Five Must-Try Restaurants in Gold Beach, Oregon: Where to Eat on the Southern Coast
#1. Hunter Creek Bar & Grill
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by friendly staff and a warm, wood-paneled interior with pool tables and big T.Vs. It’s 21 and up, so it’s a more adult crowd — perfect if you’re looking to unwind without a lot of noise. We grabbed a table on the back deck overlooking the creek, and wow — that view! It’s peaceful and kind of unexpected for a roadside bar. Definitely the best place to hang out on a sunny afternoon.
The food? Classic bar fare with a homemade twist. We tried the fish and chips, which were crispy and fresh, and the jalapeño poppers — spicy, cheesy perfection. Locals swear by their taco Tuesdays and steak nights on Fridays, so if you can time your visit right, those are a must try. The drinks were solid too. I went with a Bloody Mary, which came loaded with garnish and just the right kick. They’ve got a great selection of beer — including local brews — and strong cocktails served in copper mugs.
#2 Spinner’s
If you’re craving something a bit more refined than fish and chips in a paper basket, Spinner’s is where it’s at. It’s got that “upscale but still chill” coastal vibe….like you’re treating yourself without needing to wear a tie.The seafood is the star of the show here. The cedar plank salmon? Perfection. Smoky, flaky, and glazed just right. The scallops were seared beautifully—crispy on the outside, buttery inside. And if you’re a steak person, the whiskey peppercorn New York strip gets serious love from regulars. The starters are no slouch either. The calamari has a little spicy kick and the clam chowder is one of the best on the Oregon Coast. Thick, creamy, and packed with flavor—not that weird gluey stuff you sometimes get elsewhere.
Service is friendly and unpretentious. The staff knows the menu inside and out, and they’re happy to offer suggestions. Portions lean toward “just right” rather than “massive,” so if you’ve been hiking or beachcombing all day, you might want to start with an appetizer and save room for dessert. Speaking of which, their house-made tiramisu and chocolate layer cake are both totally worth the splurge.
Pro tip: the restaurant can get busy, especially during summer or holidays, so calling ahead for a reservation is smart. Also, if you’re lucky enough to grab a window seat, the sunset views over the ocean can seriously steal the show. Not cheap, but worth every bite.
#3 Barnacle Bistro
The atmosphere is super chill, like your favorite surf shack met a cozy pub. It’s got that local, down-to-earth feel where you can walk in wearing flip-flops and a hoodie and still feel right at home. The staff are friendly and fun—people genuinely seem happy to be working here, which somehow makes everything taste better.
Now, let’s talk food. First up: the fish and chips. Holy smokes. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill freezer-to-fryer situation. The fish is flaky, the batter is crispy but not greasy, and it’s all seasoned just right. The chowder? Absolutely legendary. Thick, creamy, and packed with flavor—none of that bland, watery stuff. Add bacon, and it’s a spoonful of happiness.
But the real surprise hits are the tacos. They’ve got a Brazilian fish taco that’ll transport your taste buds to another hemisphere. And if you like a little heat, the wasabi tacos are straight-up wild in the best way possible. Each bite is a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and freshness. Oh, and the burgers—don’t sleep on them. They’ve got options with honey mustard, candied jalapeños, and all sorts of other toppings that make fast food chains look like amateur hour. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of their daily specials, like cider-steamed mussels or drunken hog fries (yes, that’s fries with bacon porter gravy and blue cheese… absolutely ridiculous and 100% worth it). They’ve got gluten-free and veggie-friendly options, too, which is always a win when you’re eating with a crew of different diets.
#4 Hunger Paynes
This little red food truck packs a serious punch when it comes to flavor—and you’ll be glad you didn’t pass it by. First off, the fish and chips are kind of a big deal... The batter is light and crispy, not greasy, and the fish tastes super fresh. People have actually called it the best fish and chips on the Oregon Coast—and honestly, they’re probably not wrong. The homemade tartar sauce is the real MVP. You’ll want to dip everything in it. Fries included. It’s not just seafood that’s winning hearts here. The burgers are next-level, especially the bacon and blue cheese one—yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.
Breakfast? Oh yes. Their breakfast burrito is totally packed. Eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage—basically a full breakfast in every bite, and it actually keeps you full without making you feel like you need a nap. And don’t even get me started on the Reuben sandwich. It’s stacked, it’s melty, and it’s got this homemade kraut that makes everything taste better. You can tell everything’s made with care.
Beyond the food, the people running Hunger Paynes are just good folks. Super friendly, they know their regulars, and they’ll treat you like a local even if it’s your first time. Plus, you can grab your food and eat it by the ocean or at one of the nearby picnic spots. Zero pretension, all good vibes. Hunger Paynes totally delivers. Not fancy. Not fast food. Just really, really good food made by people who care.
Pro tip: if you see the waffle sandwich on the menu, order it. It’s weird in the best way possible.
#5 The Crow’s Nest
This spot is a feast for all your senses, combining mouthwatering food with some of the most stunning waterfront views on the rogue river.
— Oh man, the food! The Crow’s Nest has a reputation for serving up fresh, locally sourced seafood that tastes like it was just caught before hitting your plate. Their clam chowder is so freaking good: creamy, packed with tender clams, and seasoned just right to warm you up on a cool coastal day. If you want something hearty, their fish and chips are crispy perfection with flaky, flavorful fish wrapped in a golden batter that’s basically a hug for your taste buds. But don’t stop there — their menu also boasts juicy burgers, fresh salads, and a rotating lineup of daily specials that showcase the best of the local catch and seasonal ingredients. And if you’re a fan of craft brews or cocktails, their bar has just about everything you could imagine.
So next time you’re in Gold Beach, bring your appetite!
