Gracie’s Sea Hag has been a beloved coastal landmark in Depoe Bay since 1963, drawing visitors from near and far. This quirky restaurant offers more than just a meal, it delivers an authentic slice of Oregon Coast history with every visit.
Whether you’re craving legendary clam chowder or searching for that perfect nostalgic dining experience, this iconic spot has something special waiting for you.
1. Historically Acclaimed Clam Chowder
Nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of award-winning clam chowder. Gracie’s serves up a legendary New England-style recipe that has delighted taste buds for decades.
This isn’t just any chowder, it’s been locally recognized as a top contender and even earned a mention in the prestigious New York Times Cookbook. The rich, creamy broth is loaded with tender clams and potatoes, creating the perfect comfort food after a breezy coastal walk.
Regulars swear by it, and first-timers quickly understand why this chowder has built such a devoted following over the years.
2. An Authentic, Historic Coast Vibe
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a time machine set for 1963. The restaurant has preserved its original character, complete with well-worn charm and quirky touches that modern establishments simply can’t replicate.
Every corner tells a story, from the aged wooden fixtures to the vintage photographs lining the walls. This isn’t a themed restaurant trying to look old, it genuinely is old, and that authenticity shines through.
Visitors seeking a real taste of the old Oregon Coast find exactly what they’re looking for here, untouched by trendy renovations or corporate makeovers.
3. Ocean-Fresh Seafood Commitment
The restaurant’s slogan says it all: seafood so fresh the ocean hasn’t missed it yet. This long-standing philosophy guides every dish that comes out of the kitchen.
Local fishermen and suppliers provide the daily catch, ensuring diners experience seafood at its absolute peak. From flaky halibut to succulent shrimp, each ingredient reflects the restaurant’s dedication to quality and freshness.
You can actually taste the difference when seafood travels mere miles instead of across the country. That commitment to ocean-to-table dining has kept customers coming back generation after generation, knowing they’ll always get the real deal.
4. Prime Depoe Bay Location
Situated in the heart of Depoe Bay, the restaurant couldn’t ask for a better address. This charming town holds the title of Whale Watching Capital of the World and boasts the world’s smallest navigable harbor.
Visitors can easily explore the scenic harbor, watch for whales from nearby viewpoints, and then settle in for a satisfying meal. The location makes it a natural stopping point for anyone touring Highway 101 along the spectacular Oregon Coast.
Being centrally located means you’re steps away from gift shops, viewing platforms, and other attractions that make Depoe Bay such a memorable destination.
5. Enjoy Coastal Views
Perched right on Highway 101, the restaurant offers diners glimpses of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Depending on where you’re seated, you might catch sight of the famous Depoe Bay Spouting Horns sending spray skyward.
The proximity to the coastline means you’re dining with the sound of waves and the salty breeze as your companions. While not every table offers a panoramic ocean vista, the coastal atmosphere is unmistakable throughout the entire space.
Timing your visit during whale migration season adds an extra thrill, you never know when a gray whale might surface just offshore while you’re enjoying your meal.
6. Unique Local Entertainment
Live music fills the air on select nights, carrying on a spirited tradition that dates back decades. Local musicians bring their talents to create an atmosphere that’s equal parts restaurant and community gathering spot.
The entertainment ranges from folk tunes to classic rock covers, always delivered with genuine passion and often featuring well-known local performers. It’s the kind of authentic experience that chain restaurants simply can’t manufacture.
Diners find themselves tapping their feet and swaying along, transforming an ordinary dinner into a memorable evening. The lively vibe perfectly captures the welcoming, unpretentious spirit of coastal Oregon culture.
7. Iconic, Sea-Themed Decor
Original sea-themed stained-glass windows cast colorful light across the dining room, creating an ambiance you won’t find anywhere else. These artistic pieces have watched over countless meals since the restaurant’s early days.
Nautical memorabilia adorns every available surface, fishing nets, vintage buoys, ship wheels, and maritime photographs transport you straight into seafaring history. Each decoration has its own story, collected over six decades of operation.
The decor isn’t carefully curated by an interior designer; it’s grown organically over time, making the space feel genuinely lived-in and loved rather than staged for Instagram photos.
8. A Full Coastal Menu Selection
While the chowder steals headlines, the menu offers so much more for hungry coastal explorers. Generous portions of classic fare like crispy fish and chips, golden fried oysters, and hearty seafood pastas satisfy every appetite.
The kitchen doesn’t try to be fancy or trendy, it focuses on doing coastal comfort food exceptionally well. Each dish arrives hot, plentiful, and prepared with the same care that built this restaurant’s reputation.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or dining with picky eaters, the diverse menu ensures everyone finds something delicious. That variety keeps families and groups coming back time and again.
9. A Genuine Taste of Nostalgia
For generations of visitors, this restaurant represents cherished memories and family traditions. Parents who dined here as children now bring their own kids, continuing a legacy of coastal adventures.
The unchanged character of the place triggers powerful feelings of comfort and connection to simpler times. In a world that constantly updates and renovates, finding somewhere that remains faithfully itself feels increasingly rare and precious.
That nostalgia isn’t manufactured or marketed, it’s the natural result of a restaurant that has stayed true to its roots while the world around it transformed. Visitors leave feeling they’ve touched something authentic and timeless.
10. The Charm of a Legendary Origin
Behind every great restaurant stands a great story, and Gracie Strom’s is legendary. The formidable founder built this establishment from the ground up, creating something that would outlast her by decades.
Her strong personality and unwavering vision shaped not just the menu but the entire spirit of the place. Locals still share tales of Gracie’s character, keeping her memory alive through stories passed down like family heirlooms.
Dining here means connecting with that pioneering spirit and the determination it took to succeed in the restaurant business during that era. Her legacy lives on in every bowl served and every customer welcomed.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
