Bickleton Bluebird Auto Route
Washington's oldest tavern since 1887, serving delicious food and cold drinks with a side of local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Locals and visitors gather for good food.
Bickleton Bluebird Auto Route
Best Time
Locals and visitors gather for good food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Washington's oldest tavern since 1887, serving delicious food and cold drinks with a side of local history.
"Dang good food in an unassuming place, cold drinks, and a very cool atmosphere. "
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
Hours can be inconsistent. Always call to confirm they're open before making the trip! :telephone_receiver:
🍔 Don't Miss the Burgers
The 'mini' Bluebird burger is huge and delicious, cooked to perfection. :hamburger:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bluebird Inn
Bickleton, WA
Washington's oldest tavern, serving delicious food and cold drinks in a historic setting.
Mini Bluebird Burger
Bluebird Inn
A surprisingly large and perfectly cooked burger, often served with crispy, flavorful sweet potato fries.
Chicken Fried Steak
Bluebird Inn
A highly recommended dish, praised for being amazing and a standout small-town diner option.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
A Taste of History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
Hours can be inconsistent. Always call to confirm they're open before making the trip! :telephone_receiver:
🍔 Don't Miss the Burgers
The 'mini' Bluebird burger is huge and delicious, cooked to perfection. :hamburger:
🚗 Scenic Drive Destination
Perfect stop for a Columbia River Gorge trip or a PNW 'interesting places' tour. :car:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Options
They offer food and drinks that kids will enjoy, making it a good stop for families. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
Hours can be inconsistent. Always call to confirm they're open before making the trip! :telephone_receiver:
🍔 Don't Miss the Burgers
The 'mini' Bluebird burger is huge and delicious, cooked to perfection. :hamburger:
🚗 Scenic Drive Destination
Perfect stop for a Columbia River Gorge trip or a PNW 'interesting places' tour. :car:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Options
They offer food and drinks that kids will enjoy, making it a good stop for families. :child:
🌿 Outdoor Seating Available
A nice yard area is set up for those who prefer an outdoor dining experience. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bluebird Inn for its delicious food, particularly the burgers and chicken fried steak, and its incredibly friendly service. The historic atmosphere and the owner's willingness to share stories are significant draws. However, potential visitors should be aware that operating hours can be unpredictable, and it's wise to confirm them before visiting.
"I am glad I stopped by the Bluebird, the oldest tavern/saloon/bar in Washington. The service was fantastic and the other patrons were friendly. The owner was happy to share the history of the bar. I had the mini Bluebird burger with sweet potato fries. The mini was huge! It was very delicious. The burger was cooked to perfection. The fries were crispy and flavorful."
John Preston
"Listen,
Oldest still-operating tavern in Washington? Since the fall of 1887, this location (it's been many names throughout its history aside from the Bluebird Inn, like The Bickleton Club and others).
So let's get past it's history and into what's there now - DANG GOOD FOOD in an unassuming place, cold drinks, OBVIOUSLY a very cool atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, a place where locals hang out, out-of-towners can stop to get flavorful meal or drink that's been prepared with the level/type of love one can only find in a cool old town in the middle of nowhere like Bickleton.
However, timing is everything. And their website isn't always the most up-to-date. We'd tried unsuccessful to go here a few times, only to find them closed. Not sure if they aren't open if there's snow on the ground, regardless of what month, but that seems likely since we'd tried in October, November, January, and even as late as March, knowing they do state on their website they're closed the entire month of December.
But if you time it right, it's worth the trip! Heck, even take the kids! There's drinks and food on the menu kids will go for too. Want a vegetarian option? They've normally got that too.
It's a fantastic place to add to, start, or end a Columbia River Gorge trip OR throw into the itinerary of an "interesting places" tour of the PNW."
James Nacke
"Very good small town diner. The food was excellent we ordered the chicken fried steak, it was amazing. Excellent coffee and self serve in small town fashion. The staff were very friendly and did an excellent job! If you are driving through stop by and say hi."
Dan Himes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bickleton Bluebird Auto Route is located in the small town of Bickleton, Washington. It's a scenic drive, often incorporated into trips around the Columbia River Gorge or as part of a broader Pacific Northwest exploration. Be prepared for rural roads and check your GPS before you go, as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
Bickleton is situated in a rural area, so the drive involves navigating country roads. While not inherently difficult, it's recommended to have a reliable vehicle and be comfortable with less-trafficked routes.
Many visitors combine a trip to the Bluebird Inn with other scenic drives or attractions in the Columbia River Gorge area. It's a great destination for an 'interesting places' tour of the PNW.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit the Bluebird Inn. It operates as a restaurant and tavern, so you simply walk in and order food and drinks.
The operating hours can be inconsistent and may vary seasonally. It's highly recommended to check their website or call ahead to confirm they are open before your visit, as some patrons have found it unexpectedly closed.
There is no admission fee for the Bluebird Auto Route itself, as it's a designation for a historic area centered around the Bluebird Inn. You pay for any food or drinks you consume at the establishment.
Yes, the Bluebird Inn is generally considered family-friendly, with menu options that kids will enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The 'Mini Bluebird Burger' is a popular choice, described as huge and delicious, often served with crispy sweet potato fries. The Chicken Fried Steak is also highly praised.
They also offer vegetarian options.
Yes, the Bluebird Inn typically offers vegetarian options on their menu, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
You can expect cold drinks, including beer and other typical tavern beverages. They also serve coffee, with self-serve options available in a small-town fashion.
Based on reviews, the food is considered 'dang good' and flavorful, offering good value for the quality and portion sizes, especially for a small-town diner experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bluebird Inn itself, with its historic facade, is a great subject. Inside, the decor offers a glimpse into local history. The surrounding small town of Bickleton also provides charming, rustic photo opportunities.
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos inside the Bluebird Inn to capture the atmosphere and decor. Some patrons mention enjoying looking at the decor while waiting for their food.
The rural landscape surrounding Bickleton offers opportunities for scenic photography, especially if you're interested in capturing the essence of Eastern Washington's agricultural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
🕰️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Bluebird Inn
Inside, the decor itself tells a story, with various items and memorabilia that reflect decades of operation. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the ambiance while waiting for their meals.
Culinary Delights in a Rural Setting
Beyond these signature items, the menu typically includes vegetarian options, ensuring there's something for most diners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit