Central and Eastern Oregon (Highways 97 North, 20 and 26 East and I84 East)

This is my first Road Food forum post, but I'm a foodie—and a Road Food lover—of longstanding (I've eaten my way across the USA, twice).

I have to spend a significant amount of time in Central and Eastern Oregon in the not so distant future (long story) and would love, love, love to eat interesting, delicious things while I'm there. Unfortunately, all of my usual stand-by sources—Road Food and Chowhound—have almost nothing on this region. I know there's a lot of open space and national parks and not very many sizable towns, but there's got to be some unique food among the small towns and Indian Reservations that are there.

If anyone has suggestions, anywhere in the area, I would be hugely appreciative.

Thanks so much.

Freda

PS. If anyone has good non-food tips to the region, I'd be grateful for those as well (off-list).

Try to find a Basque restaurant. I have had recommendations for one near Alturas, Cal. called the Brass Rail but haven't been there yet. I enjoyed the bar/restaurant in Paisley, Oregon. Can't recall its name but if you're at one there, that's it. On a more upscale note, try the Pine Tavern in Bend.
 

hey scoots, did you know my buddy David Flaig?

Dear Scootsmoon.

In my vast experience in  Oregon I have found that it is best not to eat east of the mountains.  I spent my first 18 years in Pilot Rock and Hermiston.    I visit often.  I live on chicarones and beef jerky. 

I do remember a few hotspots.  The fry bread at Kahneeta is good.  Eat it and soak in the hot water.
it's good.  If they smoke some salmon, that is great.  
The berry pies are good everywhere, as is the Mexican food.  Mexican is the roadfood of Eastern Oregon.  There are lots of small, family run places that serve their own  favorites from south of the border.  
There is TexMex, but there is also a surprising and  varied amount of vegetable based sauces.  My favorite is a green mole made from pipian.  I like papusas, a very thick tortilla like thing with cheese
and lorocos, which is actually Salvadorian.     Ask about their specialties, ask them what they like.  Ask where their family comes from.  
Your best bet is to get invited to somebody's house.  I have eaten great Basque at people's houses: beef roasted in red wine sauce, zucchini and onion, great bread. 
I've had turkey mole to die for. There is a bed and breakfast near Pendleton that sounds for all the world like a dinner at my aunt's  DeSpain Gulch ranch. 
Mr Chips and I often go to the Oasis on Stateline Road near Milton Freewater.  It's a steak house. it It has a variety of good food and lots of  atmosphere.  Ask them for directions to Helix, which has a great pie house.   
I stop in Mosier for pie or anything made with berries, and sandwiches. 

Hood River has great fruit stands and a few good restaurants.  I heard that the Columbia Gorge Hotel is open again. I hope they are still making their biscuit and honey breakfasts.  If  you get there let me know.
In Bend, you can go to my favorite McMenamin's.   Francis School?  St Francis School? They have a variety of good burgers and beer.  I like their clam chowder.
If you get bored invite Mr Chips and I to join you somewhere.    trudyn

  

The Brand, the only restaurant between Redmond and Bend on Hwy 97, serves a great breakfast.  Known for beef, they will take the edge off your appetite for any meal.

Welcome to Roadfood!

I don't remember any of the restaurant names due to old age, but if you come across sautéed razor clams eat them whenever possible!

Same goes for Marionberry anything.

There's some good eating in Oregon!