Tea House - Troutdale

Being able to stroll up to the bar, order a drink (in a plastic cup, of course one broken glass here barefoot swimmers bad time) and saunter back into the pool for a soak in a warm salt bath, is phenomenal. Whoever dreamed up this idea was a genius, or an alcoholic. Likely both. Kudos to him, either way!

This is the best bar on the entire property. I am partial to Vodka, so my bias may not lead you on the journey you expect. That being said, this bar is located connected to the pool at McMenamins. The bartender of this tiny establishment serves through the window into the pool, and to the patrons in the front. There is limited seating in here, and just a row of benches on one side. I would recommend getting a drink here before walking around the vast grounds, or while collecting stamps for your McMenamins Passport. THE DRINKS are the best part. I had a lemon, ginger, hibiscus tea and vodka something or another. It was excellent. This place is so charming and was a highlight of our stay at Edgefield. Everywhere my boyfriend and I walked people asked where we got our beverages. I am sure the bartender was BUSY after we left! Service with a smile and worth the wait for drinks! Don't expect it to be fast.... There is usually a person or two ahead of you. Slow down anyway. Enjoy the journey!

The soaking pool by the TEA HOUSE BAR is nothing short of ENCHANTING. I just wish I was not alone however it was fun watching another couple have fun with sweet kisses in the soaking pool. I ordered a lovely hot tea from the bar what a perfect way to wrap up a cool FALL evening with sprinkles. I will be back in the morning. I'm so relaxed. How magical:

This little bar is a GEM. I think our bartender was 90% of the 5 stars. He knew his alcohol and made a great drink for me. He was funny, engaging and he was all around a great guy. We hadn't planned on sitting and enjoying a drink there, but he was so cool we couldn't help but stay. I feel like a jerk for not knowing his name but he was a tall guy with a marvelous beard and we saw him Thursday night, 1/3/2019, and for management's knowledge this guy needs to be in this bar as often as he likes but at a bar every night in Edgefield. He is fantastic. He made our evening and got us engaged in a great conversation. We chatted politics, economy and the soaking pool. It was my favorite bar on the property and he way definitely our favorite bartender. I suck so bad that I forgot his name though!!! But I hope with the date and time management can recognize him for his attitude and hard work. Oh and very random side comment, there was this citrus smell in the bar that was heavenly. It was so nice to sit in there with that scent.

McMenamins has some small bars. Little cigar bars with outside seating at the larger properties. The Little Red Shed on the other side of the Hotel is like that. I like them for the bonfires at night. This is the smallest I have seen. It seats maybe 4 people with a bench out front that could seat a couple more. The real action here is out the back window. This is where the bartender's supply drinks to the hotel and spa guests using the soaking pool. Its the biggest of the McMenamins soaking pools. It meanders along with islands in the middle. There is a bridge in the middle. The islands and surroundings are lush plantings. The pool is warm with fountain sculptures looking like odd flowers. There is even a small shelter to protect your cloths if it rains. This is what makes this little bar great. Because it makes the pool even better.