The sunset over the ocean is even more stunning with a basket of crispy fish and golden fries

Oregon has always loved its seafood. Dried pounded salmon and baked wapato were the fish and chips of yesteryear; tribes came from as far as the plains states to trade for them at the gatherings at Celilo Falls. Later on, Oregon was a haven for British trappers and immigrants, though it’s unclear when fish and chips arrived along the coast; regardless, there’s a longstanding tradition of fish and tubers in Oregon.

Today, fish and chips has become a staple on the Oregon Coast. Bars, fish markets, and oceanside restaurants often keep some sort of fish-and-fries on the menu, with basic options like cod, halibut, and salmon. For years, the Oregon Coast has attracted seafood lovers in search of fried local specialties; still, many fish-and-chip aficionados end up disappointed by less-than-fresh fish in less-than-ideal surroundings.

After scouring the coastline’s shacks, bistros, carts, and fisher-owned markets from Astoria to Brookings, we’ve rounded up the indispensable spots frying up supreme baskets of fried piscine nuggets. Presented here from north to south, fish and chip stops in notable settings made the list, especially those featuring wild fish sourced off the Oregon shores — ling cod, rockfish, albacore. For more varied dining on the Oregon Coast, this map of top restaurants may be a better fit.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.