The Haul: Grants Pass's Culinary Masterpiece Where Art Meets Food
In the heart of Southern Oregon lies a culinary gem that has redefined dining in Grants Pass. The Haul, owned and crafted by artist-turned-chef John Connor, stands as a testament to what happens when artistic vision meets culinary passion. This isn't just another restaurant in Grants Pass—it's a living, breathing sculpture where every detail, from the handcrafted tables to the fire-kissed pizzas, tells a story of craftsmanship and soul.
A Sculptor's Vision Brought to Life in Downtown Grants Pass
Walking into The Haul in downtown Grants Pass feels like entering an art gallery where you can eat. John Connor, the creative force behind this establishment, has built nearly everything you see—from the countertops to the lampshades, the tables to the neon signs. "It is a sculpture, like a living breathing sculpture," Connor explains, and you can feel that intention in every corner of the space.
The centerpiece of this culinary studio is a 6,000-pound pizza oven imported from Naples, made with ash from Mount Vesuvius. This isn't just kitchen equipment; it's the heart of The Haul's identity—a fusion of Old World tradition and Southern Oregon spirit.
Fire-Kissed Perfection: The Art of Wood-Fired Cooking in Grants Pass
What sets The Haul apart in Grants Pass's growing food scene is its dedication to fire-kissed cooking. The massive oven isn't just for show—it's fired with madrone, a local hardwood that Connor considers part of Southern Oregon's terroir. "We actually smoke all our meats with madrone also," he shares. "I consider that our terroir, that's Southern Oregon."
This commitment to local flavor extends beyond just the wood they use. The Haul creates dishes that honor their ingredients rather than manipulating them. "We just kind of want to let the ingredients speak for themselves," Connor says. "I try not to manipulate things. I just try to take what their traits are and maybe elevate those points."
Pizza That Bridges New York and Naples, Served in Grants Pass
The pizza at The Haul deserves special mention. While initially described as "Neapolitan-inspired," Connor admits they're really New York-style pizzas—a nod to his East Coast roots. "Growing up in New York, I mean, there's a pizza place on every corner, maybe three," he recalls. "I was really fortunate to have really good coal and wood-fired pizza."
What makes their pizzas stand out in Grants Pass is the attention to detail. Their dough undergoes cold fermentation, developing a light lactic sourness similar to sourdough. This unique fermentation process is specifically designed for their 750-degree wood-fired oven, creating a perfect canvas for their innovative toppings.
Beyond Traditional: Culinary Innovation in Southern Oregon
The Haul doesn't just repeat familiar formulas—innovation is at the core of their culinary philosophy. Take their Hawaiian pizza, for example. Instead of traditional ham and pineapple, they use house-smoked tasso (a Louisiana-style smoked ham) paired with pickled pineapple. The result is a complex flavor profile where smokiness meets sweet-sour notes in perfect harmony.
Another standout is their hot honey pepperoni pizza with candied jalapeños—a brilliant balance of heat, sweetness, and savory elements that showcases The Haul's creative approach to classic dishes.
More Than Just Pizza: Diverse Offerings for Every Palate
While pizza might be what first catches your attention at The Haul, Connor reveals a surprising fact: "We sell burgers more than anything else, straight up. Some say we have the best burger in town." This exemplifies The Haul's philosophy of creating a diverse menu that appeals to everyone in Grants Pass while maintaining exceptional quality across all offerings.
One of the most unique aspects of their menu is their tortilla program. "I'm really ecstatic about our tortilla program," Connor shares with evident pride. "I'm pretty sure we're the only restaurant in the state [doing this], and there's some really special stuff that's happening down here." Their Nixtamal tortillas, made through an ancient process of treating corn with lime, produce an authentic aroma that Connor describes poetically: "Every time I touch that tortilla and smell it, it smells like a cornfield."
The Custom Smoker: Another Sculpture Serving Flavor
The artistic expression at The Haul extends beyond the dining room to the custom-built smoker outside the restaurant. Described by Connor as "definitely a sculpture within itself" and "a real Ferrari as far as how it cooks," this smoker is yet another example of how craftsmanship enhances flavor at The Haul.
This dedication to building custom equipment shows Connor's holistic approach to restaurant ownership—understanding that the tools used to create food are as important as the ingredients themselves.
Part of a Vibrant Culinary Scene in Grants Pass, Oregon
The Haul doesn't exist in isolation but is a proud contributor to what Connor describes as an "extremely vibrant" food scene in Grants Pass. "I think there's a lot of people here doing some amazing things," he notes. "I hope that The Haul has really contributed to that. I hope that we kind of did some things that really were a first and really push the limit of what we're capable of."
This spirit of innovation and community contribution has helped position Grants Pass as an emerging culinary destination in Southern Oregon, with The Haul leading the charge in combining artistic expression with food craftsmanship.
Where Art and Food Industries Converge
Connor draws fascinating parallels between the art and food industries. "In the food industry, it's very same with the art industry. A lot of us are pirates, you know, we're kind of the awkward eccentrics," he observes. This perspective informs his approach to both disciplines: "Our attention is mostly fixed on a sensitivity level of making, you know, whether it being in a kitchen or in a sculpture studio, they're both shops to me... a carving spoon is the same as a knife."
This unified vision of creativity—seeing no boundaries between culinary arts and other forms of artistic expression—gives The Haul its unique character among Grants Pass restaurants.
Creating Connections Through Culinary Craft
At its core, The Haul is about connection. "Customers are what it's about, that's why we do it," Connor emphasizes. "It's like to just have some kind of connection to somebody, like create something and hopefully someone not just only enjoys it but feels connected to it."
This desire to forge meaningful connections through food drives everything at The Haul—from the handcrafted interior to the meticulously prepared dishes. It's not just about feeding people; it's about creating an experience that resonates on a deeper level.
Experience The Haul: A Must-Visit Destination in Grants Pass
For visitors to Grants Pass, Oregon, The Haul represents more than just a meal—it's an immersion into a space where culinary artistry, craftsmanship, and local flavor converge. Located in downtown Grants Pass, it offers a dining experience that can't be replicated elsewhere because it's built on one artist-chef's unique vision and the specific terroir of Southern Oregon.
Whether you're drawn to their wood-fired pizzas, famous burgers, or innovative takes on traditional dishes, The Haul delivers quality and creativity in equal measure. Each visit offers something new to discover, as Connor has "no interest in repeating" himself artistically or culinarily.
Pushing Culinary Boundaries in Southern Oregon
Looking to the future, Connor expresses hope that The Haul can "keep pushing those limits" of what's possible in Grants Pass's food scene. This forward-thinking approach ensures that The Haul will continue to evolve and surprise, maintaining its position at the cutting edge of Southern Oregon's culinary landscape.
For locals and visitors alike, The Haul represents the exciting possibilities that emerge when boundaries between disciplines dissolve. It stands as proof that world-class culinary experiences can be found in smaller cities like Grants Pass when passionate creators commit to excellence and authenticity.
Visit The Haul in Grants Pass
The Haul is more than a restaurant—it's a destination that showcases the best of what Grants Pass, Oregon has to offer. From its handcrafted interior to its fire-kissed cuisine, every aspect reflects John Connor's artistic vision and culinary passion.
For an unforgettable dining experience that embodies the creative spirit of Southern Oregon, make The Haul a must-visit on your Grants Pass itinerary. Discover firsthand how the fusion of art and food creates something truly special in this vibrant corner of Oregon.
The Haul
Website: https://www.thehaulgp.com/
Location: Downtown Grants Pass, Oregon
Experience handmade, fire-kissed cuisine with a soul—where every dish is a masterpiece and every visit tells a new story.