Newport Cafe — Restaurant in Newport

Me and my family decided to head down to Newport for the day from Lincoln City as we’re on vacation and wanted to go somewhere for breakfast. Originally we planned to go to the Chalet but I guess a pipe burst so it was closed temporarily and my sister in-law had found this place as a backup. When I tell you I whole heartedly believe this place is better than what’s down the road I mean that with every atom in my body.

For starters, I ordered the chili cheese burger (photo 3) and substituted the fries with a bowl of clam chowder (photo 1) because I had a craving for it this morning. The food got to me in maybe 10-15 minutes and the chili cheese burger along with everybody else’s food came shortly after, the reason they earned that fifth star in service is this; we had a table of 8 meaning they got 8 dishes (9 including my clam chowder) done in the matter of 20 minutes. If that doesn’t amaze you I feel bad for your significant other.

Now I won’t lie when it got out so quickly I jumped the gun and thought the food would’ve been subpar, listen to me, come to this cafe and try this clam chowder and I want you to try and look me dead in the eye and say you don’t love it. This clam chowder satiated my hunger for clam chowder for the rest of this week. The butter on top adds this nice creamy texture on top of all the seasonings used and you can also tell the clams are fresh and the crackers they put on the side bring that additional crunch to put the bow on this delicacy. That chowder is what gives this place that 5th star.

Let me cut to the chase on the chili cheese burger, I don’t really agree with the plating as I think it’s unattractive however the dish was delicious and I would definitely eat it again. The meat was a little dry but the chili was definitely homemade and the cheese on top along with the whole wheat buns (I’m assuming off looks and taste) really brought it together. it just didn’t shine to me like the clam chowder did so if you’re not a chili person like me I would recommend looking at something more your style.

Now I’m an mma guy, and I was too nervous to ask the waiter about the belts and the gloves and the Wanderlei Silva poster on the wall. However the UFC fan in me was thrilled to see that on the wall. The exterior is also very colorful which was a good sign to me that this place was going to be good. The interior and exterior seating follows the colorful trend which is a nice touch to the place. All of that gets it 5 stars in atmosphere.

There’s also a bar area if you’re over the age of 21.

If you’ve read all of this congrats I wrote a little longer than usual but I really do like this place and I can see bright things in its future at this rate. There’s also a rabbit bench outside I took a picture...

As I pondered the vast expanse of a menu at this unassuming diner-on-the-freeway, I struggled to decide between a classic beef burger or a less-than-traditional salmon one. My gaze flowed over the endless pages like the ever-present mists from the nearby Pacific ocean. It was 25 minutes 'til closing, but the waitress patiently watched as I began to sweat from indecisiveness. Then I saw it. A terrifying menu option that threatened to unmake me: the heart attack burger. The anxiety had reached a fever pitch as I reckoned with the abject terror of this possibility, the bun of a contemporary hamburger forcibly replaced by not one but TWO grilled cheese sandwiches. My bones began to vibrate in fear, and just as I thought my time had come to an end, a faint voice called out to me in the back of my mind!

It was the salmon. The last shimmer of sanity in my war-torn mind beckoned me back to the comfort of the mundane through my passion for fresh anadromous fish. I had my excuse to remain grounded in familiar reality and leave this flavorful hellscape behind.

But my waitress still gazed upon me with confidence, as if she knew something I didn't. Her next words shattered any hope I had of leaving your place unchanged, for they would annihilate my tether to the world I one knew forever:

"I could have then put the salmon on the heart attack, if you like"

My fate was sealed.

I spoke the forbidden tongue, and the terrible truth began to take shape in the fiery forge of the kitchen. I waited outside on the cold to have my peaceful perception of the world irrevocably destroyed. And when the fateful food finally arrived at my table, my mouth was uncontrollably agape. I stared in horror at the eldritch abomination that sat before me. I tried to shut it out, but my wide-open mouth did not obey. This dastardly dish was being my comprehension, I was the foulest fool the world have ever seen for creating it. I chose this fate, or at least I feel myself that. What little memory I hold of my prior life sometimes whispers to me in agony, that I didn't want this. But I now know the truth.

■□■Hail the Heart Attack Salmon Burger■□■

Pretty tasty though, not gonna...

They say they were voted #1, and I can see why. I was greeted right away. Their staff were cheerful and efficient. The only reason I couldn't give it a 5 for service was there was an error with my order, and I had to drive 12 miles round trip to fix it. But they certainly did make it right.

I ordered the cod & fries, with a cup of chowder and a side of coleslaw. The fish was good, the batter was light and the fish was moist & tender. I didn't get my fries, so I have no idea how they are, but I'm betting they're better than average. The coleslaw was the best I think I've ever had. I can't exactly say why, except it was dressed light, not in a cloying or thick dressing, and it had a very bright refreshing note to it. I suspect there's a touch of lemon juice in it, but I don't know.

I didn't get my cup of chowder originally either, and it had been charged as a substitute for the fries instead of an addition. But when I returned to get it, I was given a bowl. The chowder was excellent. I feel it was better than the Crab shop in South Beach and Mo's. I know, sacrilege. But it is nicely savory, not overly thick or overwhelmed with chunks of potatoes. It had a lot of clams that were tender, and some were quite good-sized chunks. It also had a very pleasant buttery undertone in every bite without any butter added when served.

All in all, I'd highly recommend the Newport Cafe and will definitely return to try their crab cakes, which I was told is one of their most ordered items.

The only thing I'd offer as a caution is to ensure you're clear what you want to order and, if you take it to go, check it before...