Eat: Molalla

Cindy's Cafe is a bit of a staple in Molalla. Their down-home breakfasts and lunches have developed quite the local following. In fact, that devotion spreads far beyond the town as Cindy's catering operations are used by event organizers up into Portland and beyond. A quick note about their amazing breakfasts: they're served all day, so if you're a breakfast for lunch kind of person, this is where you need to go. 

Big Burger Drive In is located in a small, unassuming red building at the corner of Highways 213 and 211. While the building may be small, the flavor of these burgers is huge. Big Burger is the old-fashioned burger that you picture when you think of this American staple. You can opt for the classic burger basket, but the smarter bet is the bacon cheeseburger. Throw in a side of onion rings or classic, straight edge fries and you've got the makings of a killer lunch or dinner. They also offer alternatives like a fish and chips, chicken strips and even a veggie burger so everyone can come along and enjoy something. 

The Prairie House Inn is a historic home built in the heart of Molalla back in 1900. It's been carefully restored and now operates as an inn with a coffee shop on the lower level called Cowboy Coffee. So if you've ever dreamed of having your very own coffee shop available right where you wake up, you may want to book a stay. You'll wake up to organic coffee and espressos, breakfast sandwiches and smoothies which all but guarantees an awesome start to your day. 

The Markum Inn is pretty much legendary in the Molalla area. The steakhouse has been operating off and on for more than 125 years. It reopened in early 2017 after a fire temporarily shuttered the family-favorite establishment in 2014. Since then the Markum Inn has once again been delighting people with phenomenal steaks, woodfired pizzas and other American classics. 

The White Horse Bar is another Molalla institution that has been serving delicious food to generations of locals and visitors alike. The "wild burger" is piled high with quality, thick but bacon; none of that paper thing stuff you find at fast restaurants here. The patty itself is made from a blend of elk, bison, boar and wagyu, so the flavors are intense and unique to The White Horse. Be sure to save room for dessert as well, they have an amazing cheesecake that will be hard to share with the others in your group. 

The Molalla River Brewing Company is a newer addition to the scene in town, but in that short time they've become a go-to favorite for residents and visitors who know a good thing when they see it. They offer more than 30 craft beers on tap, giving even the most sophisticated of palates something to love. You'll also find food carts on site, offering up a delicious variety of cuisines. And one more unique offering: a mini golf course perfect for a quick round and a beer with friends. 

You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy a delicious meal at Legend's Bar and Grill located at Arrowhead Golf Club. Legend's is, well, legendary for their classic American food, but they also have some more exotic offerings as well in case you're in the mood for something a little different. They've also recently resumed their weekend breakfast service, which has always been popular here. The dining area was renovated earlier this year, giving a new feel to a favorite spot in Molalla.