Eating Well with Special Diets on the Oregon Coast: Ask Manzanita Beach

One of our readers of Manzanita Beach Life at guest at our oceanfront Manzanita rental asks where to eat with special diets on the Oregon Coast?

Food Allergies Aren't Fun - But Your Food Doesn't Have to be Boring

Like comedian Janeane Garofalo, I grew up in the era where killer allergies were urban legends -- usually involving bee stings and anaphylactic shock.

These days, food allergies and intolerance are on the rise. And no laughing matter. Especially when trying to relax while vacationing on the Oregon Coast.

You can eat well with special diets on the Oregon Coast!

Welcome to your North Oregon Coast vacation! You're in luck -- we're here to help you find good food for special diets on the Oregon Coast!

Photo Credit: locations hub

Allergen Sensitive vs. Safe: Not All Foods Are Created Equal

There's a lot of confusion out there with many reporting as having food allergies.

Within that group are a small percentage of those diagnosed with severe food allergies.

You'll note that most on the Oregon Coast serve gluten-free options, but you'll note these eateries often help those with other sensitivities.

Please be aware for those with severe allergies or issues such as Celiac Disease, these are not typically restaurants specializing in dietary restrictions.

Do you have severe dietary restrictions?

We've recently run across great suggestions by Joanna Allen and her blog post detailing  Dining Out With Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions. Joanna has Celiac Disease, so she speaks from her own experience for those with special diets on the Oregon Coast:

• Call ahead and speak to the Chef or Kitchen Staff.

• Make a laminated card that lists all of your allergens.  It is helpful for the chef to refer to it while he is preparing your meal.

• I also pack a small cooler with something small to eat, just in case.  I usually bring my own salad dressing and a small piece of protein because the restaurant may not be able to meet all my needs.  That way I am guaranteed something to eat.

• It is estimated that about 50% of fatal food allergy episodes happen outside of the home. Make sure your table and chairs are well cleaned before sitting down and make sure the staff is aware of your allergens right from the start. If you have called ahead, the staff should be aware of your allergens and should communicate it to you.

• Keep it simple. I usually order a piece of meat or fish pan seared in only olive oil.  I am very specific about exactly what they can and cannot use.  If available, I ask for my salad to be only romaine lettuce and I use my own salad dressing I have brought from home.   I avoid fried foods and desserts as they have the highest incidences of allergen episodes me and for most individuals.

• Confirm your order with the person who has delivered your meal to make sure it was prepared to your specifications.

• Don't eat anything suspect, and send it back if you're not sure. I recently had a waitress who rolled her eyes at me when I explained my allergens and sure enough the information was not conveyed to the chef.  Instead of listening to my gut and sending it back, I ate it and ended up in the ER about an hour later.

Thanks Joanna for her great tips to help us with special diets on the Oregon Coast!

Photo Credit: Wonderground

Eating Our Way Down the Oregon Coast

One scrumptious stop at a time.

Let's start at the top and go from there, shall we?

Astoria Restaurants

Welcome to our #1 special diets on the Oregon Coast friendly town, here on the upper NW corner of Oregon. Astoria takes the prize, quantity of selection wise.

Lots of options for special diets, both high end and economy.

Astoria Coffeehouse and Bistro, 243 11th St, Astoria, OR 97103-4114 (503) 325-1787

We love the Astoria Coffeehouse and Bistro, and when we thinking of bakery Astoria Oregon, this is one of our go-tos! The Astoria Coffeehouse and Bistro menu and baked goods includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly options. A favorite Astoria bakery in addition to Astoria restaurant, they have a take out coffee and baked goods counter, too.

Astoria Co-op Grocery, 1355 Exchange Street #1, Astoria, OR  97103 (503) 325-0027

Deli and grocery address special diets.

Blue Scorcher Bakery Cafe, 1493 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 338-7473

We love an excuse to stop at this Astoria bakery, the Blue Scorcher Bakery and Cafe! You'll find them to be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly. Take out or eat in. Be sure to think of Blue Scorcher when thinking of - bakery Astoria Oregon!

Bridgewater Bistro, 20 Basin St, Ste. A, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 325-6777

An upscale Astoria restaurant with fabulous views of the Astoria bridge spanning the stunning mouth of the Columbia River, this spot is run by a husband and wife team with a history of family gluten sensitivities in their own family.

When last we checked, they were so conscious of the possibility of cross contamination, they even feature a dedicated gluten free fryer for those gluten-free people craving fish and chips!

Word is they'll even triple wash pans to accommodate allergies.

Columbian Cafe, 1114 Marine Drive, Astoria OR 97103 (503) 325-2233

Hipster, vegetarian Astoria Restaurant. Quintessential Astorian. Creative and funky.

Ask for the "Chef's Mercy" - you name your food allergies, and they'll prepare a unique creation, from scratch especially for you.

Carruthers Astoria, 197 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 975-5305

Carruthers Astoria is one of the new Astoria restaurants in the area. Created by the owners of Astoria Bistro and Coffeehouse, Carruthers Astoria is quickly gaining on the popularity of their original Astoria restaurant. Like Astoria Bistro and Coffeehouse, the Carruthers Astoria menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly options. A good option for a more upscale dining experience.

Street 14 Cafe, 1410 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 325-5511

Street 14 Cafe is an Astoria coffee shop and is often overlooked as a go to restaurant and bakery in Astoria, Oregon. Happily they offer vegetarian and gluten free options. And like several others, it's a must stop when looking for an Astoria bakery for breakfast treats!

The Wet Dog Cafe, 144 - 11th Street, Astoria, OR 97103 (503) 325-6975

Reports as celiac friendly Astoria restaurant. Gluten free breads (buns for burgers, etc.), fries and beer.

Photo Credit: Bizarro

Gearhart Restaurants

Gearhart restaurants may not be plentiful, but here you'll find just the spot for eating with special diets on the Oregon Coast.

McMenamins Sand Trap Pub, 1157 N Marion Ave, Seaside, OR 97138 (503) 717-8159

Separate Dietary Restriction Menu highlighting gluten, dairy, vegetarian, and vegan needs. Gluten free buns, gluten free pizza crusts, beer and ciders available at this Gearhart restaurant.

Seaside Restaurants

One might not think of Seaside restaurants for special diets on the Oregon Coast, but we have a good selection for you.

Tsunami Sandwich Company, 11 Broadway St, Seaside, OR 97138 (503) 738-5427

Gluten free sandwich breads and soups. The owners of this Seaside restaurant are very helpful in finding the right ingredients for you.

Firehouse Grill, 841 Broadway, Seaside, OR 97138 (503) 717-5502

 Gluten free biscuits, breads, and buns round out this pub type offering. Be sure to ask the waitstaff at this Seaside restaurant for assistance in ordering your selections.

Patty's Wicker Cafe, 600 Broadway Street, Seaside, OR 97138 (503) 717-1272

Gluten free options identified on the menu. The staff at this Seaside restaurant is very accommodating and the cannel view charming.

Photo Credit: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce

Canon Beach Restaurants

Looking to eat with special diets at Cannon Beach restaurants? We've got you covered.

Sweet Basil's Cafe, 271 North Hemlock Street, Cannon Beach, OR  97110 (503) 436-1539

Gluten and dairy free options at this charming Cannon Beach restaurant.

Crepe Neptune.  175 East Second Street, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-9200

Reports are that this Cannon Beach restaurant hs gluten and dairy free options, but not necessarily safe for those with Celiacs. Gluten free option for the crepes is a buckwheat substitution. No separate grill for wheat and gluten free crepes.

Irish Table, 1235 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-0708

Those with allergies don't play second fiddle at this upper end Cannon Beach restaurant gem, with gluten free menu standards such as Shepard's Pie. Ask the friendly waitstaff for selection help.

Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, 1235 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-2796

Morning sibling to the above listed Irish Table Cannon Beach restaurant, the delicious fragrance of roasting coffee greets you while you select from among their gluten free pastries.

Photo Credit: Kim Bergstrom

Manzanita Restaurants

Of course Manzanita Beach Life loves Manzanita restaurants! And there's lots for those looking for restaurants covering special diets on the Oregon Coast.

Big Wave Cafe, 822 Hwy. 101, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-9283

While not advertised as allergy friendly Manzanita restaurant, we've had guests rave about how helpful the staff is in accommodating special diets. We can attest that customer service is a high priority of this owner run establishment!

Bread and Ocean, 154 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-5823

Assorted gluten-free bakery goods, including fresh egg-free gluten-free freshly baked bread on Thursdays sold by the loaf. Sandwiches available with gluten-free option.  Lots of other possibilities. Helpful staff at this Manzanita restaurant in trying to accommodate dietary needs.

Note - not for the extremely gluten sensitive. There's lots of wheat bread baking going on around here.

Coffee Shop, 60 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-2233

Yep, this is their name for this Manzanita coffee shop! Limited gluten-free options, including gluten-free blueberry muffins. They also serve freshly made oatmeal with an offered condiment selection, but the oats are not advertised as gluten-free.

Left Coast Siesta, 288 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-7997

All the sauces at this Manzanita restaurant treasure are now gluten free. Gluten free tortillas available, as are corn shells. All of the meat fillings are gluten free. Helpful staff will attempt to adjust to your dietary needs.

Photo Credit: Living Wilderness

Manzanita Grocery & Deli, 193 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-5363

Good gluten free section and organic produce available at this Manzanita grocery store.

Marzano's Pizza, 60 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-3663

Unfortunately due to staffing shortages at this Manzanita restaurant, Marzano's pizza is now only take out. Always yummy pizzas and salads including gluten-free pizza.

Mother Nature's Natural Foods, 298 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-5316

Good selection of gluten-free and other allergen-free items, including bulk foods a this Manzanita natural food grocery store.

Neahkahnie Bistro, 519 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130 (503) 368-2722

Lunch and dinner at this higher end Manzanita restaurant. Gluten-free options designated on menu.

Photo Credit: Gluten Free Club

Nehalem Restaurants

Looking for to eat with special diets in Nehalem? Try the following Nehalem restaurants.

Buttercup Ice Creams and Chowders, 35915 N. Hwy 101, Nehalem, OR 97131

Allergen free food seekers heaven! Chowders, both meat and vegan options, made to order, right in front of you. Artisan house crafted frozen treats, from ice-cream and semifreddos to sorbets - all offered in a cup or house made cones, including gluten-free.

Plenty of non-GMO/gluten-free, dietary restricted options. And they're there to help!

Pizza Garden, 35815 N Hwy 101, Nehalem, OR 97131 (503) 368-7675

This Nehalem restaurant offers gluten-free crusts and cheese substitutes.

Wanda's Cafe, 12870 H St, Nehalem, OR 97131 (503) 368-8100

Helpful owner and staff at this Nehalem restaurant favorite. The offer gluten-free bread, and will help find something, as much as possible, that works for you.

Note that Wanda's is also a bakery, so there's wheat flour on premises.

Photo Credit: Beach Connection

Wheeler Restaurants

Yep, people with special diets on the Oregon Coast can find wonderful eats at Wheeler restaurants!

The Roost, 495 N Hwy 101, Wheeler, OR 97147 (503) 368-2625

Charming Wheeler coffee shop serving breakfasts and lunches. Gluten-free items available including granola and bread.

Rising Star Cafe, 92 Rorvik St, Wheeler, OR 97147 (503) 368-3990

A local favorite Wheeler restaurant, but the secret's out. The owners are extremely helpful with tailoring selections to your need and rice noodles are always on the daily menu for all their pasta or special dishes.

To top it off, they typically have a gluten-free dessert selection. The owner makes them, so you can ask about specific ingredients of concern!

Salmonberry Saloon. 380 S Marine Dr., Wheeler, Oregon 97147 (503) 714-1423

They're just getting going, but we bet they're willing to work with those eating with special diets on the Oregon coast. Give them a call and find out!

Kelly's Brighton Marina, 29200 N Hwy 101, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136 (503) 368-5745

You're looking for gluten-free and allergen-free? How about freshly cooked crabs, clams and oysters? Shucked, prepared and cooked right in front of you.

For those that love seafood, you're in for a treat.

Rockaway Beach Restaurants

Who knew Rockaway Beach restaurants offered selections for those eating with special diets on the Oregon Coast? The secret's out!

Offshore Grill and Coffee House. 122 Highway 101 N, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136-9016

This Rockaway Beach restaurant is quickly gaining a wonderful reputation for fresh, yummy food. You'll find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options on the menu.

Sand Dollar Restaurant and Lounge. 210 SW 1st Street, By the Wayside, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136-9016

Besides a great view, you'll find gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options on the menu of this Rockaway Beach restaurant.

Old Oregon Smoke House. 120 Highway 101 S, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136-9845

This long time local favorite Rockaway Beach restaurant has gluten free options on the menu.

Upper Crust Pizza. 342 Highway 101 N, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136-9819

You'll find both vegetarian friendly and gluten free options on the menu of this Rockaway Beach restaurant.

Garibaldi Restaurants

Garibaldi offers a taste of the Oregon Coast of yesteryear in their sleepy community on the water. Stop by Garibaldi Restaurants for those looking to dine with special diets on the Oregon Coast.

Pirate's Cove. 14170 Highway 101 Ave N, Garibaldi, OR 97118-1515

Not only does this Garibaldi restaurant sit a historic North Oregon Coast site with fabulous views, you'll find gluten free offerings on the menu.

Bay City Restaurants

Bay City restaurants too!

The Fish Peddler at Pacific Oyster. 5150 Oyster Dr, Bay City, OR 97107

You'll find gluten free options at this Bay City restaurant.

Tillamook Restaurants

Old Oregon Smokehouse, 3905 Us-101, Tillamook, OR 97141 (503) 842-2383

We've heard reports of the best clam chowder on the Oregon Coast - gluten free, of course!

Advice for Eating with Special Diets on the Oregon Coast

We've left off the chain restaurants that advertise accommodating allergy restrictions. You'll find a McDonalds, Subway, A & W, up north in Astoria; Subway and Taco Bell in Warrenton; and McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway and Taco Bell in Seaside.

We personally prefer to experience the local, independent businesses. Their food is typically fresher, and the owner is usually on hand to make your experience as wonderful as possible.

We'll leave you with a last bit of advice. You'll notice that everyone loves heading to the beach during sunny Pacific Northwest days. And as a result, these small independent businesses often get extremely busy.

Patience will get you much farther ahead when you need to eat with special diets on the Oregon Coast.

So order the laid back, Manzanita Beach way, and savor the wonderful offerings!

Enjoy Eating with Special Diets on the Oregon Coast ~

Interested in staying at our oceanfront Manzanita rentals? Contact us for information about vacationing on the beautiful Manzanita Beach.

The Houses On Manzanita Beach

Photo Credit: Megan Davidson

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