One of the oldest buildings in Lostine, and the only eating establishment in town, the Lostine Tavern has long been a popular gathering place for a wide variety of activities. In addition to being a good place to get a cup of coffee and catch up on the daily news, its uses include pie auctions, ditch meetings, class reunions, birthday parties and even bridal showers.

    Built by druggist S.I, McKenzie, the building opened in the late 1800s as a drug store The small one story section of the building was originally a creamery and the McKenzie home (to the left of the Tavern) housed the first telephone exchange in Lostine. The building changed hands in 1920 when W.O. Robinson became the druggist, and later housed a sofa fountain and sandwich bar. It became a tavern in the 1940’s.

    Current owners Krag and Kim Norton purchased the tavern in March 2005 from Nettie Scott. Tim and Debbie Huffmann became partners with Krag and Kim in October of 2008. They work to preserve the comfortable, multipurpose atmosphere the tavern has retained over the years. They feel it is unusual because it is a true community center, more like what taverns used to be.

    Looking at a photo of the tavern taken on Lostine’s Main Street in 1916, it is striking how similar the building appears today.

    While the internal furnishings of the tavern, commonly known by locals as “The LT”, have evolved over the years, many signs of its longevity remain. There is a big icebox that is in excellent condition from the 1920’s that sits behind the bar by the entry to the kitchen. Old pictures and news clippings are hanging on the walls. Peg support coffee mugs on the back wall - the famous cup wall. Many of the mugs on the wall get used almost daily, while some of them have been hung up permanently in remembrance of those no longer here.

    The big round table near the center of the floor is also famous for the many discussions it hosts. This table is the table of choice for morning and evening conversations. Although it only seats 10 people, people will sit three deep around it to get in on the conversations. The atmosphere can apparently get thick, but is more frequently hilarious, and is the “regulars” that are the heart of the tavern’s success.

    Open 363 days a year from 7 a.m. until its last customer departs, the Tavern serves up food for all three meals of the day as well as an assortment of side orders for those who want to snack. Norton’s and Huffman's have maintained the traditional Wednesday Taco Night that has been going on for approximately 22 years, as well as the Steak Night on Fridays and Saturdays. Some new things that have been started include Fajita Nights on Wednesday and breakfast served all day. 

    The Lostine Tavern employs 4-5 people, while the new owners also take turn working. The new owners of the LT would like to say Thank You to the new customers who stop by and eat or get something cold to drink, as well as to the “regulars” who keep coming back. We appreciate your business.

Reprinted from "That Was Then, This Is Now", July 2002
The Wallowa County Chieftain-Revised February 2009