A Brief History of Besaw's
In 1903 two gentlemen, George Besaw and Medric Liberty, dreamed of starting their own beer parlor and gambling hall. At the time, a booming industry full of loggers, longshoremen and their families were populating much of this vibrant corner of the Northwest. Loggers themselves, George Besaw and Medric Liberty received the generous help of Henry Weinhard, one of the best known brewery owners in the nation at that time, to finance their dream. An immediate success with locals and visitors alike, Besaw's was conveniently located en route to the 1905 Lewis & Clark Exposition, a grand outdoors bazaar akin to a Worlds' Fair, attracting many of the Northwest's-- not to mention the world's-- elite. With the onset of prohibition, the duo was faced with a difficult decision: either cease the service of alcohol or close the doors on their dream. Ultimately Mr. Liberty sold his half to Mr. Besaw, who introduced simple and delicious home cooking once he was the sole proprietor. Prohibition was repealed in 1916 and Besaw's was granted the first liquor license in the state of Oregon. The cafe quickly became the most popular meeting place in the neighborhood, with a reputation for a pleasant drink, a scrumptious meal and lively conversation. Today, this remains Besaw's recipe for success. You can still sit at the same elbow-rippled mahogany bar that's quenched the thirst of so many since the turn of the century. Guests still come across the same kind, attentive service found 100 years ago. When you want a dining experience that pleases your stomach and warms your heart, come to Besaw's.