Fresh, tasty Dungeness crab meals are something everyone should experience when visiting the Oregon Coast. So many people go crazy for crab, so we’ve compiled a list of places to enjoy Oregon’s Dungeness crabs so you can have the full experience.
About Oregon’s Dungeness Crabs
Oregon is home to more than 400 miles of rugged, undeveloped coastline, making it the perfect home for harvesting Dungeness Crabs. With six major ports between Astoria and Bookings, you are bound to find some of the freshest Dungeness Crabs no matter where you are along the coast. Crab season typically runs from December through August, so check out these places to enjoy Oregon’s Dungeness Crabs.
In Newport
Located roughly 20 minutes south of Depoe Bay, the town of Newport boasts two restaurants known for serving up some of the best Dungeness crabs in Oregon.
- Clearwater Restaurant – At the Clearwater Restaurant find comfort food with a side of local crab in the form of Dungeness crab mac and cheese and other dishes like the Dungeness crab ravioli and Dungeness crab with garlic noodles, yum!
- Local Ocean Seafoods – Local Ocean Seafoods is a local fish market that is also a restaurant. Patrons can watch as the chefs prepare freshly grilled seafood from their open-air kitchen. Dungeness crab are served in their seafood cocktail, crab po’boy, and crab cakes.
South Beach Fish Market
For super casual, crab-to-go style of restaurant, visit the South Beach Fish Market, near Yaquina Bay. The local favorite for fresh seafood, clam chowder, and fish and chips, they also serve up whole Dungeness crabs that are cooked and ready to go. They also feature fresh Dungeness crab meat and leg meat that you can buy by the pound.
In Depoe Bay
In town, there are several restaurants that serves up several ways to enjoy Oregon’s Dungeness crabs.
- Gracie’s Sea Hag – “Seafood so fresh…the ocean hasn’t missed it yet,” said the founder, Gracie Strom. Find the freshest seafood selection along the coast at Gracie’s Sea Hag. Best known for their delicious clam chowder, they also feature several crab meals. Choose from the Oregon Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Sea Hag Seafood salad with crab or shrimp, or just order a whole Dungeness crab.
- Mo’s Seafood & Chowder – located at the Devil’s Punchbowl State Park in Otter Rock, just outside of Depoe Bay via the Otter Crest Loop. Enjoy their Dungeness Crab Louie salad or the crab cocktail, all while enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
- Restaurant Beck – Located at the Whale Cove Inn, Restaurant Beck is fine dining at its best along the Oregon Coast. With a rotating fresh, seasonal menu, James Beard semi-finalist, Justin Wills, dishes out unique and flavorful meals using local ingredients. When in season, you will find a decadent selection of Dungeness crab served to perfection. Plus, you can’t beat the views as you wine and dine.
Pictured above from Restaurant Beck: Grilled white asparagus, Newport Dungeness crab, miner’s lettuce, pomodoraccio, green garlic aioli, buttermilk, chile thread, and chive oil.
Stay at the Whale Cove Inn
After your dinner at Restaurant Beck, return to your stunning suite at the Whale Cove Inn. Our luxurious suites offer the utmost privacy and seclusion with spacious living areas and private balconies. Choose from one of our seven signature suites or our three-bedroom premier suite. Each one of our suites comes with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and private balconies, perfect for enjoying Depoe Bay activities such as storm watching and whale watching.
