Music Venues
Ten Depot Street
10 Depot Street
There has always been a restaurant at 10 Depot Street in La Grande, since the building was built as the ‘Oregon Hotel’ in 1908. Originally paired with a music studio and a cleaning and pressing shop, the then ‘New Home Restaurant’ only occupied a third of what the venue is now.
The nationally famous photographer, Minor White had a studio in the building and was known to comment on the “house of ill-repute” upstairs. The upstairs was a hotel until the VFW purchased the building in 1948 and began meeting there.
Ten Depot went through a few different restaurants before current owner, Sandy Sorrels, opened up “Ten Depot Street” (named after the address) – and remodeled it to reflect it’s original style. Ten Depot Street is the oldest music venue in La Grande – and some might say, the best we have.
The Art Center: at the Old Library
1006 Penn Avenue
In November of 1911, a petition with 160 signatures attached was presented to the LaGrande City Council requesting the establishment of a city library. A resolution was passed, and in December of 1911 the council set aside and dedicated Lot 1, Block 66, Chaplin’s Addition, where the present art center now stands, for future use as the Public Library.
On February 10th, 1913, the Carnegie Corporation informed the library board it would make a donation of $12,500 for the construction of a library building. An ordinance was then passed accepting the gift from the Carnegie Corporation. The library moved out in 2006, and the art center took over soon thereafter.
The mission of the Union County Art & Culture Center [a.k.a. Art Center: at the Old Library] is to establish a self supporting facility for Union County that enriches and celebrates cultural diversity, heritage and the arts. With over 225 ft of wall space featuring year round exhibitions of local and regional artists, 1000 sq ft dance floor, ceramics studio with pottery wheels and a new electric kiln (Courtesy of Community Bank), drawing and painting studio, an ever growing list of kids and adult art classes, special events including: Annual Grande Gala, Retro Prom Dance, and Holiday Bazaar….the Art Center always has something going on.
Benchwarmers Pub & Grill
210 Depot Street
Benchwarmers is the second longest running bar in the Pacific Northwest and is a great place for food, drinks and a good time with friends. Currently looking to add it to La Grande’s historical landmarks to blend in with La Grande, Oregon’s Main Street Vision.
Generally catering to the sports crowd of La Grande and Eastern Oregon University, Benchwarmer’s Pub & Grill has been known to kick back some great music shows — an annual New Year’s Eve party with The Wasteland Kings and has hosted many other great music events.
Mt. Emily Ale House
1202 Adams Avenue
The building at 1202 Adams Avenue was built in 1900 and originally housed the U.S. National Bank. The original vault is even still intact in the basement! Since then, the building has housed two jewelry stores, a clothing store, and a lending corporation. The building was remodeled in 2008 and converted into a brewpub. The opening of Mt. Emily Ale House in February 2009 was the culmination of years of dreaming and months of planning. Jerry Grant has been home brewing since 1992 and graduated from the UC Davis Master Brewers Program in 2007.
The Stage Door Theatre
Part of the Liberty Theatre Project, a historic rehabilitation of La Grande’s earliest vaudeville and movie house. La Grande Main Street as well as a number of volunteers in various aspects of the community are working hard to bring back the Liberty Theatre. Since purchasing the building last year efforts have been made to start fundraising and building capital for the large investment needed to bring this theatre back to its glory. The store fronts have been filled with Music Direct and and EOU outlet store, while the back (alley entrance) is being used for a 60 seat, intimate theatre setting called “The Stage Door” Theatre. More information to come.
LG BREWSKIS
267 S. Main Street, Union, OR 97883
Located on Main Street in Union, Oregon, LG BREWSKIS resides in an 1870’s timber building on the Registry of Historic Places.
It’s a must for beer & wine lovers. Known for its extensive selection of Pacific Northwest Microbrews and Wines for such a small establishment.We have a small menu for food and usually have daily specials.
Whether a regular or out of town guest, everyone is greeted like an old friend from our quaint staff.
LG BREWSKIS has a proud tradition of entertainment that have become local favorites. Pool, Shuffleboard and more so come out and play.
