A trip to Ashland was scheduled for mid-day so thought it
would be nice to have lunch out.
Checking my restaurants.com coupons I found a new listing for a burger
and malt shop in Rogue River.
Located at 121 Depot Street, one could easily pass by this
small, unassuming business. As I entered
the door I was immediately confronted with a number of 2nd amendment
posters, one such offering a 10% discount for CCL holders or open carry
individuals. Wanting to test the system
I quickly pulled out my CCL permit and presented it to the gentlemen standing behind
the counter. Neal, a gun enthusiast
himself, quickly confirmed that the discount was a valid offer.
A family business which has been in existence for over 30
years was purchased 2 ½ years ago by Robert and Rexana Caldwell. Inside you will find a small and intimate
setting. I counted half a dozen bar stools so one could sit at the counter or 4
to 5 tables with seating for 4. Be sure
you place your order before sitting down.
The menu selection included specialty burgers named after
the states. Choosing between such
choices as the Oregon, Idaho, Iowa, Hawaii or a Texas burger was difficult but
I felt compelled to order the “Oregon” burger which included bacon, mushrooms
and ranch dressing. Neal was very
accommodating when I asked to have avocado added. Next was selecting the choice of home fries,
regular fries or tater-tots. I opted for
the home fries because Neal said they were his favorite.
Now. . . .what to drink.
I quickly perused the milkshake selection and the words “peanut butter”
seemed to jump out at me. Nothing like a
great old fashioned peanut butter milkshake. Not one from a machine like you might get at
McDonalds, but one that is actually made like we used to get them back in the good
old days – hand scooping the ice cream into metal containers, adding the milk
and peanut butter and mixing it on one of those old fashioned milk shake
machines. I couldn’t wait to try it.
As I waiting for my freshly prepared food – no fast food
stuff here – I was approached by a patron who walked up and asked if I would
like to hear a joke.
This appears to be typical of the patrons around here. Very small town, friendly atmosphere where
everyone seems to know everyone.
When my “Oregon” burger arrived I was impressed by the size
of it. It was served on a very fresh
hoagie roll, piled high with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, a double beef patty,
ranch dressing and my optional avocado.
I wondered if my jaw might lock up trying to get my mouth around it. I asked Neal for Ranch dressing for my fries
and I laughed when he brought me 2 bottles.
One of ranch dressing and the second which he called his special ‘pink
sauce’. I tried the special sauce and
was pleasantly surprised, using it on my fries instead of my typically
preferred ranch dressing.
It proved to be a great stop for lunch and I could certainly
recommend it for a great burger, fries and shake.
You can check them out
at facebook.com/depotstburger or give them a call at 541-582-0959.
