The diversity of the Oregon landscape allows chefs and restaurateurs to rely on local products to create unforgettable meals. Notoriously rainy weather gives rise to fresh berries, fruits, and vegetables, and grows grass to support the large dairy industry in churning out artisanal cheeses. The 363-mile coastline provides plenty of fresh fish, crabs, and oysters. Meals are enhanced with the growing craft beer and wine scene prevalent in all corners of the state. Want to experience Oregon on a plate? Then head into these 14 fantastic Oregon restaurants.
There's only one thing on the menu here - Astoria's most famous fish and chips. Located across from the Columbia River in a historic gillnetter, Bowpickers has spent the last 15 years serving up locally caught albacore tuna, lightly fried with a golden batter. Check their hours on Twitter or just follow the masses of hungry locals and tourists flocking toward this tasty lunch spot.
Sample award-winning beers in Oregon's only oceanfront brewery. At the Pelican Brewery, the beer and food don't need to compete for your attention, they are paired perfectly - in fact, many of the recipes feature their award-winning beers. Grab a window seat at dinner time and watch the sun set behind the majestic Haystack Rock for a dining experience you won't soon forget.
In a state known for breweries, WildCraft Cider Works holds their own with their cider pressed from Oregon-grown fruit and botanicals (think Wild Rose Hard Cider) and locally-sourced ingredients for their taphouse delights. Menu items include savory truffle mac and cheese to grilled lamb, but Eugene locals recommend sharing small plates with friends during their reasonably priced happy hour on Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Known for their pinots, King Estate Vineyard takes wine tasting up a notch in their elegant, yet rustic restaurant. Yes, wine is served but the restaurant's focus is on pairing their famous wines with delicious meals. The culinary team uses local, seasonal and organic products whenever possible - many from the Estate's own 30-acre garden. Take a peek at their wine taps, King Estate serves their most popular wines from a keg, a sustainable and inventive way to serve large quantities.
A trip to Oregon isn't complete without a stop at Mo's. You can drop into one of their seven locations, but we recommend checking out the original in Newport - a local landmark for over 70 years! Chow down on fresh caught-local fish while taking in views of the Yaquina Bay, and don't miss their famous New England style clam chowder topped with bacon. And leave room for dessert! Their peanut butter cream pie is the house specialty.
Just down the road from Mo's in Newport is the casually sophisticated Local Ocean Seafood. Owner Laura Anderson comes from a fishing family that spanned three generations and she even worked with local fishermen in the Philippines, so you know she knows good seafood. The downstairs area features market style dining with a central open kitchen offering favorites like crab cakes and Fishwife's stew. Upstairs offers a cozy beer and wine bar, intimate dining and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The granddaddy of Bend craft breweries, Deschutes' original Public House has been a local staple since 1988. Their beer-centric menu features fresh, often locally-sourced ingredients in their soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Their 19 taps house year-round favorites as well as several specialty brews at one time, so consider a tasting tray of five beers to accompany your meal at this Bend landmark.
A favorite brunch spot of locals, Chow takes farm-to-table dining seriously. With ingredients from their expansive onsite gardens, chef David Touvell puts a creative twist on traditional home cooking favorites, like their gluten free Blackstone Benedict featuring cornmeal crusted tomatoes in place of the traditional English muffin, topped with smoked bacon, sautéed spinach, poached eggs, and béarnaise sauce.
Decked out in leather and wood, Double Mountain Brewery is just the place to grab a bite after playing all day in Hood River, the sports mecca of Oregon. The Cidery serves up New Haven style pizza (baked quickly at 700 degrees with lots of char) made with locally-sourced ingredients. The Brewery offers four year-round beers and a variety of seasonal drinks and one-offs, and often features live music throughout the year.
While not exactly a restaurant, Voodoo Donuts still makes the cut because a trip to Portland isn't complete without a treat from this Oregon staple. Yes, they have your traditional glazed donuts, but walk on the wild side with donuts covered with Capt'n Crunch, bubble gum dust, or one of their adult-themed goodies. The line wraps around the block at the original old town shops, so prepare for a wait or try one of their five other locations in Portland, including a food cart in Cartlandia.
Portland is as well known for their bikes as they are their beer, Hopworks Urban Brewery brings both of these together with delicious brewery style fare including lunch specials, salads, and build-your-own pizzas and calzones. Make sure to start your meal with their northwestern take on the Canadian classic poutine, this dish can be served vegan or topped with shredded pork. The brewpub, accented with bike themed decor, offers a kid-friendly environment, and even a kid's menu, making this the perfect lunch stop for the whole family.
Known for renovating historic buildings, McMenamins knocked it out of the park with one of their most iconic location, the Kennedy School. Originally built in 1915, the school was converted into a hotel, restaurant, multiple bars, and movie theater. The Courtyard Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the transformed cafeteria and offers hearty pub fare and McMenamins own craft beers brewed on site but shh, don't tell the principal!
Another McMenamins' classic, the Edgefield is situated on 74 acres of farmland at the mouth of the scenic Columbia River Gorge. The Black Rabbit Restaurant used ingredients grown in Edgefield's vegetable and herb gardens and fruit orchards to make their innovative menus featuring northwestern cuisine and traditional fare. The Black Rabbit offers an extensive wine list, including their own brand, and beers brewed on site. Stop by the Little Red Shed for distilled spirits, guest liquors, and cigars before heading home.
If you're lucky enough to be passing through Crater Lake National Park in summer months, stop in for dinner at the Crater Lake Dining Room, located in the 1915 historic lodge. Take in views of the deepest lake in the U.S. while dining on Northwest cuisine made featuring Oregon-grown ingredients. The Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not in the mood for a full meal, the Lodge's Great Hall allows you to snack on soups, salads and desserts with the same incredible view.