We stayed in Cannon Beach for a week in October of 2015 in a rental a couple of blocks from the beach. It was awesome to wake up every day and go for a walk on the beach and listen to the waves crashing. Cannon Beach is one of the few beaches that allow dogs, for all of you dog lovers out there. We watched several Labrador Retrievers run out into the waves having the time of their lives. I hope to get our dogs out there one day.
I digress, I have dogs on the brain! Here are some excellent restaurants we ate at on our trip.
Ecola Seafoods Restaurant and Market – If I had my way, I would eat here every day! They pride themselves in only serving Pacific “Wild” seafood. All of their fish is line caught by a member of the family off the coast of Washington and Oregon. They are well known for their “World Famous Smoked Salmon Jerky” and homemade clam chowder. This place has a casual atmosphere with some of the best seafood in the world, a quick seafood cocktail, or maybe something special to take home and serve. Their seafood case will make it had to decide what you want to buy.
Take home some canned smoked oysters to share with family and friends; they will love you for it! I think I am going to order some now. Here is their drool-worthy menu:
http://ecolaseafoods.com/restaurant-menu/
Driftwood Restaurant and Lounge – This restaurant has been in Cannon Beach for over 70 years and is a local favorite. They have a very nice deck in front with ample outdoor heated seating where you can people watch to your heart’s delight. We stopped in on a rainy afternoon for happy hour. The bar area has a pub-like feel to it, very warm and cozy. We had martinis and delicious little pig wings which it doesn’t look like they have on the menu anymore. Check out their happy hour and dinner menus:
Click to access DWOOD-HappyHour-011817.pdf
Click to access Driftwood-Dinner-072417.pdf
Pig ‘N Pancake – This place is a little off the beaten path, but it is well worth a visit. The restaurant feels like you are in a tree house in the woods. They have been in business since 1961 but opened the location in CB in 1997. We went for breakfast couple of times on our visit. Everything is good; you can even have clams or crab with your eggs! They also offer gluten-free options. The recipes for buttermilk, Swedish, sourdough and French batter pancakes are original recipes. Check out their mouthwatering menu:
Click to access mainandkids2016.pdf
Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse – another local favorite with a laid-back casual atmosphere just off 2nd Street and Hemlock. You can get samples of their brews for a dollar each, and everyone raves about their burgers, seafood stew, oyster burger, chowders and fish and chips. They don’t have a website; this is the best menu I found online:
https://foursquare.com/v/bills-tavern-brew-house/4bb8f302314e952107f7489d/menu
Mo’s Seafood and Chowder at Tolovana Park – has a great view of Haystack Rock and they have a lovely patio you can dine on when the weather is nice (watch out for the pesky seagulls trying to steal your food!). We ate here a couple of times on our visit, and I had the fried clam strips basket and the Bay Shrimp Louie salad. You can get raw oysters on the half shell, a pound of steamed clams, or a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. The Chowder Factory produces about 500,000 pounds of clam chowder each year; some delivered to grocery stores and the rest distributed fresh to Mo’s Restaurants. Take a look at their mouthwatering menu:
https://www.moschowder.com/mos-cannon-beach-menus/
Cannon Beach is super busy during the high season; I would recommend going in September or October after the summer rush. If you are willing to stay a couple of blocks from the beach, you can get a decent rate for a VRBO (vacation rental by owner) starting at just over $100 per night.
Janie Koehler 