With theater season starting back up, the Rogue Valley will once again become a major destination for locals and visitors alike to spend a night out on the town and catch some world-class plays and performances. But what night out to the theater is really complete without a nice meal at one of the many local restaurants in the valley? To help you find the best culinary opening act to your next show, here are suggestions near the theaters in Ashland, Medford, and Grants Pass.

Ashland:

Smithfield Pub and Pies
Address: 23 S 2nd St, Ashland
Phone: (541) 482-7437
Hours: Noon – Midnight Daily

If you’re going out to enjoy some 16th century English-based theater, may as well commit to the theme and stop by Smithfield Pub and Pies. Here, you can really get yourself in an English state of mind with a traditional cask ale and meat pie in a laid-back pub setting.

Standing Stone
Address: 101 Oak St, Ashland
Phone: (541) 482-2448
Hours: 11a m-Midnight Daily

Located just a block from Ground Zero of OSF, Standing Stone is a restaurant-brewery that is both convenient and offers a wide appeal, from wood fired pizza to locally sourced “One Mile” burgers and smoked salmon salad.

Agave
Address: 92 N. Main
Phone: (541) 488-1770
With stylish and substantive Mexican food, Agave is a sure-bet. And, while that second margarita wouldn’t help you understand Shakespeaere’s Olde English any better, it will make the Bard a whole lot funnier!

Medford:

Elements Tapas Bar and Grill
Address: 101 E Main St, Medford
Phone: (541) 779-0135
Hours: 4 pm-Midnight Sunday-Thursday, 4 pm-1 am Friday-Saturday

Elements Tapas Bar and Grill is an authentic tapas grill just like one you would find in Andalucia. Spanish style tapas consist of multiple small, shareable plates that are enjoyed communally and paired with a drink, perhaps a glass of Spanish tempranillo.

Porter’s
Address: 147 N Front St, Medford
Phone: (541) 857-1910
Hours: 5 pm-10 pm Daily

Traditional American steakhouse in a renovated train station; fine dining, upscale, yet affordable pub grub. I recommend coming for the “Get Giddy” happy hour specials from 4 – 6 in the afternoon, where delicious small plates come for under $4 with a drink.

Grants Pass:

Musashi Sushi Bar
Address: 314 SE H St, Grants Pass
Phone: (541) 955-8848
Hours: Closed Sunday-Monday, 11:30 am-8:30 pm Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm Friday-Saturday

Fresh and authentic, Musashi Sushi Bar is the best place in Grants Pass for traditional rolls (such as the locally famous JD roll), sashimi, or teriyaki. Set in a comfortable and social atmosphere, a great opening act for the evening.

The Haul Gastropub
Address: 121 SW H St, Grants Pass
Phone: (541) 474-4991
Hours: 11:30 am-10 pm Sunday, 11:30 am-9 pm Monday, Closed Tuesday, 11:30 am-10 pm Wednesday-Thursday, 11:30 am-11 pm Friday-Saturday

The Haul brings the popular gastropub genre to Grants Pass, combining the laid-back atmosphere of a pub with affordable food made from quality ingredients; like a rom-com, it is the best of both worlds!