A Secret Spot for an Old-Fashioned Shrimp Cocktail
Whenever I’m at the beach, I get a craving for an old-fashioned shrimp cocktail. You know what I’m talking about, right? A shrimp cocktail is not a drink, it’s a scoop of sweet, tiny, tender little Oregon bay shrimp slathered with cocktail sauce. You can order these in restaurants, of course, but I always go to Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Market, 2174 NE Hwy. 101 (tel. 541/994-3022), an open-fronted seafood store right on the highway. It’s been around forever, and the fresh fish, Dungeness crabs, and seasonal razor clams have gotten steadily more expensive. But this is where you can still get a shrimp cocktail served in a paper cup with a plastic spoon and a bag of crackers for $5. Barnacle Bill’s is open daily 9:30am to 4:30pm. No credit cards.
If you're looking for some good smoked salmon or smoked oysters, stop by Mr. Bill's Village Smokehouse, 2981 SW U.S. 101 (tel. 888/MR-BILLS [672-4557]; www.mrbillsvillagesmokehouse.com).
Inexpensive -- Right across the street from the Otis Café, you'll find another great alternative for a quick bite on the way to or from the beach. Pronto Pup, 1252 Salmon River Hwy., Otis (tel. 541/996-4844), a roadside hot dog stand that opened in 1946, is legendary among Oregonians for its corn dogs. The original Pronto Pup, which, some say, is where the corn dog was invented in 1939, was in the town of Rockaway Beach on the northern Oregon coast. For good breakfasts at the south end of Lincoln City, head to the Beach Dog Cafe, 1266 SW 50th Court (tel. 541/996-3647), which is also well known for its hot dogs and sausages.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
