Pop’s Branding Iron: A Nice Place for Family and Friends

There is a log building at 901 Pacific Blvd on the corner of Pacific Boulevard and Madison Street in Albany. There you will find one of the most interesting restaurants in this part of the state. The food at Pop's Branding Iron is as hearty as its decor, with a history as interesting as its customers.

 The BLT sandwich with a side of clam chowder makes for a satisfying lunch, and at $5.95 for the sandwich and $2 for the cup of chowder, it will also satisfy your wallet. The "Hired Ham" hamburger,(despite the funny name), also with clam chowder is just as filling. The hamburger and cup of chowder meal is also $7.95.

BLT Sandwich

The BLT was nicely toasted with fresh tasting ingredients that were nice and crisp. The fries were hot, lightly crispy and lightly seasoned. The clam chowder was quite good considering the restaurant is about 80 miles from the nearest coast line. My wife said that the "Hired Ham", hamburger was good, but there could have been more mushrooms. The waitress was very nice and asked us a least a couple of times how things were. We nodded with our mouths full and continued enjoying our meal. We aren't the only ones who like Pop's.

Kay Spencer posted on nowtown.com, "Pop's Branding Iron is the best place to eat in the valley. FANTASTIC!!! And you can enjoy great drinks with friends in their quaint saloon. We had a great experience, and will be back often!"

"Hired Ham" hamburger

InsiderPages.com has a review from Linda S.,""We have had breakfast at Pop's several times and have never been let down. Prices are good and portions are great. They give you very large plates of food!. Waitresses are nice and food is always hot."

I don't know of anywhere else in the Mid-Willamette Valley one can get a meal like this with this kind of price, service and environment at anytime of the day or night. 

People in the area have been coming to Pop's for years. Everyone from old men having their morning coffee and talking about the weather and politics to teens who just want to get out of the house for some Coke, french fries, and company.

Originally known as Scotty’s Inn, the restaurant was later called Pop’s Café and was a landmark for travelers on the old 99 Highway East. Owner, Pop Uken, was also known as a race horse breeder. During the off season Pop could commonly be found at the end of the counter telling stories of his horse racing ventures, according to nowtowns.com, and was filled with photos, ribbons, and trophies of his victories.

Courtesy of PBI

In 1964 Pop’s Café was purchased by Harold and Dolores Heuvel and Melvin and Julia Goode. In 1966 the restaurant was built as it is today. The lounge, called The Lariat Room, was opened three months later. Pop's,(as the locals call it), has a unique décor of the Old West with saloon type chandeliers for lighting fixtures, deer and elk mounted on the walls, old cowboy photos, as well as posters from old cowboy movies. For anyone who favors the country-western “lifestyle”, this will surely feel right at home.

Courtesy of PBI

Pop’s Branding Iron brags of seating for 70 in their main dining area and a banquet room that will hold 75. Today Susan Holman and Debbie McTimmonds, the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Heuvel, run the restaurant and have been since 2003 when Mr. Heuvel passed away, according to their My Space page. Ms. McTimmonds claims, “This is the type of restaurant a person can come to alone. Our staff and our regulars make you feel welcome. Our dad always said he wanted this to be a muddy shoe restaurant ... comfortable for someone just out of church or a guy getting off the night shift.” Pop's, however, isn't just for the lonely worker.

The restaurant is also known for catering to groups. Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Boys and Girls Clubs, and even church groups have meetings in their large banquet room.  Pop’s even has a place to wet your whistle, for those who would enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine with dinner, or just pop in for a beer with friends.

Even though Pop’s Branding Iron seems more famous for its breakfast menus, they do other an extensive lunch and dinner menu. They have an omelette for most every taste as well as several different burgers and sandwiches, and a very satisfying dinner menu. None of these Items are over $20, which makes it a great place for the family, or an after-party snack, or just a place for good comfort food.

If you are looking for a four star restaurant with the attitude to go with it, you won’t find it here. The food is fulfilling and the service is capable and friendly. Pop’s even offers Oregon lottery.


I found Pop’s Branding Iron to be a relaxing place for friends and family. The food and service makes for a delightful experience. Day or night, anyone can get anything on the menu. That makes Pop's unique place to go no matter what your schedule or the company you keep. The only problem I seen with the restaurant is on off hours they may under-estimate their waitress staff. This causes a little bit of a Wait to take your order. Other than that, no problem. I give Pop's Branding Iron four stars out of five.

At a glance;
Name: Pop's Branding Iron restaurant
Hours: Open 24 hours a day- seven days a week
Menu: American cuisine; breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu at any time.
Dress: Wear anything.
Features: A buffet, banquet seating, a lounge, take-out orders, and reservations accepted.
Price: Nothing over $20. Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or cash.

You can find Pop’s Branding Iron at 901 Pacific Blvd SE in Albany
 (541) 926-5755

* All images courtesy of Pop's Branding Iron.