By Rebecca Wallis
Newberg, OR – October 9, 2025
Family-owned bar brings Western flair, live music, and hearty comfort food to downtown Newberg.
Downtown Newberg has a new place to eat, drink, and dance. Bronco Kelly’s soft opened its doors on September 27 at 720 E 1st Street, and is now celebrating its grand opening weekend, October 9–11, with live music, hearty meals, and a warm Western atmosphere for the whole community.
Owned and operated by Kel and Kelly Koch and their three adult children, Bronco Kelly’s is the newest venture from the family behind Cabinet Cures (Sherwood) and Cool Classic Rides. Lifelong entrepreneurs, the Kochs have turned a long-envisioned dream into reality: a place where friends, families, and neighbors can enjoy good food, music, and connection.
“We wanted a fun, nice, safe, clean place to go — somewhere you can grab a drink, have something to eat, listen to music, and dance,” said Kel Koch.
The couple, who recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, met as teenagers in Redmond, Oregon. Kelly, affectionately nicknamed Bronco Kelly after his rodeo days, inspired the bar’s name.
“I used to sit on a fence and laugh while watching his arms and legs go flying every which way as he got bucked off horses all summer,” recalls Kel. “I learned a lot of interesting cuss words that year — I’m pretty sure he made some of them up.”
The family has lived on Chehalem Mountain above Newberg for more than 20 years in a house Bronco Kelly built himself. “Did he know how to build a house? Nope,” Kel joked. “But his famous last words have always been, ‘How hard can it be?’”
A Family Legacy
The Kochs’ three children were all hands-on in bringing Bronco Kelly’s to life, making it a true family affair.
“Nothing is more important to us than our family,” said Kel. “We love being in business with our kids and working toward leaving them a legacy.”
Good Food, Great Vibe
The Menu at Bronco Kelly’s puts a Western spin on comfort food, featuring Burnt End Nachos, Bourbon Honey BBQ Naked Wings, and the Cowboy Steak Salad. Guests can choose from hand-crafted burgers, ribs, and signature cocktails like The Lariat, Cactus Jack, and Bunkhouse Lemonade, with a rotating dessert menu rounding out the experience.
With a perfect 5.0-star rating on Google, locals are already calling Bronco Kelly’s “the kind of night you don’t forget” and “exactly what Newberg needed.”
“The vibe was awesome, the energy was high,” one review reads. “We’re already excited for many more visits — especially Bike Nights!”
Grand Opening Weekend
Don’t miss the grand opening celebration kicking off tonight with a lineup that’s sure to keep the dance floor packed. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early!
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Thursday, October 9: DJ Wild Tim spins the tunes to get the party started.
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Friday, October 10: Live performance by Jacob Westfall ($5 cover).
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Saturday, October 11: Close out the weekend with Motel Kalifornia ($10 cover).
Whether you come for the music, the food, or the atmosphere, it’s a weekend Newberg won’t want to miss.
Hours and Highlights
Bronco Kelly’s is open Tuesday through Saturday, 3 PM–12 AM, offering live music, dancing, pool tables, and special events. Minors are welcome until 7 PM, making it a family-friendly spot early in the evening and a lively venue for adults later on.
Whether you stop in for dinner, a cocktail, or a night of live entertainment, Bronco Kelly’s promises a good time — and a warm welcome.
Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File
[Photo: Kel and Kelly Koch with patrons during soft opening.]
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