Before heading up the central Oregon coast to our next top, Florence, we went to have some lunch at Tony’s Crabshack in Old Town Bandon. It literally is pretty much a shack, but not a run-down one. You go up to the hole by the kitchen, you order, then once it’s ready, you go back to the hole and pick it up. There are a few spots to sit indoors and out.

J got the fish tacos, which he absolutely could not stop raving about. He particularly loved the sauce it came with. He loved it so much he tried to get the recipe for it, but “Tony”, or whoever was working the window, would not divulge. Damn you, Tony.

I got the lunch special which came with clam chowder, a side salad, and some warm bruschetta garlic bread. The salad was only meh, having some flimsy and wilty greens, but the soup and bread were both excellent. The potato in the chowder could have been a bit softer, but the chowder was very good. It was definitely clammy, and not just creamy or potato-y. Clam chowder should definitely taste like clams!

After we ate we checked out a few of the stores as well, and in the bakery, which boasts of having the best cinnamon rolls in oregon, I spotted these adorable crab shaped cookies. Be still my heart! They are clapping their claws going “eat me, eat me”. Oh, I certainly will cookie crab, I certainly will.

We left Bend and headed to Crater Lake. After witnessing its freakin majestic beauty, we drove a long-ass way to the central Oregon coast, and landed in Bandon. It’s a cute little town with a little marina and old town area with a “boardwalk”. It’s seriously tiny, but adorable. After partaking of some delicious espresso stouts in our hotel room, we jaunted over to the old town area for some grub. We got a recommendation from the innkeeper to go to his favorite place, but alas, that place was closed on tuesdays. So this is how we ended up at the Wheelhouse Restaurant. Or were we in the Crowsnest Lounge? I’m not sure, but it’s the same place. One is upstairs, and one is downstairs.

We were upstairs, so you could get some nice views of the marina. Did I mention how cute this little town was? Seafood was to be had this evening, but first, we got some bread. Let me say this, they serve delicious sourdough bread here.

Both our entrees came with side salads, but J’s was much more fancy, with little shrimp, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds. He ordered a much fancier entree.

Mine was much more standard. No shrimp, golden raisins, or sunflower seeds for me, but instead, a couple of cherry tomatoes and a slice of cucumber. Hmm, I think he won. But, I absolutely loved my dressing. It was kind of like a runny catalina dressing, but with a bit of a spicy kick, as if it had chili powder in it. It’s hard to describe, but I definitely liked it. It was strange, but in a good way.

J got the big old halibut entree. Check out this beautifully grilled hunk of halibut with brown rice and veggies. No need to mess with any kind of sauce or anything on this. It was pure and unadulterated fish. And it was delicious.

I got the fish and chips, which was also made from the halibut. These huge honking hunks of fried goodness were hot, flaky, and delicious. And so were the fries! The service was good and our waitress was very nice and friendly. The food came out quickly, but then again, there weren’t too many people there that night. We both greatly enjoyed our halibut meals!

Wheelhouse Restaurant & Crows Nest Lounge
125 Chicago St
Bandon, OR 97411
(541) 347-9331my

I had to make another trip to chicago, and my first night there, I stayed in the northern burbs. We were both starving so we decided to go eat right away, even though it was hella early for dinner time. Who cares. When I’m hungry, I need immediate sustenance! I saw some good reviews for The Captain’s Quarters, which was about 50 yards up the street, so we headed there. This place is corn and kitsch, personified, but I loved it. It’s a fisherman’s theme all the way, and hilarious, with stuffed fish everywhere, awesome oil paintings of ship captains, with pipes and all. You have to love those chairs!

Yes, it’s a seafood restaurant, but you can get your typical turf dishes as well. Judging by the menu, this place is run by greeks, so you can even get some greek dishes, as well as many pasta dishes.

You get a side salad with any entree. There was nothing exciting about this salad, but I was happy to eat some fresh greens.

J got the pasta bolognese, and he loved it. He cleaned his plate!

I got the pasta with shrimp in lobster sauce. It was thick fettuccini with large grilled shrimp, tossed in an incredibly rich lobster sauce. This was very good, but it was beyond rich! It was as if they took super thick lobster bisque and basically used that as a sauce. It was very tasty, but probably not for everyone. Subtle it is not! And it was a giant bowl, so I had plenty left over. Since it was so early, there were very few of us there, just the early birds, and our server was super nice and friendly. If you’re ever up in these parts, definitely go check it out!

The Captain’s Quarters
3566 Milwaukee Ave
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 298-5091