For over 40 years, I have spent my summer vacations in the small town of Seaside on the Oregon coast. It’s the epitome of a vacation city, with so much to see and do. My activities revolve around my beach house and home-cooked meals, so I rarely enjoy meals in town. When I went to Seaside during the off-season of my freelance life, I discovered a new eatery that became my favorite. These are some of the best places to eat in Seaside, Oregon.
The heart of Seaside is Main Street, Broadway, lined with restaurants, cafes, and specialty grocery stores on all sides. There are other dining options along the main highway, Highway 101, and in small enclaves on the southern edge of town.
1. Norma’s Seafood & Steak
No restaurant in town is more quintessential than Norma’s Seafood & Steak in the Blue Lighthouse near Columbia and Broadway. The recommended menu item here is the world-famous clam chowder, which is recognized nationwide. The menu also includes sandwiches, salads, pasta, seafood and steak dishes. That open-face club sandwich inspired my family’s homemade version.
This Seaside staple is a favorite of mine not only for the food, but also because it was founded the same year I was born. There can be a wait on summer weekend nights, but I often opt for takeout to avoid delays.
2. Una Ves Mas
There are several Mexican restaurants and taco shops in town, but Una Bes Mas is my favorite for its authentic flavors. The extensive menu includes seafood, combinations, and my favorite, street tacos. The interior is decorated in a colorful Mexican style, and there is a wide variety of drinks available. The name means “once again” in Spanish, and like me, you’ll keep coming back.
3. Phillips Candies in Seaside
No visit to Seaside is complete without a stop here. Since its establishment in 1897, phillips candies is the oldest continuously operating business in town. My favorite thing to do is stop by and eat some fresh popcorn when I’m walking downtown. Additionally, I always buy fudge for my family’s cottage or saltwater taffy as a souvenir for friends back home.
This is another of several places around town that serve ice cream and gelato, and sometimes they have flavors I can’t stand.
4. Sam’s Seaside Cafe
Craving some tater tots, I headed to Sam’s Seaside Café on the west end of Broadway, closest to the beach. The extensive menu includes many burgers, sandwiches, seafood appetizers, and salads. Our prime location on Broadway is perfect for people-watching, and our free Wi-Fi makes it a great place to work. This family-friendly cafe has the unique feature of having a bar and lounge in the back called Luke’s Lizard Lounge.
5. Sea Star Gelato
There are plenty of ice cream places in town, as well as seafood and clam chowder options, but I love Sea Star Gelato. Sea Star, located near Norma’s, is also an award-winning establishment, winning Oregon’s Favorite Ice Cream award from Travel + Leisure Magazine. For people like me who are looking for dairy-free desserts, at least he has 32 rotating flavors at any given time, including 6 vegan his flavors. Expect a line outside, even on a cool day.
6. Seaside Brewing Company
It’s been open since 2011, so I remember watching and waiting for it to open. I don’t really drink beer myself, but I like going there for the atmosphere and the food. The menu includes burgers, fish and chips, and my favorite, fish tacos. It is also known for its smoked dishes such as coleslaw, potato wedges, and smoked brisket sandwiches.
Located on Broadway on Highway 101, we offer spacious heated outdoor seating for cooler months and summer nights. When it comes to beer, we boast craft beers brewed on the Oregon Coast, including Sneaker Wave IPA.
7. Tsunami Sandwich Company
Located right next to the beach and turnaround. tsunami sandwich shop This is a popular sandwich shop in town. Don’t miss names like Sand Castle, Tillamook Rock, or the most well-known name, the famous Tsunami Pastrami. There are also chili and clam chowder versions, as well as a variety of hot dog and sausage choices. Additionally, at this store he offers 16 different flavors of Tillamook ice cream, which you can also scoop.
8. Angelina’s Pizzeria and Cafe
Every town needs good pizza. I don’t eat pizza often, but I have visited here once. It’s not a very fast place, so be prepared to wait a bit. The vegan pizza I ate was very delicious, but in addition to pizza, they also have a wide variety of calzones. It is located on the south side of town, along National Route 101.
9. Osprey Cafe
osprey cafe It’s a relatively new discovery for me on the south side of town, but now it’s a must-do. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch only and offers a variety of international cuisine. The menu has a great breakfast selection to suit everyone’s palate, with vegan and gluten-free options also available. Lunch includes burgers, sandwiches, and soup.
Just one block from the beach and prom, you can take in the views and smells of the ocean while dining from indoor or outdoor seating.
10. Billy Max Bar & Grill
Also on the south side of town, Billy Mack is also new to me. Self-proclaimed “the most popular bar and grill in town” Billy Mack It’s the perfect little beach town bar. You can get typical bar food here, but my favorite is another place where you can get tacos and great tater tots. It’s also open for breakfast, but I’ve never been there during breakfast.
The full bar offers happy hour weekdays from 4pm to 6pm with $1 off draft beers and is a popular meeting spot for locals.
11. Maggie’s on the Prom
I have never eaten here myself, but I know that it was my grandmother’s favorite dish when she was alive. This fine-dining restaurant is ideally located along the prom and offers panoramic sea views. The menu has a wide selection of seafood entrees and delicious desserts. Perfect for a special occasion meal or date night on the town.
Nearby town options
Nearby and the neighboring town to the south, Cannon Beach, offers many great options for those venturing outside of Seaside. To the north, Astoria is a great port city with its own vibrant craft beer and food truck scene. I also love going to the Sunday Farmers Market every season.
Seaside, Oregon has plenty to do and plenty of dining options. I’ve been to this North Oregon Coast town many times, but I’ve yet to enjoy it all. From seafood, burgers and pasta to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Kelly Ducat is a US-based freelance writer, event planner, and photographer. She has been traveling the United States for the past two years as a nomadic home and pet sitter. At Wealth of Geeks, she writes about travel, news, and side hustles. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is also working on her memoir and a series of personal essays.
