Why Locals Love Sam's Seaside Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Seaside, Oregon, Sam's Seaside Cafe is a charming seafood restaurant that captures the true essence of coastal dining. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of New England Style Clam Chowder or a crisp, fresh salad crowned with succulent Oregon Bay Shrimp, this cafe delivers flavors that are as authentic as the ocean breeze just steps away.
The menu at Sam's Seaside Cafe is a celebration of hearty, satisfying fare with a focus on fresh seafood and comforting classics. The New England Style Clam Chowder is a standout, richly creamy and brimming with tender clams, offering the kind of depth and seasoning that keeps guests coming back. For those who prefer greens, the Garden Salad blends crisp red onions, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy croutons for just $4.00, while the variation topped with Oregon Bay Shrimp adds a delightful, briny sweetness for only $6.00. The Cobb Salad, generously layered with grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, hard-boiled egg, tomatoes, and tangy bleu cheese crumbles, is a hearty option that effortlessly blends texture and flavor.
Diners often rave about the value here, with generous portions like the $15 steamer clams banner offering an incredible two-pound serving—very rare for this price in a tourist-favored area. The fish and chips boast a perfectly crispy batter that locks in flaky, tender fish, and the blackened salmon is cooked to delicate perfection with a punch of smoky spice. If you're in the mood for something indulgent, the fried cheese curds and clam strips offer a satisfying crunch paired with juicy, flavorful seafood.
The beverage selection complements the meals nicely, with classic soft drinks such as Pepsi and Dr Pepper alongside comforting hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Their $1 lemonade also offers a refreshing bargain that pairs beautifully with the seafood-focused menu.
What truly elevates Sam's Seaside Cafe is not just the food but the warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Guests consistently mention the friendly staff who make every visit feel personal and relaxed. The space itself invites you to linger, evoking that easy, beach-town vibe where you can savor each bite and soak up the lively local energy.
Overall, Sam’s Seaside Cafe is a treasure for anyone visiting Seaside. Its combination of affordable, high-quality seafood dishes, generous portions, and genuine friendliness make it an irresistible choice for locals and travelers alike. Whether you're ending a day on the beach or fueling up for an adventure, Sam’s offers a comforting and memorable dining experience that truly tastes like the Pacific Northwest.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Feb 9, 2026
So happy we chose Sam's! Good prices, great food and drinks, friendly helpful staff. French dip was good just a little skimpy on the meat. The steamers were awesome but maybe some parsley or chives for a little color and a slice or two of sourdough bread with butter to sop up those delicious clam juices in the bottom of the bowl, so good. Excellent fried cheese curds and juicy clam strips. I highly recommend and will come back next time we are in town.
- Feb 2, 2026
We came here both nights that we spent in Seaside, and the service here was great. They also have quite easily the best chowder I've had. It actually tastes seasoned and not just like potato soup with 2 bits of clam in it. Service was phenomenal.
- Dec 31, 2025
Good food cheap. A lot of places to choose from on this main touristy street. What drew our attention was the $15 steamer clams banner. 2 pounds compared to other places $18 for 1 pound. Everything else was great food for the price. Fish and chips had a great batter and the blackened salmon was cooked just right. Even $1 lemonade and soda, great value.
- Dec 27, 2025
WOW. Grilled salmon broccoli garlic mash $13 cup clam chowder $1. What ? And so good. Sweet wait staff. Quick. Coming back tomorrow for pasta. Tried carrot cake $4. Not good.
- Dec 27, 2025
The food and service here was great. I got the garbage fries with chili. The fries were well seasoned and the chili was amazing. My wife got the clam chowder and loved it. It was thick/creamy and the flavor was great. The bread bowl was soft but still held up very well.
- Dec 19, 2025
such a wonderful experience! we were walking the seaside strip looking for a burger and this was one of the only places open so we went on a whim. we ordered the sam’s burger, a french dip sandwich and the cheese curds. all were wonderful, fresh tasting and came fast. the server was so kind and attentive and after a slight miss communication with the side on the french dip meal the server had it fixed in no time and credited our bill without us asking. we will definitely be back and being able to draw on the table was a super fun add for kids (or adults like us lo)
- Dec 11, 2025
I always love me some seafood! Their fish and chips was super good! Definitely one of their best deals giving you chowder, chips (fries), and crisp fish. Their chowder is good, but wasn't anything super crazy in my opinion. Close to the beach too is a plus!
- Nov 17, 2025
Cute and cozy atmosphere with lots of hand-drawn pictures. The service was friendly and quick. The food was excellent—I especially loved the chowder and coconut prawns. Highly recommended!