Charburger
"In Cascade Locks, Barbara remembers that the Char Burger was a popular destination for the high school athletic teams on their way from Portland back to Hood River. At that time, the restaurant was a little box building, white and tiny, with the same grill and counter that are there today."
Michael Tenney & Barbara Hosford... Recollections of the HighwayHadlow, Robert W. and Amanda Joy Piets, Hannah Kullberg, Sara Morrissey, Kristen Stallman, Myra Sperley, Linda Dodds. Historic Columbia River Highway Oral History: Final Report (SR 500-261). Salem: Oregon Department of Transportation Research Section. August 2009. (36)
Bridgesidedining.com: History
- 1946 -- Originally built as a drive-in style restaurant by the Clarks
- In 1953 the Clarks sold to Bill Tumlinson
- Charburger was purchased by Les Bausch in 1963 from Bill Tumlinson
- In 1972, Bausch replaced the drive-in with a new building -- the current cafeteria-style restaurant.
- Sam Hill's Den was later opened to serve as special event space, and for catering.
- In 2013, DM Stevenson Ranch purchased the Cascade Locks Charburger from Les Bausch's son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Judy Bausch.
- 2014 remodeling included interior and exterior improvements, deep cleaning, painting, new tabletops, plus bathroom remodel. A new kitchen was installed, complete with all-new equipment, floor, ceiling and wall finishes, plus new HVAC and hood ventilation systems.
- In 2015, Charburger’s name was changed to Bridgeside. The new name better describes the restaurant’s incredible location with river views, next to the Bridge of the Gods. It also reflects its broader menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plans are to continue serving affordable, home-style food, focusing on char-broiled burgers, with other menu options, too. The banquet room and special event terrace is named Bridgeside Terrace, a beautiful spot for private parties.
The former Char Burger restaurant was completely remodeled and updated in 2014. In 2015, the new owners decided to change the name from Char Burger to Bridgeside to better describe the restaurant's incredible location next to the Bridge of the Gods. The new name is also more inclusive for the variety of menu items Bridgeside offers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And finally, we hope it will enable us to better promote the special event space with its stunning views.
Bridgeside retains the historic character and memorabilia for which the Char Burger in Cascade Locks was well known. Bridgeside is the perfect traveler's restaurant for visitors of the Pacific Crest Trail, Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Multnomah Falls and other Columbia Gorge waterfalls and attractions. We also enjoy serving long-time locals, and folks just passing by.
http://www.bridgesidedining.com
