The town of Goble is small, the locals will tell you how small. On most days, if you ask the population of Goble, Lenny the bartender will count down the bar and tell you "You're looking at them".
My Husband and I (David & Betty) first heard of the Goble Tavern from a trip to Vernonia Days. On hearing of this cool little place that welcomed music and musicians alike; we couldn't resist making a stop.
Goble is located on State Highway 30 between St. Helens and Rainier, on your way from Portland to Astoria. Just a few yards off the Columbia River, there's only a small quantity of businesses; so you don't dare blink or you're likely to miss it.
We found on a sunny day, that the beer was cold and the folks quite warm and friendly...and that holds true to this day!
One new change with the renovation, the tavern is now Non-Smoking with smoking areas easily accessible. With the Oregon 's Smokefree Workplace Law going into affect in January, 2009. It is worth getting used to it now and avoid having to make a transsision when that time comes.
Lenny, a full time bartender at The Goble Tavern and local resident, can be found on some evenings jamming along with the bands on his harmonica, and Jerry, the previous owner, can easily be talked into impromptu guitar circles.
There is a special quality of "Old Tavern" that lives in the tiny hamlet of Goble. Old guitars and memorabilia adorn the walls there with a lot of assistance from items that wander in from the local residents and the now closed Antique Shop next door. (Antique shoppers...don't let that stop you, there are many more shops to be found along Highway 30). All that is seen lends to the amazement and darting eyes of all customers.
Even those that frequent the Goble Tavern are constantly searching to see the new items to be viewed. This often spurring conversations; such as, ... "What the hell is that thing? ....A sprocket?" "...A gear?" ...A socket?" "I Give Up....Someone tell me! or..."LOOK...here comes Jerry...I don't care how big that door is...it ISN'T going to fit!"
After a few visits to Goble, we'd heard a rich array of stories and history of the old town of Goble and the Goble Tavern.
