Some of us also had lunch there. A large bowl of fresh crayfish (cooked yesterday) and a really nice green salad was only $6.99.

Items ordered:

Grilled Oysters & Ciopino

Grilled Razor Clams & Clam Chowder

 

Critique:

Pacific Oyster Company is the oyster division of the Pacific Seafood Company in Portland, Oregon.  This location is a combination of many things:  A commercial oyster farm/oyster processing plant, a gift shop, a fresh seafood store, and cafe-style restaurant.  Unlike some of the many similar establishments dotting the Oregon Coast, the place is very clean, brightly lit, and staffed with numerous friendly people.  You can place your order and then browse the gift shop or watch oyster shuckers (in season) while waiting.

 

The seafood is uncompromisingly fresh - you wish you had a place like this to buy all your seafood.  My friend from Southern California was shocked to see very fresh, very beautiful local salmon for ~$5 a pound, expecting to pay at least $8 for much lower quality.  Up here in the northwest, we don't usually expect to pay that much, but this kind of freshness and quality is still very hard to find.  What is carried varies according to what is being caught, which ensures freshness.  They have a good selection of oysters (of course) as well as many types of fish and shellfish, and a variety of smoked fish.

 

The quality of the cafe food here is surprisingly good.  Many people are surprised to walk into what at first appears to be "just another seafood place" and then see $12-$15 menu items.  Believe me, they are well worth it! You needn't spend alot for a snack or light lunch though, as there are many selections for much less.  Everything is fresh, preparation is not elaborate, allowing the character of the seafood stand for itself.  It does so admirably.  My lifelong search for great clam chowder up and down the Pacific northwest currently has their chowder as #2 (My mom's is #1).  I've been here several times and have never been disappointed.

 

Overall impression:  If you find yourself on the northern Oregon Coast, you will want to make this a destination.

 

Prices:  Meals $5-$15

Ala carte:  a few bucks to a couple bucks