Restaurant Reviews: Lincoln City

[Wyody]

The finest food we have come across so far in our three-weeks (and counting) of living in Oregon can be found at Richens at the Beach.
This establishment has been formerly known as the "Sip and Sand" and the upstairs lounge still carries that name.
Richens offers a full-range menu of home-style meals, sandwiches and desserts.
You can bring the family or you can dine upstairs in the lounge with an outside-seating area during fair weather and inside eating with a nice - though small - view of the Lincoln City coastline.
Being a very happy fish-eater, I usually just order the Halibut Sandwich which is just absolutely flavorful and delicious. Caught locally according to the proprietor. The Mrs. orders more variety and some of the sandwiches she has had are not only unique - but downright tasty!
I must say that Oregon serves up the best french-fries I have had anywhere - including Idaho. Don't know what they do - but they do it just right!
No street parking. There is a small corner lot just south and additional parking in the rear - where the stairs lead to the lounge.
Their Clam Chowder is thick and amazing! Key Lime Pie, Creme Pies, Fruit pies and wonderful Bread Pudding with warm cream-sauce ... all homemade, large and tasty!
A couple can eat there for a twenty-dollar bill - drinks included or, you can run the gamut and spend what you like. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Closes at 3 on Sundays.
See you there.

[MyAzi]

You keep making Oregon sound more appealing than I remember it to be!!!

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by MyAzi

You keep making Oregon sound more appealing than I remember it to be!!!

Ah, what's not to like? During the full moon, it is said that the crabs dance in unison on the sand while the starfish sing softly in chorus from the rocks and the whales whistle in-tune from just offshore while the harbor seals play with their young in the picnic-grounds of the shallows they inhabit at Siltez Bay.
The tall trees come to life at midnight and softly rock the birds to sleep.
It's a rain-forest without the gibbons and toucans.
All is lovely and lucid even in the dimmest corners of the mind's-eye while the Ocean gently rolls it's way on shore .... or crashes in towering crescendoes of cascading thunder right at your very feet and washes you with the salt-mist of the Gods while all you have to do is dream ... and dream ... and dream.

[MyAzi]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Ah, what's not to like? During the full moon, it is said that the crabs dance in unison on the sand while the starfish sing softly in chorus from the rocks and the whales whistle in-tune from just offshore while the harbor seals play with their young in the picnic-grounds of the shallows they inhabit at Siltez Bay.
The tall trees come to life at midnight and softly rock the birds to sleep.
It's a rain-forest without the gibbons and toucans.
All is lovely and lucid even in the dimmest corners of the mind's-eye while the Ocean gently rolls it's way on shore .... or crashes in towering crescendoes of cascading thunder right at your very feet and washes you with the salt-mist of the Gods while all you have to do is dream ... and dream ... and dream.

Boy were you sold a bill of goods!!! I used to live in Yachats not all that far from where you are now. I remember constant WET, clouds and drizzle and COLD!! And loved those winds off the coast that chilled one to the very core. And those trees... breaking with the wind!!

Okay maybe it wasn't that bad... It was pretty but you have one thing there that makes me stay out of the entire state!!! Be careful because this evil lurks and attacks when you least expect it!!!! It is monsterous and invading... please be careful!!!

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by MyAzi

Boy were you sold a bill of goods!!! I used to live in Yachats not all that far from where you are now. I remember constant WET, clouds and drizzle and COLD!! And loved those winds off the coast that chilled one to the very core. And those trees... breaking with the wind!!

Okay maybe it wasn't that bad... It was pretty but you have one thing there that makes me stay out of the entire state!!! Be careful because this evil lurks and attacks when you least expect it!!!! It is monsterous and invading... please be careful!!!

Hee Hee! The only evil I've been informed of is called "Tourist Season"! Is that what you had in mind or would you care to expound on the evil you've tried to inject into my state of nirvanah?
Let's see ... hmmm ... oh yeah, you're living in the wettest part of the country outside of the Louisiana grasslands. What's up wi' that?
The first several days we were here were practically rain free! Since then, it's rained at least a little almost every day and rained pretty hard for at least two days at a time a few times since. There has still been much time without rain and at least a little sun almost every day. It has been warmer here than in Portland and Salem almost every day. We have managed a walk on the beach every day except for two. This is our rainy season!
Since we arrived, the wind has been fairly tame with one afternoon and evening gusting to about forty mph. Prior to our arrival, it broke off a tree-top on our property. I must mention that we came from Wyoming - where a 40mph wind is considered a fairly calm day! Must also mention that just three weeks ago, I was cutting holes in ceilings to repair the frozen and busted copper plumbing pipes from our spell of 34 below temps! I have been sweating every day and night - have to leave the window open to sleep thru the night!
The power of the Pacific Ocean has always been a magnet to me but up here, it is much stronger than down in So. Cal ... than down in most of Cal as I remember it. The lake that horseshoes in and out of town is peaceful in it's intentions and is referred to as a 'great fishing hole'. The drive north and the drive south is filled with awe-inspiring views.
Now, I've spent a little time on the Washington coast - it was some years ago now - and all I saw there was flat, gray and foggy - really boring in comparison. I do intend to make some trips up that way and see more of the WA coast than I have ever seen before - but that's how I remember it. The excitement of spotting my first whales off Copalis Beach helped a lot - but my main memory is gray, gray, gray. Not so here - at least, not so far.
Perhaps you are mistaking the locals for Sasquatch??

[MyAzi]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Hee Hee! The only evil I've been informed of is called "Tourist Season"! Is that what you had in mind or would you care to expound on the evil you've tried to inject into my state of nirvanah?
Let's see ... hmmm ... oh yeah, you're living in the wettest part of the country outside of the Louisiana grasslands. What's up wi' that?
The first several days we were here were practically rain free! Since then, it's rained at least a little almost every day and rained pretty hard for at least two days at a time a few times since. There has still been much time without rain and at least a little sun almost every day. It has been warmer here than in Portland and Salem almost every day. We have managed a walk on the beach every day except for two. This is our rainy season!
Since we arrived, the wind has been fairly tame with one afternoon and evening gusting to about forty mph. Prior to our arrival, it broke off a tree-top on our property. I must mention that we came from Wyoming - where a 40mph wind is considered a fairly calm day! Must also mention that just three weeks ago, I was cutting holes in ceilings to repair the frozen and busted copper plumbing pipes from our spell of 34 below temps! I have been sweating every day and night - have to leave the window open to sleep thru the night!
The power of the Pacific Ocean has always been a magnet to me but up here, it is much stronger than down in So. Cal ... than down in most of Cal as I remember it. The lake that horseshoes in and out of town is peaceful in it's intentions and is referred to as a 'great fishing hole'. The drive north and the drive south is filled with awe-inspiring views.
Now, I've spent a little time on the Washington coast - it was some years ago now - and all I saw there was flat, gray and foggy - really boring in comparison. I do intend to make some trips up that way and see more of the WA coast than I have ever seen before - but that's how I remember it. The excitement of spotting my first whales off Copalis Beach helped a lot - but my main memory is gray, gray, gray. Not so here - at least, not so far.
Perhaps you are mistaking the locals for Sasquatch??

No Tourist season is mild compared to this type of evil. The evil of which I speak.... is shhhhhhh I have to whisper this or I may be overheard and found!! It is........................... the Ex Mother in Law!!!! The state of Or is much too small for us both!!!!

Oh and for the record I am not living in "the wettest part of the country outside of the Louisiana grasslands." You do know of course that Portland get more rain than we here. As well as HI and NY... but I didn't have to tell you that...

And as for the reminder of where you came from.... GOOD COICE!!!! I tease... That part of OR is breathtaking and I loved it. But as I said the state is much too small. I love the Pacific... however I love it more from the San Diego area.

I am glad you are able to enjoy where you now live.... take some pics and share!!!

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by MyAzi

Oh and for the record I am not living in "the wettest part of the country outside of the Louisiana grasslands." You do know of course that Portland get more rain than we here. As well as HI and NY... but I didn't have to tell you that...

Actually, the info that was presented to me prior to my move said every part of Washington was rainier by the inch than any part of Oregon - but must admit I was, at that time, considering southern Oregon and not the North-central coast.

. I love the Pacific... however I love it more from the San Diego area.

Lived there and did enjoy the coast almost daily. Swam nearly every day from OB to PB and back. However, I only recall enjoying the "power" during the storms. Nice, warm weather - and no weather beats San Diego. I am into cooler temps now though - I'd never lived in the Rockies at that time

I am glad you are able to enjoy where you now live.... take some pics and share!!!

When I get my personal puter up, I'll be able to scan. Perhaps by then I'll be able to finally get a digital cam. Must say that a pic just can't do justice to this beautiful coast

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by Wyody

When I get my personal puter up, I'll be able to scan. Perhaps by then I'll be able to finally get a digital cam. Must say that a pic just can't do justice to this beautiful coast

If you want a really good basic digital camera, check out the HP M425. It is a great easy to use 5 megapixel (good resolution) camera that takes great photos. I have been buying them for people at work to use out in the field and they love them. You can pick them up for about $119 plus the cost of a memory card.

Here are the specs and reviews:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0601/06010405hpm425.asp

[MyAzi]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Lived there and did enjoy the coast almost daily. Swam nearly every day from OB to PB and back. However, I only recall enjoying the "power" during the storms. Nice, warm weather - and no weather beats San Diego. I am into cooler temps now though - I'd never lived in the Rockies at that time

Then you should know this beach and pier.. my old stomping grounds.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by MyAzi

Then you should know this beach and pier.. my old stomping grounds.

Gawd, I've gotta go back 30 years and try to remember? The beach pic reminds me of PB - but without the carnival - can't say I recall the red-cross bldg. The pier could be anywhere. My favorite was at Ventura - which was also my favorite beach and perhaps my favorite southern town. My second favorite was Black's ... but I'm all over that now.
Do tell, AZ - and please hit my refresh button.

[MyAzi]

Originally Posted by Wyody

Gawd, I've gotta go back 30 years and try to remember? The beach pic reminds me of PB - but without the carnival - can't say I recall the red-cross bldg. The pier could be anywhere. My favorite was at Ventura - which was also my favorite beach and perhaps my favorite southern town. My second favorite was Black's ... but I'm all over that now.
Do tell, AZ - and please hit my refresh button.

the beach and pier are of Ocean Beach... and that "carnival" at PB is Belmont Park. I used to ride on that coaster when I was a very little girl. Sitting with my brother and father. That was before they set the height limits for things like that.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by MyAzi

the beach and pier are of Ocean Beach... and that "carnival" at PB is Belmont Park. I used to ride on that coaster when I was a very little girl. Sitting with my brother and father. That was before they set the height limits for things like that.

I cannot for the life of me recall that building at OB ... and I lived for a time right on Lotus Street!! I remember the little A-frames (remember those), I remember the hot-dog vendor in the middle of the street, I almost remember walking the pier and I body-surfed right beside it for three months straight one winter - but something about a walled-walk right in front of the A-frames is brighter in my memory. ......... Ohhhhh, I might possibly know why my memory from those days is littered with fuzz (SD was a party-town) ... and Azi, I have been telling folks for a few years now that my good memory is 30 years long! Makes it hard when all the things I've always thought I'd never forget - have become vague.
As I recall, Belmont was not really an operating park anymore last I was there ... but that's gone fuzzy too. Too many bumper-car hits probably!

[Wyody]

The Sea Hag restaurant on 101, right in the heart of the little burg of Depoe Bay (self-proclaimed whale watching capital of the coast) has an enticing look to it. A warm feel to the interior. I'd suggest eating in the lounge if you can, pulling up a chair around the roaring fire.
We dropped by the Hag primarily so my wife could sample the shrimp - this place was recommended as having the best shrimp meals around. She ordered the "Dipping Prawns" which come draped over a vat of boullibase. Well, the Mrs was not that impressed but had not first realized that boullibase has tomatoes! The prawns were a little tired but were huge!
For myself, I had the poached Salmon with rice. This was an excellent plate of food! Just a bit overpriced but the aura of the room made up for that.
The coffee was excellent - a local "Newport Bay" variety and the room was comfortable.
While we only stopped in for lunch, they have a large menu selection and one can spend from $9 to over $20 not including drinks.
They have a wonderful looking dinner menu and live music in the lounge most evenings.
The second-best cup of chowder I've had in the area - coming close to but perhaps not surpassing the chowder served over at "Richens on the Beach" in Lincoln City.

[Wyody]

Chinese Food. MomiJi's and others.

There are three Chinese restaurants in Lincoln City.
Lee's Restaurant is located right in the main part of town.
Foon Hing Yuen is north past town-center about a mile. Both are on the west side of 101 and both serve better Chinese food than I have had for a long, long time. Lee's is a bit more authentic as the employees are of an Oriental persuasion.
But the topper is Momiji - located on the oceanside of 101 at the north end of town just before the 51st St. (SW) right-turn to the Taft District and pier.
Momiji serves both, Japanese and Chinese courses, including Sushi. Hint: take your translator unless you can readily understand languages of China and Japan.
The tea is served as you sit down. A fine selection of Japanese seafood entrees, lunch combos until 3 and wonderful Chinese dinners. The prawns served as appetizers are deep-fried, giant and delicious!
My wife is a lover of sweet-and-sour Pork and was intensely satisfied by her portion. I had the "Triple Seafood Sizzler" which comes sizzling and steaming to your table with Squid, Scallops and Shrimp served with a fine selection of vegetables and is ... trust me here ... Exquisite!
Momiji also has a restaurant in the Tanger Outlet Mall - but the main eatery on 101 has a spectacular view of the mountains surrounding the south end of Lincoln City.
Parking is a little difficult. There are two spots in front and after that, you have to turn on down into the Taft district - so, you may have to walk a block or two ... but do it - I'm thinking you won't be disappointed at all!
I will absolutely put their lunch-combos on my weekly route. (The lunch combos, by the way, do not include squid).
See you there!!

[washington native]

if the rogue brewery still gives tours and allows you to sample its brews, you gotta stop there. when mrs. wash. native and i were younger and without the nativettes, we stopped there and just happened to have one of those great days you remember for a long time. you're not going to get anything to eat there (or you couldn't back then), but the sampler tray is to die for. it's located on the water, kinda under the bridge on the way to the aquarium.

[washington native]

eats: pacific city ... the pelican pub and brewery on cape kiwanda. i hate to make this sound like a theme, but they have great micro brews and their "tower of (onion) rings" are the best you'll ever have. their main courses rule as well, and the view is pretty darned nice as well.

[Wyody]

Originally Posted by washington native

eats: pacific city ... the pelican pub and brewery on cape kiwanda. i hate to make this sound like a theme, but they have great micro brews and their "tower of (onion) rings" are the best you'll ever have. their main courses rule as well, and the view is pretty darned nice as well.

Ah, PDX Native reviewed this on another thread (say, are you folks related - got the same last name).
We stopped by there a couple of weeks ago on his advice. Lovely drive to Pacific City and that's currently the extent of our "North-along-the-coast" travels.
I enjoyed it. Just had a simple cup of chowder while my wife had a sandwich that didn't please her. The beach right there is great - the cape, the big ol' hill, the people swinging in para-gliding seats , the "everybody wishing they could afford a t-shirt to wear when they get back home" style to the place.
I've gotta try the other local eateries next, I suppose but also need to drive up to Tillamook, maybe Seaside.
And yeah, I'm hearing good things from the "Rogue" fans. I didn't realize they're just down in Newport. I'll visit there with a straw!

[PDXnative]

Originally Posted by washington native

if the rogue brewery still gives tours and allows you to sample its brews, you gotta stop there. when mrs. wash. native and i were younger and without the nativettes, we stopped there and just happened to have one of those great days you remember for a long time. you're not going to get anything to eat there (or you couldn't back then), but the sampler tray is to die for. it's located on the water, kinda under the bridge on the way to the aquarium.

They have a restaurant there now. It is a little hole in the wall, but some good beer and a bite to eat. Plus, you can tour the brewery. Dead Guy Ale is some good stuff!!

[PDXnative]

Link and map to Rogue Brewery:

http://www.rogue.com/brewery.html

[washington native]

Originally Posted by PDXnative

They have a restaurant there now. It is a little hole in the wall, but some good beer and a bite to eat. Plus, you can tour the brewery. Dead Guy Ale is some good stuff!!

OMG - PDX, are we in heaven?

[Panterro]

Does Oregon have Beaches like that?

[washington native]

Originally Posted by Panterro

Does Oregon have Beaches like that?

no, it's iowa.

[Panterro]

Im sorry I dont follow?

[washington native]

Shoeless Joe Jackson: Is this heaven?
Ray Kinsella: No, it's Iowa.

[Panterro]

So your saying that Oregon does not have beaches like that?

Wyody, your on the coast of Oregon right? How do youlike it so far? Good places to eat? Do they have cool shops like a farmers market and so forth for the the do it yourself home chef?

[Wyody]

Pan, I don't know what you're referring to - If it's wanative's avatar then, that is Multnomah Falls - just a few miles east of Gresham, east of Portland.
Not a beach. Is definitely somewhere you'll want to go! I believe that they are still discovering waterfalls in Oregon - seems there's a lot of wilderness to cover. I haven't seen enough beaches to tell you yet what Oregon beaches are like - but here's an attempt:
Twice last week, we drove down the coast a half-hour or so. Stopped both times at a particular spot where the waves break sharp and big and where you're standing is about a 40 feet above the lava "cliffs" that line the shore - the waves crash against it, spraying a full cloud of water straight up and at you - making so much noise when they break that it sounds like claps of thunder!
Nearly every day, we walk to or mostly drive across the street and down a hill about two blocks - little parking area where we can walk the beach for miles in either direction. High tide - watch for sneaker-waves. Low tide - watch for creepy-crawlees. Waves maybe five feet - maybe twenty-five. Haven't seen any over about fifteen yet. Body surfing is out as rocks and even boulders litter the beach and rocky shelfs reach way out into the sea - just like all the pictures look. It's a beautiful day everyday at the beach - too cold sometimes right now - and it's different everyday as well.
I think we mentioned contemplation somewhere else - but just a few minutes with the sea will set you TDC!

[Panterro]

Originally Posted by MyAzi

Then you should know this beach and pier.. my old stomping grounds.

Im reffering to this post Wyody.