The McMenamins Kalama Cove Bar is a relatively new addition to the Kalama Lodge area and with what is along the riverwalk area. It's separate from the main lodge, completely in it's own building but it is a short stroll from the main lodge. They also have their own parking as well. This is a pretty cool location as you can get a good view of the river where you can sit and chill and admire the Columbia River, any boat traffic there and potential people watching if that's your thing. The Cove is kind of "Tiki Bar Light" as there are elements of a Tiki Bar presence and the lighting as the bar dims and thunder rumbles through the speakers is just like the Old Hangout at the Elks Temple location in Tacoma only there the Tiki vibes pretty heavy. In addition to the Tiki aspect the other blending kind of a fancier fisherman's joint where one can unwind after a day of river fishing. There is outdoor seating and more inside seating from the main bar where you can play pool. There is no secret rooms here but there is a secret door by the main bar to open and experience. The food here is solid as it usually is with most of my McMenamins experiences. I had a Khalua Pork Bowl which was very good and was a nice change of pace from a hamburger or a sandwich so that was good! read more

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What a cool location for a bar! Right on the water, nice shady outside seating area, friendly and charming staff, what more could you ask for? We had just come from the Ahles Point Cabin (where we had Rosemary Nuts and a doppio espresso, complete with lemon peel & rock sugar) so we didn't order anything at the Cove Bar but we'll be back! read more

Anyone looking for Ahi? Come to McMenamins, I love how good this is. It's one of my favorites at the bar. The service is excellent There is outdoor seating which is awesome right by the Columbia River. read more

McMenamins Kalama Cove Bar - Ahi served with coleslaw and ginger - Tacos Near Me - Kalama, Washington

We had a beautiful stay here during the week. The rooms were cozy and well maintained. The view of the balcony of the river was delightful. The death staff and even staff throughout the place were super friendly and welcoming We had a few meals in the main restaurant that were delicious. If you ever have the opportunity, please stay here and enjoy what we enjoyed. read more

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McMenamins Kalama Cove Harbor was a fantastic choice for dinner tonight. We came with extended family and had such a great experience from start to finish. I ordered the Swiss cheese mushroom burger, which was absolutely wonderful--juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Ray had the Salisbury steak and really enjoyed it, and I also tried the African chicken soup. I'm not exactly sure what all the spices were, but it had a great kick--spicy, rich, and incredibly delicious. Our friends ordered cheeseburgers as well, and everyone was very happy with their meals. We also shared the Cajun-seasoned tater tots, which were crispy, flavorful, and a big hit at the table. The atmosphere really stands out here. There's a big, heavy wood bar right on the harbor that gives the place a warm, classic, waterfront feel. And believe it or not, one of the most memorable parts for my husband was the bathroom--the men's urinals are massive and look like a wild plumbing phenomenon straight out of a Frankenstein movie. We'll be posting pictures because they're that unique and fun. All around, great food, great atmosphere, and a wonderful evening with people we love. A big shout-out to our dear friends (extended family) for the recommendation and for sharing such a fun dinner with us. We definitely recommend McMenamins Kalama Cove Harbor and will absolutely be back. read more

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From door to table, staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant and bar is clean, and beautifully decorated with a warm atmosphere. After dark though, it REALLY gets dark in there! Hard to read menu or even see our food. But sticking with the 5 Stars because the food was amazing! Before sending us upstairs to sit by the windows, the desk attendant highly recommended the Salisbury Steak. She sounded pretty serious so we both decided to order it. My gosh! This was not something slapped on a plate at a local diner! A beautiful presentation and SO good. We HAVE to go back! (I'll cry if that isn't a regular on their menu! ) read more

McMenamins Kalama Cove Bar - Amazing Salisbury Steak on mashed potatoes, topped with fresh cooked green beans, fresh mushrooms, cilantro & a delicious sauce. - Tacos Near Me - Kalama, Washington

Nice big screens to watch sports games but don't come hungry. Waited 20 minutes without anyone stopping by the table. Had to run out to the car to eat a snack for energy to go back in and wait to order. Came back in for another 20 minutes and no sign of anyone working there. Headed to town for some lunch! read more

This is always one of my favorite stop off places as I'm driving from Washington to Californina. Great scenic location and restaurant, I enjoy their happy hour menu.. read more

I enjoyed this McMenamins! Wonderful water views, outdoor seating and fire pits for when the weather works out, a fun tiki bar with the always great mcmenamins cocktails, and a small but mighty menu of some Mexican fusion. The chicken rice bowl was perfect and even had some leftovers for later. Chips & queso was meh...standard but nothing special. Service was decent It's an interesting layout as you have to go outside the tiki bar to the other area that houses the pool tables, TVs and restroom. Overall a fun spot though! read more

So much to say and so little time to waste. I have been going to McMenamins since 1985. And I keep trying to give them chances because I miss what once was. At one point we were so regular 3-5 times a week because nothing could beat the truly fresh and handcut fries and the beer was great. Our family of 4 ate so often that we were often greeted with our side of fries before we gave our order. But now we get this manufactured food with snarky attitudes and 40 min wait for food when they are not even busy. This place doesn't care at all because they know they have a captive audience with the cruise line customers and the gullible passport "adventurers". After two horrible experiences in two trips to this location we are pretty much done. Believe the other negative reviews about this place. These people don't give a rats hiney because they don't think they have to! read more

It was terrible. One hour from seating to food arrival. Server was a ghost. The food was marginal at best, NOT worth any wait at all. Never again!!! read more

Came at 3pm on Thursday July 10th, and after twelve minutes we were never even served water. After three minutes, the waitress did greet us in passing and promise to be 'with us soon' then vanished inside and, I kid you not, we never saw her again. Not even to talk to other tables. Even after we went back to our car and drove past the restaurant to leave, we never saw her again talking to another table. I'm not sure what happened to her, but it is pretty wild, lol read more

We always drive by here on our way to our lake house and say we should stop there. Well, we finally did. We had our pups so the only place to eat was the patio. Super hot day. We waited a long time to be seated. There was one other table with people so it was not busy. After 15 minutes someone came out and seated us. Water and menus arrive another 5 minutes. The waitress is friendly ( just no sense of urgency) I had to ask for some water for the pups. It did say they were pet friendly on the description and most places being out water in a bowl for pups. The temperature was about 100 degrees. Our order was taken and the food was fine. Pizza and a shrimp/crab sandwich. The view is beautiful lots of people on the "beach" it's a hotel as well. Will we stop again? Not sure if we would. read more

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The food and service were very good. The scenery really steals the show though. Overall great experience.

Charming new addition to the McMenamins' pub offerings. The Cove Bar is an easy, riverside stroll from the main Kalama Lodge. Quaint tiki Lu bar and event space, The Cove is clean, offers tacos, drinks and river view seating. I'm a fool for McMenamins because they do so many things well: service, atmosphere, decent food, which all make up a fun, memorable stop. Of course I'll be back! read more

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Food =GOOD Service = Ambiance = ABSOLUTELY SUPERB I need 85+ plus word to make a review, so... Chdndhdbbfndnsnsjwjjxsksbsksbdjs bridge is ebwnsvbsjdjdbd then djejsbdvhesnbsksbwjwjzjwghzihnb dsnnenekendbucjdjsndjdbdbfbtbrbrbrhzuwkebfiaoqpwowooeorigivubuchchrj u just rnsnznfbmdndnnddn t tbrbdbfbtbdbcjnddbbrbrbd I love you read more

Stopped here to recharge our EV and discovered this great place for lunch. We had a wonderful window view of the river and resolved to return in warmer, sunnier weather when we can sit on their outdoor patio. The lunch box was great for us: half a sandwich, a cup of flavorful, homemade soup and a small very fresh salad. Our server was pleasant, responsive, and efficient. We are excited to have found this great place to recharge ourselves and our car on our trips between Seattle and Portland. read more

Great view Nice dark ambiance Pub food was ok:................................................ Excellant bar keep.................... read more

Serve both beverages at the same time, and give filled glasses. Don't overcook fish... the Al Cod was like leather. Taste and menu was good but the execution was terrible read more

McMenamins Kalama Cove Bar - This is the sprite that was delivered,1 minutes later the other drink came - Tacos Near Me - Kalama, Washington

We made reservations to have breakfast at McMenamins in Kalama. When we arrived the restaurant was almost empty and dark. We are seated outside. No server appeared for quite sometime. We ordered Biscuits and Gravy, a scramble, eggs and sausage, and eggs Benedict. It took forever for our orders to come. When they did it took multiple times asking for silverware, salt and pepper, napkins, etc. All of these meals were just awful but especially the biscuits and gravy. No part of it resembled what was ordered. The gravy had no sausage or flavor and the biscuit was overcooked and dry and looked nothing like a biscuit. The rest of the meals were just as bad. We could never suggest anyone go there! read more

I just wanted to give a special shout out to the wonderful lady working at the little bar over in Kalama! I believe her name was Diana. She recommended an amazing truffle mushroom pizza and was just a wonderfully welcoming and endearing individual! Every time I have ever been in she is consistently helpful and always makes me feel welcomed. Thank you again Diana! read more

We've been exploring all of the McMenamins since we are trying to complete our first passport. We stopped in the cove bar which was cute and seemed like a great spot in the summer. We decided to stop at the Cove Bar after getting all our stamps and it was not nearly as good as some of the other McMenamins tiki bars we've seen. The atmosphere was cute and our server was nice but we got chips and salsa and it was clearly from a jar and a bag which was a bit off putting. For $6 we could've bought a whole bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa rather than eating the small amount that was given to us. Not sure about the other food, since we didn't try anything else but I would steer away from the chips and salsa. The drink was super fun though! We had the Mai tai cove style which came in this fun glass. read more

McMenamins Kalama Cove Bar - Mai Tai Cove Style - Tacos Near Me - Kalama, Washington

Bartender on a power trip ruined this place for families. Management doesn't care that one rude bartender is driving away customers. Guess there is a reason the place is always dead besides the high prices and mediocre food. read more

We like to come here often, they have food options that are very good, and the view is beautiful. But even when they aren't that busy, the service is always very slow. The gift shop is fun to look around in after eating! read more

The menu is limited to just a few bar food choices . I had very friendly waitresses . The food was good and it was served much quicker than the main lodge restaruant. I loved the ambiance ... There is nothing like sitting outside overlooking the river on a nice sunny afternoon. I recommend giving this place a try . read more

Service was great. Food was extremely tasty. Thoroughly enjoyed everything about this gem on the river.

Service incredibly slow, waiters/ waitress unfriendly. Takes forever to get drinks and food.. basic food... forever. Nice location and river views. Other than that someone needs to come in with restaurant experience and whip this place into shape. read more

Great drinks, the feel is a tropical beach bar. Game room with pool and darts. Going to returning soon.

Seemed like an after thought. Cut up rooms, one waitperson. Guacamole was fermented. Maintained tasted like it had bourbon in it

Great service, Drinks were good, but Food was mediocre to bad. Burrito had 3 ingredients: Rice, Beans, and salty chicken. I could make this at home. Chips looked like they were bought at some discount grocery store, taken out of the bag and served at a steep mark up. The ambiance was cool with the fun lights. Maybe the locals think this is charming to eat gas station food at gastropub prices, but I don't. Overall a disappointment and I believe whoever is running this place is blowing a big opportunity, all because the food sucks! I'll come back for drinks only but I'm not spending hard earned $$$ on the food. What happened to the quality food served here? Disappeared apparently. Do better. Seriously! read more

save your self don't order food it is very bad cold or over cooked or burn and over price, read more

A new addition to the Kalama area, I've tried the Kalama Cove Bar a couple of times and enjoyed both visits. The setting reminds me of a Maui bar on the beach but without the surf and palm trees. Maybe it's the good Mai Tai's they serve that puts me in the Aloha spirit. I like to go early to beat the crowd and sit outside. The service can get a little slow since they are still figuring out staffing. Bottom line - we'll go again. read more

After a walk, we stopped for a drink and a meal at McMenamins. We were told to seat ourselves, then waited 45 minutes to be noticed by the staff (we weren't, but my husband finally got up to get someone's attention). We ordered a couple drinks and waited...and waited. We ordered our meals right away, having identified the pattern. When they finally came, my husband was offered (and accepted) a second drink. It never came. After we were finished, a waitress came by and asked if we'd like another drink. We told her we'd been waiting on one since the food arrived long before, but we'd like the check, please. We've never experienced anything like it. There were four folks working outside, with lots of empty tables, but we might as well have cooked the meals and served ourselves. I swear, we weren't wearing our invisibility cloaks! (And our pup was SO patient. I was disappointed on her behalf as well. Usually, they offer dogs water and bring them a treat. I did ask for water, but knew there'd be no treat offered. I should've thought to take something nice for her to chew on.) That used to be a favorite place! If they can't manage a midday meal on a Friday afternoon, what must Friday or Saturday night be like? Fortunately, we had no time constraints, and it was still a gorgeous day, lots to see, good company, and a fun afternoon, so not a loss. read more