One of our favorite stops on the Southern Oregon Coast is in the little fishing village of Charleston, Oregon, just out side of Coos Bay. The High Tide Cafe Restaurant and Bar is a wonderful gem of place with a comfortable dining atmosphere and great views from both indoor and out. The window-side dining, river rock fireplace and banquet room seating offer some wonderful seating options. They have binoculars by the windows for birdwatching, etc., and coloring books, games and cards are available.

The outdoor seating on the back deck, or picnic tables on the lawn, both overlook a wonderful view of the waterways that lead to the 5,000+ acre South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. The patio deck is wonderfully wind protected most days and can get into the 80’s in the sun on days when the outside temperature a few blocks away at the beach is around 70, making for a nice place to warm up after a morning beach-combing. When the sun is out, the back deck of the High Tide is a MUST!

The High Tide is open most days at 11 am and serves up some wonderful breakfast and lunch specials that are crafted with culinary care and priced very reasonably, especially given the sizable portions. The dinner menu is diverse with great seafood entrees, pastas, Asian and Latin flavors and always a collection of outstanding daily specials, at least one of which will present a delicious fresh seafood option. You will usually find 2 soup du jour flavors, on of which will certainly be the famous and award-winning clam chowder that is a bit of New England – Manhattan style blend with a Pacific flavor twist.

You’ll find something for just about every taste at the High Tide, but here are a few of our recommendations: You MUST try the battered and deep-fried tuna fish and chips made with locally caught tuna, it is a unique treat to be certain. Now that is not to say that the other fish and chip options are not also delish, because they are, but the tuna makes for a very special treat. Fish tacos are always fresh and tasty, and the steak salad is one of our regular choices when stopping in to visit. The albacore tuna burger is a wonderful treat and the bacon cheese burger is top-notch as well. The shrimp and cheese melt sandwich is a favorite of many as is their Reuben sandwich. Fresh Seafood sautee changes a little depending on the catch of the day, but is always a treat for the palate!

They have a full bar, wonderful wine list and plenty of microbrews and a few craft beers, as well your traditional brews on tap or in bottles.

The kitchen is a little small when the house is packed, so prepare for a wait if they are busy, but it’s well worth it! The service can also be slow when they are busy, like most any restaurant. Making substitutions off of the menu can be challenging and is not recommended. The menu itself is pretty elaborate with plenty of great options and they always have great specials on the ‘specials board’ on the wall near the fireplace, or you can ask your server.

Be sure and tell Steve and Carol, the husband and wife team that we sent you!

Be sure and check out their Facebook page for the most current updates and see the full meal deal on the website at www.hightidecafeoregon.com