Location: Merlin
Top Restaurants in Merlin
Top Things to do in Merlin
Merlin Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Merlin
Merlin is an unincorporated community in Josephine County, Oregon, United States. The area is known for sport fishing and whitewater rafting on the Rogue River Merlin's ZIP code is 97532.
Things to do in Merlin
1. The Riffle Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie C
My husband and I loved their food! Husband had their biscuits and gravy (one of the best he ever had). I had the veggie omelet and pancake. Very clean and tasty! Great service is a bonus! Everything locally sourced an extra bonus! The menu head something for everyone!
2. The Twisted Cork
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
We are a full restaurant with an amazing menu of both Wines and Food. There are 16 wines served by the glass or bottle, as well as a very large selection of Oregon, Washington and California wines by the Bottle to either enjoy at the Twisted Cork or take home for your pleasure. We have an amazing creative chef, who prides herself in unique, delicious tapas, salads, flatbreads, dinner entrees and mouthwatering desserts! We have many Gluten Options as well. Unfortunately we are unable to have minors in the Twisted Cork at this time. Minors are allowed at our outdoor seating during the summer months.
Reviewed By Leslie C - Seattle, Washington
We planned an overnight stay in Grants Pass in order to have dinner here since we’d had such a good experience last year. We called to make reservations, and the recording said they didn’t take reservations for small groups. That was fine. But then when we walked to the restaurant, a sign on the door said they were closed over the holidays. Why didn’t they say that in their recorded message? We were very disappointed and angry.
3. Babe's Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By heatha_blue - Salem, Oregon
Get there early....they sell out! We tried it for the first time and arrived a little too late in the day to get berry scones and large cinnamon rolls. However, the server was quick to make substitutions and suggestions. To be fair...we ended up with the regular size cinnamon rolls...and they were pretty large! They have all kinds of baked goods plus soups and sandwiches. They do have indoor seating. And they may have other items to sell but there was too much on the drive up reader board to take it all in. A little spendy but a nice treat and great if you are making a gift basket like I was.
4. Dutch Bros Coffee
Overall Ratings
5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Teresa R
I love my Dutch Brothers Coffee. The brew can't be beat and the cheerful baristas have such a pleasant attitude. It's a quick in and out usually but you can find yourself in a line, afterall no lines any time means not the most popular place. It's worth the very short wait if there is one.
5. Baldini's Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By WMSCV - Santa Clarita, California
The Merlin area is very small. This restaurant is not off the freeway but if you're river rafting you'll be in the area and I recommend eating here. It's quaint but comfortable. Nothing fancy but the food is very good. We always make a point to eat here when visiting family.
6. Rogue Coffee Roasters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By ZenDark30 - Portland, Oregon
Friendly, comfy atmosphere, a creative menu of drinks including home made kombucha--what else could one ask for when stumbling through Grants Pass.
When on the road, I bypass the national chain pit stops for local small businesses. Walking into Rogue Roasters made me happy.
With drink names like Hippie Penguin and Cherry Boom, how can you not smile and order one of each? I was tempted to buy some beans just because I liked the labels. I trust the coffee is as tasteful as their labels.
The couch and slab wood coffee table are inviting as is he outdoor picnic tables sans the traffic. If I had more time I'd definitely be parking it here for a few hours with my laptop and drink.
I walked in for a simple pick me up and walked out with their homemade passion fruit kombucha and iced coffee.
Insiders Tip, take the extra mile and head towards the river and a couple of miles from the highway.
7. River's Edge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
Welcome to the River's Edge! The River's Edge restaurant features fantastic river views from every table! A wonderful atmosphere turns your dining experience into one you not only won't forget, but will continue to make reoccurring! Come and enjoy great food, great scenery, and great people at great prices! We guarantee you will love our food and your entire experience at the River's Edge! We look forward to serving you soon. Take comfort in our caring service, while you indulge in our exciting menu. We are pleased to offer a wide variety of wonderfully flavored favorites. Featuring seasonal ingredients, sourced locally in the Pacific Northwest.
Reviewed By j m - Sacramento, California
A perfectly beautiful News Year’s Eve topped off by a meal and service which were nothing more than average at best. With three couples and advanced reservations, we were able to get a crowded booth in the corner even though the place was half empty when we arrived. Before dinner drinks were $9.00 and up and service was slow. The special was $45 and anything but special. Surprisingly the best item that night was the cheapest (chicken cordon blue) on the menu at a mere $28.
8. Galice Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Galice Resort is the Rogue River area's most centralized, most recognized resort. For over 33 years, the Thomason family has offered guests the best in Rogue River lodging, dining, entertainment, rafting, rentals, shuttles and much more. The Resort is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive west of Grants Pass, Oregon.
Reviewed By Outdoorsman12345
I was prepared to like this place. But it didn't work out that way. My wife and I invested a couple of days of our vacation, several meals, and a few hundred dollars in our experience at the Galice Resort, including cabins and meals both before and after our multiday Rogue River rafting trip, and a few souvenirs.
The evening we returned to "civilization" after rafting, we ate dinner (simple, fried food), and had just finished dessert. The CW band was getting started, I had gone through my rafting photographs on my camera, and was reading a newspaper on my Kindle to catch up on the news. My wife was emailing a friend to tell them we were off the river. We had made friends with the people at the next table who were about to start their Rogue River trip the next day. We were feeling relaxed and happy. The restaurant was mostly empty, but the music created a lively atmosphere.
The manager/owner appeared at our table and asked my wife and me if we ever talked to each other. I thought she was kidding, and I joked that we don't talk, we just email each other. The manager/owner glared at me and said "you're out of here in fifteen minutes."
What??!! I was so startled, I didn't know what to say. My wife thought she was kidding at first, but here was no mistaking the intent of the statement, although the reason for the hostility was elusive. We sat there for another minute (14 minutes left), looked at each other, and left the restaurant, going back to our overheated cabin to sit by ourselves.
The hostility was unexpected, and the whole experience was quite a downer after an exhilarating raft trip. It was the first and only time I have been thrown out of any establishment, and the reason is still unclear, but what is clear is that you don't argue with this woman. On the positive side, she was the only rude person we met during our two week trip to Oregon and Northern California. However, she had an oversized impact on our enjoyment of the trip. My advice to those considering staying overnight in a hot cabin or eating greasy food at the Galice Resort is to instead chose some standard accommodations available in nearby Grant's Pass. Don't chance an unpleasant encounter with the unfriendly folks at Galice Resort.
9. Si Casa Flores
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Please visit our official website Sicasaflorescorp.com for additional information. Visit us at Si Casa Flores to get a taste of our vibrant flavors and culture.
Reviewed By jlmsBellevue - Bellevue, WA
If you like Mexican Food, this is probably the best place in Grants Pass.The night that we were there, there was lots of Mexican music playing, and people were singling along. The waiters were excellent and were eager to translate and explain the dishes on...MoreWe thank you for dining with us. Muchas gracias!
10. Mi Ranchito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn D - Grants Pass, Oregon
Our local low key restaurant for hispanic cuisine is home to the best chicken tortilla soup around. Filled with chicken, cheese, and avocado - big hit with our little granddaughter too. Go now!
