The Watershed is an Oregon City family-owned café located in the heart of downtown Main Street. We welcome all folks to our beloved café as a ‘third place’, where you’ll find breakfast and lunch favorites created by blending locally sourced ingredients with our favorite recipes. From our cocktails to our espresso beverages, we select seasonal flavor profiles that highlight the best the Pacific NW has to offer. 

Why did we name the Cafe & Bistro the Watershed? 

Oregon City sits at one of the most historic watersheds in the Pacific NW, directly alongside Willamette Falls, originally known as Tumwata Falls by the indigenous tribes who call this area their homeland. This watershed sustained life for the growing Willamette Valley, from plants to animals, fish and people. Communities came together to trade, fish and hold celebrations that were important to cultural and spiritual traditions. Oregon City is also the first incorporated city west of the Mississippi River, and the literal End of the Oregon Trail. The Watershed Cafe & Bistro is a tie back to the roots of the land, the people, and the symbiotic relationship to the water. This is a place for nourishment, creativity, restoration and celebration.

Our Vision

We envision the Watershed as a place where everyone feels welcome to enjoy delicious and memorable food and drinks that bring people together. Whether you live in Oregon City or you’re passing through for a visit, you’re welcome here as part of our Watershed.

Our Mission

We are on a mission to provide a gathering ‘third place’ in downtown Oregon City with a community atmosphere, serving unique menu items and familiar favorite meals you can enjoy while you work, study or hang out with friends and family or grab some nourishment to go.

Our Values

• Respect. We are grateful for our community who choose to support our local business and are especially respectful of our staff. It takes dedication to work in the service industry, pouring body, mind and creativity into a workday, all while interacting with people minute by minute. We respect the skill and effort necessary for our employees to come to work every day and show up to be the best version of themselves. This respect leads us to prioritizing a cost structure that supports a living wage and providing benefits that support the whole person.

• Community. We believe everyone in our community deserves a place to feel welcome and be nourished. This is our collective space, and we invite respectful individuals to make our café their ‘third place.’

• Locally Sourced. We make every effort to support local farmers, growers and small business owners. The Pacific Northwest is a bountiful resource, from trees, fruit and plants to animals and fish, and our goal is to make the best use of our natural resources here at home.

• Responsibility. We believe we are part of a watershed, and we take care of the community members around us. A portion of our proceeds are donated to the Portland-Metro area nonprofits who focus on housing and homelessness services.

• Creativity. We believe in quality food and drinks made with intentionality and inspiration. Our menu reflects who we are as a family, combining our experiences and passions together to bring guests seasonal rotating surprises and favorite mainstays that draw you back again and again.