The Best Seafood Dives in Oregon

Astoria, Oregon

What better place to get fish-and-chips than a fishing boat? Even if it's high and dry on a boat across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum. You climb a set of stairs alongside the boat, order from the cabin (your choice of three or five perfectly fried pieces of beer-battered albacore tuna on steak fries), pay (cash only), and fish out a can of soda or bottle of water from a cooler; 503-791-2942, bowpicker.com

Newport, Oregon

There's a reason it's called what it is: Thick Pacific Northwest-style white chowder with lots of clams is among the best we've seen in the country; 877-433-9881, newportchowderbowl.com

Astoria, Oregon

In the course of more than 30 years spent presiding at the grill of this tiny old diner, chef Uriah Hulsey has carefully nurtured a reputation for crankiness. For a sure way to get on his good side, order the Chef's Seafood Mercy. That's whatever Hulsey is in the mood to make for himself from that day's supply of local vegetables and seafood. You do get to specify the degree of spiciness, but be warned: The chef loves seasonings so fiery that just cooking with them brings tears to the eyes of everyone in the place; 503-325-2233, columbianvoodoo.com/cafe

Bay City, Oregon

Treat yourself to comfort food—rich, creamy oyster stew. On weekdays, watch (through windows) the oyster shuckers on the Pacific Oyster processing line; 503-377-2323, fishpeddler-baycity.com

Brookings, Oregon

Outdoor seating allows you to watch the boats at the Port of Brookings Harbor. The chowder (served in a bread bowl) and fish-and-chips are among the favorites; 541-469-2526, hungryclam.com

Newport, Oregon

The local fare?Dungeness crab po’boys and soup, fish tacos, oysters, Pacific Northwest wines, and Oregon microbrews--is great. And so is the view, of this bustling harbor and the graceful Yaquina Bay Bridge; 541-574-7959, localocean.net

Newport, Oregon

This is the original dive in an Oregon chain built on fresh, creamy, New England–style chowder topped with bacon. Save room for the peanut butter cream pie: a signature recipe and local favorite; 541-265-2979, moschowder.com

Seaside, Oregon

Excellent clam chowder and pan-fried local oysters are favorite choices at this cheery spot in downtown Seaside. Regional wines and microbrews sweeten the deal; 503-738-4331 or normasseaside.com

Garibaldi, Oregon

While you wait for the clam fritters and eggs, or the Alaskan halibut burger topped with flame-roasted peppers, or the grilled Tillamook Bay oysters, or the triple-whammy Dungeness, King, and Snow crab platter, let your thoughts drift over Tillamook Bay and across to the Bayocean Peninsula. That's a fine way to wait; 503-322-2092, piratesonline.biz

South Beach, Oregon

Locals love the South Beach Fish Restaurant for lunch, and we can see why. This fish market and restaurant attached to a convenience store just south of Newport's Yaquina Bay Bridge serves great seafood. Try the fish-and-chips combo for a good sampler of halibut, salmon, and tuna; 541-867-6800, southbeachfishmarket.com

Harbor, Oregon

Folks sometimes visit just for the clam-packed chowder. Like everything else here, it's homemade and fresh; 541-469-3301 or sporthavenmarina.com

Depoe Bay, Oregon

Tidal Raves understands that when your restaurant perches atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean shoreline, the best decor is windows. The kitchen does a superb job with such West Coast stalwarts as cioppino and pan-fried oysters. "Superb" doesn't do justice to the oyster spinach bisque; 541-765-2995, tidalraves.com