Global Flavors Meet Comfort Food Cassics

Spread the love

Eclectic and Electric

Taste of the Town: Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill
By Angie Helvey, Active Media | Photos by MJ Media Productions, Active Media

Everything about Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill is eclectic, especially the menu’s innovative fusion of traditional comfort food and global cuisine designed to tantalize your taste buds. Named for co-owner Bobbie Franks’ father, this family-friendly venue on the northside of town opened in April of 2023 and has become a welcome fixture in the Lebanon dining scene.

Bobbie and Aaron Franks never intended to own a bar and grill, but when the opportunity arose to take over the beautifully designed eatery situated in a quiet new development, they jumped at the chance.

“It kind of fell into our laps,” Bobbie explains.

The space features a bright open dining area and a bricked bar with a glittering glassware display, while the walls are adorned with funky artwork and big-screen TVs.

Robin’s has a full bar and is a great place to grab a drink, but the real adventure at this extraordinary spot is the food. Chef Derrick Hamel-Kaalekahi is the mastermind behind the delectable offerings.

“He comes up with these fabulous creations, and his team in the kitchen works so well together — they’re all amazing,” says Bobbie.

Guests are invited to explore cuisine from regions like the Hawaiian islands, with fresh salmon bowls, ahi poke and a rich and flavorful Wagyu Loco Moco. For some soulful Cajun flavors, try their incredible Smoked Jambalaya or the Smoked Salmon Po’Boy.

Haamel-Kaalekahi’s specialty is gourmet comfort food, so you’ll find traditions with a twist complemented by fresh meats and seafood. Indulge in the Open Face Crab Imperial Melt, the Steak Oscar, or the Smoked Langostino Smashed Potato — buttery, savory smoked langostino, penne pasta and a delicious garlic-parmesan bechamel served atop a mountain of baked smashed potato smothered in compound butter, topped with fresh chives and crispy bacon.

No matter your craving or preference, there’s something for everyone at Robin’s, and the lineup also includes a delicious assortment of appetizers, burgers, plates of pasta, salads, sandwiches and more. The Korean BBQ Cauliflower is a customer favorite, and the Roast Beef Burger is a newer addition — a smashed burger topped with roast beef, pepper jack cheese, and horseradish aioli served with a side of au jus. A children’s menu is also available for the little ones.

If you’re craving something sweet, enjoy one of their decadent desserts, like the Flourless Chocolate Torte Cake or their wildly popular Butter Toffee Bundt cake, served with fresh berries and housemade whipped cream. With 11 rotating taps, canned and bottled beers, wine and a list of tasty specialty cocktails, it’s easy to find the perfect libation to complement your meal. Pair your poke bowl with a Hawaiian Martini or a Spicy Jalapeno-Hibiscus Limeade. Their large selection of premium spirits means the talented bartenders at Robin’s can always whip up the cocktail of your choosing.

The clientele at Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill are as eclectic as the menu, and they’ve acquired a large local following of all ages.

“We have very loyal customers,” Bobbie says. “We see a lot of older folks during the day, especially our regulars from the Oregon Veterans Home. We also see a lot of the younger crowd and their families.”

The establishment is family-friendly throughout, minus the bartop, and, weather permitting, a glass roll-up door leads to a picturesque outdoor patio with firepit tables. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, the Franks and their friendly staff are here to welcome you with a fun and unique dining experience!

Robin’s Northside Bar & Grill is located at 805 N 5th St in Lebanon. Please give them a call at (541) 405-4054 or visit their website at www.robinnorthsidebar.com