The Local Dish: All Trails Lead to the Bargeway Pub
Nolan Hare at the Bargeway Pub knows how to squelch a thirst after a long bike ride along the Columbia River. You can find him, a great menu, and lots of suds to soak in on a lazy Sunday at the laid back pub.
By Charles Childs/CCCNews Foodie
Along the banks of the Columbia River there is a scenic bike path that hugs the shoreline.
It was calling my name.
It was a sunny 70-degree evening in early spring. The path had paved smooth curves with wildflowers dotting the landscape. And as I rode my bike along the riverfront trail, I heard a smooth bass guitar playing a cover of Neon Moon by Brooks & Dunn.
It was singing out to me.
As I rode closer to the Bargeway Pub, I could hear the music growing louder and coming from a stage in the pub’s outdoor seating. I could see hungry customers were just starting to be seated for an early Sunday dinner and brew.
I could not resist.
The sun was still out, so I parked my bike in their designated bicycle parking area and made a stop for a refreshing pint of beer and a hearty meal.
I was sat at an outdoor table with a view of the Columbia River and the iconic Columbia Hills- golden with the evening sun. The waiter came over to our table and supplied us with a healthy taps list and menu. He walked us through it, suggesting some of his favorite dishes and drinks, which is essential for me as it is a difficult decision to only pick two items from the menu.
Hazy perfection after a ride.
With a glimmer of sweat still on my brow, the frosty beer arrived at the table. I had ordered the Pelican Dune Climber Hazy IPA. This IPA had a mellow fresh hop taste that was perfect to quench my parched throat, and its effervescent effects soon soothed my sore muscles.
The waiter mentioned that the fried cauliflower was a must try appetizer on the menu. I took him up on the suggestion and was not disappointed. The cauliflower was dipped and then fried with a light batter that I later found out was a well-kept family secret. This batter was light similar to a tempura batter while clinging to the cauliflower creating an optimal bite. A hoisin based sauce was drizzled on top of the cauliflower sprinkled with green onion and sesame seeds. Since the cauliflower was not tossed in the sauce it maintained its delectable crispy edges and soft center.
Not your grandma’s cauliflower. At the Bargeway Pub these florets come lightly battered and fried and topped with green onion, sesame and a hoisin-based sauce. Oh, and flavor that will knock you to the floor.
I was in the mood to try something new and unique. I looked no further than the PB2 burger- what does the PB stand for? Peanut butter! This burger was served with crispy fries, ½ lb. of fresh Wagyu burger, thick honey cured bacon, Tillamook cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce, peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, all heaped on a toasted beer bun. The first bite was akin to Babe Ruth smacking a baseball out of the park.
I mean, major WOW factor.
Peanut butter and chili sauce take this bacon cheeseburger on a wild and satisfying ride.
The succulent patty and the cheddar cheese is good on its own with the high-quality ingredients. But peanut butter and sweet chili sauce added an element that was quite unique. Peanut butter is a source of fat for the dish creating a rich bite. The chili sauce provided some spice to cut through the rich flavor profile and provide some acidity along with the pickles. My mouth is watering as I am writing this article because I cannot wait to order it again.
I invite you to close your eyes after reading this article and imagine sipping a cold beer, biting into a heaping burger listening to live music and enjoying the sunshine: this is an experience you can have at the Bargeway Pub on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I highly recommend that you go and try it for yourself.
The Bargeway Pub is located at 1535 Bargeway Road in The Dalles. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00am to 9:30 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays. See you there!
Cheers!
