Restaurant Sampler

Reported by Kathryn McClintock, Genevieve Wolf & Gabi Shirley

Sometimes it’s difficult to find good food on a college budget. Thankfully, Newberg has a pretty diverse selection of restaurants. We at The Crescent decided to try a few for you, and tell you what we think!

Honey Pie:

Overall rating: 5 out of 5: In my top ten favorite Newberg eateries

Price: 16-inch pizzas between $19 and $24, ¼ pie slice between $5 and $6, sides between $10 and $12

Located: east across the street from Uflora, down the alleyway to the right, 0.3 miles from campus.

Food-to-table wait time: 45 minutes

“Going to Honey Pie feels like being invited into a little known, hip world. While you might feel like you are walking into someone’s garage when you enter, you are quickly integrated into a casual, brick laden hangout—the kind of place you like to stumble upon and spend some quality time with a friend. The food was interesting, but good, and the prices were very reasonable—$5 for a slice twice the size of what I was expecting. If you like chatting in a low-fi, jazzy atmosphere and exposing yourself to some Edison string lights, then maybe Honey Pie is for you.” ––Kathryn McClintock

Taqueria el Burrito

Overall rating: 2 out of 5: I would return if my friends made me

Price: tortas: $8.99-$9.50, burritos: $8.99-$11.99, street tacos: $2.25-$2.75

Located: Two doors down from Critter Cabana, 0.5 miles from campus

Food-to-table wait time: 15 - 35 minutes

“Taqueria el Burrito is so sleepy that you’re afraid to talk louder than a whisper, with dingy décor and unapproachable staff that ooze disdain. There is wifi and tables for large groups, but it’s not a place that you want to stay and hang out. The lukewarm burritos are packed with sad vegetables, bland meat and no salsa and leave your stomach saying ‘ugh.’ Everything about my dining experience was depressing.” ––Genevieve Wolf

Jem 100 Ice Cream Saloon:

Overall rating: 3 out of 5: I would be ok with hanging out here again

Price: burgers: $4.85 - $7.75; sandwiches: $2.05 - $5.40; sides: $2.15 - $6.75; desserts: $1.80 - $4.45

Located: across from Ray’s Produce, 0.6 miles from campus

Food-to-table wait time: 5 - 20 minutes

“This old-timey place has a cool, vintage vibe with its jukebox and vinyl bar stools. You can order a malt and sit in a booth and feel like a teenager in a fifties movie. It’s a group-friendly space if you’re a group of six: none of the seating will hold more. The food, if you can get over the occasional sticker left on your tomato, is just what you would expect from an all-American diner. The friendly staff and unusual ice creams will leave you resolved to return.” ––Genevieve Wolf

J’s Diner and Lounge

Overall rating: 5 out of 5: In my top ten favorite Newberg eateries

Price: Entrees range from $5-$12; Sides range from $2-$5, drinks $2-$4

Located: Adjacent to Muchas Gracias, 0.4 miles from Campus.

Food-to-table wait time: 5-10 minutes

“Once you walk in, you are awash in a comfortable, vintage-country vibe. To accompany the relaxed atmosphere, the sound of big band era jazz and 50’s soft rock n’ roll surround you while you eat. The service was very quick, and the wait staff were accessible and conversational. Admittedly, there aren’t many options for a vegetarian, and virtually none for a vegan, but I ordered the pumpkin pancakes with cream cheese frosting, and they were the best pancakes I’ve ever had. I would recommend getting them before they go out of season! If you are thinking of Shari’s, I would even go so far as to say that J’s is everything Shari’s is with an upgrade. I will definitely be going back for more of those pancakes!” —Kathryn McClintock

Thai the Knot

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

Price: The whole menu ranges from $5-14

Located: On the corner of Portland road, .3 miles away from GFU, 2 minute walk

Food to table wait time: Good 15-25 minutes 

“Before I walked into the door of Thai the Knot, I was already thinking I wasn’t going to like it because I do not eat Asian food as often as I maybe should. I walked in and the restaurant is fairly small, which gives it a more ‘home’ feeling. The staff were very helpful and patient and helped me pick out what I wanted. I ended up going with a Chicken Lettuce Wrap for $10.50, and while that might be a little high, I think the amount of food I got was worth the price. I ended up really enjoying it. The menu as a whole is based around fresh veggies and making food by order, which I think makes them a really good alternative for dinner. It’s also a short walk from the Canyon Commons.” ––Gabi Shirley