"McMenamin 's Rock Creek Tavern is a little out of the way, but totally worth the drive! Stumbling onto this moss covered cabin in the 'woods ' (despite being alongside a country highway felt like discovering a woodsman 's longhouse from the early 20th century, or walking into The Green Dragon from The Lord of the Rings. I half expected to encounter lumberjacks, hobbits, or both, drinking and singing inside. The covered patio outside had several firepits and propane lanterns, although the latter were mostly defunct. I 'm starting to suspect there is a worldwide shortage of propane, thanks to COVID 19 and the transition to outdoor dining, to keep struggling restaurants afloat. Still, we were fortunate enough to be seated adjacent to one such firepit, so we were able to enjoy our Moscow Mule and **** Mary, warm and content. We also split a Cannonball of Fire: a sourdough bread bowl filled with hearty chili (made perfect with a side of Secret Aardvark sauce! and subbing the salad out for some truffle fries (one of our favorite McMenamins offerings . The fries at any McMenamins are always perfectly cooked and salted, and the chili was spiced lightly to accommodate all palates (hence the added Aardvark for us capsaicin addicts! , not too heavy on beans or beef a solid blend of all ingredients, with shredded cheese and onion on top. Between the two of us, it made for a somewhat light, but completely filling lunch, before heading out to run a bunch of errands. Both my wife and I are looking forward to returning once COVID is a thing of the past, to dine inside and experience the rustic decor. Looks like a warm and comfy place to escape for date night!"
