The Oregon Coast is a destination full of pure natural beauty encompassing the pacific ocean’s many wonders and rugged shoreline. Providing many activities from fishing and crabbing, hiking along the coastal mountains and beaches, to whale watching and combing for shells. There is never a dull moment on the coast, and chances are, if you find yourself driving along the Oregon Coast Highway 101, whether it be from Astoria to Brookings, you’re in for a treat. Unfortunately, it might not be a free fishing trip, but the next best thing happens to be the local restaurants serving fresh food from partnerships with local farmers and fishermen.
After all nothing says healthy eating like eating fresh Coastal food, so here are a few of our top picks on local restaurants along Hwy 101 starting in Astoria.
Astoria
Bowpicker fish & chips
Owned by Ron and Linda, the Bowpicker is a popular destination among locals and visitors alike. It is notable for its unique building; a sea-weathered gillnet boat, dry-docked across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum. They serve mouth-watering fish and chips; Albacore tuna that is lightly beer-battered and fried topped with steak fries. The catch, it is their only menu option; however, you can bet that they use the freshest Albacore tuna caught locally.
1634 Duane St., Astoria, OR, 503-791-2942, bowpicker.com. 11 am/ish – closing (dependent on weather. Check their twitter for the latest updated hours)
Garibaldi
Portside Bistro
A local favorite in Tillamook county happens to be the Garibaldi Portside Bistro. Located in the Port of Garibaldi, the Bistro has expanded and undergone renovations to improve not only its menu but service to customers. With a Le Cordon Bleu-trained Master Chef, Dennis Cavitt, you can bet you’re getting the best food around. They even happen to be big supporters of using local ingredients and the freshest of seafood. Some of their biggest hits happen to be their smoked meats, custom burgers, and desserts. They have been closed for some time now due to COVID, but they are scheduled to reopen on March 17th!
307 Mooring Basin Dr., Garibaldi, OR, 503-842-9148 portsidebistro.com, (Hours vary)
Tillamook
The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge
Tucked away in Netarts Bay is another local favorite in Tillamook, the Schooner Restaurant & Lounge. With a large patio, outside fire pit, and multiple views of the bay, visiting The Schooner is a must. They use various fresh local ingredients from seafood such as Netarts oysters to milk from local dairy farms. In addition to hosting live music events periodically throughout the year.
2065 Netarts Basin Boat Road, Netarts, OR, 503-815-9900, theschooner.net. 12 PM – 8 PM Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12 PM – 10 PM Fridays – Sundays, Closed Mondays
Depoe Bay
Gracie’s Sea Hag
Nearly 58 years ago, Gracie Strom founded Gracie’s sea hag restaurant in Depoe Bay. Since then, it has been labeled as having some of the best fish and chips and award-winning Clam Chowder on the coast. Only using the finest and freshest local cuisine, specifically seafood. The best part about Gracie’s happens to be that it overlooks the “world’s smallest harbor” with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
58 U.S. Highway 101, Depoe Bay, OR, 541-765-2734, theseahag.com. 11 am-7pm. 7 days a week.
Newport
Local Ocean Seafoods
A favorite in Newport, this business is a combination of a restaurant and fish market. They are big on sustainability and only use local, organic produce as well as certified organic wines. You can also guarantee that they’ll have no shortage of fresh seafood. With a fantastic view of the bay, this place is a top destination for sure.
213 SE Bay Blvd, Newport, OR, 541-574-7959, localocean.net, 11 am – 8pm, 7 days a week
Florence
The Waterfront Depot
This unique restaurant is located in an old train station right near the mouth of the Siuslaw River. They are known for one of their most popular entrées, crab-encrusted Alaskan halibut, along with only using locally sourced produce from their very own garden.
1252 Bay St, Florence, OR, 541-902-9100, thewaterfrontdepot.com, 12 PM- 8 PM, 7 days a week
Brookings
Catalyst Seafood
This little gem happens to be located down in the Brookings harbor. They offer a variety of sustainable, seasonal, locally caught seafood. With numerous reviews and a great view both inside and out, This restaurant is one where you’ll be eating like a captain.
16182 Lower Harbor Rd, Brookings, OR, catalystseafood.com, 11 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week
Green Eats 