If you've driven to the Oregon Coast out of Downtown Salem, then chances are, you've passed by this place without even giving it a second glance. Fair enough, it is quite a small building, just like any of the other quaint shops and houses you pass during that drive. However, the establishment's size and condition greatly betrays what lies within. That is, you'll be missing out on some of the best food and service that you'll find anywhere near the coast if you pass it by.Otis Cafe is a cute little restaurant that sits a few miles out of Lincoln City. I myself was slightly hesitant to go in, as this building has, indeed, seen better days. You walk through a simple screen door that you must close behind you, and then the Cafe's entire four booths, one table, and a short counter with a handful of stools open up to you. Finding a seat generally is not a problem, and once seated, you find yourself furnished with menu's and water provided by the one and only waitress that's on the clock. The menu is pretty extensive, considering the size of the place, with about four full pages of options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and deserts. I've only managed to come around to the Cafe for breakfast, but how great that breakfast is. Everything is homemade and tastes wonderful. I generally favor the buttermilk pancakes, which are the best tasting (and probably largest) I've ever had. I've tried the ham and cheese omlete as well, and it's amazing as well. If you can manage at least look up from you're food, which is indeed difficult, you'll notice the attentive waitress making sure you're doing alright, and is always there with a refill of whatever you ordered. You get all this great food and wonderful service at a very reasonable price as well, so make sure you leave a nice tip. ...She did have to watch you scarf down that food like a pig afterall, right? I think that merits a nice tip.
Once you've eaten and are walking out that door, you'll look back and see a completely different picture. That's really how it was for me. I came into the restaurant thinking it was a complete waste of my time to even stop here, and yet, I've just experienced one of the greatest meals that I've ever had. Otis Cafe didn't just feed me, it taught me a life lesson: Never judge a book by it's cover. Show me another restaurant that can do that!
So next time you think about passing by this hole-in-the-wall for the Denny's a few miles down the road, don't. Trust me, you'll be happy you didn't.
Just a cool fact to add about this place: each table has a small book with blank pages that you allowed to write in. Looking thorugh you can see entries by people from different states, countries, continents, and generations! It's extremely interesting, and just one more reason you should stop in.
