7 Exceptional Oregon Restaurants To Try When You're Dining Out On A Budget
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 29, 2022
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Dining out in Oregon doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg — you’ll need those limbs for thetrails! All jokes aside, some of the state’s best restaurants are the most affordable; the humble, assuming, hole-in-the-wall spots folks have been visiting for decades. We’ve rounded up some of the best of the best, for the ultimate restaurant guide for when you’re dining on a budget in Oregon:
1. Joe's Donut Shop - Sandy
Joe's Donut Shop, 39230 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055, USA
Housed in a covered stationary boat, Bowpicker Fish and Chips is a treasure of an eatery with the crispiest, crunchiest, most crave-worthy *and* affordable fried fish in the state! A half order of their delicious fried fish is less than $10 - but make sure you bring cash, because cards aren't accepted at this walk-up seafood spot.
Advertisement
3. Mo's - Locations vary
Mo's Seafood & Chowder (Original in Newport), 622 SW Bay Blvd., Newport, OR 97365, USA
Widely regarded as the best clam chowder in the PNW, Mo's is an Oregon institution. A plain, old bowl of chowder from Mo's is just $7.95, but we recommend splurging on the chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, just $11.95, for the ultimate creamy, crave-worthy, carb-y meal!
The sandwiches from Rockin' Daves are hot, hearty, hedonistic flavor bombs, sure to satisfy your every craving. The sandwiches cost between $12.50 and $13.50 (half sammies are just $8!), and include generous stacks of meat, cheese, veggies, and condiments. Featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," this sandwich superhero is also known for epic, house-made bagels, so be sure and pick up some of those while you're there!
5. Pizza A' Fetta - Cannon Beach
Pizza A' Fetta, 231 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
When you're craving pizza -- a *massive* slice of pizza -- there's only one place to go. Pizza A' Fetta is a Cannon Beach institution that's been dishing up delicious 'zas since 1988. The prices here are totally '80s, too, with slices ranging from $3.75 for classic cheese to $5 for a fully loaded meat masterpiece. And when we say "slice," we're talking about triangles that are basically the size of an entire pizza, with gooey goodness that hangs off the plate. Yes, please.
6. Dump City Dumplings - Bend
Dump City Dumplings, 384 SW Upper Terrace Dr, Bend, OR 97702, USA
The dumplings are just a few bucks apiece from this little food cart in Bend, which is good, because you'll want to try them all! The Four Cheese Pizza dumplings feature Tillamook cheeses, and the Chinese-style pork are a revelation. Come hungry and save room for dessert -- the Jem Dessert Dessert is a total PB&J throwback that's beyond delicious.
7. ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria - Portland
¿Por Qué No?, 3524 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA
¿Por Qué No?, 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215, USA
When you're hungry for tacos, ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria always delivers. With sustainable meat and fish and overall amazing tacos, this taqueria is not to be missed. The lines are long but tend to move quickly, and the restaurants themselves are colorful and decorated wonderfully with all kinds of knick knacks, art, hanging lights, and idols. Most of the tacos cost around $4 apiece, so you can try a bunch for a total taco fiesta! Also, the house-made tortilla chips are a must, and a half order is just $1.25.
How many of these budget-friendly eateries have you been to? What are your top restaurants for when you’re dining on a budget here in Oregon? Share them with us in the comments below, and if you have yet to see your favorite eatery profiled at OnlyInOregon, nominate it here and tell us what makes it so special!