We first wrote about the Bowpicker back in 2017, and nearly a decade later it remains one of the most iconic food stops on the Oregon Coast. In a state full of incredible seafood, trendy coastal restaurants, and polished waterfront dining rooms, this little converted fishing boat in Astoria continues to steal the spotlight. With warmer weather just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a trip north and revisit one of the most talked about fish and chips spots in Oregon.
Astoria has always been one of my favorite places to visit. It still carries that old coast feel that so many towns have slowly lost. The brick buildings downtown, the working docks, the sea air rolling in off the Columbia River, and the quiet hum of ships moving through the channel all make it feel authentic. It does not feel overly polished or manufactured for tourists. It feels lived in. It feels historic. It feels real. And right in the middle of that charm sits the Bowpicker.
If you are searching for fish and chips in Astoria, you will hear about this place quickly. The Bowpicker is not a typical restaurant. There is no dining room, no big menu board with dozens of options, and no fancy branding. It is a converted gillnet boat permanently parked at the corner of 17th and Duane Street, directly across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum. You walk up a small set of stairs, order from the cabin window, grab your food, and find a nearby bench or curb to sit on. That is the entire experience. And somehow, that simplicity is exactly what makes it so special.
The Bowpicker’s claim to fame is its fish and chips, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of traditional cod, they serve locally sourced albacore tuna. The tuna is cut into firm chunks, lightly coated in beer batter, and fried to golden perfection. The result is a crisp exterior that gives way to tender, meaty fish that is flavorful without feeling heavy. It is different from the standard fish and chips you might be used to, and that difference is part of the magic. Albacore has a clean taste and hearty texture that holds up beautifully in the fryer. It feels lighter than typical battered cod, but still deeply satisfying.
Underneath those perfectly fried pieces of tuna sits a generous portion of thick steak fries. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ideal for soaking up malt vinegar or dipping into tartar sauce. The menu remains famously simple in 2026. You choose either three pieces or five pieces of beer battered albacore served over fries. That is it. No substitutions, no elaborate combinations, no seasonal specials. Just fish and chips done extremely well.
One thing that has evolved slightly over the years is payment. Historically the Bowpicker was cash only, which felt fitting for a tiny boat restaurant operating on its own terms. In recent years, many visitors have noted that card payments are often accepted now, though it is still smart to carry cash just in case. Hours generally run from late morning around 11 a.m. until early evening, typically Wednesday through Sunday, but the Bowpicker is known to close when they sell out. And they do sell out. Especially on sunny spring and summer afternoons when the line stretches down the sidewalk.
The line, however, is part of the experience. Seeing locals, travelers, and families gathered around a converted fishing boat waiting for lunch tells you everything you need to know. People would not stand there in coastal wind if it were not worth it. The anticipation builds as you watch golden baskets of tuna and fries pass from the cabin window into eager hands. When you finally take that first bite, you understand why the Bowpicker has built such a loyal following over the years.
Astoria itself has only grown more appealing in 2026. The Riverwalk remains one of the best ways to spend an afternoon, with views of massive cargo ships sliding past and sea lions occasionally barking in the distance. The Columbia River Maritime Museum continues to draw visitors curious about the region’s rich nautical history. A drive up to the Astoria Column offers sweeping views where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The downtown area is filled with independent shops, coffee spots, and historic buildings that tell the story of one of Oregon’s oldest cities. Despite its popularity, Astoria still manages to feel like a working coastal town first and a tourist destination second.
That authenticity pairs perfectly with the Bowpicker. Eating fish and chips steps away from the river where much of the region’s seafood industry has thrived for generations feels fitting. There is something poetic about ordering albacore from a retired fishing vessel while ships continue to move through the Columbia just blocks away. It is not a flashy experience. It is not curated for social media. It is simply good food served in a setting that makes sense.
Nearly ten years after our original article, what stands out most is how little has changed. In an era where restaurants constantly reinvent themselves to chase trends, the Bowpicker has stayed remarkably consistent. The focus remains on quality fish, a simple menu, and an efficient operation. That consistency builds trust. Visitors who tried it in 2017 can return in 2026 and find the same flavor, the same boat, and the same sense of character.
As warmer weather returns and road trip season begins, Astoria deserves a spot on your list. Whether you are coming from Portland for a quick weekend escape or traveling the full stretch of the Oregon Coast, this town offers a blend of history, scenery, and small town charm that is hard to replicate. And no visit feels complete without stopping at that little fishing boat on 17th and Duane.
If you plan to go, it is always wise to check current hours on their website or social media before making the drive. Weather, supply, and demand can all influence when they open and close. Parking in Astoria is generally manageable, especially compared to busier coastal destinations, and there is usually street parking within walking distance.
You’ll find the Bowpicker at the corner of 17th and Duane Street in Astoria, Oregon 97103, directly across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It is hard to miss once you know what you are looking for. Just keep an eye out for the little fishing boat on land and the line of hungry people nearby.
Hours traditionally run from around 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, but they are known to close early when they sell out, and occasionally adjust days depending on weather or supply. Spring and summer weekends are especially busy, so arriving earlier in the day is never a bad idea.
For the most up to date information, you can check their website at bowpicker.com or give them a call at 503-791-2942 before heading out.
The Bowpicker proves that sometimes the simplest concepts endure the longest. A boat. A fryer. Fresh albacore. Steak fries. A line of people willing to wait. Nearly a decade after we first highlighted this spot, it continues to live up to the hype. In a world of overcomplicated menus and flashy dining experiences, the Bowpicker reminds us that doing one thing exceptionally well is often more than enough. If you are craving fish and chips this spring, you will be hard pressed to find a more memorable stop anywhere on the Oregon Coast.
