What’s Up The Dalles Podcast with River City Saloon Owner Clare Kirkwood

Jul 3

The Dalles, Ore., June 3, 2025 — Join The Dalles Main Street’s Cynthia Kortge as she highlights Fourth of July events and interviews Clare Kirkwood of the newly opened River City Saloon at Washington and Third Streets in downtown The Dalles.

Video Recap

Owners Clare Kirkwood and her husband moved to The Dalles about two and a half years ago after both their home and business in Stevenson, Washington, were sold just two days apart. They soon found what they now call “the gingerbread house” and settled in, then partnered with the Stults family to open River City Saloon in March.

On the What’s Up The Dalles podcast, Kirkwood shared how she and her husband — both veterans of McMenamins properties — decided to open their own bar and music venue after years in the business. “We both worked at McMenamins before we had kids,” she said. “One night we were talking, and I said, ‘You should own your own bar,’ and that’s where it started.”

The saloon, housed in a small, intimate space, has drawn praise for its ambiance and live music lineup. Kirkwood likened its vibe to Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café. “It’s cozy and it feels like you’re stepping into something special,” she said.

In the coming weeks, River City Saloon will host Appalachian blues act Tom Letson on July 18, longtime Hood River favorites the Quick and Easy Boys on July 19, eclectic rock-and-soul group Taylor Split on July 25 and Hood River band Sun Diver on Aug. 1.

The bar has also become known for its food, including scratch-made sauces, dressings and its signature fried chicken sandwich. “Everything you guys make is handmade,” noted podcast host Tom Peterson. Kirkwood added that they source cherries from local farmers for their popular cherry relish.

Open for lunch and dinner most days — with brunch and early openings during football season — the saloon also hosts poker nights on Mondays and offers private poker parties by reservation.

The podcast also spotlighted upcoming downtown events, including The Dalles’ Independence Day festivities on July 4 with a parade, kids’ fair, community breakfast, live music and fireworks over the Columbia River. Downtown businesses are offering holiday specials, and first Friday sales and events will continue through the weekend.

Looking ahead, Main Street’s annual uncorked wine walk will return Aug. 9 during the Cruise the Gorge weekend, featuring 15 wineries, appetizers, and local retail participation. In September, mural restoration projects and a planned “Hidden Spaces” tour will explore the history — and once-secret corners — of downtown.

The podcast also updated listeners on Rowena Fire relief efforts, which have raised more than $27,000 so far through concerts and donations coordinated with United Way. Donations continue to be accepted via CCC News’ website.

“Downtown The Dalles is such a special place,” Kirkwood said. “It already feels like home.”