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🍴Our Favorite Places to Eat in Southern Oregon

One of the things we love most about living in Southern Oregon is the incredible variety of locally owned restaurants that celebrate fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Whether tucked into a historic downtown, overlooking vineyards, or nestled beside a river, each spot has its own unique charm and flavor. These are the places we return to again and again — not just for the food, but for the vibe, the people, and the sense of community they bring. Here’s a look at some of our favorite restaurants across the Rogue Valley — the ones we personally adore and highly recommend. 💛


Pictured below are three great places we love to go to. Scroll down for our top favorites listed in each town.


Gather - Talent





Brickroom - Ashland




C Street Bistro - Jacksonville







ASHLAND


  1. 🧱 Brickroom — Ashland, Oregon

    Located right in the heart of downtown Ashland on the historic plaza, Brickroom offers one of the best spots for both brunch and dinner — and one of our favorite rooftop-level patios anywhere in Southern Oregon. 🌿☀️

    With its cozy-yet-urban vibe, Brickroom blends comfort with a touch of sophistication. The menu is packed with scratch-made dishes — think elevated comfort food, artisan cocktails, and local craft beers. We especially love their outdoor seating overlooking Ashland Creek, which makes it a perfect spot for date night or a leisurely Sunday brunch. 🥂🍔 We love the Brickroom because their food is consistantly delicious. I want to especially recommend their tiramisu. It's made in house and is light and fluffy and my all time favorite tiramisu.

    👉 Brickroom Ashland Website



  2. 🌮 Agave — Ashland, Oregon

    If you’re craving authentic, handcrafted Mexican food with an elevated twist, Agave is the place to be. 💃 Nestled right off the plaza, this small but vibrant spot delivers big flavor in every bite. From their house-made tortillas to their tender carnitas and fresh salsas, everything is prepared with artistry and intention. 🌶️🌯 I love that their food is fresh and never dripping in oil. It's the best Mexican in all of Southern Oregon in our opinion.

    The margaritas are some of the best in Southern Oregon 🍸— perfectly balanced and made with fresh-squeezed citrus. Whether you’re sitting inside their cozy dining room or out on the patio watching the world go by, Agave offers that perfect Ashland blend of casual charm and culinary finesse.

    It’s one of those spots that feels like a little celebration every time you visit — colorful, flavorful, and full of heart. 💛

    👉 Agave Ashland Website


  3. 🍷 Peerless Restaurant & Bar — Ashland, Oregon

    If you’re in the mood for something romantic, refined, and unforgettable, look no further than Peerless. ✨ Tucked away in the Railroad District, this gem feels like a secret you’re lucky to know about. The historic building exudes old-world charm with twinkling lights, warm wood, and an inviting courtyard garden that’s pure magic on a summer evening. 🌿💫

    The menu is seasonally inspired and beautifully presented, blending Northwest ingredients with global influences — think fresh seafood, tender steaks, and creative vegetarian options. Every dish feels both comforting and artful. 🍽️

    Their wine list is one of the best in town 🍷, and the cocktails are crafted with the same level of care as the cuisine. Peerless is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, celebrate, and savor every bite. 💖

    👉 Peerless Restaurant & Bar Website


  4. 🥂 Alchemy Restaurant & Bar — Ashland, Oregon

If there’s one word to describe Alchemy, it’s elevated. 🌟 Tucked inside the historic Winchester Inn, this intimate restaurant and bar offers a dining experience that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. From the moment you walk in, you’re wrapped in warm ambiance — rich wood, soft lighting, and the faint buzz of happy conversation. 🍷✨


The culinary artistry here is second to none. Each plate is a masterpiece featuring local, seasonal ingredients and bold, creative flavor pairings. Expect beautifully seared seafood, farm-fresh vegetables, and decadent desserts you’ll be dreaming about long after your meal. 🍽️💫

But what truly sets Alchemy apart is the cocktail program — a standout in Southern Oregon. 🧡 Each drink is mixed with craft precision, often incorporating house-made infusions and garnishes that make them as gorgeous as they are delicious. 🍸

Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a soul-satisfying night out, Alchemy is where you go to fall in love with food all over again. 💖


  1. 🛒 Ashland Food Co‑op — Ashland, Oregon


Double the fun grocery shopping with a sit-down healthy bite, the Ashland Food Co-op is our go-to. 🌿💚

🍲 Hot Bar Highlights

  • The Co-op features a rotating hot bar and soup station, filled with freshly prepared entrees and sides created in their certified-organic facility. ashlandfood.coop+2ashlandfood.coop+2

  • They also run a clever “Hot Bar Happy Hour”: from 8 pm until closing, you’ll get a $2 / lb discount on hot bar items. ashlandfood.coop

🥪 Deli + Prepared Foods

  • Their deli and prepared-foods department offers made-to-order items, grab-and-go options, vegan and gluten-free choices, and fresh smoothies and juices. Yelp+1

  • Known for its organic and local produce, the store is described as “Southern Oregon’s only consumer-owned natural foods grocery.” MapQuest+1

📍 Location & Hours

237 N 1st St, Ashland, OR 97520Open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. ashlandfood.coop+1

Why we love it:

  • Enjoy lunch—two favorites in one place!

  • The hot bar offers real, wholesome food without the fuss of cooking.

  • Their commitment to organic, local & diet and health options (vegan, gluten-free or omnivore) provides something for ever taste and need.

If you’re visiting Ashland or just want a healthy, relaxed bite, this co-op is a must-stop!


  1. 🍣 Kobe Japanese Cuisine – Ashland, Oregon


If you’re looking for an elegant yet relaxed spot in downtown Ashland, Kobe is a total favorite. It’s tucked just steps from Lithia Park, making it the perfect place to unwind after a walk through the trees or an evening at the theater. The atmosphere feels cozy and intimate — think warm lighting, serene decor, and beautifully presented dishes that make you pause before taking your first bite.


The sushi here is always fresh and artfully done, with thoughtful flavor pairings that show real craftsmanship. Their Dragon Roll and Yellowtail Jalapeño are local favorites, and if you’re a seafood lover, the Miso Black Cod is unforgettable — buttery, delicate, and perfectly balanced. 🍱

Kobe also offers excellent sake and cocktails, and in the warmer months, their patio seating is a dream — twinkle lights, fresh air, and the gentle sound of Ashland evenings. 🌸

💫 Why we love it: Kobe feels like a special occasion every time. The food is consistently superb, the service is kind and attentive, and the overall experience captures the refined yet down-to-earth spirit of Ashland.

📍 Location: 96 N Main St, Ashland🕒 Perfect for: Date nights, post-theater dinners, or anytime you want something a little extra special.



  1. 🌶️ Thai Pepper – Ashland, Oregon

If you’re craving bold, vibrant flavors right in the heart of downtown Ashland, Thai Pepper is a longtime local favorite that never disappoints. Located just off the Plaza and a short stroll from Lithia Park, it’s an easy and inviting stop before a show, after a walk, or for a relaxed night out with friends. The space is cozy and welcoming, with a casual, upbeat energy that feels distinctly Ashland.

The menu celebrates classic Thai cuisine made with care and confidence. Expect rich, aromatic curries, perfectly balanced Pad Thai, fresh spring rolls, and comforting bowls of soup that hit the spot year-round. Heat levels are customizable, which we love, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. 🌿 Every dish is layered with flavor — bright herbs, warming spices, and that perfect sweet-savory balance Thai food does so well.

Thai Pepper also stands out for its creative cocktails and solid wine and beer selection, making it just as enjoyable for a leisurely dinner as it is for a casual night out. In warmer months, their outdoor seating is especially lovely, offering prime people-watching and a relaxed downtown vibe. 🍹

💫 Why we love it: Thai Pepper is consistently good, approachable, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of place you return to again and again — reliable, satisfying, and always welcoming.

📍 Location: 84 N Main St, Ashland, OR 97520🔗 Website: https://thaipepperashland.com🕒 Perfect for: Casual dinners, pre-theater meals, vegetarian-friendly dining, and nights when you’re craving something comforting yet exciting.




TALENT


  1. 🍽️ Gather Café Bistro Bar – Talent, Oregon

    Gather is one of those places that instantly feels like part of the community the moment you walk in. Set right in downtown Talent, it’s casual, creative, and full of personality — a place where locals actually linger. Whether you stop in for a relaxed lunch, a cozy dinner, or a drink with friends, Gather has a welcoming, unpretentious energy that makes you want to stay awhile. I always feel at home there.

    The menu is globally inspired and thoughtfully put together, offering a mix of comfort food and adventurous flavors. Dishes feel fresh and satisfying without being fussy, with plenty of options for vegetarians and plant-forward diners. From vibrant bowls and small plates to heartier entrées, everything is designed for sharing, sampling, and enjoying at your own pace. 🌿

    What really sets Gather apart is the atmosphere. Inside, it’s warm and eclectic, and outside, the patio becomes a true neighborhood gathering spot when the weather is nice — perfect for people-watching, casual conversations, and soaking up the laid-back Talent vibe. Their cocktails, local beers, and wines pair beautifully with the food and make this an easy choice for an evening out. 🍷

    💫 Why we love it: Gather feels genuine. It’s creative without trying too hard, relaxed but intentional, and rooted in community. The food is consistently good, the space is inviting, and it captures the artistic, open-hearted spirit that makes Talent so special. And we absolutely love their flourless chocolate cake and we often just stop in for just that!

    📍 Location: 200 Talent Ave, Talent, OR 97540🔗 Website: https://www.gathercafebistrobar.com🕒 Perfect for: Casual dinners, patio evenings, meeting friends, and anyone who loves food with personality and soul.

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PHOENIX



  1. 🍕 Clyde’s Corner – Phoenix, Oregon

    Clyde’s Corner is the kind of place that turns an ordinary night into an easy, memorable one. Located in Phoenix, it has a relaxed, neighborhood feel that immediately puts you at ease — unpretentious, friendly, and built for connection. Whether you arrive with family, friends, or just a craving for really good pizza, it feels welcoming the moment you step in.

    At the heart of Clyde’s is their wood-fired pizza, made with a naturally fermented sourdough crust that has just the right balance of chew and char. The toppings are where things get playful and unexpected — familiar flavors paired with creative twists that somehow always work. Each pizza feels thoughtfully composed rather than overloaded, letting the crust and ingredients shine. 🍅🔥

    Beyond pizza, Clyde’s Corner is a great place to linger. The space is casual and social, with indoor seating that’s cozy and an outdoor area that’s perfect on warm Rogue Valley evenings. Add in local beers, wines, and well-made cocktails, and it becomes just as much about the experience as the food — conversation, laughter, and that easy feeling of having nowhere else you need to be. 🍷

    💫 Why we love it: Clyde’s Corner has a great ambiance. They also have some yummy salads that we enjoy. It’s creative without being pretentious.

    📍 Location: 4495 S Pacific Hwy, Suite 580, Phoenix, OR 97535🔗 Website: https://www.clydescornerphoenix.com🕒 Perfect for: Casual dinners, group gatherings, pizza nights, and anyone who loves inventive food in a genuinely welcoming space.


  2. 🌿 Charm Thai Kitchen – Phoenix, Oregon

    Charm Thai Kitchen feels like a place built around care — care for the food, care for the people eating it, and care for the experience as a whole. Located in Phoenix, it’s extremely popular and they do a huge take out business as well.

    Portions are super generous. Thai food that leaves you feeling nourished. 🌶️

    What stands out most is the consistency. Whether you stop in for a quick lunch or sit down for dinner, the food delivers the same steady quality every time. Spice levels are customizable, and there are plenty of plant-forward options, which makes this a place you can return to again and again with different moods and cravings.

    💫 Why we love it: Great service, lively atmosphere and piping hot, generous portions.

    📍 Location: 205 N Phoenix Rd, Suite E1, Phoenix, OR 97535🔗 Website: https://www.charmthaikitchenoregon.com🕒 Perfect for: Relaxed lunches, comforting dinners, spice-to-taste Thai dishes, and nights when you want something genuinely satisfying.



Charm Thai Kitchen – Fantastic Food with a Welcoming Community Vibe



Charm Thai Kitchen is one of those places that locals love—and for good reason. The food is consistently fresh and flavorful, with classic Thai dishes done right. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich, comforting curry, a perfectly balanced Pad Thai, or something light and refreshing like their papaya salad, you really can’t go wrong. They also have great vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone. You can see their menu here.


This place gets busy—we arrived just after 5, and it was already packed with the early bird crowd, so we joined the waitlist. It’s that good and that popular. Just a heads-up, they close between 3:00 and 4:30 PM, so plan accordingly.


Geoff ordered the Pad Pak and, since he likes his food extra spicy, I can’t personally vouch for the flavor—but the fact that his plate was completely clean at the end says it all. He love that this dish includes so many veggies, especially big chunks of cabbage.



I went for the Pad Kee Mao and asked for extra broccoli because I love how they cook it—perfectly fresh with just the right amount of crispness. My steaming, heaping bowl arrived, and it took me a while to work my way through it. One of my favorite surprises? Finding wilted lettuce at the bottom. There’s something unexpectedly wonderful about lettuce in a hot dish—it adds a unique texture and flavor that I absolutely love.






Beyond the food, what really stands out is the welcoming, community feel. When someone at the next table had a birthday, the entire restaurant chimed in to sing along. It’s got that down-home warmth but in a clean, contemporary space, making it a great spot for both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.





That said, this isn’t the kind of place where you linger over a long meal. There’s a steady buzz of activity, with the team working efficiently to keep up with the flow of food and people. It’s a well-run operation with a great energy, but if you’re looking for a quiet, drawn-out dining experience, this might not be the spot for that.




If you’re in the area, definitely check it out—but maybe get there early or be ready to wait a bit. Trust me, it’s worth it!

📍 Location: 205 N Phoenix Rd #E1, Phoenix, OR 97535🕰 Hours: Open at 11 AM, closes from 3:00-4:30 PM📞 Phone: (541) 897-0301

✨ Pro tip: Don’t skip the Mango Sticky Rice—it’s the perfect sweet finish!





📍 Location: 205 N Phoenix Rd #E1, Phoenix, OR 97535

🕰 Hours: Open at 11 AM, closes from 3:00-4:30 PM

📞 Phone: (541) 897-0301

✨ Pro tip: Their food can be on the spicy side so order carefully. They do a huge take out business. See their menu here.










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