Steakhouses come and go, but nothing quite prepares you for the sheer audacity of the Cowboy Dinner Tree. Hidden in the high desert of Silver Lake, Oregon, this place serves meals so massive you’ll need a strategy just to get through half.
Imagine a 30-ounce steak, a whole roasted chicken, and sides that could feed a small army – all served in a rustic cabin that looks like it stepped right out of a Wild West movie. Cash only, reservations booked months in advance, and a strict no-sharing policy keep things legendary.
The portions are insane, the atmosphere is pure Oregon charm, and the experience is unlike anything else in the state. Steak lovers, consider this your Mount Everest.
Carnivores, this is a pilgrimage. Foodies with big appetites, pack your stretchy pants – and maybe a cooler – because you’re going to need both.
Reservations Are Non-Negotiable and Book Out Fast
Forget spontaneous dinner plans when it comes to the Cowboy Dinner Tree. You absolutely must call ahead to secure your spot, and I’m not talking a few days in advance.
People book reservations a month or more before they want to dine, especially during peak summer months. The phone line opens, and slots fill up faster than you’d think for a restaurant in the middle of nowhere.
When you call, the friendly staff will ask whether you want steak or chicken, so you’re committing to your main course right then and there. No walk-ins are accepted, period.
They run a tight ship, opening their doors at exactly 4 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and seating is coordinated down to the minute.
I learned this the hard way on my first attempt to visit. I showed up without a reservation, hopeful and hungry, only to be politely turned away.
The staff explained that they prepare exactly the number of meals reserved, nothing more. It’s all part of the charm and efficiency that keeps this place running smoothly in such a remote location in Oregon.
Cash Only Policy Keeps Things Old School
Leave your credit cards in the car because they won’t do you any good here. The Cowboy Dinner Tree operates on a strict cash-only basis, which feels refreshingly old-fashioned in our tap-to-pay world.
The current price sits at $50 per person plus tip, and yes, you need to bring actual paper money or checks.
There’s no ATM on site, and the nearest bank is miles away in a different town entirely. I’ve watched confused tourists realize this too late, scrambling to figure out how to pay for their already-consumed feast.
The staff is understanding but firm about the policy.
Some folks wonder why they don’t accept cards in this day and age. The remote location and the restaurant’s commitment to keeping things simple and authentic play a big role.
Plus, the lack of credit card processing fees helps keep prices reasonable for the enormous portions you receive. I actually appreciate this throwback approach.
It forces you to slow down, plan ahead, and embrace the rustic experience fully. Bring extra cash for the gift shop too, because you’ll definitely want to take home some of their homemade salad dressing.
The Steak Is a Jaw-Dropping 30 Ounces of Beef
When they say big steak, they mean it. The signature beef offering weighs in at a staggering 26 to 30 ounces of top sirloin, which is nearly two pounds of meat on your plate.
I’ve tackled some serious steaks in my time, but this one made me pause and strategize before cutting into it.
The kitchen cooks it to a perfect medium-rare unless you specify otherwise when making your reservation. The seasoning is simple but incredibly effective, letting the quality of the locally sourced beef shine through.
You won’t find steak sauce on the table because honestly, you won’t need it. The meat is tender, flavorful, and cooked with the kind of expertise that comes from years of practice.
Every single review I read before visiting mentioned bringing a cooler for leftovers, and now I understand why. Even the heartiest eaters struggle to finish this beast in one sitting.
I managed about half before admitting defeat, and those leftovers made incredible sandwiches for the next two days. The steak alone justifies the drive to Silver Lake, Oregon, and the cash-only inconvenience feels like a small price to pay for this carnivorous masterpiece.
Whole Roasted Chicken Is the Alternative Option
Not everyone wants to tackle a two-pound steak, and the Cowboy Dinner Tree understands that. The alternative is an entire roasted chicken, and by entire, I mean a full bird prepared specifically for you.
It arrives at your table golden, juicy, and smelling absolutely incredible.
The chicken gets either smoked or roasted, giving it a flavor profile that guests compare to a really good rotisserie chicken but elevated. The meat stays moist and tender, falling off the bone with minimal effort.
Several reviews mentioned that while both options are excellent, the steak tends to be the star of the show.
I tried the chicken on my second visit, curious to compare. The seasoning was spot-on, and the portion size was just as generous as the steak.
One whole chicken per person seems excessive until you remember that all the sides are included and you’re encouraged to take leftovers home. Families with kids often opt for the chicken, and it’s a solid choice for anyone intimidated by that massive slab of beef.
Either way, you’re getting an authentic ranch-style meal that honors the restaurant’s cattle drive heritage. Both proteins showcase the kitchen’s commitment to quality and generous portions that define this Oregon dining experience.
The Location Is Seriously Remote and Part of the Adventure
Getting to the Cowboy Dinner Tree is half the experience. Located at 50836 E.
Bay Road in Silver Lake, Oregon, this place sits in the middle of the high desert with nothing but sagebrush and juniper trees for miles. The drive down the gravel road feels like you’re headed to absolutely nowhere, which makes arriving at the restaurant even more satisfying.
Silver Lake itself is a tiny community, and the restaurant is situated even further out from town. GPS will get you there, but expect the last stretch to feel wonderfully isolated.
I drove from Bend, which took about two hours through some of the most beautiful high desert scenery Oregon has to offer. The landscape is stark but stunning, with wide-open spaces and big skies that seem to go on forever.
This remoteness is exactly why the cash-only policy exists and why reservations are so crucial. There’s no backup plan if you show up unprepared.
But that isolation also creates an atmosphere you simply can’t replicate in a city. You feel like you’ve discovered a secret that only the locals know about, even though people drive from Portland and beyond to eat here.
The journey becomes part of the story you’ll tell later.
Historic Cattle Drive Origins Add Authentic Western Charm
The Cowboy Dinner Tree isn’t just a clever name. This location genuinely served as a stopping point for cattle drives back in the day.
Cowboys would pause under a large juniper tree, which still stands on the property, to rest and eat during the long journey between Silver Lake and their destination. That tree became known as the Dinner Tree, and the tradition continues today.
Walking the grounds before your meal, you can almost picture those dusty cowboys gathering around for chuck wagon dinners after a hard day’s work. The restaurant honors this heritage with its rustic decor, Western memorabilia, and the kind of hearty, no-nonsense meals that would have fueled ranch hands.
Everything about the place feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists.
The gift shop displays historical information and photographs that tell the story of the area’s ranching past. I spent time reading about the cattle drives and the families who settled this harsh but beautiful part of Oregon.
Understanding the history makes the meal taste even better somehow. You’re not just eating dinner; you’re participating in a tradition that stretches back over a century.
The owners have preserved something special here, keeping the spirit of the Old West alive through exceptional food and genuine hospitality.
Rustic Cabins Offer Overnight Accommodations
If the drive feels too long to make twice in one weekend, consider staying overnight in one of the on-site cabins. These accommodations are as rustic as they come, heated by wood stoves and decorated with simple, frontier-style furnishings.
Don’t expect luxury amenities or WiFi; these cabins are about unplugging and experiencing a simpler way of life.
Guests rave about the authenticity of the lodging experience. You’re basically staying in a piece of Oregon history, sleeping in buildings that look like they could have housed ranch hands a hundred years ago.
The cabins are clean and comfortable in a no-frills kind of way, perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate character over convenience.
Booking a cabin means you can enjoy your massive dinner without worrying about a long drive afterward. You can waddle back to your cabin, stoke the fire, and digest in peace under some of the darkest, starriest skies you’ll ever see.
The property also offers free camping across the street for RVs and vans, complete with a basic outhouse. Waking up to the high desert sunrise and exploring the area before heading home adds another dimension to the Cowboy Dinner Tree experience that day-trippers miss out on entirely.
The Gift Shop and Dollar Bill Tradition Support Community
While waiting for your table, spend time exploring the charming gift shop packed with Western-themed merchandise, locally made products, and frozen meats to take home. You can purchase bottles of those incredible house-made salad dressings that everyone raves about, along with sausage sticks and quality beef from the freezer case.
But the most unique feature is the dollar bill tradition. Walls throughout the restaurant are plastered with currency that guests have signed and stuck up over the years.
People write messages, dates, and memories on their bills before adding them to the collection. It’s become a rite of passage for visitors, and finding a spot for your dollar feels like joining an exclusive club.
Here’s the beautiful part: this isn’t just decoration. When families in the local community face hardship or emergency, the restaurant owners take down dollar bills and donate them to help out.
It’s a brilliant way to turn a quirky tradition into genuine community support. I loved being part of something that would eventually benefit someone in need.
The gift shop also stocks cute souvenirs and practical items that make great reminders of your visit. Pack that cooler you brought with some frozen steaks to go, grab a bottle of dressing, and leave your mark on the wall before heading home.
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