OMAR’S
Standing the Test of Time
Story By Lisa Manyon
Photos By Ezra Marcos
Omar’s Fresh Seafood & Steaks stands as a testament to enduring quality and community spirit. Established in 1946 by Omer and Hazel Hill, this iconic establishment holds the distinction of being Ashland’s oldest restaurant and its first public cocktail lounge.
The Hills’ vision was clear: to create a welcoming space offering high-quality steaks and chicken. Their commitment bore fruit, and over the decades, Omar’s became more than just a dining spot, it evolved into a cherished community hub eventually offering seafood.
Jennifer Sink, the current owner, embodies the restaurant’s spirit. Beginning her journey at Omar’s as a cocktail server 22 years ago, she climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the sole proprietor. Her dedication is evident in the traditions she upholds, from annual Southern Oregon University alumni gatherings to serving Ashland High School football teams before homecoming games.
“Omar’s is an old school fine dining steak and seafood restaurant,” Jen said. “We make everything from scratch, including our dressings, gravies, and soups. We have a sports lounge for the football, baseball, soccer, track, tennis, hockey fans, as well as a more intimate dining room setting. We pride ourselves on great food at a reasonable price (which is getting harder to accomplish). Carrying on in the Omar’s tradition, we are not fast food. We are a scratch kitchen, meaning everything is made to order. We hope that when people dine with us, they enjoy great drinks, friendly service, and an amazing meal made fresh just the way they ordered it.”
In these fast-paced times, it’s nice to know that some things stand the test of time. Like real menus, table service, and friendly staff. Omar’s menu and décor reflect its commitment to quality and tradition. From its renowned steaks and seafood to the beloved Sunday “Throwback Burger and Fries” special, the offerings cater to both longtime patrons and newcomers. They currently offer ten-dollar lunch specials that can be enjoyed in the bar or dining area.
“Our traditional classic meals are on our main menu; we introduce new items on our daily specials. We also encourage our clientele to share their family tradition meals and we will see how they sell. This is how the ‘Toad in the Hole’ was selected from a contest winner.”
Jen shared that her favorite menu item is by far the Steamer Clams. She notes that the most popular dishes are Halibut Parmesan when in season, Prime Rib every Saturday night. The menu boasts many favorites including filet mignon, fish and chips, jerked chicken, chicken Alfredo and more. Omar’s offers full cocktail service, rotating taps and a wine list featuring Oregon and California wines and some sparkling options, too.
As Omar’s approaches its 80th anniversary, it remains a beacon of consistency in a rapidly changing world, a place where history, community, and culinary excellence converge. Omar’s plans to celebrate by offering specials for their 80th anniversary. They will kick off on Monday November 2 with a “Throwback Menu” of items that were offered in 1946. This will include a meatloaf lunch on Tuesday for only $1.80. On Wednesday November 5, it’s Flip Night where you can choose Parmesan Halibut or Prime Rib, flip a coin and if you win the toss you only pay $.80 per dinner. On Thursday the 6th, you can enjoy happy hour all day.
When I asked Jen how she sees the restaurant’s role in Ashland’s evolving culinary scene, she didn’t miss a beat and shared, “Omar’s will remain a classic steak house, with servers who come to your table (not ordering from your phone or at a kiosk), and we will continue to be a scratch kitchen, not cutting corners to save a buck. We will continue to be a local watering hole, well known for our great food and service at an affordable price.”
Omar’s has a rich history with many families creating memories over the years. From people meeting their spouse, to thousands of birthday parties, anniversaries, and celebrations of life.
Jen elaborated, “Omar’s is the first Public House in Ashland. When we opened, we were a chicken and steak house, now more fish and seafood. It was diner style until the president of SOU (SOC at the time) asked the Hills to open a public lounge due to so many students getting in accidents over the Siskiyou Pass.”
Jen shared more stories, including how Mastodon bones were found while excavating to build Omar’s on a natural spring. The bones can be found at SOU. Omar’s also has one of the last neon signs in Ashland, complimenting the retro décor.
After years of stewardship, Sink decided to list Omar’s for sale, seeking a successor who would continue contributing, even if just a few nights a week. Jen says, “With being a single mom, it’s hard to have a proper work-life balance. I had decided to put it on the market in hopes of freeing up time up to spend with my two teenage daughters as well as focus on Horse Haven Trails, a second business I started during COVID. If I were to sell, my hope is to find someone who would honor and uphold Omar’s traditions, long standing reputation and love the rich history.”
Jen’s vision for Omar’s isn’t her only passion. Horse Haven Trails was born during 2020. Drawing from her love of horses, she’s created an opportunity for the community to experience lessons, trail rides, summer camps, after school programs, and birthday parties. She is in the process of establishing Horse Haven Trails as a nonprofit and plans to offer Veterans programs, Girl Scout Troop activities, home school enrichment programs, senior visits, grief support groups, programs for special needs kids, outreach for high-risk teens, horse experiences for foster children, and addiction recovery groups. Donations are greatly appreciated.
“My oldest daughter is graduating from high school this year and will be attending SOU,” Jen says. “She has taken over the private riding lessons while I focus on getting the nonprofit part of the business going. My other daughter is an aspiring actress at Ashland High School.”
You can learn more about Jen’s passion project, Horse Haven Trails at www.HorseHavenTrails.com.
Omar’s Restaurant
1380 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland
541-482-1281
www.OmarsRestaurant.com
