2 Best Restaurants in Eastern Oregon, Oregon

Easily the most unique of eateries in Joseph, when you dine at the Dog Spot you'll either be inside by the open kitchen and adjacent dog supply shop, or outside where dogs are welcome to sit below the table while you enjoy delectable food prepared by internationally experienced chef/owner, Arion Canniff. Arion's wife and hostess/waitress of the establishment, Amy, is known to bring water bowls out for visiting dogs, and her deep knowledge of the current short but enticing menu is helpful when choosing what to order. Entrées have an international flair and some of the regular options, like shrimp street tacos, are tweaked with different sauces each week, such as lemon-garlic, mango, and even "German-inspired" during the Oktoberfest season. Regular items on the menu include an Argentinian steak salad with chimichurri, house mac and cheese with seven kinds of cheese, and Vietnamese bahn mi sandwich (available with pulled chicken, pork shoulder, or jackfruit or tofu for vegetarians). 

Like many of the best establishments in Joseph, the Blythe Cricket was launched by talented locals—longtime friends Rachel Nutter and Margaret Lamm, who share a love for baking and for providing the community with tasty food and a comfortable, attractive place to gather over breakfast or lunch, both inside and outside. Start the day with an espresso drink featuring direct trade coffee roasted by Nosse Familia Coffee in Portland, or an artisan hot tea made with Metolius Tea from Bend. The breakfast menu includes such filling choices as a daily frittata, two breakfast burritos, baked oatmeal, and savory corn cakes that are gluten-free and filled with black beans and peppers. At lunch, choose from salads, soup, and tasty sandwiches like the Italian muffuletta, turkey pear panino, falafels on flatbread, and grilled cheese. The bakery case is filled with yummy treats that are known to sell out before closing time (2 pm). In summer, enjoy eating outside on picnic tables.