Their Workingman’s Sandwich is not at all what you might expect it to be. It’s way better! But then again, all of their stuff is amazing…try one of everything if you can!
Locations
The Columbia River is a spectacular place to visit if you happen to be in Vancouver, WA. While you’re there though, you might get hungry. That’s why McMenamins on the Columbia is the perfect place for you to keep your appetite satisfied.
Owners of McMenamins opened their very first location in Portland in 1983. A long time ago, the legacy is actually older than me. But we’re not going to mention just how much older.
Their Columbia River location has been around since 1996. Because of the stunning view the owners decided to set up shop there, and have seen more customers (along with more profits) ever since.
Though McMenamins may be a chain, it’s a successful one. Their locations are scattered all over Washington and Oregon, and next year plan to open up new restaurants in both Tacoma and Olympia. I’m sure fans of the fabulous burger joint are excited to hear that news!
The Beer
When asked what their signature dishes are, the manager responded with a large chuckle,
“Our signature dishes are our beers.” Which, make no mistake about it, is a fact. Their Hammerheads and Terminators are their biggest sellers. Yes, you heard correctly. Terminator. A dark stout that will leave you feeling pleasantly dizzy after a few sips, it’s a strong drink for those strong mountain men of the Pacific Northwest. Or a dainty gal like me to taste and then write about later.
The other thing that’s special about McMenamins on the Columbia is the fact that they make their beer right there on site. They have a brewer at the restaurant, and while he makes the aforementioned beers that are standard for McMenamins, he also brews whatever he wants. Which is pretty unique and cool in and of itself.
Uniqueness
Something that sets this McMenamins apart from their other locations is that they have more seafood on their menu. And their seafood is good! It’s a crime to come to McMenamins and not have their fish ‘n chips.
They also try to source as much of their food locally. All of their seafood is fresh and not farm. It’s sustainable too, which again, is a plus for many a patron. In addition to this, all of their beef is local and not bought from big factories. It’s all natural country beef, which they’ve been proudly doing for the past 15 years.
But perhaps the most special thing about McMenamins is the open-air environment. During the spring and summer months they can leave all the doors and windows open, giving you the sense of being out on the patio – even though you’re not. You can not only hear the planes taking off from the airport, which is just across the river in Portland, but you can also smell the water from the river itself. And in, my humble opinion, McMenamins has the best outdoor seating available in the greater Vancouver area.
While I love all the restaurants I had a chance to visit while I was in the Northwest, McMenamins has always been my personal favorite – if for no other reason for that stellar view they have. And it doesn’t hurt that they have the most delicious food either!
Amazing Food
Their Communication Breakdown Burger is something not of this planet; the caramelized onions and sautéed green bell peppers add just that much more flavor to the already gooiness that is due to the melted Tillamook cheese atop the fresh all-beef patty. The truffle fries? I’m glad you asked. They were the most incredible fries I’ve ever had. While they were a bit on the salty side, it’s because of the truffle salt they use to douse the side delights with!
The tater tots are just as good as everyone makes them out to be, and the cocktails – wow! Try their Dirty Shirley. An adult take on the classic Shirley Temple, it has a shot of vodka, making you feel conflicted about it tarnishing your childhood favorite!
Their new Workingman’s Sandwich left me speechless too, I must say. While I hate cabbage to the core, this actually had me eating more than just a few bites of the thing – it was that good! The Russian dressing and corned beef were a perfect combo in between the pretzel bun of delight that it’s served on.
And while their menu might not be the biggest you’ve ever seen, all of their options are great, and you won’t go wrong with anything you choose.
Make sure to ask for the greatest waitress in the whole wide world, Emily, who will take real good care of you while you’re there!
Just remember that when you do stop in to McMenamins on the Columbia, to tell them Lisa sent you!
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