Looking for a restaurant! Oregon 101
 

Many many years ago we were on the 101, we stopped at a restaurant right on a dock. There were sea lions on the dock, and you could see them from the restaurant. The restaurant had picnic tables, inside and the best fish and chips ever, and I don't really eat that. Would anyone know what town that might be? It was local owned not a chain. It might not even be open any longer, I think we were there in 1998. Sure would love to go back again.

There are sea lions everywhere, but if I had to guess I'd guess it was one of Mo's branches, probably either in Newport or Florence. http://www.moschowder.com/index.php

Were they there in 1998? Another thing I remember, we asked a person in the parking lot of Pizza Hut, where to go to eat fish. He told us about this place and it wasn't that far away. Do they have picnic tables? Where would you suggest to go along the 101 in Oregon? Do you know where to stop for a little scenic town with coffe shops and shops along our route in Oregon?

Do you have any memory on what part of coast you were on. north? South?

Agree it could be a Mo's although I don't think you can see them from the restaurant in Florence.

Newport has a lot of sea lions lying around on the docks and there is a restaurant you can view them from the deck but I don't think you can from the main restaurant.

There is a publication " Oregon Coast Mile by Mile". You can also view it on line.
Maybe you jog your memory by checking that out!

I think Newport might be your best bet. Mostly because you mention docks and sea lions. And Newport has pretty good food options.

But it's possible that it isn't there anymore. If it was a Mo's it will be, but some towns on the coast have changed a lot in 18 years. The Pizza Hut limits the possibilities somewhat- there just aren't many places large enough to have a Pizza Hut, either now or then. Seaside? Coos Bay? Newport or Lincoln City? Those are the only 4 I can think of. It most likely wasn't seaside/Astoria. Probably wasn't Coos. So Newport/LC would be my best guess. Let us know if you find it:)

My guess is also Mo's in Newport. Mo's have been around for over 70 years, so 1998 is actually very recent;) When I was on college in the 80's, we used to head over there for the day and that is always where we had lunch. I can still picture our group eating at those picnic tables and overlooking the sea lions and being entertained by them lol. That said, I do not think Mo's is near as good as it used to be. So if you come back, you might be disappointed by the chowder at least. The good news is there are many other places that do a super job at chowder.

I was thinking maybe Rogue Ales, which at the time had a couple locations in Newport. IMO their fish & chips are great, and they serve some of the best clam chowder on the coast. They've also got more locations now, including one in Astoria, which is almost exactly as you describe, except that it's on a dock on the Columbia River.