I am always on the hunt for a delicious clam chowder, and Buttercup did not disappoint! It was a different consistency than the standard chowder, but not in a bad way. It was incredibly fresh and delicious. My wife had the Cajun chicken and andouille chowder and enjoyed it as well. The bread was definitely the perfect hearty companion for the soup. We chose to take our meal around to the back patio, which had plastic enclosures and heaters to keep us warm enough on the cold rainy day. We grabbed an ice cream on our way out (pink velvet in a poppyseed cone), and it was so creamy and tasty. Definitely recommend!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes
Chowder
First cabin food and service. Lots of choices on the innovative menu; creative, inventive ice cream selection is to die for.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Best chowder/s on the Oregon Coast. Without exaggeration. Delicious, rich, filling soups that surprise and delight. An amazing find in Nehalem. It's a takeout joint but there are tables around back.
Visited the first time in December 2022 with new beau. And return regularly now for either of the pint for approximately $11/pint or approximately double for a quart, that depending on the soup you choose. (Pro-tip: I promise you're going to want the quart even if you think you only want the pint.)
They always have a vegan option that is delicious. All of the chowders can be modified with seafood, chicken, etc. for an extra $4 to $8.
The fresh bread that comes with the chowders is wonderful! And they sell gourmet ice cream. Including some of the best vegan almond joy. They have a cooler where they stock prepackaged soups and ice cream. And they have some iconic novelty foods on their limited shelves. There's usually a line. But you can buy your soup and go out back to a wonderful space next to the river. There are picnic tables that are also covered which helps when it's raining or too bright.
Once you're in that neck of the woods look for an incredible tree next to the City Hall. There are also winter roses in bloom.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mexican Chocolate on Cinnamon Cone
Amazing Hungarian Mushroom soup (add the kielbasa!!), and coffee-toffee ice cream. Covered back patio and picnic tables on the Nehalem River. Rustic but a lovely spot for some warm chowder after time on the beach. I make amazing soup. I make amazing bread. This was better than mine. I’ll be back!
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chowder
The ice cream and chowder here is fantastic! Absolutely delicious and a definite must! You won’t regret it.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Delicious spot for lunch! The ice-cream flavors are out of the ordinary. I enjoyed the goat cheese fig flavor. I want to return to try the maple and bacon flavor. The soup was perfect for a chilly day and served with a hunk of earthy bread.
I had a beautiful salad with tofu on it and sweet potato molasses ice cream. Everything was perfect and amazing and I love how friendly and great the staff are. It is seriously my favorite spot in Nehalem
An amazing little place serving delicious ice cream, chowder & curry. The vegan green curry was very good and the vegan Pistachio ice cream is the best ice cream I have had in many years. Very highly recommended! Can't wait to go back.
