Astoria Restaurants: Introducing the Best Places to Eat

Are you planning a trip to Astoria, Oregon? Or maybe you are there already and looking for a place to eat. With some help from my sister who has lived in Oregon for over 10 years, I have searched out the best Astoria restaurants. And now I am happy to share them with you.

My sister Karin moved out to Portland, Oregon some years ago. Since we live on opposite coasts, and I live down south and she up north, we don’t get to see each other as much as we would like. However, I enjoy hearing about local road trips she makes. Therefore, she inspired me to write about Astoria restaurants and places she visited while on a weekend trip in Oregon.

How to get to Astoria

Astoria is located on the banks of the Columbia River, where sea lions hang out on the docks and deer walk through people’s backyards. By car, drive north on I-405 N to I-5 N. Then follow signs to go west on US-30 to Astoria. The trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

In addition, a bus route connects Portland with Astoria. For instance you can take a bus from Union Station which takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

On the other hand, if you are an avid hiker or cyclist, you can take these more strenuous approaches. In fact, you can reach Astoria after an 8 hour bike ride along route 30. Likewise, you can take a day and a half hike mainly on OR0202 S. However, check the route ahead of time for where to sleep, etc.

Best Astoria Restaurants

Astoria is full of culinary delights from fresh seafood and local produce to samplings from other countries. These are just a few of the best. Look at the ratings and link to restaurants through Trip Advisor.

T Paul’s Supper Club

Located at 360 12th Street, this is one of the best Astoria restaurants for Happy Hour and live music. Happy Hour is from 4-6 Monday through Friday in the bar which includes different daily specials in addition to food specials. Every Tuesday they host Blues & Burgers where you get to listen to live music and get 2 burgers for $22. The restaurant features an extensive menu of eclectic cuisine including steaks, seafood, salads, pastas, sandwiches, and burgers. Try the Crab Ravioli, Steaks & Prawns, or a Vampire Slayer Burger which is loaded with garlic. Normal hours are 11:30-2pm for lunch and 4pm-close for dinner. However, they ae currently only open for take out due to the pandemic.

Anthony Kischner

With menus that change seasonally this is one of the best Astoria restaurants for fresh food. They offer vegetarian options such as Wild Mushroom Ragout, Cranberry Salad, or Smoky Mac n Cheese in addition to delicious seafood entrees. Located at 20 Basin Street, the restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor seating beginning at 11:30am. To avoid long wait times, make reservations. Also, they offer outdoor dining where you can reserve a KOSE which is an outdoor dining pod. These pods protect you from the wind while dining, but you can still enjoy the beautiful view of the river.

Buoy Beer Company: My Sister’s Top Pick for Astoria Restaurants

Right on the water at 18th Street, you can get delicious fresh seafood Thursday through Sunday between noon and 7pm. Plus enjoy the great hand crafted beers. Capacity at present is 50%, and they do not take reservations.

Astoria Coffeehouse

Open daily beginning at 7am, this place serves up breakfast, pastries, lunch, and coffee by day at 243 11th Street. At night, Astoria Coffeehouse transforms into a trendy bistro serving locally caught seafood, all natural meats, and local produce. They make everything from scratch including their own ketchup. Stop by on Monday for their Sushi & Martini night. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options.

Drina Daisy Bosnian Restaurant

Situated at 915 Commercial Street, this Astoria restaurant provides unique Eastern European cuisine and is open from 4-9pm Wednesday through Sunday. Start with Suho Meso- a traditional platter with thinly sliced smoked beef served with pickled vegetables and an assortment of cheeses. Then have Sarma, stuffed cabbage leaves, for your meal. Vegetarian options are also available. Don’t forget to save room for some delicious Baklava for dessert.

Fort George Brewery & Public House

Head over to 1483 Duane Street for a wide selection of Fort George craft beers only distributed in the Pacific Northwest. You can make reservations for Upstairs Pizza on their website or just walk in to the Lovell Taproom. However indoor seating is limited. Right now the Pub is only open for take out, but you can enjoy your food outdoors in the garden while sipping a craft beer. Food options consist of specialty pizzas and salads. And of course you can get beer selections to take with you. This public house is open daily from noon until 8pm.

Silver Salmon Grille

For fresh seafood visit 1105 Commercial Street. Start your meal with salmon sliders. Then indulge in a bowl of clam chowder with Pacific Rim Cheese Bread. Or you can upgrade to substitute Smoked Salmon Cheese Bread. After that try the Coconut Beer Prawns for your entree. In addition this Astoria restaurant offers steaks, New Orleans style food, sandwiches, and pastas. Open daily from 11am until 9pm, 10pm Saturday and Sunday, but make sure to make a reservation as seating is currently limited.

Bowpicker: One of My Sister’s Favorite Astoria Restaurants

Located at 1634 Duane Street in Astoria, this is a place to get a quick bite to eat on the run. Bowpicker serves fish & chips to go from a food stand made from a boat. My sister says the line is worth the wait.

What to See Near the Best Astoria Restaurants

Astoria has quaint antique shops and specialty shops which are fun to browse as well as other historic places.

Oregon Film Museum

Located in the old Clatsop County Jail that closed in 1976, this museum houses a collection from classic films produced in Oregon. For example, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Coraline, One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest, The Shining, and Twilight, were all filmed here. In addition, the building provided the actual set for movies such as Goonies and Short Circuit. An off the beaten path must see for the film buff. Plus you will have the opportunity to make a movie short using actual sets and green screens.

Riverfront Trolley

Originally built in 1913, the trolley operates from noon until 6pm during the summer months. The trolley stops between Riverwalk Inn and 39th Street and costs $1 round trip or $2 for the day. Wave a dollar bill to get the trolley to stop and board at the back. The trolley was restored in 1999 by volunteers.

Astoria Column

Get a bird’s eye view of Astoria atop the 125-foot high Astoria Column.

Cape Disappointment, Washington

Although over the border into Washington State, Cape Disappointment is only a 25 minute drive from Astoria. Cape Disappointment offers yurts, cabins, and historic vacation homes for unique lodging in addition to campgrounds. The park provides 8 miles of hiking trails as well as boating, fishing, and beaches. Plus you can stop by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center for interesting history of the area. Then head to the North Head Lighthouse for a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.

Things to note:

• Must get a recreational license for fishing through Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Parking lots at the Interpretive Center and Lighthouse don’t accommodate recreational vehicles.
• The park advises against swimming in the ocean at Long Beach Peninsula
• For day use of the park you must purchase a Discover Pass

Where to Stay When Visiting Astoria Restaurants

If the nature accommodations at Cape Disappointment are not your thing, look here for hotel deals:

Donna Emperador is a travel and food blogger and copywriter. Donna believes in learning about different cultures while sharing good food and cocktails. She has lived in South Florida for over 20 years and enjoys spending time exploring the road to find unique places to share with readers. She can be found on Facebook,  Instagram, and Pinterest.