“Time changes everything.”
We get older, a few more gray hairs, and some wrinkles. Even blog posts age out.
Thus, we have decided to update our blog post on places to eat in Florence. Some of our previous favorites are no longer in business (Bridgewater Fish House and Zebra Bar), while others have moved location (Los Compadres), and some simply are new (Highwater Café).
This time we gave our employees a chance to tell us about some of their favorite places, our version of ask the locals, and they gave us a variety of picks to choose from.
The list of employee favorites (in alphabetical order) are:
1285 Restobar
Highwater Café
Ichibans
Jerry’s Place
Little Brown Cafe
Los Amigos
Los Compadres
Nosh
Traveler’s Cove
Waterfront Depot
1285 Restobar
1285 Bay St., Florence, OR
Website
(Recommended by Amy, Jennifer, and Krystine)
Yes, Restobar received the most recommendations, of course it was helped by Krystine who apparently has several favorites on this list. Favorite dishes included Seafood Pasta with no shrimp and extra white fish (Amy), Five Cheese Truffle Mac and Cheese (Jennifer), and Chicken Parmigiano (Krystine). Other dishes worth considering were Manicotti Florentine, Parmesan encrusted Halibut with Lobster Sauce, and any of their pizzas. They have both indoor and outdoor dining available. The 1285 come from their address on Bay Street.
Highwater Café
427 Fir Ave, Reedsport, OR
Website
(Recommended by Heather)
Truthfully, located in downtown Reedsport, the Highwater Cafe is a little out of the way if you are staying in Florence, but it is worth the drive, and I personally make it a point to stop by anytime I can, especially if it is early enough in the day to snag a sea salt chocolate chip cookie. Heather’s recommended dish is “The Bluebird,” a roasted chicken sandwich with blueberry chutney, provolone, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on house-made focaccia bread. She also recommends the Chicken Avocado sandwich, and their amazing baked goods. I can’t disagree, and my go to favorite is the Highwater Deluxe Breakfast Sandwich (anytime of day).
Ichiban Chinese and Japanese Restaurant and Lounge
1179 Hwy 101 Florence, OR
Website
(Recommended by Krystine)
One of a couple restaurants on our list located on Highway 101. Krystine indicates when she has a pork-fried rice craving Ichiban is her go to place. Reasonably priced meals for the amount served, she will usually get the fried rice with a combo of General Tso’s chicken and Mongolian beef. They also have daily dinner specials.
Jerry’s Place
88274 Rhododendron Dr, Florence, OR
Website
(Recommended by Skye)
Jerry’s Place is on the outskirts of town, away from the hustle and bustle of Highway 101 or Old Town. Skye’s favorite dish is the Hawaiian Pizza with jalapeno peppers added. “The crust is delicious and ingredients are top notch.” A popular side at Jerry’s are the Sidewinders, a cross between a JoJo and a curly fry, and they come with a delicious sauce. Additionally, Jerry’s has two pool tables that can keep you entertained while you wait. They also have a happy hour and lunch specials. If you show up on a Wednesday night at a pool tournament, watch out for Skye, she is quite the pool shark.
Little Brown Hen Café
435 Hwy 101 Florence, OR
Website
(Recommended by Ashileea)
A cozy local restaurant on Highway 101, with lots of silly food-themed posters on the wall. Open for breakfast and lunch, this is a popular place, and on a busy weekend or during the summer-time it is not unusual to have to wait for a table. Ashileea’s favorite dish is French Toast, “because I love French toast.” As one of our breakfast bar workers, I also find it fitting that her favorite place is a breakfast place. Ashileea points out that the Little Brown Hen is a cash only business, so be prepared ahead of time, or pay for the ATM charge that comes from getting cash within the restaurant.
Los Amigos and Los Compadres
(both recommended by Justin)
Los Amigos
529 Hwy 101, Florence, OR
Menu
Lost Compadres
1161 Hwy 101, Florence, OR
Website
They are separate restaurants, in different locations, and they were both recommended by Justin. His go-to menu items are tacos and tortas. He says the people are nice at both places, and they have great food.
Nosh
1269 Bay St, Florence OR
Website
(recommended by Dre)
Another Bay Street favorite, Dre’s favorite dish is the seafood platter which comes with 3 pieces of fried fish, calamari, and coleslaw, although Dre says he passes on the coleslaw because he does not like coleslaw. Nothing against Nosh’s coleslaw, “I’m just not a big fan of coleslaw.” He always gets the same dish, so obviously he has found something he enjoys and keeps going back.
Traveler’s Cove
1362 Bay St., Florence, OR
(Recommended by Stephanie and Krystine)
Traveler’s Cove has both indoor and outdoor dining, with the outdoor dining providing a great view of the Siuslaw River and the Siuslaw River bridge. Stephanie says they have great margaritas and her favorite menu item is the shredded beef quesadilla served with sour cream and guacamole, “tastes delicious and not too heavy on my stomach.” Her family also enjoys the enchiladas with rice and beans. Krystine says they have good chocolate cake, Gabby is always nice, and their burgers are reasonably priced.
Waterfront Depot
1252 Bay St., Florence, OR
Website
(recommended by Mike)
Like Traveler’s Cove, Waterfront Depot has indoor and outdoor dining with some seats having great views of the river and bridge. The building itself was an old train depot building moved from Mapleton to Florence. Mike’s favorites from the appetizer menu include crab-stuffed mushrooms, steamer clams in garlic sauce. Their most popular menu item is probably the crab-encrusted halibut, and “it is delicious.” They have specialty cocktails, and if you want to watch a show, making the Spanish coffee involves fire.
I am glad that our employees get out on the town occasionally, and like you I have more places and dishes I need to check out. Next time you are in Florence call us directly at Super 8 – Florence, Oregon for our best prices, 541-997-7131. Or, if you would prefer to stay on the river, book one of our river view room at our sister property, the River House Inn, a Baymont by Wyndham, 541-997-3933. Calling directly allows you to access our best possible rates.