Eat, Drink, and Shop in Downtown Grants Pass

Just an hour north of the California border, Grants Pass has been on the map for outdoor adventurists and wine lovers for several decades. But that’s not the only thing brewing in this town surrounded by vineyards, rivers, and mountains. Grants Pass has emerged as a hot spot for breweries and distilleries, innovative restaurants, and an abundance of locally-owned shops. Spend a day walking around the Historic District, where Victorian and Art Deco buildings line the streets and public art and murals surround every corner. From art galleries and specialty boutiques to bike shops and record stores, you’re bound to find something on your wishlist. While perusing the shops, grab a Cup of Joe from a local roaster , dine at a regionally-sourced eatery, and indulge in hand-crafted cocktails.

Downtown Dining

Over the years, Grants Pass has cultivated quite a foodie scene, gathering flavors both globally and from the valley’s farmland. Unlike major cities, downtown chains are few and far between, as restaurants and pubs are locally-owned and family run. The “shop local” culture means fresher and more sustainable ingredients as many chefs gather their produce at the Saturday Growers Market and nearby farms and ranches.

Start your day off at a local coffee shop like Rogue Roasters, a Grants Pass staple, offering pastries and organic house-roasted coffee. While shopping in the Historic District, pop into Dassh, a small-batch bakery and try their lox bagel or house made quiche. For something more indulgent, plan to brunch at Lulu’s or MaMosa’s where you can pair your meal with a fancy mimosa or Bloody Mary.

To satiate those midday hunger pangs, grab a slice of New York or Detroit-style pizza at Catalyst Pizza Co or a wood-fired pie at The Haul. Go back in time at the Grants Pass Pharmacy Soda Fountain and order a sandwich with a phosphate soda. If you’re hankering for a burger or fish & chips, catch a meal at the Laughing Clam. For something light and healthy, try a vegan dish from True Juice or an organic lunch at Sunshine Natural Foods.

When it comes to dinner options, you’ll find no shortage of places to try, with several eateries offering patio dining. Enjoy globally inspired cuisine like pho from Saigon Xich Lo, sushi from Musashi’s, and pad thai from Thai BBQ.

For fresh seafood or a juicy steak, the Twisted Cork is a Grants Pass favorite, just don’t leave without trying their famous sticky toffee cake. The Bohemian on G St presents American fusion dishes and creative daily specials and will soon be opening their new location with a roof-top bar. For a romantic dinner date, reserve a candle lit table at Carson’s Bistro and try one of their seasonal dishes. After dinner, save room for dessert and try a bubble waffle, artisanal gelato, or scratch-made pastry at House of Glory, a Cuban-Colombian inspired cafe.

Breweries, Distilleries, and Wine Shops

It wouldn’t be a trip to Oregon without a stop at a local brewery- and Grants Pass is no exception.

Plan a stop at Steam Distillery, who’ve raised the bar of Southern Oregon’s craft cocktail scene.The steampunk-themed distillery showcases modern twists on classics, with cocktails like a Smoked Old Fashioned and Maple Bacon Manhattan. Nearby, head to Wild River Pub, Southern Oregon’s oldest brewery. Throughout the week, find live entertainment events like open mic, trivia, acoustic jams, and comic or musician showcases. Around the corner, visit their sister restaurant, Wild River Pizza Company.

For a family atmosphere, make your way uptown to Weekend Beer Company where you’ll discover a biergarten style taproom with a sprawling outdoor space complete with a food truck pod. For the largest selection of draft, cans, and bottles, plan a stop at Pints N Wine Pourhouse or Oregon Pizza and Pour Authority.

Wine lovers are in luck too. Whether you’re looking for a great local wine selection or bottles from around the world, there’s plenty of places downtown that’ll delight a wine affecianado. Partake is part wine shop, part cocktail and dining lounge. Their tasting bar and wine shop features an impressive collection of international bottles along with a local winery spotlight every month. In addition to their regular menu, Partake offers a fine dining 6-course menu with wine pairings Thursday through Saturday. Around the corner, The Twisted Cork focuses on regional winemakers and is a great spot to dip your toes into the local wine scene. While there, explore the flavors of the valley by ordering a wine flight or try one of their specialty cocktails.

Shopping

Grants Pass’s colorful downtown not only has an amazing array of restaurants and breweries, it’s also home to dozens of locally-owned boutiques, specialty shops, and antique stores. Since its early days as a stagecoach and railroad stop, Historic G Street has remained a bustling shopping destination full of charm and hospitality.

A local favorite is Fiona Bean where you’ll find seasonal gifts, clothing, decor, jewelry, and apothecary. Nearby, drop into White Owl and score beautiful leather goods, hats, and clothing. On the hunt for shoes? Step inside Shoefly where you won’t only be greeted by a room full of gorgeous boots and ladies shoes, but also Kobi the shop dog.

In the Historic District, find other great finds at Calico Alchemy, Woven and Wyld, Rita’s, and Gallop n Glitz.

If you’re starting your Christmas shopping early, artisan gifts make one-of-a-kind presents. Find hand-crafted cards, ornaments, jewelry, and art at Gallery One below the Grants Pass Museum of Art. Down the street, check out the Glass Forge Gallery and Studio and take home a handblown vase, stemware, or Christmas Tree ornament.

If you’re an old soul who loves antiquing, Grants Pass is a treasure trove for collectors. Throughout the Historic District, explore the Old Town Antique Mall, Elegance Antiques, Rusty Nugget, Red Canary Mercantile, and H St Antiques for unique finds.

Seeking something more specialized?Grants Pass has got you covered. From biking and angling gear to kitchen gadgets and record stores, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.

For the cook in your family, score a sweet gift at the Kitchen Company or some locally made jam at the Oregon Outpost. If you’re a Plant Mom, find something special at Loam and Black, or Rogue Florists. Take home ‘Made in the USA’ goods at The Bear Cave, who offer leather hats, locally made crafts, and specialty snacks.

If you’re on the hunt for fishing supplies for your next Rogue River trip, catch a good deal at Rogue Fly Shop on 6th street. Before hitting the trails at Cathedral Hills, roll by Don’s Bike Center, a full service repair shop where you’ll find bikes, apparel, and accessories.

There’s plenty of stores that cater to the kiddos too. Drop by Indy Jo or Oregon Books and Games.

Whether your visiting Southern Oregon’s wine country or legendary wilderness, make Grants Pass your vacation hub and spend a day exploring downtown’s eateries, bars, and locally-owned shops. Plan a trip around First Friday, (the 1st  Friday of the month) when downtown merchants offer special promotions, complimentary refreshments, live entertainment, and extend their evening hours.  While strolling around town, drop by the Downtown Welcome Center at the corner of 6th and G st for information on where to shop, dine, or drink and take home a visitors guide.