Experience the Freshest Culinary Delights and Tasty Bites

Siletz Bay is the perfect place to harvest Dungeness crab. Crabbing requires minimal expense and preparation and provides a great individual, family or group experience. Crabbing in the bay is open year-round, and the best time to catch crab begins several hours after low tide. For best results, crab from the bay-facing beach at Taft Beach. Pick up a copy of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, a “crab gauge” measuring tool, and an Oregon shellfish license. Examine the regulations closely for instructions on gear to use, limits, measuring and determining the sex of the crab. Don’t forget to dress in warm clothes and bring gloves. Choose to bait traps with not-so-fresh turkey, chicken, or fish carcass. Once enough “keepers” are harvested, boil or steam the crab, clean it, and crack the shell to access the tender, buttery meat!


The Bay is also a great place to harvest purple varnish and softshell clams. To catch a bounty of clams, wait until the mudflats on the south side of the Siletz Bay emerge at low tide. Grab a copy of the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, shellfish license, rubber boots, warm clothes and rain gear, a bucket or ventilated sack (burlap works well), a clam shovel and suction gun (one can be purchased in hardware and sporting goods sections of local stores). Enter the mud flats from the Cutler City side of the Bay about an hour after low tide and look for “shows,” or holes that clams have left in the sand and mud. When you discover a show that is likely above a clam, start digging; most clams will be about 14 inches below the sand. Submerge accumulated clams in saltwater in a bucket, or keep them in well-ventilated bags until done clamming, then boil and clean them as soon as possible.


Visit Explore Lincoln City’s Crabbing and Clamming page for more details and always check Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Regulations for additional information and possible closures (shellfish harvest may be closed at times throughout the year). Lincoln City’s Explorience
program also offers guided crabbing and clamming workshops throughout the year; please visit the Explorience page
for available dates and times.


If foraging crab and clams is not on the itinerary but cooking the freshest seafood available anywhere is, Barnicle Bills Seafood Market, newly opened Crabby Daddy’s, and various Lincoln City grocery stores sell these delicious kinds of shellfish and other locally-sourced seafood. The markets may also have select seasonings and recipes that will help to prepare the very best seafood meal.


Why not leave the harvesting, cleaning and cooking out of the equation? Lincoln City is home to a wide variety of exquisite culinary offerings and locally crafted beverages. Start the day with breakfast at Otis Café, Hilltop Inn, or Wildflower Grill. Enjoy fresh seafood at local favorites like Mo’s Seafood and Chowder, Kyllos Seafood and Grill, Fathoms Penthouse Restaurant and Bar, Pier 101, Shuckers Oyster Bar, Pub Fish and Chips, Js Fish and Chips, and Mist Restaurant and Lounge. If comfort food is on the menu, try the assortment of food trucks with indoor seating and beverage bar at The Pines Dine, classic burgers and shakes from HWY 101 Burger, and authentic Mexican fare at La Roca. Treat the family to excellent pizza at Gallucci’s Pizzeria, Tie Dye Pizzeria, or Hearth and Table.


Lincoln City is home to five outstanding craft beer breweries, McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub, Gilgamesh Brewing, Rusty Truck Brewing, Pelican Brewing, and Beachcraft Brewing, and a number of great pubs, bars, taverns and lounges. Stop into Snug Harbor, Zellers
(new location on Hwy 101), Old Oregon Saloon, Nauti Mermaid Beach House, Salishack Tavern, Ace’s Sports Bar, and The Beach Club
for a variety of beers, wine, cocktails and tasty food options. They also have NA brews and mocktails for designated drivers and those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Explore Lincoln City breweries, pubs and bars with the Tap and Brew Trail, a self-guided tour that pairs fantastic beverages with unique settings and stellar food. Some of these locations also have live music and karaoke; check their websites for evening entertainment and other events. Download the Tap and Brew Digital Passport and head out on the trail!


Planning a trip to the beach and looking for additional foraging opportunities and places to eat and drink? Visit explorelincolncity.com for additional ideas, itineraries, lodging and more dining suggestions.