Whenever I walk into a new bar, I try to picture myself working there. If I have to lie on the counter to serve a burger or use a ladder to grab that special bottle of 1942 tequila, it’s a non-starter. The worst is having to play Twister with your co-workers just to reach the wine.

When I saw the custom-designed bar at The Watering Hole at 9|North, Umatilla’s newest hangout, I was bowled over. It is one of the best bar designs I’ve seen in forty years of service. And trust me, when you’re busy and trying to serve 20 thirsty people at once, every second counts. 

“The shape actually came from our engineer Adam,” says owner Jonathan Jennings. “It looked complicated, but our Corian expert Matt and our local builders made it happen.”

Jonathan’s wife, Jackie, oversaw the interior design and wanted the space to feel comfortable first and impressive second.

“Jonathan wanted a place where people could meet with friends,” Jackie says. “It’s not too fancy, but it sets a standard. Clean and beautiful, yet inviting.”

She leaned into the building’s original renderings rather than covering them up.

“We tried to connect it with Umatilla’s history,” she says. “It’s all very intentional, even down to the exposed brick and wall art.” 

She also chose jeans for the staff to maintain a grounded feel.

Bartender Kendra Kelly noticed it immediately when she came in for the job. 

“It’s so roomy that it’s easy to work with other bartenders when we’re busy,” she says. 

The taps sit directly behind the bar with local beers, rotating specials and ample garnish space.

“I built the place where I’d want to hang out, and we’re glad people are making it their place too,” Jonathan says. 

Worth the Wait! 9|North cooks their wings to order, so it takes extra time. By doing this, the skin crisps fully, the fat renders and the meat stays juicy, giving the wings a cleaner bite and sauce that actually clings.

Photos: Cindy Peterson