written by Julie Lee | photo from Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge
Does anything resonate better with the tummy than a piping hot bowl of clam chowder as winter blends into spring? We are well-situated in Oregon to take advantage of fresh chowder spots on the coast. Here are five of our favorites.
Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge
There is perhaps one thing better than a steaming bowl of chowder on a blustery coastal day: chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge delivers a trifecta of delicious clam chowder, cozy ambience and impeccable service.
179 N. Hemlock, Cannon Beach | driftwoodcannonbeach.com
Mo’s Seafood Restaurants
It’s an undisputed fact: Mo’s is the godfather of clam chowder. Generations have frequented Mo’s for thick, creamy bowls of chowder, served with a perfect yellow cube of melting butter and little packets of oyster crackers. With seventy years of perfecting the craft under their belt, multiple coastal locations and recent addition at the Portland airport, there are many ways to stop in for a hearty bowl.
Coast locations include: Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Otter Rock, Newport, Florence
Old Oregon Smokehouse
This recommendation for the coast’s best chowder comes from foodie (and friend) Chris Angelus, who hosts the podcast “Right at the Fork” and founded Portland Food Adventures. Angelus exemplifies the dream of living on the coast and working in the city, waking each morning to a clean slate of sand on which to run his dog Oakley, before commuting to Portland. His hands-down favorite chowder? Old Oregon Smokehouse’s version which is “not too thick.”
3800 Highway 101 N., Tillamook
Pelican Pub & Brewery
Every dish is delish at Pelican Pub & Brewery, and their chowder has garnered multiple People’s Choice awards in recent years at Lincoln City’s Chowder Cook-Off. Clam Chowder at Pelican Pub comes with a side of oceanfront view and is best paired with their Tsunami Stout. Good news for Cannon Beach dwellers: Pelican Pub is soon to open a second location in the former Dooger’s spot.
33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City | pelicanbrewing.com
Dooger’s Seafood and Grill
If chunky clam chowder—chalk full of clams, veggies, secret spices and potatoes in a medium density broth—is your thing, Dooger’s is your pick. Dooger’s clam chowder and a local draft IPA will leave you satisfied, but not stuffed. We love their to-go clam chowder kits. Just add a quart of half & half, a cup of heavy whipping cream, and some heat and Dooger’s infamous chowder is ready for five hungry chowder hounds.
Locations include: Seaside, Warrenton, Long Beach | doogersseafood.com