: “american kobe burger, white cheddar, sliced onion, brioche bun, sweet potato fries or side salad 12.95″. Indulge! Trust me, it is worth it!
Sushi!
Kobe is another one of my favorites. Their sushi is the best in the valley and I think the best in the world! Their menu is described as “Modern Japanese Cuisine- in a uniquely Oregon setting”. They feature locally grown and organic whenever possible. Get in to Kobe when you have a chance. They are located in downtown Ashland along Lithia Creek. Outside dining next to the creek is available in the warmer months. Kobe is the place to go for a gourmet sushi dining experience.
Nuevo Latin Cuisine!
Tabu is on the list of top places to eat in Ashland. Their website describes the restaurant as this: ‘Tabu has been a favorite Ashland eatery since 2001. Located just one block from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, we offer unique and flavorful nuevo latino cuisine. Chef/Owner Jeven Showers offers sizzling dishes ranging from traditional Spanish tapas to Latin American fusion. Jeven hand selects many of our ingredients and they come to you straight from the local farms.”
Some of my favorite menu items there are their steak fajitas, the fish and chips, the tempura soft shelled crab quesadilla, and the ahi verde salad. Their cocktail menu offers a wide variety of beers, wine, and drinks. Last time I was in I tried the Ginger Gin Lemonade: Cucumber infused gin, muddled ginger, and fresh lemon juice
shaken and served in a pint with soda water. I loved it! A couple of other favorites for me are the Mango Mojito, Cadillac margarita, and the Lemongrass Gingerdrop.
Family Dining!
The Standing Stone Brewery is such a great place to take friends, family, and out of town guests. The “Stone” as it’s commonly referred to serves up everything from salads, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and daily specials. Their beer is brewed on site and is mighty delicious!
They focus on sustainability. Their website says “At Standing Stone, we work to operate our restaurant and brewery in way that protects and restores the environment, and supports the health and happiness of our community, visitors and employees. Your choice to dine at Standing Stone supports renewable energy, waste reduction, pollution prevention and resource conservation, builds demand for recycled and biodegradable products and helps create a more sustainable community and planet.”
The Stone is one of my favorite hangouts just to grab a beer and dinner or a snack. They have delicious sweet potato fries too! Their oatmeal stout is also one of favorite beers they make.
Well that’s it for my rundown on what I like to eat around Ashland, Oregon. There are many other great restaurants that are more fine dining but I prefer the casual atmosphere of all of the restaurants that I listed. Enjoy your time in Ashland and take your own culinary tour and Bon Appetit!
