Oregon is a treasure-trove of a state that grows so many different kinds of food (berries, milk, tree fruits, clams, and salmon - just to name a few!)
The list below includes five places to go that is in no way comprehensive, but I do HIGHLY recommend them all and have personally visited many times!
Tillamook Creamery
Tillamook is a nationally shipped brand, but they are based on the Oregon Coast. The Tillamook Creamery is one of the first touristy places I went to on one my first solo travel trips out there, and I have since visited several times again.. the ice cream is really yummy.
They just opened up a new visitor center at the Cheese Factory in Tillamook (4165 N Hwy 101) where you can see how the their famous cheese is made (from production through packaging) and you can sample - for free - the different types of cheese they make. Downstairs in the center, there is a full cafe where, most importantly, you can choose your favorite kind of premium ice cream. There are sooo many choices, it is hard to pick just one!
Willamette Valley Pie Company
A locally owned & operated company that not only grows their own berries, but turns the produce into delicious desserts. Their pies, muffins, and scones are my favorite. Their retail store (2294 82nd Ave NE - Salem) is a wonderful place to get a coffee, hot chocolate, ice cream, and any number of delicious baked goods. They also have fresh pies to go (or frozen!)
Bo & Vine Burger Bar
The locally-sourced burgers here are AMAZING! This is probably one of my favorite restaurants ever because the food tastes like real food and their combinations are very creative, but oh so delicious. I would also highly recommend any of their fries (regular, sweet, or tots), and the super fun part - they have a sauce bar where you can make up your own sauce or choose one of the 20ish options on their “Saucetender” menu! (Located at 176 Liberty St NE in Downtown Salem and they now have a 2nd location in Corvallis) (As of my last visit, they sadly do not do the slider size burgers as pictured any more, but the big-sized ones are just as yummy!)
Mo’s Restaurant
Mo’s is classic Oregon Coast food and it has been a tradition to go there each trip I’ve been in OR! My favorites on their menu include the Clam Chowder (with a side of garlic cheese bread) or their Alfredo Pasta dish. They serve cute little chef salads with mini shrimp (full disclosure: I’ve not always had the best luck with fresh lettuce at Mo’s, but this last time it was pretty good).
They have several locations up and down the Coast (and even at PDX!), but my favorite locations to date are in Lincoln City and Cannon Beach and Florence (I am always on the hunt for restaurants with a view and these are 5-star in the view department!)
Mo’s at Florence
Mo’s at Cannon Beach
View from Lincoln City Mo’s (pier is being rebuilt after storm damage)
Live Local Cafe
We call it the “Crepe Place” (even though that isn’t the real name!). The crepes are amazing. The loaded toast is delicious. The atmosphere is the best place to sit and relax. I think I’ve liked everything I’ve ever tried here, and I enjoy the fact that you get to support small-town ownership with local foods. (Located on 111 N. Water St in Downtown Silverton. And don’t forget to feed the parking meters during the week… but it’s only like a quarter for an hour!)
