I found myself at Obsidian Grill, part of the McKenzie General Store, more than once during our stay in the McKenzie River area, and for good reason. Tucked away in the small, laid-back town of McKenzie Bridge, this little spot quickly became our go-to. The first time we stopped by, it was purely out of convenience while waiting to check into our cabin – we had no idea it would turn into one of the highlights of our trip.
The McKenzie General Store itself is the heartbeat of the community—a cozy, welcoming space offering everything from picnic provisions and local beers on tap to their homemade kombucha and root beer. The Obsidian Grill, housed within the store, is where the magic happens. The vibe is a perfect reflection of the area—relaxed yet thoughtful, with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Over the course of our stay, we returned multiple times to enjoy their food and hospitality, and each time we were blown away. It quickly became more than just a place to grab a bite; it felt like a spot to gather, relax, and really take in the essence of McKenzie River.
About Obsidian Grill
Location
Halfway down the McKenzie River in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest
Cuisine
Casual, locally-sourced Americana
Vibe
Mountain hippie meets farmer
My Visit to Obsidian Grill
Our first stop to Obsidian Grill was just after arriving in the area, while waiting for our cabin to be ready. We split an order of nachos and indulged in one of their house-made root beer floats. From then on, we were hooked.
The next morning, we returned for breakfast and discovered what might be the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had. Made with bacon sourced from a local farm in Eugene that raises heritage pigs, the sandwich was perfectly balanced and generously sized Paired with an unexpectedly great latte (seriously impressive for a place so far into the woods), we were happy as clams.
On our final day, we couldn’t resist coming back for more nachos—yes, they were that good—and this time we also tried their salmon tacos. The homemade salsa verde was the standout, perfectly complementing the huge chunks of fresh fish in the tacos.
Mckenzie General Store is also super dog-friendly, which was a huge plus for us. They have a resident shop dog who is the best behaved lady you could imagine, and dogs are welcome to hang out on the back patio, where we spent a lot of time. One of the most charming features is a big wall full of polaroids showcasing all the dogs who’ve visited over the years. We even snapped one of Hudson to add to the collection!
In addition to great food, the general store has a small but well-curated wine selection, featuring many options from the nearby Willamette Valley. They also offer board games, which we enjoyed playing while hanging out on the patio. During the summer months, they host weekly live music sessions, making it an even more inviting place to stop by and relax.
The store itself is stocked with all kinds of provisions—whether you need something for a picnic or just want to pick up some local goods. They had an impressive selection of local beers on tap, as well as homemade kombucha and that unforgettable root beer. The espresso drinks were another pleasant surprise, with options to add in CBD or lion’s mane mushroom extract—something I didn’t expect to find in such a remote spot.
The thoughtful touches extended throughout the space, from the relaxed but cozy vibe to the carefully sourced ingredients. Each meal felt like a reflection of the local community, celebrating the rich offerings of the surrounding farms and rivers.
The TLDR
Obsidian Grill is an absolute gem. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite, stocking up on provisions, or settling in for a more substantial meal, this place does it all with care and quality. Plus, it’s incredibly dog-friendly, has great local wine and beer options, and features live music in the summer. If you’re passing through McKenzie Bridge, make sure to stop by—you won’t be disappointed!
To read more about my time in Oregon’s McKenzie River, click here!
