Road Trip: Classic Coast Food

February 11, 2016
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From Astoria to Brookings, the Oregon Coast offers 363 miles of jaw-dropping coastline and natural beauty — sandy beaches, scenic viewpoints and quaint waterfront towns. But the Coast also serves up a host of culinary gems. Don’t miss the best chowder, fish and chips, craft beer and world famous hot dogs along Highway 101.

Bowpicker Fish & Chips, Astoria: Look for the old fishing trawler across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, and you’ll have found Bowpicker Fish & Chips. Steaming hot pieces of beer-battered albacore tuna are served up with thick steak fries, malt vinegar and tartar sauce.

Bread and Ocean, Manzanita: The air hangs thick inside this tiny bakery with the smell of fresh bread — pumpernickel, polenta honey and potato rosemary leek, just to name a few. But there’s more on offer from sweet, sticky cardamom rolls to gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads. Grab a seat or pack a picnic.

Pelican Pub & Brewery, Pacific City: The Coast has more than a dozen excellent craft breweries, but you can’t beat Pelican for the view. Tucked away along OR-6 in the little town of Pacific City, the beachside pub affords amazing views of Haystack Rock and surfers catching waves. Try the Kiwanda Cream Ale, which won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014.

Local Ocean Seafoods, Newport: Looking for the freshest catch of the day? Look no further than Local Ocean on Newport’s Bayfront. The restaurant dishes out such favorites as seared king salmon, fish tacos and Yaquina Bay oysters. The menu at the retail fish market will name the fish and the boat it came in on, which is most likely docked across the street in the marina.

Mo’s Restaurant, Florence: A trip down the Coast wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Mo’s. Mo’s creamy, hot clam chowder has been an institution for more than 70 years. A hot bowl of chowder, oyster stew or seafood cioppino always hits the spot. You can also find Mo’s in Newport, Otter Rock, Lincoln City and Cannon Beach, and house recipes on the website.

Face Rock Creamery and Coastal Mist Chocolates, Bandon: It can’t be helped. Bandon calls for two stops. First, the award-winning handmade cheddar cheeses at Face Rock Creamery. Try a sample of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar or squeaky cheese curds while watching the cheese makers at work. Just down the road, pull up a chair at the bar at Coast Mist Chocolates for a tasting flight of drinking chocolates and caramels or handmade European-style caramels, truffles or cordials.

Langlois Market, Langlois: Blink and you’ll miss this little town (pop. 177). Stop in at the little Langlois Market, established in 1949, for its “World Famous” hot dog. The classic comes loaded with homemade mustard, pickles and jalepeños or onions. Or try the Super Dog — cheese, pickles, onions, mustard and mayo — or the Chili Dog, smothered in spicy chili.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.