Health & Fitness
Restaurant Review - Oregon Club
At first, it was a little disconcerting to wander through all the little rooms, and one can almost imagine whispered passcodes to gain access to different areas.
117 Oregon Road
Ashland, MA 01721
508-875-9030
Wikipedia defines a speakeasy as an establishment illegally selling alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the period known as Prohibition (1920–1933). During this time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States.
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Little did I know we have a “legendary speakeasy” nearby in Ashland. Yet, with the excellence of the food, who needs booze?
A friend has raved about the Oregon Club for the past year. The stars and moons aligned recently and we saddled up for a trip over to the Oregon Club. The restaurant does date back to the beginning of Prohibition, serving spaghetti and steak to the locals as the "The Briasco Inn."
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After Prohibition, the place was renamed the Oregon Club and remained a private club for the privacy of members. Now, the location is open to the public, overseen by Chef Chris Scanlon and Judy MacLeod, owners of the Oregon Club since 2009.
These are very much hands-on owners. Judy seated and waited on us the entire evening. Chris manned the kitchen, yet still had time to come out and chat.
The 86 seat restaurant is made up of a series of little rooms. My friend described it as “Maine homey.” It wouldn’t surprise me if nothing had changed in the aesthetics since the opening. At first, it was a little disconcerting to wander through all the little rooms, and one can almost imagine whispered passcodes to gain access to different areas.
Nonetheless, we’re not here to review architecture. Seated in a booth, the menu was made up of traditional American favorites.
We each had the homemade veal meatballs- ground veal with house special seasoning and panko crumbs. Served with a simple brown gravy and Romano cheese. Meatballs are often dry in my world; these were a notable delicious exception. Moist and tasty!
I had an entrée simply called “The Steak,” a 12 ounce Sirloin Strip Steak prepared in the Oregon Club style (cooked in pans originating in the Parker House, seared in a beef fat and seasonings creating a slightly crusty flavorful outside with melt-in-your-mouth goodness inside.) I’m a big steak fan, and “The Steak” is one of the finer beef selections in the area. Truly fabulous.
My friend had the bone-in pork chop….again cooked to perfection. The portion was huge….more than enough to be the centerpiece of lunch the next day.
For desert we had two choices prepared onsite….a chocolate mousse and a tart with fresh Maine blueberries.
Overall, the ambiance may be an acquired taste, although I am sure it has many, many fans. Personally, I’m always less concerned with wall hangings than I am the food, and rest assured the Oregon Club is a hidden jewel.
Finding the place can be a little tricky the first time. Take Route 9 towards Southborough, turn at Oak Street (Walgreens) then head south. Make a left at the flashing light (Oregon Road) and the restaurant is just up on the left.
This is one of those places it’s good to know about, and to keep quiet lest it morphs into something else. Sort of like a speakeasy. Quietly tell them, “Gary sent you.”
Hours
Tues - Sun: 5:00PM - ??
Oregon Club gets a GREEN LIGHT…go and enjoy.
About the RAG scale:
Green Light – Go and enjoy
Amber Light – Use caution
Red Light – Save your time and money
The Author
Gary Kelley has lived in Westborough since 1994. His reviews are what he would tell friends, and are not an academic analysis. You can follow him @glkelley or www.garylkelley.com
