Oregon Dining Spots Turning Fried Fish Into Coastal Comfort
Oregon’s coastline stretches for more than 360 miles, and along that rugged beauty, you’ll find some of the most satisfying fried fish you’ve ever tasted.
These aren’t fancy plates with tiny portions and confusing names.
They’re honest, delicious meals that remind you why people have been frying fish for generations.
From converted boats to family-run spots with views that’ll make you forget your troubles, these places know how to turn the daily catch into pure comfort.
Bowpicker Fish & Chips
Picture a bright blue fishing boat that decided to retire from the sea and become a restaurant instead.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bowpicker Fish & Chips, a quirky treasure sitting at 1634 Duane St, Astoria.
The boat doesn’t just look cool, it serves some of the crispiest, most flavorful fried fish on the entire coast.
Instead of the usual cod or halibut, they use fresh albacore tuna, which gives every bite a meatier, richer taste.
The beer batter wraps around each piece like a golden blanket, crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Pair that with their thick-cut steak fries, and you’ve got a meal that makes you understand why people line up down the block.
There’s no indoor seating, just you, your fish, and the salty Astoria air.
Locals have been coming here for years, and once you try it, you’ll see why loyalty runs deep.
The Fish Peddler At Pacific Oyster
When your seafood comes straight from the dock, you know it’s going to be good.
The Fish Peddler at Pacific Oyster sits right at 5150 Oyster Drive in Bay City, where the oysters are harvested just steps away.
Walking in feels like stepping into a fisherman’s secret hideout, where everything smells like the ocean and tastes even better.
Their fried fish is simple but perfect…light, crispy, and made from whatever came in that morning.
But don’t skip the oysters or the clam chowder, which is creamy, rich, and loaded with chunks of tender clams.
The atmosphere is laid-back, with wooden tables and big windows that let you watch the boats come and go.
You’re not just eating seafood here; you’re tasting the work of the people who caught it.
It’s a place where freshness isn’t a promise, it’s a guarantee.
South Bay Wild Fish House
Some restaurants just have a view.
South Bay Wild Fish House, located at 262 9th St, Astoria, has a view that makes you stop mid-bite and stare.
You’re looking right at the spot where the Columbia River crashes into the Pacific, and it’s as dramatic as it sounds.
But the scenery isn’t the only star here.
The kitchen takes whatever the boats brought in that day and turns it into something magical.
Their fried fish is coated in a batter that’s light and crispy, never greasy, and the fish inside is so fresh it practically melts.
Each plate feels like a celebration of the ocean, and the chefs clearly respect what they’re working with.
The dining room is bright and airy, with big windows that frame the water like a painting.
It’s the kind of place where you linger over your meal, savoring every bite and every view.
Mo’s Seafood & Chowder
There’s something comforting about a place that’s been around since 1946.
Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, sitting at 622 Southwest Bay Boulevard in Newport, has been feeding hungry beachgoers for generations.
The vibe is old-school coastal, wooden booths, nautical decorations, and a menu that doesn’t try to be fancy.
Their fried cod and halibut are classics, cooked to perfection with a golden crust that crunches with every bite.
The fish is tender, flaky, and tastes like the ocean in the best way possible.
And of course, you have to try the clam chowder, which is creamy, rich, and packed with clams.
It’s the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out, especially on a foggy Oregon afternoon.
Mo’s isn’t trying to reinvent anything, it’s just doing what it’s always done, and doing it really, really well.
The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips
You can’t miss the bright blue building.
The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips stands out at 259 6th Street in Port Orford like a splash of paint on a cloudy day.
The name hints at the fun personality inside, and the food lives up to the hype.
Their fish and chips are some of the best on the coast, crispy, flavorful, and served with a side of that Norwegian charm.
The batter is light and crunchy, and the fish inside is always fresh and perfectly cooked.
But don’t walk away without trying the clam chowder, which is creamy, hearty, and full of tender clams.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you smile, especially when you’re sitting outside with the ocean breeze in your hair.
The whole place has a quirky, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a local secret.
And in a way, you have.
Garibaldi Portside Bistro
Family-run restaurants always have a special energy.
Garibaldi Portside Bistro, tucked in at 307 Mooring Basin Dr, Garibaldi, is no exception.
The moment you walk in, you can tell this place is loved, there’s laughter, the smell of smoked fish, and a warmth that only comes from people who care.
They combine a smokehouse with fresh seafood prep, so you get flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Their fried fish is crispy and delicious, with a batter that’s perfectly seasoned and fish that’s incredibly fresh.
The dining room has a rustic, maritime feel, with fishing nets, buoys, and photos of the family’s history on the water.
It’s the kind of place where you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the smiles are genuine.
It’s coastal comfort at its finest.
Bell Buoy of Seaside
Some places are about simplicity.
Bell Buoy of Seaside, located at 1800 S Roosevelt Dr, Seaside, is a seafood market and stand that’s been serving fresh fish for years.
They don’t overcomplicate things, they just take quality ingredients and cook them right.
Their fried fish plates are straightforward but delicious, with a light batter that lets the natural flavor shine through.
You can also grab fresh Dungeness crab, smoked salmon, or whatever else came in that day.
The vibe is casual and no-frills, with picnic-style seating and a focus on the food itself.
It’s the kind of place where locals stop by after a day at the beach, still sandy and hungry.
Everything tastes better when it’s this fresh, and Bell Buoy proves that every single day.
If you want honest, delicious seafood without any fuss, this is your spot.
Portland Fish Market
You don’t have to drive to the coast to get great fried fish.
Portland Fish Market, right at 4404 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, brings the ocean to the city.
It’s a fish market first, but they also serve up fried fish baskets that rival anything you’ll find by the water.
You can choose from cod, halibut, or rockfish, and each one is fried to crispy, golden perfection.
The fish is always fresh, this is a working market, after all, and the quality shows in every bite.
The atmosphere is busy and energetic, with people picking up fresh seafood to take home and others grabbing a quick basket to eat on the spot.
It’s a place where you can trust what you’re getting, because they’re selling the same fish they’re cooking.
For city dwellers craving coastal comfort, this is the answer.
Stone Cliff Inn
Sometimes the best seafood isn’t right on the coast.
Stone Cliff Inn, nestled at 17900 S Clackamas River Dr, Oregon City, sits along the beautiful Clackamas River.
The log cabin-style building looks like something out of a storybook, and the deck seating offers views that make you forget you’re not at the beach.
Their Pacific Northwest menu includes fried fish that’s crispy, flavorful, and made with care.
The batter is light and golden, and the fish inside is tender and perfectly cooked.
The rustic lodge atmosphere makes every meal feel special, whether you’re celebrating something or just treating yourself.
With a rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 1,900 reviews, it’s clear people love this place.
The combination of great food, stunning views, and cozy vibes makes it a must-visit.
It’s proof that coastal comfort can happen anywhere there’s good fish and good people.
Local Ocean Seafoods
Freshness is everything when it comes to seafood.
Local Ocean Seafoods, located at 213 SE Bay Blvd., Newport, takes that idea seriously.
They’re connected to a working fish market, so what you’re eating was probably swimming just hours ago.
Their fried fish is crispy, light, and incredibly flavorful, with a batter that doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of the fish.
You can watch the boats unload their catch right outside the big windows, which adds a whole new level of appreciation to your meal.
The open kitchen lets you see the chefs at work, and the energy is contagious.
The dining room is bright and modern, with a relaxed coastal vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just someone who appreciates a great meal, this place delivers.
It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely delicious.
