A Foodies Paradise: Castor Kitchen and Bar
Nestled near Central Park in downtown Corvallis, Castor Kitchen and Bar has carved out a unique niche in the local culinary scene. With a focus on seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, this gem of a restaurant artfully combines classic French techniques and Southern comfort to create a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming.
The name “Castor” is Latin, French, and Spanish for Beaver. Not only is Oregon the “Beaver State” but Oregon State University’s mascot is Benny Beaver. This name not only reflects Castor’s focus on local ingredients and Northwest cuisine, but it also hints at French influences and techniques used by Executive Chef Danielle Lewis and her team.
We frequently recommend Castor Kitchen and Bar to our guests since it is one of the local restaurants that Alexandra Eder of Fernwood Circle Guest Houses frequents. We connected with Castor’s General Manager Evan Deffenbacher who offered insights into their vision and what makes it unique.
He told us, “We like to think we have the food and beverage content of a fancy restaurant with the welcoming, friendly vibe of hanging at a friend’s house. In short, It’s the kind of place we’d like to go and eat at.”
This gets to the heart of what impresses us about Castor. As a hospitality professional, Alexandra appreciates the charming environment and experience Evan and the team behind Castor created. She also loves the commitment to quality ingredients consistently prepared well.
Castor’s Approach to Cuisine: Fusing the Best of the Northwest, France, & Beyond
Castor’s menu changes with the season. All photos courtesy of Castor Kitchen and Bar.
Castor’s approach to cuisine is centered around using local, seasonal, and sustainably harvested and foraged products. Executive Chef Danielle Lewis and the team draw inspiration from a mix of cuisines, held together with classic French techniques and a dose of Southern comfort.
Evan explained, “when we opened this place, we took inspiration from a few of our favorite restaurants. We have always been very particular about the quality of product we use and keeping things fresh, local and seasonal was priority one. Equally important was keeping it approachable to everyone and not getting too caught up in being a ‘fancy’ restaurant.”
Castor’s website states part of its mission is to support local, organic, and sustainable farmers, foragers, harvesters, fishermen, brewers, and winemakers. The menu makes use of each season’s bounty and celebrates the flavors and textures of the Pacific Northwest.
Popular Menu Items at Castor: Changes With the Seasons
When you visit a restaurant for the first time, you probably want to try some of the most popular items. According to Evan, “Our most popular food item has always been our Filet Mignon Entrée as well as our Shrimp and Grits.”
A few other favorites include their Fried Shrimp, Steak Frites, and the daily seafood selection.
“We can’t forget about our house-punched Pommes Frites,” Evan added, “They’re literally just French Fries but prepared in the fancy French method. They’re pretty special.”
The attention to detail that elevates the common “French fry” is exactly what we and Fernwood Circle guests enjoy. It doesn’t stop with the food, the commitment to craft and ingredients also extends to Castor’s bar.
“When it comes to cocktails, our house Old Fashioned has been our most popular cocktail since we opened our doors in 2017,” said Evan.
Cozy and Relaxing Ambience
Castor Kitchen and Bar’s decor and ambiance can be described as homey, and inviting. The interior is adorned with an abundance of house plants for a cozy atmosphere that reflects its commitment to showcasing the best of the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal ingredients.
“Our approach to hospitality follows suit with a friendly and welcoming vibe between our staff and guests,” Evan explained, “We aim for a “friends in our house” as opposed to a “customers in our business” feel.”
The overall ambiance at Castor is one of comfort and genuine hospitality, making it an ideal destination for a memorable meal with friends and family.
Accommodating Dietary Needs and Preferences
We know the challenge of traveling when you have food allergies or other dietary needs. We asked Evan to describe Castor’s approach to honoring their guests’ needs and preferences.
“We see that the folks with dietary restrictions or preferences are typically under served when it comes to options in restaurants,” he explained. “We’ve made it a priority to keep our menu largely gluten free. Our deep fryer in particular never sees gluten and we opt for rice flour where applicable to keep things GF.”
He explained that most of Castor’s menus have been at least 80% to 90% gluten-free by default. In addition, vegetarians will also always find something delicious to enjoy.
“We always keep a vegetarian entree on the dinner menu and a vegetable sandwich for lunch. Vegan can be a little trickier for us but we’re always happy to do what we can to accommodate folks.”
If you are not sure whether a menu item is appropriate for your needs, feel free to ask your server. Also, feel free to ask about substitutions.
“Since most things are prepared to order we have a lot of flexibility in working with people’s restrictions,” said Evan.
We recommend Castor to Fernwood Circle guests since our experience dining there was nothing short of exceptional. The relaxed vibe of the place immediately puts you at ease, making you feel right at home. The food at Castor is well-prepared, delicious, and served with a level of care that speaks volumes about their commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience.
Castor perfectly encapsulates what we strive for at Fernwood Circle Guest Houses– a comfortable, high-quality experience that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Enjoying a Relaxed Yet Premium Experience While Visiting Corvallis
We chose to feature Castor Kitchen and Bar because they offer a delicious meal, good hospitality, and attention to quality that our guests appreciate. At Fernwood Circle Guest Houses, we also strive to offer our guests a premium yet relaxing experience. When looking for a place to stay, the easiest option may be to use a booking platform like VRBO or Airbnb. As an Airbnb Superhost and VRBO Premium Host, Alexandra Eder delivers a high-quality guest experience consistently. In addition, she is a licensed property manager, a long-time Corvallis community member, and a seasoned world traveler.
By booking directly through Fernwood Circle Guest Houses, you receive a personalized guest experience and save money on third-party platform booking fees. This also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the community, including specific restaurants or activities you may enjoy.
If you are planning a visit to Corvallis or to the greater Willamette Valley, be sure to check Fernwood Circle Guest Houses for available short stay or extended-stay accommodation.
Fernwood Circle Guest Houses include comfortable dining and food preparation areas.
