Oregon coast hamlet Rockaway Beach boasts a food scene fit for any eater. Just under two hours away from Portland, the iconic seven-mile beach town has it all: Whether you’re seeking a colorful evening of local fare or want to catch your own dinner straight from the sea, picturesque Rockaway Beach has you covered.

For the Seafood Lovers

Old Oregon Smokehouse promises one of the best cups of clam chowder on the entire Oregon coast. Locals know to order it in a bread bowl for the true Rockaway Beach experience; the mom-and-pop establishment has been serving steaming bowls since 1964. You can’t go wrong with fried oysters, fish and chips, and crab melts from the dockside fry shack.

For the Picknickers

It’s (almost) all in the name at Joe’s Snacks and Beer. The oh-so-cute bright blue corner store hawks quick snacks, coffee, and deli staples, making it the perfect pit stop before a beachside picnic. The best part? The ocean is just steps away.

For the View-Hungry

Vacationers seeking to capitalize on Rockaway Beach’s serene landscapes find porch seating with a backdrop of Lake Lytle at Lakeside Hideaway Restaurant alongside a casual sportsbar vibe inside. Across town, Sand Dollar Restaurant and Lounge boasts ocean view tables topped with locally-sourced, seasonal dishes.

For the Sweet Tooth

Well-known around town for their sand dollar hand pies—with both savory and sweet fillings—Beach Bake Shop hawks homemade sweets alongside chowders and to-go boxed lunches. Menus shift with the seasons, so look out for exciting drops like a cinnamon roll bread pudding and buttermilk biscones.

For the DIY Diners

A crab dinner at Kelly’s Brighton Marina starts with a crabbing lesson on Nehalem Bay; staff provide instruction, baited crab rings, and lifejackets for a crabbing adventure from their dock or rental boats. Chefs will cook any legal-sized catches to be enjoyed on nearby picnic benches, and a live seafood market boasts Manila steamer clams, Netarts Pacific oysters, and Dungeness crabs.

For the History Buffs

Look no further than the 30-foot-long corndog perched atop a white and black building for a piece of Rockaway Beach history. Rockaway Pronto Pup is the birthplace of the eponymous battered, deep-fried dog—the pronto pup—and reigning purveyor of all things fried on sticks. A pickle, three-cheese blend, and foot-long beef dog all get the classic pancake-like batter treatment, and a mechanical corn dog provides 50-cent rides to nostalgic diners.

For the Truck Treasure Finders

Rockaway Beach’s food truck scene is ever-growing, from mango lassi and chaat at the New Taste of India Food Cart to street tacos from Taqueria Mendez Food Truck and Taqueria Rockaway. Sassy Rocks Food Truck slings breakfast, lunch, dinner, and home-crafted desserts. Salmon, lasagna, and cheesecake grace the wide-ranging specials menu from week to week, making every visit a new surprise. And the pink and green chairs of Tropics Island Grill Food Truck come with shaved ice, Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, and pork bowls to transport visitors to a tropical beach vacay.

For the Family Table

Scratch-made pizza shares a table with pastas and minestrone soup at The Beach Bite. Barely one block away, El Trio Loco III’s extensive menu of enchiladas, tostadas, mariscos, and more provides enough options for a lifetime of vacation pit stops.

For the Classic Diners

Tried and true diner nosh abounds in Rockaway Beach, especially at cozy, family-run Grumpy’s Cafe. A full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu complements the baked goods case, and an underwater-themed mural keeps the ocean close. Meanwhile, Rick’s Roadhouse brings more of a pub vibe, and Tie Breaker pairs the traditional diner menu with entertaining events from karaoke to comedy nights.

For the Morning Munchers

Drive-through R&R Espresso slings more than just the requisite caffeine: breakfast sandwiches and homemade baked goods round out the convenient menu.

No matter what you’re eating, plan your meal adventure at visitrockawaybeach.org.