This spring, Kel and I took an Oregon Coast road trip after a week in Seattle, and I'm still thinking about the food. It was my first visit to Oregon.
Over four days, we drove from Seattle to Portland, stopping to sample fresh seafood, cozy cafés, and craft cocktails along the coast. Here are the spots I'd recommend to anyone hungry for a similar adventure.
(photo by Kelly Lemons)
Places To Visit
Westport
The Berry Patch Restaurant
After 2.5 hours driving south on Interstate 5 in Washington state and west on Route 30 in Oregon, we made a pitstop at The Berry Patch Restaurant in Westport. Since 1993, the restaurant has been serving homemade pies to locals and passers-by, and selling bottles of jams, syrups, and butters.
Of the more than a dozen or so pies made daily, the marionberry stands out. A marionberry is a type of blackberry, specifically, a cultivar of the blackberry developed in Oregon. It's known for its deep, dark purple color and rich, complex flavor that's both sweet and tart.
We ordered a slice of the marionberry cream pie to share in the shop and two more pieces (marionberry and strawberry rhubarb) to take with us for dinner later that night in Cannon Beach. 49289 US-30, Westport, OR, berrypatchrestaurant.com.
Astoria
Thirty minutes later, we rolled into Astoria, a city on the Columbia River, and I was excited to see it given its role in one of my favorite 80s movies, "The Goonies."
Coffee Girl
Our first stop was Coffee Girl on Pier 39. The café is housed within the Hanthorn Cannery building, the oldest cannery on the West Coast.
It was late on a Sunday morning, and the place was packed with diners out to enjoy brunch. While we waited in line to order, I scanned the display case, which featured raspberry cream cheese bars, salted caramel butter bars, peach kuchen, and breakfast quiches.
Spring-themed lattes were another source of sugar; however, still stuffed from pie, I limited myself to a cappuccino. We sat by a window offering a view of massive shipping vessels on the river.
After finishing my coffee, we stepped outside on the back patio and could hear the barking of the local sea lions that congregate on nearby docks. 100 39th St, Astoria, OR, thecoffeegirl.com.
Fort George Brewery
Following a visit to Mikey's house from "The Goonies," lunch was in order. Astoria has no shortage of casual spots to grab a bite during an Oregon Coast road trip. I was drawn to Fort George Brewery's warehouse-style design and windows, which offer ample light and views of downtown Astoria.
Kel and I took a high-top table on the upper level, where pizza ovens burning Californian almondwood reach 600 to 650 F. We enjoyed the 12" Island Hopper (Canadian bacon, pineapple, mozzarella, marinara subbed for honey mustard, and hot honey) and took a few slices as leftovers.
Had we planned to spend the night in Astoria, I would have sampled some of their craft beers. Kel tried an elderberry and cranberry cider, but didn't care for it. 1483 Duane St, Astoria, OR, fortgeorgebrewery.com.
Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café
Blue Scorcher Bakery & Café in Astoria began in 2004 as the Bread Collective, a worker-owned and operated bakery collective.
They opened in the Fort George building in 2006, evolving into a formal, worker-owned (since 2012) artisan co-op. Today, they have over 40 staff serving organic, seasonal fare with cooperative values.
Following our pizza party, I ducked into Blue Scorcher in search of something sweet. I walked away with a Cosmos cookie, which was described to me as a little bit of everything. 1493 Duane St, Astoria, OR, bluescorcher.coop.
Cannon Beach
Once we'd finished sightseeing in Astoria, we drove south on Highway 101 for 25 miles to the Surfsand Resort at Cannon Beach, where we'd spend two nights. From the balcony of our room, we had a clear view of Haystack Rock, which also features in "The Goonies."
After a long day on the road, we spent our first night in and enjoyed leftover pizza and berry pie with Tillamook ice cream.
Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters
The next morning, after a walk on the beach around Haystack Rock, we crossed South Hemlock Street to visit Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters.
Serving organic, internationally sourced beans and house-made pastries, it's beloved by locals and travelers year-round for its warm atmosphere, steaming espresso, and signature whipped‑cream drinks.
I got a mocha with the house chocolate whipped cream and a hearty piece of chocolate chip banana bread. Both were a welcome way to begin the day.
Kel's bacon and blue cheese scone was moist and delicious (truly one of the better scones I've had in recent memory). 1235 S Hemlock St A, Cannon Beach, OR, sleepymonkcoffee.com.
Sea Level Bakery + Coffee
Next on my café hit list was Sea Level Bakery + Coffee on the south side of Cannon Beach. Inside the pastry case, giant cookies, sticky buns, scones, biscuits, and sweet and savory danishes drew my eye.
I settled on a Woodblock Chocolate cookie, Tide Truffles (energy balls), and a maple bourbon latte. 3116 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR, sealevelbakery.com.
The Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge
On our second night in Cannon Beach, Kel and I celebrated our anniversary with dinner at the Wayfarer Restaurant & Lounge. Located on the beach, adjacent to the Surfsand Resort, the Wayfarer has been serving guests fresh seafood and steaks since 1977.
We began with a Purple Haystack cocktail made with Empress Gin. The roasted halibut, served over wild mushroom risotto and topped with a lemon and herb oil, was excellent.
I appreciated the cute plates they used to serve our entrees, a reminder that we were there to celebrate.
For dessert, we ordered the signature Haystack Heaven with layers of chocolate buttermilk cake, milk chocolate mascarpone mousse, and crushed toffee, topped with chocolate ganache. 1190 Pacific Dr, Cannon Beach, OR, wayfarer-restaurant.com.
Pilot House Distilling
Before we leave Cannon Beach, I'd also like to introduce you to Pilot House Distilling. Based in Astoria, they also operate a tasting room at the north end of Cannon Beach (and in Portland).
They produce everything from vodkas and gins to whiskies, agave spirits, and canned cocktails. Their Painted Lady Gin won "Best Domestic Gin" of 2023 by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
We tried two of their mini cocktails: an Azalea gin cocktail and the Garden Patio G&T. 224 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR, pilothousedistilling.com.
Tillamook
Tillamook Creamery
While staying in Cannon Beach, we made a day trip to visit the Tillamook Creamery, about 38 miles (and a one-hour drive) south. Kel is a huge Tillamook fan and had previously visited the factory, although it underwent a significant expansion since then.
Tillamook County Creamery Association, founded in 1909, operates as a farmer-owned co‑op on Oregon's coast.
Guided by an ethos of quality, stewardship, and environmental responsibility (now a certified B Corp), it's best known for its award-winning cheddar, ice cream, yogurt, butter, and cream cheese. The flagship creamery welcomes over a million visitors annually.
Before lunch, we took a guided tour of the cheesemaking process and factory floor (viewed from above). This included a quick tasting as well.
Then, we lined up at the cafeteria-style counter to order lunch (grilled cheese on sourdough for me, chili for Kel). My cheesy sandwich was fine, but I was most looking forward to the ice cream.
We each ordered a flight of three scoops, and between us, got to sample six flavors. Our favorite was the chocolate brownie batter, and my runner-up was the peanut butter campfire. 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR, tillamook.com.
Blue Heron French Cheese Company
Two minutes down the road from Tillamook's factory is the Blue Heron French Cheese Company, which opened in 1979 on a former Jersey dairy farm. Housed in a charming 1930s Dutch Colonial barn, it's known for its artisanal brie and expansive gourmet shop.
Set on 40 acres, it features wine and cheese tastings, a deli, a petting farm, and live music. We stopped in for some brie samples and spent a good half-hour browsing all the food products. 2001 Blue Heron Rd A, Tillamook, OR, blueheronoregon.com.
Depoe Bay
On a Tuesday morning, our Oregon Coast road trip continued when we departed Cannon Beach and drove south through Tillamook and Lincoln City to Depoe Bay for lunch.
Depoe Bay is a small coastal city in Lincoln County, known for being the "world's smallest natural navigable harbor" and "the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast."
Named after Native American Charles Depoe, it sees migrating whales pass by twice a year, and is home to a pod of gray whales. Depoe Bay's maritime history extends back to early Indigenous fishing communities.
Tidal Raves Seafood Grill
I discovered Tidal Raves Seafood Grill in a Reddit discussion about restaurants in the area, and liked the sound of it. Pulling into the parking lot and seeing it in person, I knew I'd made the right decision.
The restaurant is perched along the rocky coast, overlooking a cove. Between the overcast skies and frothy seas, it felt like quintessential Oregon. I'd made a lunch reservation, but it wasn't too busy. Still, it may have helped ensure we got a table by the windows.
(photo by Kelly Lemons)
I ordered a glass of J Wrigley Pinot Gris to accompany the enormous fish tacos, and Kel got the coconut shrimp. I also single-handedly took on a generous portion of tiramisu for dessert.
10/10 would recommend Tidal Raves for your seaside dining pleasure. 279 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR, tidalraves.com.
See also: Modern Haitian Cuisine at Kann
Bigfoot's Beach House
After lunch at Tidal Raves, we dropped by the family-owned Bigfoot's Beach House to pick up dinner. We would be staying at the Inn at Otter Crest, and their on-site restaurant wasn't going to be open.
Bigfoot's Beach House is half adventure store and half café, serving Stumptown Coffee, donuts, bagels, and delicious sandwiches.
I ordered the Oregon Berry Turkey Sandwich, which is made with berry cream cheese, turkey, provolone, greens, cucumbers, and mayonnaise. It came with a handful of potato chips and was fantastic.
I also bought a yogurt and granola bowl for breakfast the next day, before we hiked into the Devil's Punchbowl at low tide.
We liked the turkey sandwich so much that we returned to Bigfoot's Beach House the next day to buy two more before leaving the Oregon Coast for Portland.
We ate our second round for lunch at Silver Falls State Park before hiking to the waterfalls. 70 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR, bigfootsbeachhouse.com.
Wrapping Up
Before I leave you, there's one last place I'd be remiss not to mention, though it's not on the coast. On the drive inland, we stopped at Honeywood Winery in Salem. Founded in late 1933, it's Oregon's oldest continuously operating winery.
Initially known as Columbia Distilleries, it pioneered berry-based wines and today crafts over 50 varietals, from marionberry mead to classic Pinot Noirs, in a historic tasting room on Salem's Hines Street.
A fan of sweet wines, Kel had a great time tasting a variety of them here before we continued to Portland.
An Oregon Coast road trip offers more than breathtaking scenery. It's a journey through fresh seafood, cozy cafés, and craft cocktails that define the region's culinary charm. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning, these stops are worth adding to your Oregon Coast itinerary.
