Eating the Oregon Coast: Sample Florence Restaurants, Dining

Published 10/11/2010

(Florence, Oregon) - Where else can you work up an enormous appetite on a beach covered with leg cramp-inducing dunes, and then fill yourself up next to engaging river views that include glimpses of the sea?

Florence is unique in its little spot – almost exactly halfway between the two borders of Oregon. A combination of fluffy dunes, massive freshwater lakes, long stretches of sandy beaches and searing, dramatic cliffs just a short drive away, the town then turns its attention to that engaging river. It’s here where many of Florence’s restaurants hold court, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Seafood reigns supreme here, of course, but also intriguing little eateries with quirky approaches, downhome diners, coffee shops, upscale eateries and a large menu of other kinds of restaurants round out this beach experience.

Then, nearby, in Yachats and Newport, more interesting dining possibilities remain.

Mo's Florence. An atmospheric and ruggedly beautiful building sits on the river, quite literally dripping with a maritime vibe and a sense of history. Gorgeous views of Old Town’s aquatic side and the bustling river come with your meal, as sunsets explode in a variety of colors, while framed by the old bridge.

Massive oyster plates begin the appetizers category ($6 - $10), which may be shooters, steamed, half shell or cocktail, along with shrimp, scallops or fries. Bigger dinners are about $9 to $15 and come with lots of fixin’s. You’ll find former ocean dwellers like clams, oyster, petrale sole, cod, salmon or halibut. Not so surfy delicacies boast ribs, chicken and chicken-fried steak. Mo’s famous Chowder comes in various sizes, including a massive sourdough bowl. Look for combo plates where you mix three items: clam strips, oysters, shrimp or scallops. There is also slumgullion, which is a chowder that comes with shrimp. Indulge in shrimp skewers clam strips, clam fritters, popcorn scallops, Oregon oysters (grilled friend or Cajun), grilled parmesan petrale sole, Alaskan cod, salmon and halibut - grilled poached or blackened.

Burgers are found in incarnations such as a bacon cheeseburger, mushroom swiss, grilled chicken, chili burger or hot dog, plus three cheese grilled cheese sandwich. Also in the non-seafood category are barbecue babyback ribs, chicken strips, grilled chicken breast, chicken fried steak – served with mashed potatoes and country gravy.

Others may dig a lip smacking bouillabaisse, or a hearty chili for the landlubbers. Pastas ($11) are lathered in luscious alfredo, coming with veggies, chicken, shrimp skewers, Oregon bay shrimp or a seafood mélange. Salads are varied, and sometimes have seafood. Sandwiches include bay shrimp, tuna, cod (with a blackened option), clam fritters.

Keeping the little ones happy is a children’s menu that includes chips, chicken strips basket, clam strips, hamburger, hot dog, grilled cheese, mac and cheese. Plus, there’s a ton to look at through their enormous windows. 1436 Bay Street. Florence, Oregon. 541-997-2185. www.moschowder.com.

Adobe Restaurant and Lounge, Yachats. From every seat a stunning view of the town’s always wild ocean. A warm woody interior creates and atmosphere that’s imparts the upscale as much as the laidback and comforting.

Breakfast goes until 11:30 a.m. on most days, but Sundays it drifts on until 2 p.m. Favorites like French toast become inventive here (about $8.50, which spotlight interesting shades of taste like ham, bacon, links, cheese sauce, orange cream, applesauce or cinnamon butter. Bundles of biscuits and gravy, waffles, eggs done with a Mexican flair, or with oysters, diced ham, mushrooms and even grilled top sirloin. More egg faves include Huevos Rancheros, Eggs Benedict or New York style. Omelets, frittatas, and more around $8 to $11.

For lunch there are salads, interesting entrees that may have Indonesian flavor, sautéed fish, fish n’ chips, chickens, steaks or pastas – all around $10. There’s a hefty selection of burgers and sandwiches.

At dinnertime, seafood plates ($17 - $24) are large and intricate affairs. There’s stir fried shrimp, shrimp in a corn tortilla (Mexican style) or a large crab pot in various cheeses and a massive captain’s platter. Steaks, beef dishes and chicken abound, and early bird specials are a favorite from 5 to 6 p.m. 1555 Hwy 101. Yachats, Oregon. 800-522-3623. (541) 547-3141. www.adoberesort.com/dining.htm

Mo's Newport. The iconic original has an open wall to the bustling bayfront. Massive appetizers will fill up the family, ($5 to $26). Larger entrees are $10 to $14, and come with that signature Mo’s clam chowder, salad and other choices. There are big plates of halibut, oysters from the area, calamari, prawns, cod, clam strips or massive combo plates, cioppino, fish tacos, and of course the favorite: fish ‘n’ chips. Look for seafood sandwiches around $7 to $13. Plenty of pastas. hot dogs, burgers, chicken and more for those who enjoy turf more than surf. 622 SW Bay Blvd. Newport, Oregon. 541-265-2979. www.moschowder.com.

Mo's Annex (Newport). Right across the street from the Mo’s original spot, here you get a snappy view of Yaquina Bay. You can feed four to six folks with just their appetizers, around $10. As always, seafood specialties ($10 - $15) arrive with that Oregon staple: the famed Mo’s clam chowder, as well as other goodies. There’s a cioppino crammed with local oysters, clams, salmon shrimp and cod in rich Italian sauce. Fish tacos are a favorite. Large entrees are $10 to $16 and spotlight salmon, petroli sole, halibut steak and codfish. Seafood sandwiches are about nine bucks. There’s plenty of chicken, pastas, burgers, hot dogs and such for the landlubbers. 657 SW Bay. Newport (ten miles from Depoe Bay, Oregon). 541-265-7512. www.moschowder.com

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