Come on Down and Enjoy Some Brews, Bites & Banter

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, just like the theme song from “Cheers.” Located in historic downtown Aurora directly off 99E, the Aurora Colony Pub combines scratch-made pub fare with a homey atmosphere where neighbors become friends and friends become family.

Originally erected in the 1930s, The Colony’s building is reminiscent of old Americana, complete with the original tin roof, concrete floors and rustic decor. Local residents Janae and Corey Barton purchased the business in 2015 and worked to create a family-friendly destination as well as a local watering hole. “We have a dining room separate from the bar and free kid’s meals on Mondays,” says manager Shelby Brezai. “In the summer we open the patio and there are yard games like Connect Four, Jenga and Cornhole. It’s fun for the parents to come out and relax while the kids play.”

The Colony has a tasty selection of homemade comfort food guaranteed to satisfy any appetite. The tantalizing bone-in broasted chicken is a house special and customer favorite, pressure-fried so it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Loaded burgers and sandwiches, pasta, soups, salads and wraps are all delicious choices, or if you’re craving a nice dinner, select locally sourced steak cooked to your preference from Willamette Valley Meat Company. Halibut fish and chips and other seafood options like coconut shrimp and clam strips are also available.

Daily specials are listed on the whiteboard when you walk in with fun weekly traditions like Taco Tuesday with four different kinds of tacos and a margarita special, prime rib on Saturdays, and all-you-can-eat spaghetti on Mondays. “The plates are giant,” Shelby says. “It’s rare that someone gets through one, but it does happen, and then we’ll give you a second plate and a box!” Friday’s clam chowder is a local favorite and they often have seafood specials that day like oysters and pan-fried razor clams. A kid’s menu is available in the dining room for the little ones. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with something sweet like an apple galette or chocolate lava cake. Breakfast is served on weekends starting at 9:00 am, so come in and kick off your Saturday with eggs benedict or a breakfast quesadilla paired with a bloody mary!

The bar at The Colony boasts every amenity to relax and unwind including a popcorn machine, TVs, video poker, and sometimes live local bands. The experienced bartenders can make practically any drink you’re in the mood for, with an impressive selection of liquor and local beer and wine. “We love to support other local businesses whenever we can,” explains Shelby “so we’ve recently started carrying beers by Vision Brewing, which is located in Aurora, and wine from Pheasant Run.” Happy Hour is from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and includes discounted appetizers, beer, and well drinks.

Acoustic Thursdays are starting up on March 21st and will go through the first couple weeks of September. Local musicians interested in getting on the schedule can reach out by email to shelby@auroracolonypub.com.

The Colony is cherished by locals as a hangout to enjoy great food and drinks while connecting with family and friends. “The best part is that customers become family,” says Shelby. “People love to come in, see everyone they know and get hugs. We’ve had customers dealing with health issues and other struggles, and everyone teams up to provide support.” Almost everyone working at the pub is long-term and has strong ties to the local community. “All of us are connected in some way, and it’s great to have employees who want to stay and work hard for us.”

Historic Downtown Aurora holds fun events all year, so add this gem to your list of places to stop amidst wine-tasting or antiquing. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through town, check out The Aurora Colony Pub for delicious eats, tasty cocktails and customer service you can only find in a small town.

The Aurora Colony Pub is located at 21568 OR-99E NE, Aurora. Give them a call at 503-678-9994, or visit their website at www.auroracolonypub.com.