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The Joel Palmer House, Dayton, OR

The Joel Palmer House

4.7
4.7
1914 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
Mushrooms are the heart of what we do at the Joel Palmer House. We have always endeavored to obtain seasonal and local ingredients and we use many locally produced greens, herbs, and vegetables, some of which come from our own culinary garden. We are frequently inspired by ingredients found in the cuisines of France, China, Thailand, Poland and India, so we call our cooking "freestyle." Our dishes pair well the celebrated wines of Oregon, especially Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Our extensive, Oregon-focused wine list has been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Of special note, The Joel Palmer House ranks as one of Oregon's finest historic homes and is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Oregon Historic Register. Built in 1857, the house is Dayton's oldest standing structure. When weather permits, guests can enjoy their dinner on our outdoor patio, soaking in the last rays of sunshine in the heart of Oregon Wine Country.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Northwest
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (503) 864-2995
  • Website
    http://www.joelpalmerhouse.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Veteran
  • Executive chef
    Christopher Czarnecki
  • Private party facilities
    The facility is perfect for special events such as birthdays or rehearsal dinners as well as business meetings. Multiple fixed menu options from which to choose.
  • Private party contact
    Christopher Czarnecki: (503) 864-2995
  • Location
    600 Ferry St, Dayton, OR 97114
  • Neighborhood
    Dayton
  • Cross street
    6th
  • Parking details
    Private Parking Lot and Street Parking available <br />2 Electric Vehicle charging stations free for use in our parking lot
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,914 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Portland / Oregon

    Best Ambiance

  • Portland / Oregon

    Innovative

  • Portland / Oregon

    Great for fine wines

  • Portland / Oregon

    Romantic

  • Portland / Oregon

    Good for special occasions

  • Portland / Oregon

    Contemporary American

  • Willamette Valley

    Most Booked

1,914 Reviews

  1. MichelleT

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    We were so excited to experience The Joel Palmer House after reading reviews. The food was just OK--definitely expected more for the price. The wait service was TOO MUCH. We couldn't even enjoy conversation at the table because someone was interrupting too frequently to fill water glasses that had barely been used. The wine list, while extensive is extremely overpriced. One bottle of wine we noted was an 800% upcharge from retail and many others were the same. For laid back Oregon wine country, this was just not the experience we expected and it came at a large cost. We have cancelled a future reservation we had made and don't expect to return.

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  2. DebL

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed a lovely evening dining on the patio. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. We chose the 10-course tasting adventure. Everything was very good! The dessert tray was beautiful and delicious! We highly recommend the Joel Palmer House!

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  3. jamesk

    Minneapolis

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose this restaurant as a recommendation from friends to celebrate wife's birthday. We were welcomed at the front door and escorted to a booth immediately. Introductions to staff led to background about Joel Palmer House and opening appetizer & drink, followed by explaining of menu. We selected food and wines that we never ate before and it was delicious. We were treated with respect like royalty. We never felt as though they were rushing us through the courses. We highly recommend the Joel Palmer House.

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  4. Random

    Mobile

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience with professional and knowledgeable staff. This was the highlight of our tour of Oregon.

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  5. TeddyH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    This place is going to leave a bad taste in my mouth for a while. I won’t even talk about the food, there are plenty of 1-3 star reviews describing it and they are accurate. We felt as if we were thrown on a conveyor belt the moment the host started the timer on our table on his monitor. Nothing felt personalized even though we ordered the Omasake experience. We were celebrating the final night of our one year wedding anniversary trip in the Willamette Valley and no one even bothered to inquire as to what brought us there. The Omasake experience was described as “we’ll serve you until you say stop” and the “cheese cart will shave samples of cheese until you say stop”. Yet the conveyor belt pushed us through the courses and into dessert as quickly as possible, and we fell for it. And the cheese cart shaved off four slices and scurried back into the kitchen. The dessert was the real star of the meal, everything was superb and inventive. The wait staff was inexperienced (one reviewer described it as stilted, that captures it best). With a reputation like theirs you’d expect experienced waiters that have been there for years. Sadly, not the case and we’ve recorded this experience down in our lesson book rather than our memory book.

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  6. BonnieR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Elegant, incredibly creative and professional, in the best European style.

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  7. RegularDiner

    Portland

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant is a rarity in the greater Portland area and I'm not sure there is another restaurant with the level of service found here. The staff was engaging, knowledgeable and is as good as any Michelin starred restaurant I've ever experienced. The food was equally good with creative expressions of mushroom oriented dishes, a specialty. We did the Oregon Omakase experience which allows you to sample across a wide variety of their menu. They have the most extensive collection of Oregon Pinot Noirs in the world. However, the wines are very expensive and priced well above what I might find at other restaurants for the same bottles. It is a fantastic place for a celebration or special event and well worth the trip to Dayton, Oregon to experience it.

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  8. umamimami

    Austin

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    Underwhelming experience: while the food was ok, there was nothing “mad” about the “Mushroom Madness” menu. Mushrooms were not prominent on any dish in the fixed price menu, except the mushroom tart. The soup tasted like gravy, seek-and-find mushrooms both in texture and flavor for every other dish. So, given the expectation set with the promise of featuring mushrooms, we were very disappointed. The service was friendly but stilted. Thus, we felt the value was way less than it should have been. I would suggest the menu be half of the price, deliver what was promised (like any evidence of mushroom), and don’t tack on a mandatory service charge. I was reminded of an old, famous restaurant that is past its prime and relying on to its traditions and reputation in its heyday.

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  9. ToddC

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never could have imagined a better dining experience from the staff to the food and wine! Had a mishap w my order and they fixed it right away. Mushroom soup w risotto and beef stroganoff in my top dishes ever.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A must in the willamette valley for anyone who appreciates food and wine. Incredible food, service and wine list. Wonderful ambience.

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  11. RICHARDA

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Food and its presentation is amazing. Service group were trying really hard towards providing a higher level of service. Be good to have not just the what in a pairing but also the why….with the communication to deliver.

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  12. ElvisM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Our 2nd time we took friends who had never been. We had a great time , the Employees are just awesome in every way. Food is Amazing. My only complaint, reason for loss of the 1 Star, Is that we did NOT get the Formage Experience, Cheese presentation. Very disappointing as when you spend 1200 dollars, it should be an 100 % not 85 % experience. Also for first time we ordered 2 extra course which were amazing. I would recommend the Scallops are mixed the initial 10 courses. The 50 dollar corking fee PER BOTTLE is RIDICULOUS

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  13. LK01

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every single thing about our meal was simply amazing!

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  14. TinaB

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I have been regulars of the Joel Palmer house for 26 years. We are self proclaimed foodies and have enjoyed many wonderful dining experiences in the Willamette Valley and on our travels. After each dining experience at other restaurants we often compare the food, drinks, service and ambiance to the Joel Palmer House. We have yet to find a restaurant that beats it. The Chef Chris Czarnecki, has developed a menu that is not only beautifully presented but actually taste amazing, while still honoring his families famous recipes from many generations of chefs before him. The staff is friendly and professional and is well versed regarding the menu. The sommeliers Levi and Gregory are top-notch and have always been helpful in finding us the perfect bottle of wine to go with our dinner. If you’re not in the mood for just wine there is an amazing assortment of delicious drinks the mixologist will whip up for you. The turn of the century greek revival home with its white columned porch is set on a beautifully landscaped property in Dayton Oregon, the heart of Willamette Valley. The exquisitely remodeled interior is reminiscent of an elegant victorian but with a modern flair-perfect for a romantic dinner or with a group of friends. It’s a wonderful place to end a fun day of wine tasting. The area around Dayton boasts many top wineries of the pacific northwest, plus the restaurant is just a short 45 min drive from Portland. We highly recommend that even the non-mushroom lover give the Joel Palmer house a visit, we think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  15. AER44

    Orlando

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food with exceptional service!! Amazing wine list , Lingua Franca Pinot Noir was amazing.

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  16. Foodie1

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were here to celebrate my son's birthday, and from the moment we sat down and a staff member introduced himself and oriented us, to the last course of the evening, we were treated to a 3 hour experience! Staff was attentive but not intrusive, responsive, and engaging. Even the owner/chef came out and introduced himself and chatted with us. The entire menu was fabulous..we were introduced to flavors and textures we had never experienced - each course was better than the last. We chose Joel Palmer House because of their reputation for using mushrooms in every dish. We were surprised by the variety and and pleased! The creativity in preparation and presentation was a delight to the senses! The wine choices were extensive, though we had cocktails instead and those were creative and presented with a flair. I have an allergy to one food type - and special attention and care was given to ensure my eating experience was as close as possible to my family and that I wasn't exposed to the allergen. We will return, bring others with us, and share our experience! Thank you to everyone who made our evening a memorable one!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience at the Joel Palmer House. This is our anniversary/birthday/special occasion restaurant. We are never disappointed!

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  18. Rupert

    Portland

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Still a grand name in the region with its Mushroom Madness a special occasion to be honored and savored. Expertly trained staff assure you can concentrate on the food and your guests. The "Omikase" menu option was presented a bit too pretentiously for my tastes (we stayed with the five course madness) and not all new dishes were equally successful. However, the tried and true recipes remain classics and will see this wonderful gem through any day!

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  19. JasonMelissa

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional experience. 14 courses and they were all superb. Chef and his crew are fabulous!

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  20. AaronH

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef Czarnecki, Levi and team were amazing. A fine dining experience with a personal touch. If you’re in Willamette Valley you must prioritize it.

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  21. CarlG

    Portland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The small wine country village of Dayton, Oregon is one of the least likely places one would expect to find a Michelin Two-Star quality restaurant - The menu concept and execution of each course was outstanding - The service and timing delivered by each staff member was precise, with knowledgeable and interesting background on various food and wine-related topics. And the wine! Well, it turns out that Joel Palmer House has the most extensive collection of Oregon wine in the country - over 500 labels - a fantastic accomplishment for a 4th generation privately owned and operated family restaurant. It would be an understatement to say that my wife and I were wowed. I'll find the words that next time I visit, and there will be a next time! James Beard should be tracking this spot!

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  22. VickiM

    Springfield

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This should be a special occasion place to go. Pricey,but a great place to propose to someone

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  23. MegW

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the evening. Food was exceptional, wine recommendation was spot on.

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  24. JoshC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great experience, would recommend for any special occasion or date night

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  25. Terry

    Singapore

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Came here recommended from local wine expert related to their mushroom and wine pairing. The service was a ‘10’ out of ‘5’, it really was that attentive and professional. They were offering variety options on the 5-course meal associated with mushrooms, or a multi-course omikase. Extensive wine menu! Great food in most cases - the gazpacho / cucumber cream shooter in between courses was a little off but that was the only thing. The scallops and duck both were equally delicious. I also really liked the oysters and 3 types of mignonette. Dessert also gave several options which allowed me to select a lighter boysenberry sorbet - and then they finished up with a fruit-gelee filled chocolate and mushroom-tinged ‘pop rocks’ (yes, Pop Rocks that prickle in your mouth!) In between courses, the chef Chris came out to chat with a few of us and we had the bonus of touring the kitchen and the wine cellar. Really an amazing night.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience and great culinary adventure! The staff are awesome and the chef is amazing. Wait staff definitely gave you time to enjoy conversation during your meal and swooped in just at the right moment whenever we needed anything. I cannot recommend the Joel Palmer house highly enough!

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  27. MsPcp

    Houston

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    It was a wonderful experience of artfully prepared foods in several courses. Very pricey for a so so outdoor patio style dining event. I would prefer to choose my own meal selections but the Chef and Owner is a very conscientious and talented gastronomist! The wine list had VERY inflated prices for New World wines. We chose a nice bottle that paired nicely but paid a handsome price for something that would probably sell for under $60 in a wine shop.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Food and service was outstanding and the sommelier was very knowledgeable.

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  29. Gonzalez

    Palm Springs

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding!!! Celebrating my sisters bday! Food and service was amazing!!!

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  30. MarkH

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Perhaps too much expectation. Our overall experience was just ok. Value wise it was a disappointing. The food was ok but not for the cost. Bit heavy on salt and I like salt. The staff tried but it felt very rehearsed and on script as key points of the meal was described with each setting. The fact that almost the exact same description was being said 3 feet over my right shoulder to the other table as what made it seem really just canned information. The poor staff also seamed understaffed. (Issue everywhere I know.). I enjoyed the mushroom theme and ate mushrooms I have never had before. This was good. The wine selection was wonderful. But in the end the passion was just not there for the cost at least for my wife and I. It was a one time experience for us.

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  31. MauraF

    Tucson

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was good but a bit pricey and the service was a bit pretentious.

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  32. AlexM

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible. Mushroom Madness was my preference and the wine that was chosen for us based on our pallets was on point! Great atmosphere very cozy

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  33. Noname

    Denver

    568 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    568 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow. Just wow. There isn’t anything to gripe about (it’s my nature) but everything with which to rave and praise. A memorable night to say the least.

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  34. AmyR

    New Orleans

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful experience. The 10 course tasting allowed us to experience food we would not have ordered and now we have new favorites. Thank you for the way you prepare food and the lovely setting you provide to enjoy it in.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unexpected experience! We had no idea what was in store for us when we walked through the door. We LOVED everything about our dinner from the lovely staff to meeting with the owner and chef. Wine and food was spectacular. I went outside my box and tried everything the chef chose to send out which was nearly everything on the menu! What an amazing place! We will be back!

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  36. JenniferC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional dining experience! Amazing service, sumptuous food choices, relaxed summery garden seating. Perfect evening.

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  37. DianeY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed an outstanding meal from the Omakase Tasting Menu! The tastings were creative, delicious, and visual delights! The Cheese Chariot had so many curated options, the kind you can't just find in the local store or Costco. Trying so many was a special treat. Then the dessert tray came out, another visual delight. The use of mushrooms throughout the meal was just right, and astonishing in it's originality. Everything was unique and memorable. The ambience outdoors on a summer evening was serene with twinkly lights and fresh cut flowers everywhere. All the servers provided warm and professional service. And the 2021 Sequitur Pinot Noir wine we enjoyed was outstanding. We work in the industry and taste a lot of wines. This wine was a standout! An absolutely wonderful evening! Highly Recommend!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Over the top. Expensive but worth it. We were there for my daughter’s 21st birthday and the staff managed the meal perfectly. Cadence of food to the table for the 5 course mushroom experience could not have been better. Bartender came out for a question on a drink that wasn’t Tony daughter’s liking and immediately took it back and custom crafted one to her liking. The weaving of mushrooms into most dishes is immensely impressive. Must do in the Willamette Valley on your wine country visit.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We brought four of our California friends to share our experience last night and you never disappoint! Everything from our servers to the fantastic mushroom varieties. Thank you so much for, once again, providing the best dining in the Willamette Valley!

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  40. PaulaS

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our table of four fully enjoyed the Omakase experience. We accompanied the first three courses with an Argyle bubbly and added a pinot noir (burgundy style) selected for us by the Sommelier. Joel Palmer House has never disappointed in our experience. Tonight Chef Christopher excelled.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Joel Palmer House is rated 4.7 stars by 1914 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
Google Map for The Joel Palmer House

600 Ferry St, Dayton, OR 97114

Additional information

  • Cross street
    6th
  • Neighborhood
    Dayton
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Northwest
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Parking Lot and Street Parking available <br />2 Electric Vehicle charging stations free for use in our parking lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Veteran
  • Executive chef
    Christopher Czarnecki
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.joelpalmerhouse.com/
  • Phone number
    (503) 864-2995
  • Private party facilities
    The facility is perfect for special events such as birthdays or rehearsal dinners as well as business meetings. Multiple fixed menu options from which to choose.
  • Private party contact
    Christopher Czarnecki: (503) 864-2995
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