4. Restaurants

Mo’s Restaurant

195 Warren Way, Cannon Beach, OR, 97145
  • (503) 436-1111
  • Store is closed

Mo’s Restaurant Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

  • Patrick O.

    If you want the greasy halibut and chips with clam chowder just like when you were a kid, this is the best on the coast here. I personally love it but my girlfriend would rather eat carrots!

    (4)

  • Sheri F.

    Tried the clam chowder and it was delicious. Fish n' chips was also really yummy. Can't beat the view. Right on the beach with Haystack Rock nearby. Prices are cheap and the simple seafood menu is casual and fits the mood. Service was OK. The waitress wasn't happy to be at work that day but we didn't let her interfere with our meal. They have a gift shop to buy a t-shirt or other souvenir. Small parking lot but there's room to park in the designated beach lot or nearby hotel. Food: 4 Service: 2 Ambiance: 5 Parking: 3

    (4)

  • Flix N.

    Nice waitress, fair prices, great view. Had the cod fish and chips plus the halibut version. The cod was great but the panko crust was gross.The fries were just sad. As for the clam chowder, it was meh in a bowl. We wouldn't return. Place was doing a brisk trade, they'll do just fine without us.

    (3)

  • Connie C.

    Ok. Needed an Oceanside view of the sunset for a dinner on a gorgeous summer evening. Mo's had an outdoor seat with three million dollar view. I had the special fried combo of shrimp, scallops, and clams and under $13 was a great dinner choice. So, I'm a Mo's believer again!

    (4)

  • Brittany L.

    Meh. When I was young and we'd take trips through Oregon, we'd occasionally stop at Mo's and I loved getting to come here. I'd always order a Cannon Bowl and spend some time looking in their gift shop afterward. So, as an adult, I've been meaning to come back to Mo's. I actually scheduled our day around a trip to Mo's when we came to Oregon. The place is loud and crowded but I knew it would be so I wasn't surprised. I don't mind the picnic bench tables and the casual atmosphere. I know I'm not going to an ultra fancy place when I come here. But this time, the chowder really disappointed. Either it has gone downhill or my tastes have changed, but it comes nowhere close to my hometown's, Ivars chowder. It seemed more watery than what I'm used to and lacking flavor. It seemed like I had to pour half a shaker of pepper into it before it could come close to having taste. My boyfriend got the fried scallops and just said they were "ok". The service was fine. About average. We did get seated quickly, so that's a plus. Maybe next time I'll stop by and try something else to see if there's a better option, but I'm not dying to come back to Mo's the next time I'm in town.

    (3)

  • Travis M.

    The reviews here on yelp had me wary. My compatriots tried the clam chowder and were underwhelmed. The clams themselves were dry and unsatisfying. I tried the cheeseburger because I'm not much for seafood and the reviews put me off if the fish and chips. It was alright but chances are you don't care about the cheeseburger at the seafood place. The fries are quite good. Fluffy and crisp. If the fish and chips are fried similarly I'd assume they're good. I'm open to trying them next time based on that logic. The place was insanely busy and the parking was basically worthless. But the service was surprisingly quick and helpful despite the long line out the door. We didn't wait long for our seats or our meals. Overall it's alright. Its cheap. It's close to the beach. The view is nice. But their famous clam chowder left both of my companions disappointed. We agreed on the 3 star review. Oh. And my burger came with minimal toppings. Literally just pickles.

    (3)

  • M. C.

    Chowder's a little bland, lacks that seafood punch that I believe chowder should have. It is hearty enough to make McNabb's mom proud though (think Cambell's Chunky Soup). The grilled cheese was all right but did had all the right components a grilled cheese should have: crispy outside, buttery, and melted cheese.

    (3)

  • Daniel R.

    If hospitals served sea food, it would be Mo's... The entire restaurant felt like a cafeteria. It was loud, the tables were too close together, the food was terrible, and our waitress was not friendly. My daughter had ordered the kids meal Fish and Chips and the Fish was frozen in the middle... Hello, do you not deep fry the fish long enough? (The manager comp'd the kids meal from our tab). I had ordered the Fish Tacos (meh...) they were ok, but def not what you'd expect being right on the beach. My clam chowder was awful! Literally the worst clam chowder I've EVER eaten.. (I'm from Utah, a landlocked state and we have fresher seafood...) My wife ordered a Fish Salad, she said it was okay. She didn't finish it. For a waitress catering to tourists and out of towners, you'd think being friendly, perhaps even nice to customers would be a no brainer... After all your tip and income are riding on your ability to have a small conversation and make meaningful suggestions on food. Not just be a slouch and appear to be inconvenienced refilling drinks. She failed. The best thing about this Mo's location, is the view. The entire back wall is windows and we were able to see the sunset. However, back to the tables being too close to one another. 2 guys sat next to us and they reeked of cigarette smoke, were drinking and cursing, and due to the cafeteria vibe, it was loud. It's safe to safe at their price point, families and large groups flock to this place. For that reason alone, I'd stay away. The layout, tables, and noise was obnoxious and may prevent you from enjoying the ocean view.

    (1)

  • Phil N.

    This place has been given a bad wrap by some. Let me correct them: When visiting a beach town, I look for casual places where I do not need to dress up, good service and simple classic seafood. This place does not disappoint. Don't listen to the naysayers, they started out by going to the wrong town. Ambiance This is a family centered seafood place with bench seating and a KILLER view. This is not a white table cloth, romantic place. Don't expect it to be. The prices are very reasonable for fresh seafood. Service Fast and friendly The food: Oyster shooters special: fresh Washington oysters with spicy tomato sauce. Fresh simple and perfect Chowder: this version was a solid B+. Not overly creamy. Well proportioned ingredients clams, potatoes and a hint of bacon, Seafood bouillabaisse: I am from San Francisco and know this dish well. This is a great version. The tip off: the ample crab, other shellfish and fish are perfectly cooked. The rich tomato base broth is complex with hints of herbs di provance Fish Tacos: Fresh grilled cod on a bed of well dressed cabbage. Get the Cajun spice. The corn tortillas were perfect. Fish and chips: Clearly a specialty: this was fresh halibut light breading, perfectly cooked. Tartar sauce is fresh and homemade with a touch of onion . Fries were piping hot and well seasoned. Veggie Burger: my vegetarian daughter was pleased with this selection. Basic but well prepared with a hearty serving of fries. Desserts were decent. Sampled the Marion berry cobbler and lemon cream

    (4)

  • Shar V.

    I know this is another clichéd American restaurant, but the view and atmosphere make up for it. Not to mention all the good memories I've had coming here. Almost anything you get here is good, a few even great. I would suggest the cabbage shrimp salad, a cup of clam chowder or maybe some salmon. Even the breadbowl was amazing. My only complaint was the waitress forgot one or two items and she was so busy I didn't get a chance to flag her down. I'm sure we'll be back next year.

    (4)

  • Pam R.

    Our family of five loved every bite at this casual, family friendly reataurant! We started with the family style clam chowder - it was the perfect kick off. We had everything on the menu from kids meals, burgers, and seafood. Every bite was great. The french fries are so good - but you won't care because the seafood will steal the show. An added note -- this review was written by a lifelong Alaskan from a family of commercial and charter fishermen -- I don't eat seafood most places and when usually don't rave about it when I do. We will be back!

    (5)

  • John K.

    Mo's is a standard for the coast; and for Cannon Beach. But I was disappointed a few years ago with a nondescript meal served cold. I had not been back since. But we thought we'd give it a try again. I was pleased to see it had be brightened up a bit (perhaps some simple remodeling or just new art). I had the Combo; fish, scallops, and clams. It wasn't spectacular; but it was a good meal. Clam chowder was also good; but I've had better. My wife had blackened shrimp on a skewer and liked it. Service was friendly and fast considering how busy they were. They are back on my list of a place to go when in Cannon Beach if I don't want to drive far.

    (3)

  • Pricilla D.

    Ehhhh....if it weren't for the awesome views that Mo offers of the ocean I would have given them 2 stars. Their food is just subpar and the service felt rushed. I feel like Mo's is a Cannon Beach staple, as one of my good friends recommended it to us because she has eaten here several times before. Like I said before they offer amazing views of the ocean which is probably why they do so well Serving less than spectacular seafood, their location is a prime hot spot. They closed at 8 pm on the Monday that I went, which in my opinion was surprisingly early. We did not know this and got there about 15 mins or so before closing time, we felt bad afterwards once we found out but it explained why our waitress was in such a sour mood. Their menu has a decent variety of seafood, from sandwiches to salads to regular entrees. There's a lot of fried foods on their menu though. Between the four of us, we got the atlantic cod plate with garlic mashed potatoes as a side and a cup of their clam chowder, two shrimp medleys and the fried combination #2. I read a bunch of reviews that raved about their clam chowder, so I was pretty excited to try it. Yeah, it was not that good. I have definitely had way better. Like other reviewers have said, it was all potato hardly any clams. It was not that flavorful either, tasted like Cambells canned clam chowder, and not the pricier chunky bigger canned clam chowder. I'm talking about the little $1 canned clam chowder. I got the atlantic cod grilled, but there's a choice of either grilled, Blackened, fried or poached. I did not know what poached was so I asked the server. I'm not sure if she didn't know what it was either or she was just annoyed but she gave me an irritated confused look and stammered out, "poached...you know like poached like boiled." Okay then. Anyways, the atlantic cod was flavorless. I had to drown it in tarter sauce to get some flavor but the garlic mashed potatoes were good but then again how do you screw up garlic mashed potatoes. Oh and by to way it's an additional $2 if you wanted to substitute steamed veggies. The shrimp medley was not that great either, the seasoning in their blackened shrimp skewers was not good and the shrimp cocktail had super small tiny shrimps. My friend said her fried combination was good, but then again how do you screw up fried foods? Eat here for the views but don't come in right before closing, and get the fried foods but skip on the clam chowder.

    (3)

  • Annamarie T.

    I'm torn between three and four stars on this one, but the view of Cannon Beach, breathtaking. So the food wasn't bad, fish tacos were delicious. Tried the chowder too, but sorry Mo's New England Clam Chowder will always have my heart. Would definitely recommend, sitting out side if available! Here's the kicker, the service was awful. However, this is one of the places that I'l get over the service, because there is literally nothing that beats having a nice meal on the beach. If your taking a drive down the coast this is a great stop to go after leaving Seaside Beach.

    (4)

  • Terry M.

    Busy place but our wait was short, We wanted cod but with beer batter, not the panko. Server, Stephanie, said they wouldn't do it since all the cod was already breaded. She wouldn't even go ask the kitchen. Andrew, the Mgr. came buy after we'd eaten and he made it all right! Nice that he really cared about what we thought! Remember, if you're not happy find a manager! Andrew reminded us of that. Thanks Andrew.

    (4)

  • Martin F.

    Mo's is an Oregon Coast legend - they have staying power because they are always able to bring something special to people coming to the coast to enjoy some fresh food prepared well. They are crowded, usually loud and usually have to wait to sit on a less than comfortable hard wood chair. You'll spend $15-20 a piece and in return you'll get large portions of food that are intended to satisfy the soul and not the dietician. The service is competent, quick and efficient. You'll find warmer service in smaller places that don't have to move as many customers an hour as Mo's does. The seafood is good - my wife likes the chowder - I don't eat clams so I can't speak to it directly. The fried fish was great. They offer a bay shrimp salad if you really insist on trying to eat healthy everywhere you go. Why you would want to go to a place known for their seafood if you don't particularly care for fish is something you'll need to answer for yourself, but if you're the odd man out going along with the crowd, you're ok - they have pasta (linguini alfredo that my son rates highly - which is a fairly lofty hurdle to clear) and burgers which I've had when I just wasn't in the mood for fish - thick, juicy, hot and fresh. They offer Rogue's Mo Ale on tap - so you know they are an institution that deserves to be noticed. They also have Pepsi - which is my favorite fountain soda with wine and other beers with some very tasty desserts to finish off the meal. The location of this place is spectacular - you are on the beach, large windows bring it up close and personal. It's great to be able to get to a place like this and know that you'll be getting a good meal in a good setting (with about 150 of your friends). If you haven't been, you should go. If you have been, you'll probably be going back at sometime or another. It's one of those irresistible forces of nature and at some point you realize that resistance is futile.

    (3)

  • R C.

    Ordered the halibut fish and chips with clam chowder for lunch today. The chowder was full of potatoes and not much clam. It needed some heavy salting, too. The fish was literally dripping oil. I couldn't taste anything but greasiness when I was eating it. I'm not even sure there was fish in there. The fries were fine. If you want a tasty plate of fish and chips look elsewhere.

    (2)

  • Ryan D.

    Basically, if you don't like this place, you hate America. It's an Oregon institution.

    (5)

  • Jayde D.

    Our service was amazing here but the food was very bland tasting. The reason why this place has so many good reviews is because of the ocean view. Nothing better than seeing the sunset at dinner time.

    (2)

  • Jeff D.

    I have eaten at this locations several times, the service is always excellent. Our waiter was very knowledgable and made great recommendation on how to prepare fresh oysters. The food quality has gone down a notch, but there are amble portions. Since it was lunch time, orders were a bit slow for some reason. I prefer eating at the other Mo's in Lincoln City.

    (3)

  • Carlos P.

    If you're going to have seafood by the sea, then this is the place to go. I can't say this was the greatest seafood I've had, but it was tasty and reasonably priced. We were seated at a round table since we had a baby with us. Lots of decor on the walls--sea themed of course. they had a good menu to choose from. I had halibut fish and chips with a cup of chowder. It also came with a large piece of bread. The halibut was tasty though I've had some before where it was so hearty it was like chicken. Definitely filling and large pieces of fish. It was battered style, I prefer breaded style, but it didn't seem so greasy like it usually is. Plenty of fries--I've tried to cut down on fries but this was a vacation treat. the chowder was decent, thicker and creamier than other chowder I've had. My wife loved the steamed clams. I ordered a beer though I had to remind the waitress, of course they were very busy. We had a nice view of the beach and ocean from our table, and watched the sun set. They celebrate birthdays there too like chain restaurants I've been to. There is also an option to sit outside. The restaurant is also a gifts shop where they have all kinds of sea themed souvenirs. We got our son a stuffed octopus. In the end you mostly get your money's worth with Mo's seafood. I would go back.

    (4)

  • Chuck S.

    This is a great fish and chips restaurant!!! Great view and great value. I got the halibut fish and chips for $14.95 and a side of cole slaw for $1.95 topped with a table soon full of shrimp, great touch. The chowder and fries came with the meal and was awesome. The fries are excellent. After having eaten in seaside at Norma's I was disappointed. A friend recommended I drive down and it was worth it.

    (5)

  • DAVID L.

    re: TRIED for dinner twice I guess it's my fault that I tried calling, but they take the phone off the hook during dinner times. I tried calling between 6-745pm for pickup and wasn't able to get through. I also called every 5 minutes, because my wife really wanted to try their food.

    (3)

  • Richard B.

    Best view in Cannon Beach and some of the best food we had here. The cabbage salad is awesome and only $3.95. Great place for kids and a very casual lunch or dinner. Never had to wait because they have a ton of tables and get you in/out quickly. We ate here numerous times after being disappointed after eating at other spots in Cannon Beach that had decent reviews.

    (5)

  • Dick C.

    This place gets the tourists big time, they have also taken lots of negative talk from Oregonians since Robert Kennedy made them famous during the campaign for President. I have to tell you, the chowder I had tonight was fan-tastic. Just like the Mo's 60s style. Really good, I'm talking Dyno-mite. The fish tacos were just ok, but the clam chowder was the best I've had in years.

    (4)

  • Ghet G.

    Fried everything - delicious, yes - healthy.....no, no, no. Glad we experienced it, could have done without the carnival like endless doodad shilling, but sitting outside with a beautiful view of the ocean minimizes that somewhat. If you're in the mood for old-fashioned blue-collar (not an insult!) fish-shack fare, this place is for you. Just leave your dietary restrictions at the door, and enjoy. (Perhaps have a heart surgeon on speed dial - just in case!)

    (3)

  • Cyndi C.

    Oregon Coast must stop for lunch, a place you have to try at least once! Reliable restaurant that lines em up and runs them through. Don't let the line deter you. They usually are fast (although off season and sudden awesome weather,) it was pretty slow my last visit. Great views and tasty crab melts, chowders, fish and chips, oyster shooters and famous oyster burgers. Skip their side of fries, as they are not very good at all, rather order the clam chowder or shrimp salad as your side! mo's also serves beers and cheap bloody marys! Uncomfortable seating so you don't loiter here but dependable descent seafood served fresh fast and hot by kind servers! Tip: Purchase the mo's taffy while in the line at checkout.

    (3)

  • Julie C.

    Solidly mediocre for many, many years. While visiting Cannon Beach with a friend from Miami, we decided to stop at Mo's for some chowder and seafood. I eat here maybe once every 2-3 years, and that time lag is just enough time to forget it's disappointing each and every time. Nothing is bad, but nothing is good. It's solidly mediocre. I walk away thinking, well, it was food. The one upshot is the view out to the beach and to Haystack rock. I don't have kids yet, but it might also deserve a shout-out as being a very kid-friendly place, meaning that they serve french fries and it's not classy enough ambiance to care if your little one runs around screaming for toys from the gift shop. Other than that, stick to any other local seafood place and you'll have a much better, and more delicious experience while visiting Oregon's coast.

    (2)

  • Anne B.

    We've been coming here for decades! Awesome chowder, get it with shrimp! Yummy bread & salads! Kids love clam strips & fish and chips!

    (5)

  • Sara M.

    I had the clam chowder, which really seemed more like potato soup, but with less flavor. I think it was the worst chowder I've had. Shame on them for calling it "world famous". Very disappointed.

    (1)

  • Juli J.

    Great service. Food came out quickly and all really likes their meals. Big hits were: fried oysters, fish tacos, halibut fish and chips, and the clam chowder was really good, too. Kids get to keep the frisbees their meals are served in, too. In spite of a full restaurant, the server was always on the spot. Nothing blew us away but it was overall a great experience and we recommend for big groups and families.

    (5)

  • Pam S.

    Great views of the beach and haystack rock. We were seated immediately for 4 people at lunch time. Food was okay... got the popcorn scallops (tasty) and the clam chowder bread bowl. The chowder was bland, nothing special for something that is supposed to be their staple. Ive eaten better out of a can. Wouldn't recommend it for the food, but decent place for a quick snack if you visit the beach.

    (3)

  • Julie D.

    Yes, the view is lovely from the dining room. Servers were very friendly. But the food was pretty awful. I ordered an incredibly overpriced piece of grilled halibut that had obviously been frozen for what tasted like several seasons. The chowder was tasteless and heavy - with an extra pat of butter thrown in for good measure. The salad was cafeteria-worthy... just super disappointing overall. I know it's a tradition in the area, but I'd avoid this next time.

    (2)

  • Penny W.

    A lot has changed in 20 years. The clam chowder went from the best to just awful and they franchised to the airport too.

    (1)

  • Crystal L.

    I have been going to Mo's for years but I'm done with this place. I went last night and the food was horrible. My salad was wilted and my steamer clams were rubbery. Also the waitress seemed put off by us. I won't be going back and I will advise others not to as well. I dropped money for gross seafood. Yeah!

    (1)

  • Joe L.

    What the hell happened to Mo's? I'm a northwest native, and have been to Mo's many times at different locations. Granted, it has been a few years since last visiting. We arrived early, 5:15 or so, on a Thursday evening and we were seated right away. Our waitress only had 5 tables (we had time to count while waiting for her), including one that was empty for a big chunk of time, and we still waited forever for service from her. I remember the chowder being flavorful before, but now it was the blandest chowder concoction I think I've ever had. If their chowder is "famous" now, it's because of how bad it has become. On the plus side, I did enjoy my fried oyster 'burger,' but my kids hated their mac and cheese (which I sampled and had to use my molars to grind down the partially cooked macaroni). Their fish and chips was good. I had a pint of Blue Moon Belgian ale from their tap, and it was flat. The best thing about this place is the view, and I'm guessing the convenience. All in all...probably the worst dining experience I've had in a long time, sad to say. P.S. - The people next to us ordered salad. The waitress informed them "we are out of salad" Never, in my life, have I ever heard that from any restaurant.

    (1)

  • Ashley E.

    I love this place! We had a fantastic view of the ocean while we sat and enjoyed our lunch. Cod plate was yummy. French fries were perfect. Clam choked was phenomenal and we also tried their chili which was on point. What a great place!

    (5)

  • Niki A.

    Reliable. Every meal at Mo's has been consistently good, not THE BEST SEA FOOD EVER but reliable and yummy. Hot clam chowder or chili bread bowl on a cold coast day? Yes please! Have ordered to go many times and would go again. Favorite item: cannon ball bowl, hands down.

    (4)

  • BongMalia M.

    My family and i arrived a little before 7pm for dinner. We were greeted with a smile at seared near the window, perfect table to see such a beautiful view of the beach and soon to be sunset. Our waitress was named amy, and she took great care of us :) my son had a kids cheese burger and fries, and my husband and i hand the special of that night which was the "hawaiian" burger. It was actually pretty good to my suprise! It was a very good size and presentation was very nice as well. Oh, and for our appetizer we had steamed garlic and butter clams. Those were really good! Over all we were able to enjoy our dinner with a unbeatable view. The sunset was lovely! I would highly recommend this resturant if you are in the area. Perfect for families! The gift shop section was also fun to look at!

    (5)

  • 99RestuarantsOnTheWall P.

    Great View of Haystack Rock. The food is bland and overpriced. The chowder taste like potato soup, and doesn't have much flavor. I wouldn't waste my money or time with this tourist trap.

    (2)

  • Rick A.

    The service was great. The food was excellent. It was priced just right. Quick, clean and very good! We will be back!

    (5)

  • Tiffany M.

    Really just not as good as it used to be - shrimp salad still good but the fish and chips were unlike the menu photo - completely different batter and the clam strips were all batter no clam Shrimp was a frozen product or tasted like it same with the fries - so many other great places to eat

    (1)

  • Brandy A.

    I don't travel to Cannon Beach very often, but I was given a gift certificate to Mo's so I was excited to make the trip for a lunch date. We were blessed with beautiful weather on this particular day, so the drive up was really nice. When we arrived at our destination we shocked at how wonderful the view was. Mo's is practically right next to Haystack Rock! In fact, you could park next to the restaurant and access the beach right then and there if the need struck you. Lunch and beach time or beach then lunch? Sounds like a great afternoon if you ask me. However, the wonder and excitement pretty much ended as we stepped through the front door, as we were greeted by a tacky gift shop and reminded us that Cannon Beach relies heavily on a tourism-based economy, and that Mo's is a small restaurant chain that reflects such an audience. This should have been enough to clue me in about the dining experience I was about to have, but for some reason I continued on with extremely high expectations and optimism. After all, they tout award winning chowder--that's gotta be a good sign, right?? We were promptly seated next to the large panoramic ocean view I mentioned before, and I have to say this was the best part of my experience here. Everything else about the dining room was really uncomfortable. Bench seating (no back support!), the tables were all really close together, even though the restaurant was only half-full it was incredibly loud, and frankly I could have done without the really tacky decor (it was like the gift shop was spilling into the dining room!) Their menu offers a variety of appetizers (including oyster shooters), sandwiches, salads, soups, fish n' chips, and entrees such as grilled fish or BBQ ribs. The entrees include a cup of chowder and a side of your choice (fries/potato/rice). Their prices seemed average and fair with what they offer as a meal. They of course also have a some beer/wine options as well as many non-alcoholic beverages including strawberry lemonade. My dining partner and I both chose to partake in said lemonade, and perhaps I'm just spoiled by some of the restaurants in Astoria, but I think Mo's served me the worst strawberry lemonade I've ever had. Essentially they made a glass of regular lemonade (which was extremely watered down) and then spooned a skimpy serving of previously-frozen strawberries on top. It took a lot of stirring and strawberry-stabbing on my part to make it taste anything like strawberry lemonade, but even then it was extremely disappointing. Then my oily mess--I mean clam chowder--arrived. Not only was it presented extremely sloppily, but I have NEVER actually seen oil seep out of a chowder before. Even after vigorous stirring I kept seeing bright orange oil in my soup. Hungry, I dove in anyway, and despite having award-winning expectations I wasn't surprised by how underwhelming the flavor was. I have to remember this is a tourist-catering chain restaurant after all, so they can't serve anything with real attitude or spunk. I'm just curious who's handing out awards for this slop. And to top it all off, I had the unpleasant experience of biting into a sandy clam chunk. Hey, you take risks when using canned clams. For our main dishes, I ordered the grilled halibut with a side of rice pilaf and my dining partner ordered the halibut fish n' chips. For almost $20, I feel like my dish was poorly portioned, but then again that's why I don't normally order halibut in the first place--heck, I could have gotten the salmon for almost $5 cheaper. But I had a gift certificate so I thought I would give this premium priced pescado a try. Unfortunately, since I have so little experience with halibut, I can't give a very adequate summary of the quality I received at Mo's, but I was left with the impression that it was over-cooked and under-seasoned. In the end I had to drown it in their surprisingly good tartar sauce. The rice pilaf was decent, and the large piece of bread that both dishes were served with left me asking why--it wasn't toasted, and it didn't lend anything to the dish except for maybe filler. I tried the fish n' chips and felt like their breading was ok but nothing to rave about. Lunch was enough to fill us both up, but we were feeling inspired by the beautiful weather so we both ordered desert to top off our day trip to cannon beach. I got the peanut butter pie and my dining partner ordered the marionberry pie a la mode. MY PIE WAS HUGE. It stood nearly 4" tall, and was about 3" at it's widest! I have to say I'm glad we stuck around for desert because it made my trip worthwhile. I doubt this pie is house-made, but paired with the whipped cream, it was salty and sweet in all the right ways. If you aren't much of a foodie but want a nice lunch with a view, Mo's will probably hit the spot for you. However, if you are looking for a great meal AND a great view, there's probably better choices in Cannon Beach.

    (2)

  • Corey N.

    Poor service, was sat down quickly then never saw anyone for a very long time. Frozen food being sold at a premium price. Felt and sounded like cafeteria. The only positive is the view of you get a seated by the window. Again very pricy for cheap quality food. My opinion is to pass this place on by.

    (1)

  • Katy R.

    Amazing food, great clam chowder! Awesome fish and chips, love this place service was great, atmosphere was fun & friendly! Highly recommend this place! And seating was amazing as we watched the sun set

    (4)

  • Laura S.

    It's a Mo's. It had been years since we'd had Mo's and were glad to see they expanded their menu - or perhaps the other locations we had been at just didn't have the selection this large Mo's did. Either way, it was nice to have fish and chips as an option. I ordered the halibut and my husband ordered the cod, both with a cup of chowder to start. We both thought we remembered the chowder being much more rich and creamy, but what we were served wasn't horrible. Neither were the baskets of fish and chips. I actually thought my hubby's cod tasted better than my halibut and the accompanying fries were so-so. Eh, we got what we paid for, but it'll probably be another 5 years before we try a Mo's again.

    (3)

  • Kelsey R.

    The view of Haystack rock is what makes this place! A lot of the food is fried and pretty much okay. The chowder is good and full of potatoes. All of the seafood is really fresh. In my three trips here I usually end up full, but it's not necessarily exciting. This most recent time I ordered the shrimp skewers. They were well cooked and had good flavor. The potatoes were pretty good as well. My mom ordered the sliders, upgrading the tuna one so she had another shrimp one plus the one lobster. She enjoyed them. The third one she ate the roll was toasted (which was perfectly done for a little bit of crust!), but the others hadn't been. We think they might have forgotten to toast the first two. The wait staff is always nice and keep the refills of drinks coming.

    (3)

  • J C.

    Clam chowadah!!! W no clams?!? Great view of Haystack Rock. If Chunk from The Goonies were around he'd be here every day. It's a simple stop. Steamer clams good too. Lets be honest about the chowder... very few clams. Lots of potato. Come on Mo!! Service generally good but lets be real I'm not coming here for the service. In here because its a great view spot with no real competition.

    (2)

  • Anna B.

    The food quality met our expectation for the price. If you are lucky, you will be seated by the window for the great view. Enjoyed the fish tacos (blackened) very much. Claim chowder is also good. Great service. Large parking lot!

    (4)

  • Jen H.

    Very disappointed - we were looking forward to a great cup of clam chowder. Lots of people and reviews talk about how good Mo's chowder is but It was awful and very bland. I've had canned chowder that tasted better. The view is beautiful and we did enjoy people watching and the ocean scenery. I ordered the fish tacos which were basically tasteless. My husband ordered a combination plate. It had fish, scallops and clams everything on it was fried but tasted fresh and was very good. We will not be going back to Mo's. There are many other places in Seaside and Cannon Beach that have better tasting food.

    (2)

  • Joe C.

    Got in without much wait. My partner was amazed since she's used to seeing a line out the door. The view is beautiful. Seating is family style on benches, very laid back. We had the clam strips, garlic bread, clam chowder, and fish tacos. The clam chowder was good but nothing particular memorable and a bit heavy on the potatoes. Garlic bread was tasty and light. Fried clam strips were rather good. I wasn't a fan of my fish tacos, they were a bit too spicy and just not the flavor I was looking for. When sitting at such a lovely beach location, I expect more. The waitress quickly took care of it and was delightful. The manager came over, funnily enough he was also from NJ originally, and took the tacos off the bill. I got the fish and chips instead and was very happy with the choice. Crisp yet light with nice seasoning. Overall, very professional and friendly staff, great location, and decent food. I'd come back for the people and location more than the food though.

    (4)

  • Curt B.

    The gist of this review was composed as I sat in the car while my gf went into another restaurant in Cannon Beach to get an order "to go" after finding her food at Mo's unpalatable. Here's why... We checked into our hotel after dark and wanted a quick bite to eat. Mo's was conveniently located within walking distance and chowder sounded like a good option. We walked into Mo's and I was immediately struck with how cheesy the interior was. Kind of an Olive Garden at the beach with really cheap crappy toys being sold at the front counter. Now keep in mind, it was pitch dark outside so the potential view was meaningless to us. On the plus side we were seated at the really low quality wood tables/benches right away. After that I had to remind our waitress to bring our drinks. I ordered the clam chowder which was OK but frankly, I've had better from a can before and certainly the chowder from New Season's grocery is far better. My gf ordered the Oyster Stew and it was unpalatable. The oysters were a really unhealthy grey color and she was disturbed by the texture. This was floating in a very watery milk bath. Needless to say she didn't finish her meal. The cherry on top was having to wait around for another 10 minutes while our waitress wandered around aimlessly until I flagged her down and asked for a check (we had already stacked our dishes and wiped down the table--we were clearly done). Interestingly, at that point she responded with "oh yeah, it's right here." She reached into her waistband and produced the check she had clearly forgotten to give us. Well, at least she was really loud...that's good right? So that leads to driving my pissed off gf to another establishment so we can pick her up some food to take back to the hotel room. My hunch is that the view from Mo's is spectacular during the day however the food is mediocre at best. Frankly, I'm disappointed that what was once a great local success story (the original Mo's) has turned into a shitty, poorly run chain.

    (1)

  • Rob B.

    Five stars for an overall great beach experience. We are not talking Michelin star fine dining. We are talking great beach fare served with really friendly service. The menu is excellent. My wife had the Shrimp Medley and I had grilled cod. The side salad of cabbage and bay shrimp was superb. Substitutions aren't a problem. Best of all is the view -- right on the beach -- not a bad table in the house.

    (5)

  • Sandi B.

    Really enjoyed sitting outside and enjoying the scenery. Food was very good and especially enjoyed the cabbage salad with shrimp. It was one of the sides with dinner. Husband and friends had the chowder and really loved it. Was full by the time fish and chips came. The fellows liked the beer choices, also. Nice experience!

    (4)

  • Philip O.

    We enjoyed great service and a gorgeous view of the haystack rocks. The chowder and garlic bread were great as usual. Expect to have open seating sort of like a cafeteria set up but no where near as crowded as the other Mo's locations. This by far has the best view of any restaurant.

    (4)

  • Lindsey K.

    Ordered the fish tacos and I felt like I was eating some kinds of fish soup. It was drenched in the sauce they put on it. It was bland. I was pretty disappointed since everyone seemed to like it.

    (2)

  • Stacy T.

    Been going to Mo's for many, many, many years now for Calm Chowder and Fish and Chips. This visit did not meet the Mo standard or even come close. First, the remodel was much needed but the place looks like a franchise now instead of a unique one of a kind dining experience. Parking was so easy. Something I love about this location as there always is the lot or the park lot for ease in parking. Coming straight off the freeway is awesome also!! We started at the hostess station where there was a small discussion of where to sit us (party of 4). Seemed a bit out of place considering there was ample seating. We were seated at a round and immediately greeted with a smile from our waitress. She promptly got us drinks and allowed us time to decide what we wanted. We ordered Fish and Chips, Bacon Burger, Seafood Salad and Alfredo Fettucine. Overall, felt the food was okay. The stars specifically are due to the: (1) clam chowder that I received with the Fish and Chips was not good. Lacked potatos and while I tasted A clam, I am pretty sure it was the only one. (2) The cod Fish and Chips were warm, not hot. Which was so unfortunate, because it looked gorgeous! Crispy outside, light and flaky. I probably should have sent it back .... (but take a look at my next comment). Everything else though was quite good. After meal delivery, we didn't see our waitress again. Instead, we kept waving down the busgirl who was simply amazing. But after a wonderful start, it was quite disappointing to have our waitress go MIA. We ordered desserts from the busgirl. A snickers pie and a peanut butter pie. Both were lacking. In fact, to have my teenage boys take only a few bites and then decide they were "done" tells it all. The price seemed too much for the experience. Not sure if there was an increase due to the remodel, but I really did walk away thinking Mo's was now too costly for what they were offering. After years and years and years of coming here it truly was an disappointing feeling.

    (3)

  • Christopher L.

    Honestly I hate negative comments but I would avoid it all together. Everything look and tasted like a microwave meal. Felt like I was eating at my kids school cafeteria. Great view however.

    (2)

  • Dan P.

    The views are great! The food was ok. Most of the food is fried. There are some shrimp dishes that are not but these are the really small shrimp (although you get a lot of them). I had the shrimp salad which was decent. The fish and chips were ok. The blackened halibut was pretty good. The clam chowder was ok but didn't blow me away. I'll be back for the views and kick back ambience. Oh yeah, they also have decent beer with some local brews on tap.

    (4)

  • Angela W.

    Visited for the first time this last Sunday. The atmosphere was very alive. A lot of people and a lot of sounds and it was all very bustling in a happy way. Our server was smiling and friendly and helpful. Very quick service. Our drinks were at the table at once, followed quickly by our side of deliciously warm and famous clam chowder. Well deserved nods to that. I had fish and chips. The cod was perfectly done. So crispy outside and soft and flaky and moist inside. I would go back just to put my fork in that fish again. I brought some home and it was also nice the next morning. I'll be back again.

    (4)

  • Richard E.

    My family, me from Seattle and them (6 total) from Boise, stayed in Seaside for a week. We visited Cannon Beach on what turned out to be an absolutely postcard perfect bluebird day. Of course, that meant we had to eat at Mo's... This was our first time there (July 23). First, I'd like to give Mo's props for easily accommodating a group of 8; for most restaurants it seems to be a hassle, but it was no problem here. The location is PRIME!! I mean, right on the beach, next to the parking lot - not much better than that! We had 3 kids with us and 5 adults, which meant 3 kids meals. The kids ordered fish and chips, and the food was cooked perfectly and the portions ample. I can't recall what everyone else ordered, but I recall they were more than satisfied. I ordered the fried oyster sandwich - yum! Fat, plump oysters cooked perfectly - nice sandwich! My dad ordered the peanut butter chocolate pie for dessert - my gosh! I've never seen such a huge portion (for a single) in my life, even when I'm cutting my own at home! A huge piece of dessert, it got passed around the table for everyone to try, and there was even some left for my dad once it got back to him. Our servers were friendly and cheerful. We had one little hiccup in our order that was addressed promptly. The ambience of the restaurant was perfect, too, for its setting and its purpose. It's a casual restaurant serving folks who just came back from or are going out on the beach; it's not trying to be pretentious, and it is what it is. So, perfect location, solid food with good price, excellent service, lots of parking, fun with family - it doesn't get any better. It all makes for good memories. This will be a go-to place for me next time I'm down that way...hmmm, I'm actually sensing a possible road trip to go there before the summer is over. Maybe my GPS will go on the fritz and direct me down there...yeah, that's it! The GPS did made me go there!

    (5)

  • Matthew A.

    People who say the clam chowder is amazing must all have one thing in common: they've never had Skipper's, Ivar's, or Campbell's. Yes, even Campbell's is better than Mo's. It's just so potato-y. It feels like for every clam bit, there are 10 potato bits. I also had the Mo's original cabbage shrimp salad. The portion was small but it was good. As my entree, I had the boulliabaise. It was good. It was basically a Cioppino. I enjoyed it a lot and I would get it again on my next visit. If you go, do yourself a favor ad skip the clam chowder. They're basically stealing 4 bucks from you for a pedestrian potato soup that has a few clam bits in it. Hard pass. The seating at Mo's sucks. I don't care what the view is like, there is no excuse for sitting on a bench for a meal. None. Get some booths or chairs for goodness sake. I'll say it again. They do not have booths or chairs. You sit on a bench. In all fairness, if you need a chair, they got folding chairs on request.

    (3)

  • Katie Y.

    First time ever the other day! (I know I know but I never used to like seafood so I always avoided it) ordered the cod fish and chips and they were so tender and juicy! Love the tartar sauce. The boyfriend got the clam chowder and I have hated clam chowder my whole life. Decided to try it and it was so delicious! Not too chewy or bland. Amazing! Definitely going to be a must for when we visit the coast.

    (5)

  • Jenny K.

    We went because it was literally in the parking lot of our hotel - the Tolovana Inn - and offered outside seating with a gorgeous view of the beach and Haystack Rock. I got the bay shrimp cabbage salad, the clam chowder and a glass of pinot gris. Hubby had the BBQ ribs, chowder and a Shark Bite cocktail. The salad was good! The shrimp had great flavors, the cabbage was mostly fresh and there was a kickass garlic ranch dressing (and a lot of it - so I'd recommend dressing on the side). The chowder was disappointingly average - and that's what Mo's is known for. The pinot gris - for $5/glass - was filled to the brim and delicious! So delicious we got a bottle of it the next day. We also grabbed takeout from here the next day (it was the only place open) and got fish tacos - yum! And onion rings and fries. Fries were good. Onion rings were mediocre at best. Not my first choice of restaurants but overall decent food, prices and services.

    (3)

  • Lindsey R.

    Here we are again, almost two years later. Same as before, we really enjoy this place. We had an oyster shooter, clam chowder, grilled cheese, and of course marionberry cobbler. Nothing was disappointing as usual. I highly recommend their grilled cheese. And their Mo Ale Rogue beer.

    (4)

  • Terri L.

    The "canned" chowder was warm at best and tasted terrible. 3 of us ordered it and no one could eat it. The garlic cheese bread came w/o cheese - wait staff did nothing to correct it. I will never go again and feel like the other "yelpers" should be warned to take your money and appetite elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Stephannie Q.

    Mo's serves very tasty clam chowder right on Cannon Beach. The views are gorgeous and very enjoyable while having lunch/dinner. I had the Cannonball Bowl which was a New England style clam chowder with bacon served in a sourdough bread bowl. Great place to have a classic clam chowder bowl and taking in the great views.

    (4)

  • Katie M.

    Will never understand where the horrible reviews come from. My family has been coming here for twenty years, and even on the busiest of days we get service with a smile. The portions have gotten a bit smaller over the years, but prices do go up. If you want it cheap go catch it yourself ;) Still, a warm bowl of chowder and some deep-fried cod have never done me wrong at the end of a day on the beach. Always feels like coming home-Thanks guys!

    (5)

  • Patricia B.

    Not our style Too loud and to much activity with kids Food was pretty good Had oyster stew Prices good Not one we would go back to But has a place there Great ocean views Seating is not comfortable Felt rushed

    (3)

  • Suzanne K.

    I read reviews on Yelp about the clam chowder, so, we tried it. First of all, you wait in line and are shuttled in and out like cattle. First come, first serve. I ordered the fish and chips and my husband ordered the fried clams. My fish was tender and delicious on the inside, but, the breeding was over whelming. The fried clams were all fried, no clams. Disappointing. The clam chowder was good. I guess if you want to see what the fuss is about, go. If not, save your money and go to Kelly's. Brighton Marina and eat straight from the sea!

    (3)

  • ColumbiaBasin O.

    Mo's is ruined! All they are doing these days is herding tourists through like cattle. I don't blame them - at the end of the day it is about business and profit and they don't really have to worry about repeat customers because their will always be a line at the door. Mo's menu is set up for speed out of the kitchen, most everything is deep fried. The "world famous" chowder is all potatoes (this is part of the money making game by lowering food cost). The service was terrible, either the kid was new - or just hates tourists. The one time I caught his eye to ask for more water he slammed the check down before I could say anything and told me to pay at the front and walked away. All that being said, if you are visiting the area you have to eat dinner at Mo's for the sunset. It is on the south side of Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach and is one of the best views on the Oregon Coast. Just know that you'll be eating a plate of plain fried crap that isn't worth the money, served by someone who doesn't want to talk to you. Sorry Mo's - step up your game

    (2)

  • John B.

    We went twice because it was right next to our hotel and the view of the beach is amazing!! The prices are about the same as a red robin and the food was pretty good. The first time I had the beer battered halibut and fry's which was good the second time a burger. Service was pretty good I will be back

    (4)

  • Shane D.

    Wow. Really underwhelming. Don't buy into the hype. The clam chowder, which is supposed to be the signature thing, was mostly potato with a bit of bacon and even less clams. I will say the steamer clams were good, and the hot shrimp and artichoke dip was great. Stay away from the bay shrimp alfredo. They just dump the shrimp they put in the salad on the top of the pasta. It isn't even cooked. If it wasn't for the Tabasco on the table, my meal would have been a loss. If you are in the mood for pasta get the smoked salmon instead, because that is really good. Halibut was good but too greasy. While a lot of people have said great things about this place, I think they are riding a reputation built up in another time. They are just ok now, not really worth the tourist price tag they charge for their food.

    (2)

  • Serena M.

    Mo's, an Oregon coast staple-this location has the absolute best views of Haystack Rock. Just gorgeous. We were seated quickly on a busy Sunday afternoon and service was fast as well. As always I got some chowder, and as always it was good but needed some salt and pepper to fit my taste. I got a tuna sandwich-solid choice-nothing fancy but pretty good. We shared onion rings and they give a large basket for the price ($6.99). Overall, a satisfying lunch.

    (4)

  • David M.

    We had a great lunch of clam chowder and grilled fish tacos. My husband and I thought it was very good. The services was prompt and the prices were very reasonable. Staying at the Tolovana Inn made it most convenient but was pleasantly surprised how good it was. And the view of the Haystack couldn't be beat.

    (4)

  • Tyler T.

    I guess some people don't know how to eat here judging by some of the reviews... We've been to Mo's probably 40-50 times and this is one of those places that does some things very well, and some things not so well (like just about every restaurant). You just have to know what to get at most places, and this is no exception. Get the chowder, and lots of the garlic cheese bread. That's it. Simple, delicious, one of the absolute "must-do" things on the Oregon Coast. Grab dessert too if you are a dessert person. If you want a non-chowder-related meal then go to Chowder Bowl at Nye Beach (ironically enough), not that there chowder is worse, just that their other menu options are better.

    (5)

  • Mila M.

    We decided to visit Mo's based on a recommendation from a friend, so before I dive into what wasn't good, let's talk about that view. Much of the restaurants along the main strip in Cannon Beach don't have that kind of beach access. Aside from that, the ambiance inside, the service and food was just plain meh. We started with the clam chowder which was pretty good, but my tastebuds weren't blown out of the water (haha get it?). We then ordered onion rings and they were very clearly not fried on spot, I would guess pre-fried and pre-frozen. Next, we had the fish tacos -- one order of the plain and one order of the cajun-style. My boyfriend said his plain tacos were not good at all -- very bland, unseasoned and tasteless. My cajun tacos were significantly better, but nothing to rave about. Overall a meh experience. Recommended if you want to enjoy the view and are OK eating food you won't really be impressed by.

    (2)

  • Samantha O.

    I used to love Mo's as a child. This time when I went I hadn't been in years. I got the hot crab melt. It was decent but god, do you think you put enough butter on it? The bread was soggy with butter and made me feel a little sick after eating it. Their clam chowder was better though, which I opted for as a side. It tasted good however it wasn't something that I would tell everyone about. Like another reviewer mentioned it wasn't memorable and was heavy on the potatoes. That's exactly how I would describe it.

    (3)

  • Alain D.

    Fantastic view! But disappointing food. The halibut was too much cooked. Chowder was uninteresting. Service was OK, but generally you just feel like this is a factory. Hundreds of people, very noisy. I will not go again.

    (2)

  • Scooter R.

    These reviews have me wondering if people in Oregon think White Castle is serving Kobe beef sliders. Seriously if you think that this is good New England clam chowder please head to the east coast. This is comparable to Campbell's or Progresso with just a little fresh milk added to make seem homemade. It really ranks as some of the worst chowder I have ever had. Oh and LOL on their homemade cocktail sauce. I think I would prefer Taco Bell hot sauce. This place is so mediocre that even if you are starving I would find somewhere else to go. Our male/child waiter could have been suffering from some form of frontal lobe damage because his sense of urgency or attention to anything related to service is non-existent. Pass pass pass.

    (1)

  • Tyler S.

    We have a tradition to go here the food is good but the cowder has to many potatoes the clam strips are hit and view and service is great

    (4)

  • Duane C.

    Cafeteria style, all the lights on. The whole place has a view of the ocean through large windows. I had the blackened cod fish tacos. The fish was grilled and on corn tortillas. Nice! It came with clam chowder. My Wife had grilled halibut that came with shrimp salad. Can't complain. Our server took care of us well.

    (4)

  • Omar M.

    The food was good and the service was also good. They accommodated my wife and her food gluten free.

    (3)

  • Miles S.

    A must visit if in the area for a true Oregon Coast experience. Great atmosphere and always friendly service. Waits can be lengthy, but its definitely worth it! Popular for its clam chowder and great view of the ocean.

    (4)

  • Richard T.

    My gf and I chose this place as it was located right next to Tolovana Inn and it was convenient to walk to. This restaurant has a great view of Cannon Beach as anywhere you sit, you have a view of the beach right in front. It was great to see people enjoying the beach while having your meal. The restaurant has a weird all bench seating which makes it uncomfortable if sitting for a long while with no back support. It would be great for families with kids as they can easily get in and out of the seat with no trouble. The place was kept clean and they quickly bussed each table once the patrons left the restaurant. I had read on Yelp that the main item to try was the clam chowder, but the one bowl we shared was very bland and was in serious need of seasoning. The other item we ordered was the Neptune platter which consisted of deep fried cod, oysters, calamari and clam strips. It was a nice portion size for us to share and we were definitely full afterwards. The seafood tasted fresh and I especially enjoyed the oysters. Good friendly service and the food came out in a timely manner. I liked how they came around quite a few times to check on how we were doing.

    (3)

  • Jeff K.

    This was a sad day for me. I have been coming to moes since I was a young child. first off, the one pound of steamer clams that they boast was nothing more than a pitiful sized soup dish of a 1/4 lb of clams topped with diced tomatoes, overpriced at nearing $13. I rememeber when they brought out a real lb in a plastic mo's bucket. Aparentley those days are gone. Their clam chowder, is nothing compared to what it used to be back in the day either. Wtf Mo's?! Get your shit together!

    (2)

  • Jack C.

    Nothing special, more of tourist trap. Had the fish tacos which were tasteless. Bouillabaisse which really salty and the everything in it was overcooked and dry. Fish and chips were again tasteless. Clam chowder was clamless.

    (2)

  • Aaron B.

    Awesome ocean views. Great for kids. The seafood was standard.

    (3)

  • Amy J.

    Love this place... but my friend is allergic to gluten and about everything had gluten...even clam chowder. ..so he ended up eating a veggie salad at this famous restaurant...

    (4)

  • E D.

    A seafood restaurant on Cannon Beach. After our visit to Ecola State Park during our Oregon road trip, my fiancé and I decided to eat at Mo's since our travel guide mentioned that their chowder was featured as one of Smithsonian magazine's "Best American Regional Foods." My fiancé ordered the Cannonball bowl and I ordered the Hot Crab Melt with a side of clam chowder. The Cannonball bowl is clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. I didn't get to taste the bread bowl, but the clam chowder was okay, it wasn't great or bad. However, I was expecting "yummy delicious I can't wait to come back chowder." The crab melt was good, but it could've been better if the crab was fresh. I felt like the butter on the sourdough bread was overpowering the taste of the crab. Service was great and friendly. I loved the fact that you can pay at the cashier instead of waiting for the waitress to come back with your change or credit card. After your meal, you can step unto Cannon Beach and enjoy the view. Definitely a good eating spot during the sunset.

    (3)

  • Cassie C.

    Food is decent and the service was good. The price is very reasonable. Didn't like the furniture. They are picnic tables. It's ok, but I like sitting in a chair with back support.

    (3)

  • Terra C.

    We decided to try the clam chowder at Mo's - since it is, after all, 'world famous'. What a huge disappointment. We were dumbfounded as it tasted like potatoes and water - could not taste any clam flavor whatsoever. I declare (and I mean this quite seriously) - Campbell's makes a better clam chowder. We won't try it again and will drive to Local Ocean Seafood in Newport or The Fish Peddler in Bay City rather than eat at Mo's again. Very, very sad - should have sent it back. Not sure why we didn't.

    (1)

  • Kelli B.

    The food was really good. And you get to eat overlooking the beach so that's nice! My cousin and I had the slumgullion in a cannonball bowl (clam chowder with shrimp on top inside a sourdough bread bowl). The prices are pretty reasonable my meal was less than 10 bucks. The only downside is that our waitress wasn't that attentive, but it wasn't to the point of rudeness.

    (4)

  • Autumn D.

    This place was Amazing i got their CannonBowl Chowder with extra bacon!! Our waitress was amazing and their onion rings are to die for!!!! We went here twice in two days!! The lemon and snickers pie was super creamy and delicious!!

    (5)

  • Sara M.

    Been to Cannon Beach a zillion times, never been to Mo's. We were on our way out of town after 4th of July weekend, staying on the north side of CB, and our daughter wanted to play on the beach before we headed out, so we headed towards Mo's, mainly because of the easier beach access right there. So we played for about an hour and then decided to get lunch at Mo's. I'm not sure what happened with all the bad reviews, but we had a great lunch! Peggy was our service and she was very nice. We started with the basket of onion rings- we boxed 1/2 of them up and took them with us. Hubby had the halibut and chips (3 good size pieces with pretty good fries) with a cup of chowder, daughter had the mac n cheese with a side of applesauce and I had the blackened fish tacos with a cup of chowder. I'll order fish tacos whenever I get the chance and these were awesome. Had my choice of grilled or blackened, I chose blackened. Came with three decent size tacos with just the right amount of spice. I would go out on a limb and say these were probably some of the best I have tried. Clam chowder was good- I like Bill's better- but it wasn't horrible, clams were nice and small and not chewy. I'm not a clam fan, but I do like clam chowder. An appetizer, 3 lunch meals with 2 soft drinks came out to $42. Not bad. We will probably visit again.

    (4)

  • Brandi K.

    You really can't go wrong here. Their chowder is always on point. I changed it up a bit and went for the lighter fare option. Shrimp galore! The skewers were grilled to perfection. Boyfriend ordered fish tacos, gave me a bite, and I was immediately jealous and upset I didn't order them myself. Wow! This Mo's location also has a Rogue beer specially brewed for them. It was great! The view was spectacular as everyone sits a window seat. Definitely a must-do when at the beach!

    (4)

  • Hollye H.

    You know, it's not amazing food but it's sort of a tradition. I remember going to Mo's as a kid, so there's always a hint of nostalgia upon returning. The halibut fish and chips are a delightful, greasy treat. And that's about all I know.

    (3)

  • Nikki F.

    I would not recommend this place to anyone, especially with much better options nearby. Our server was very grumpy. The salad and cabbage salad had this disgusting shrimp from a can on top. The chowder, which I think is a customer favorite, was some of the worst I've had. I've had better chowder from a can. The crab grilled cheese was thinly shredded crab with cheese so minimal you could barely find it. The only positive things about the experience were the cheap drinks and people watching. And why is there plexiglass blocking the beautiful ocean view. Awful! Go to the Pub across the street!

    (1)

  • Annie C.

    The only 2 good things that this place has is a good view and good chowder. Everything else is just ok.... I've eaten here several times. This last time (2 days ago) I got the grilled cod. It was kind of tough and wasn't very tasty. One of my friends said that her fish tacos were good though. Maybe I will try them next time. I will probably only return if my friends want to go here - otherwise I'm up for trying somewhere else in Cannon Beach.

    (3)

  • Christine Y.

    So, I didn't get clam chowder here. I did the fish and chips thing for lunch and had to do something different for dinner. Went with the grilled cod and it was kinda bland. Had a bite of my friend's blackened halibut and yowza, was that good! I ended up finishing my friend's halibut because she was full. In exchange, she finished my bread. Fluffy, yes. Soft, yes. White, yep. And that is why I had to let it go. Not a fan of white processed flour. It's a little weird that you go to a sit-down restaurant and is reminded of middle school lunch. Low tables and bench seating. Oh wells. Apparently that's how Mo wanted it. For people to be so close they end up chatting and becoming friends. 4 stars for blackened halibut. Hail blackened halibut!

    (4)

  • Joel D.

    Mom and I were staying at the Tolovana Inn, so being right next door, was a no brainer. Killer views of the beach, friendly staff, very decent pricing and the food was very good! Tasty clam chowder, had the Cod fish and chips, mom had the breaded oysters and cole slaw. All of which was very tasty. For an inexpensive, killer location, place to grab a bite- check them out.

    (4)

  • Jill M.

    Came here a few weeks ago on vacay from Calif. Split an order of raw oysters with my man (they were huge!), and I had the calamari lunch, which came with a ginormous slice of bread, fries and clam chowder. Service was decent, tasty food, great view, good portion sizes, but cheesy gift shop. Will definitely come back!

    (4)

  • Jennifer B.

    Am I missing something? I have no idea why this place is packed. Maybe it's nostalgia from when Mo's was good and people would drive up and down the coast eating at Mo's in the "good ol' days." The food was terrible. Nothing I tried tasted good. Okay maybe the mac and cheese that my friend's 3 year old couldn't finish wasn't bad but that's it. Fish, seafood, etc. No good.

    (1)

  • Kellie K.

    The food was ok, but the view made up for what the food was lacking. Mostly fried food. I had the Halibut and Chips. The halibut was very good. Breading was light and crispy. Chowder was ok, but too much bacon flavor for my taste. Good, not great service.

    (4)

  • Linda P.

    View: 5 stars. Tons of seating with spectacular ocean views. Food: 2 stars. Maybe it's because I'm from the East Coast and we invented New England clam chowder; but the clam chowder was really lacking in flavor. I don't understand what all the hype is. I heard from so many people, "You have to try Mo's". The grilled shrimp were also disappointing. The trio of sliders (shrimp, tuna & halibut) were decent. Prices were reasonable. There were a lot of families with small children so it is family friendly, casual and the perfect place to take children whose palates are not fully developed : )

    (3)

  • Sophia C.

    Hmmm... I'm going to have to agree with a lotta yelpers here: this place is a lotta hype over nothing. I'm going to give the final count of 3.25 out of 5 and here's why. Lines...that are unnecessary! The place is actually pretty huge, but the teeny entrance makes it deceiving. Luckily, I spoke up and said table for 2 and got a table in about 10 mins. If you're a party of 5+, be prepared to pass out from the wait! Don't even get me on the wait service here...slow, just SLOW. "Famous" clam chowder. Hmmm...I must have missed something on this one. The chowder was rather bland. Granted, it was creamy, which clam chowder should magically be and it photographs well for you yelpers, but tastewise...damn, a can of clam chowder honestly packs more punch! Sorry, but not even dipping their garlic bread in this chowder saves much. I will say that their clam strips meal is rather delish! Plenty of fried, non-greasy clam bites were damn tasty, no lies there! I honestly could have passed on the chowder and eaten the clams this way.

    (3)

  • Jason H.

    The beach view from our table was fantastic. The food was good and reasonably priced. Service was good as well. Place was very busy but we were seated fairly quickly.,

    (5)

  • Sally D.

    Ate there twice in one day. Service was Great, atmosphere out of this world along with the clam chowder and the beer. My only complaint your sandwich buns were nothing special. Just a regular bun they needed something. But I will go back I wi just avoid anything with a bun.

    (4)

  • Courtney K.

    Go for the views! This little seafood shack is casual with amazing views of the ocean. Many tables line the windows and the tables on the "east side" of the restaurant sit on a raised platform to enable those diners to enjoy the view too. The atmosphere is perfectly seafood shack sheik - it just needs an old crusty fishermen hanging out outside wearing yellow rain gear and smoking a pipe. The food is average in my opinion but don't let that keep you from going. They have lots of hearty options on their menu and service is prompt and friendly. I had the fish and chips and the bf had clam chowder and Caesar salad. I thought the chowder would have had a little more flavor but it will warm you up. The fish and chips were generic but watching the surf kept me completely satisfied. Note that Mo's is remodeling so perhaps even better things are in their way.

    (3)

  • Nik O.

    Not the greatest I've ever had, but definitely not the worst. Mo's is set right on cannon beach (from Goonies!), and its probably a tourist spot but there's nothing wrong with that. Prices were reasonable and I was pretty satisfied with both the quantity and quality of their food. Chowder wasn't that exceptional but it was good and they were generous with the clams. Double oyster stew was awesome especially for $10 - full of oysters in I think just milk and butter. Neptune platter said popcorn scallops but I didn't expect such teeny ones. Also came with 3 or 4 fried oysters, 2 pieces of cod (not much flavor), some fried clams, 3 fried shrimp (looked like premade/frozen). Kind of a mediocre experience overall, but hey it was 7pm on Sunday - good luck finding anything else that's open in this town during off season.

    (3)

  • Mikhail H.

    Friends have raved about this restaurant nonstop so we finally went with two more friends who insist the food is amazing. I was very confused if there was something wrong with me. I ordered fish and chips which both tasted and looked like they were frozen fish sticks you would pick up on sale at Safeway or something. The clam chowder tasted like something out of a can and was very watery. I just kept wondering if I was at the wrong restaurant. The service was ok. Our waitress would go back and forth between seeming to ignore us and being super attentive which was a bit confusing but we were grateful the times she was giving us great service. The restaurant itself was very clean and the decor was super cute. I wanted so badly to love this restaurant and finally experience a beach tradition. I was beyond disappointed. That increased even more after I met the owner of Mo's who was not just a nice guy but very big into doing volunteer work etc and encouraging his employees the same.

    (2)

  • Ben H.

    Stand by classic with great view Service was slow Price is reasonable for a family of 7 Fish tacos are good and appear to be the only item not fried and breaded

    (3)

  • Wendy B.

    Merrily rambling down the 101 hwy, we keep seeing road signs for Mo's nationally famous clam chowder. Really? Somebody must have an insiders advantage to getting those green road signs that look like state highway signs. Just sayin'. Anyway, it got us to stop. And I found myself at a disadvantage because I could not check Yelp, my phone reception was on the blitz. Bummer. So now I can tell you, that claim to fame, it ain't so. First of all, we ordered one bowl to share. She brought two. Clean out your ears, girl! We decided not to say anything, but when we tasted it....we are talking poor quality, thin bland clam chowder. Rubbery clams, too much filler potatoes, and curdled milk from being overheated. I even found shell and gritty sand in it. Really bad. It also had bacon bits in it, which is not my favorite ingredient. Wish I had made her take back the second bowl. My fault. And I ultimately refused to finish it. That bad. Even the "fresh" oyster shooters were sub par. At least the view was spectacular. Check my review for Medford, at the Wharf, if you really want a great chowder. Sad you can get better seafood in a landlocked town than here. Don't waste your time here. Take a walk on the beach instead. This is right next to the beautifully dramatic Cannon Beach, after all.

    (2)

  • Jesse P.

    Over hyped restaurant. Been here several times and nothing special. Famous clam chowder full of potatoes. Might as well call it a potatoe soup. Tarter sauce for fish and chips reminds me of a sauce you would find in a dive bar. Too bad they didn't make some homemade famous tarter sauce. Overall dissapointment each and every time we come here. Something to eat to fill your belly, too bad there's not much amazing food out this way like in Portland. 8-(. Someone needs to step up and start something special that people can rant and rave about when coming to the beach.

    (2)

  • Terry C.

    So what does Mo's really mean? Probably "Mostly Overated". Mo's indicate that they have good claim chowder. I thought it was, just Ok. Wasn't really big on the stick up butter that came with it. It's to make it more creamy...whatever I stired it in there and ate the chowder. I had the crab melt sandwich. It was pretty good and I'm glad I asked the waitress if she recommended it. I think of the five of us, I probably had the best dish. I was the winner of this dinner, because I'm a Yelper...thats why. Tried my fiancee's seafood plater, fried oyster, claims, and fish. The fish was overcooked by a mile and it wasn't as crunchy as it could be. Maybe the oil was old? We all helped each other try to finish each others food but man it was dry. The waitress was pretty cool. I like her. She pinched my friends cheek for being a jerk and she almost smacked my brother on the upside of the head for doing the same. Of course it was just friendly banter. However we didn't see her again after she dropped off the food. Didn't get a refill to go with my Pepsi that I could have used more of since I was getting tired from driving. So if you like waiting 40 minutes for a table than go ahead, but your paying for location, location, location.

    (3)

  • Maxine B.

    Totally disappointed. Wednesday afternoon, not crowded, service is super slow ( island time), food order has been wrong from salads to entree, appetizer was given with the entree..food isn't what it used to be...just eating here for the name sake...

    (1)

  • Theresa V.

    We were so disappointed with clam chowder....way too many potatoes, not enuff clams, bacon bits???? Really? Shouldn't claim a national reputation for clam chowder based on our experience. We also had the salad with shrimp and it was just as disappointing . Bland shrimp, greens were okay, but overall a sad lunch dining experience.

    (1)

  • Hayden N.

    No trip to the Oregon coast is completed without a visit to Mo's for some clam chowder. A bowl for $4.50 with a side of garlic bread and I am satisfied. The views of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock makes for a picturesque dining experience without the cold wind.

    (3)

  • Darlene S.

    Great views, but that was about it. Service was poor with the exception of George who seated us. Our waitress never came back after our food was brought. Never refilled our drinks and we had to go look for the bill. I didn't care much for the chowder, but I am picky being from New England. The food seemed like it was frozen, not fresh. You would come for the views, probably not the food.

    (3)

  • Allan K.

    This restaurant is located right on the beach with some amazing views. the menu has a several seafood items, but i think the reason to come here is for the clam chowder. i also order the fish and chips, which i really enjoyed. this batter was lite, fish flavorful and most important not oily. come and enjoy the view and some nice eats.

    (3)

  • April A.

    This Mo's location seems to have a difficult time with consistency when it comes to the quality of their food. For example, the bouillabaisse was darn near perfect at this Mo's location several weeks ago. This past Monday however, it was overcooked and tasteless. Except for the four clams and two crab legs which are placed atop the stew after it has been ladled into the bowl, the meat had deteriorated into unrecognizable shreds and pieces. I was unable to distinguish anything that looked remotely like an oyster. Very disappointing. We've had trouble with their steamed oysters as well. They'll be cleaned perfectly at one visit and sandy the next. Fortunately, the wait staff are pretty upbeat and friendly, the building remodel is really great, and the view of the ocean fabulous. If it weren't for Mo's heavy tourist business which isn't dependent on repeat customers, I wonder if this Mo's would be able to survive. In short, don't go there for the food.

    (3)

  • Cathy N.

    We have been to Mo's for years. Service is very good and fast. You have a wonderful view of the beach. But the food has gone downhill. The chowder is almost all potatoes now with virtually no clams. The sandwiches are bland and thrown together. My chicken salad was a big scoop just laying on the bread which was almost not on the plate! The crab sandwich didn't taste like crab. It won't be a place we frequent any more though we love the location and the service is good. Prices are high for the little REAL seafood you get.

    (2)

  • Captain C. Branagain G.

    Mo's is like the seafood equivalent to a step above fast food status as far as quality and presentation are concerned. Mo's is to seafood as Sizzler is to steak & Olive Garden is to Italian Food. They still claim that the clam chowder is the best, but it hasn't changed and is still very bland and disappointing. You pretty much go for the view, relatively inexpensive seafood, and because you are close by. It is not terrible, but one can get better quality with less tourists elsewhere. You get what you pay for at Mo's. I will give them credit for not jacking up their prices after an extensive remodel. The restaurant is more open and flows much better now with an open kitchen area and a more united dining area. The only drawback to this open design is a minor one, but should still be noted. If you are in the central sections of the fining area, you not only hear the piped in music for the restaurant (oldies and rock songs), but you also get to hear the Mexican tunes from the kitchen. As a music fan with ADD, this can be distracting, but also kind of funny at the same time. Mo's seems to retain much of it's regular staff, as we noticed servers that have been there for years. The new addition are the new I-Touch Screens that they take your orders with. There still seems to be a learning curve with them, as our sweet and elderly server struggled with it at times. Our food was as ordered and what we expected. Satisfied my oyster cravings for the week. Service was good and our drinks were never empty with the attentive eye of one particular bus-boy. He got his own tip for being on top of things and not missing a beat. You still "exit through the gift shop", so be prepared if you have wee ones in your party especially if they are easily drawn to shiny things that they can grab. If they can go the summer without raising prices to absorb the remodel, they will get more of my business, as there are times that predictable food is not always a bad thing even when consumed in a room full of tired and hungry tourists.

    (3)

  • Amy R.

    This was such a pleasant surprise during our trip to Cannon Beach! We were looking for a relatively cheap restaurant, that served something other than battered seafood. The reviews made us a little hesitant, but we decided to give Mo's a try - and so glad we did! The food was very good - I had the grilled cod with garlic butter, garlic mashed potatoes, which were homemade (I think!), side salad, and bread. Definitely worth the money! They poured large glasses of wine, and they were very cheap! This is more of a beach cafe, than a restaurant - which for us was fine, but some viewers mentioned. The atmosphere of the place could use some work to make it a little cozier, and the tables are more suited to the outdoors, but for us, that was part of the charm of a beach cafe - you could have come straight off the beach and into dinner. Plus, you can't beat the view - full view of the beach! We would definitely come back again next time we are in Cannon Beach.

    (5)

  • Sarah P.

    Didn't think I liked clam chowder until I ate here. We had a table right at the windows looking out onto the beach. Had the fish and chips, clam chowder and great local beer. Relaxed atmosphere with a fun little gift shop to go through after you're done eating.

    (5)

  • Sean K.

    My friend and I drove to Cannon beach only to find out that despite nice sunshine and all, it was ridiculously windy, making it little cold for us to walk on the beach and hang out. We nonetheless gave it a try but we barely lasted 30 minutes tops. So upon coming back to my car, we quickly agreed that we needed something warm... maybe some nice clam chowder? :D So I heard good things about Mo's Restaurant. My other friend recently told me that she had one of the best clam chowder there along with a great service. We decided quickly and headed over right away. We had fish and chips with a side of coleslaw and a crabmeat sandwich with a side of chowder. I will be honest. It wasn't the best chowder I ever had. Food was great and it definitely hit the spot but wasn't amazing. Nonetheless I'm a fan. How can you resist a warm, buttery crabmeat sandwich that simply melts in your mouth? On top of that, the combination of juicy fried fish filet with fries and delicious, creamy clam chowder was definitely something to remember. Hey, we were both hungry and I'm prone to bias since I love clam chowder, but I can say that we both had great time enjoying our food and the scenery.

    (4)

  • Polly G.

    Very affordable! Very yummy! I go there every time I visit! :) the ocean view is fantastic and the service is wonderful! Can't go wrong with mo's!

    (4)

  • Aloysia E.

    If I could give it no stars I would...First... the seafood taste frozen... I ordered Salmon to be prepared med rare....of course it was WELLLLLLL DONE. They really need to get better wine glasses..These were a step above dixe cups. I only ate the rice.

    (1)

  • Sarah F.

    If zero was possible, that is what this place would get. Usually when the cold kitchen is visible there is more of an effort to do good. Here is why I will call the state department of health... The girl making the salads in plain sight: no gloves, no hand washing in the hour I was there, rubbed nose, used hand to grab lettuce, shrimp, other toppings, scratched hair, ran hands along rails throughout restaurant, picked food off the counters and surrounding area and put it on the plates she was "preparing." Absolutely disgusting. Pros? -The manager comped my bill and gave me a free lunch or dinner for 2 coupon after I was dissatisfied... not that I'd use it.... -Location (beach views) Cons? -If you're looking for a place that is average... you will only get it if you can ignore the food poisoning you are likely to get Suggestions? -Eat somewhere else in town... unless you just want to get a beer and sit inside. Even the fried food was cold and therefore unsanitary.

    (1)

  • Alicia B.

    We're staying at a hotel across the way and we wanted to order food to go. I called and the lady who answered the phone put me on "hold." Which is fine but her version of that was sitting the phone down on the counter and chit chatting with a male in the background. She picked up the phone after a few minutes and said so sorry I'll be right with you. She put the phone back on the counter and continued chit chatting with this man. None of it appeared to be work related. I finally hung up the phone and tried to call back. I got a busy signal for awhile because she was obviously still flirting with this guy. Finally when I called back I got through. She asked why I hung up and I told her it was because I could hear her not working and flirting with a guy in the background. She said "I wasn't flirting what's your order?" Soooo she couldn't take my order as soon as she answered the phone and then chit chatted? Could she have taken my 30 second order when she picked up the phone and told me to hold again? Yes she probably could and that's why I told her never mind and ordered somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Chris C.

    Oh Mo's. my review will never matter to you. Tourists and regional locals will forever line up for your overrated chowder and fried aqua treats. This Mo's gets a good 1/2 star more just on location alone. For ocean front eating (especially at CB), Mo's packs a good value. The food, ranging from a notch or two above fast food frozen clams and shrimp. To of course, the chowder. On the high season, expect to line up like cattle to be seated. There's plenty of trinkets to look at while you wait. Their base is for sale of you'd like to bring some home. Many Portland area markets also carry the same stuff.

    (3)

  • Michael S.

    We love the clam chowder here. They just remodeled and it is now more open and has the feel if the Lincoln City Mo's. they have great halibut and chips and don't leave without getting an order of garlic bread. We get an order each to go with the chowder. Great views of the ocean. This has been a longstanding family tradition to eat here.

    (4)

  • Peter S.

    Mo's by the beach (Cannon) - 5 Stars for location and excellent service; 3.5 Stars for overrated clam chowders and cramped waiting area. - A family styled, chain restaurant (DINER) with a gorgeous view of the famed Cannon Beach, thus usually quite crowded. It offers pretty good seafood dishes, though a bit overrated. It has a nice selection of drinks; reasonable prices, and excellent service. It also has a very nice bar counter, a medium size dining area with bench tables, and a comfortable diner's atmosphere. YELPYDETAILS YOU CAN SKIP: In late July, while visiting the gorgeous Cannon Beach and the huge park by the bay, we stopped in this charming diner for lunch. We waited in line in its cramped lobby area for 20 min, before being seated at a nice bench-table right by the large picture window with a gorgeous view of the beautiful, busy Cannon Beach. We had its famous clam chowder with shrimps, chicken salad, and Crab Melt, over beers and wine. All were pretty good, although a bit overrated, especially the famed chowders. Our waitress was extremely friendly, humorous and efficient, even during this busy hour. She recommended the drinks for us, and joked that although those drinks were great, they could NOT compare with HER OWN happy hour drinks at home with her husband, and that she was so looking forward to that after her busy shift! Those funny lines made us feel good and enhanced our dining experience, and made our wait worthwhile! Actually this was the second Mo's Diner we visited, where we also sampled a different kind of clam chowder, which was, well, also overrated. The diner in Cannon Beach is better than the main one (there are 2 there) in Newport Beach - for its great location and excellent service. A DRAWBACK: - Its entrance area, double up as giftshop, is way too small for the waiting crowd. Customers pay at the cashier by the diner's entrance, thus further cramps the waiting area space even more! Heavy traffic to/from small restrooms by the lobby make the entrance area chaotic. EPILOG: -After visiting Cannon Beach, we drove to Seaside, some 9 miles away, to spend the night. While taking a leisure walk on the beautiful Beach Boardwalk, a cheerful lady walking the dog with her husband greeted us warmly, saying that it was so nice seeing us AGAIN! Again? Although she looked familiar, I could not remember where and when we had seen her before?! Then my wife figured it out that she was our cheerful waitress at the Mo's Diner earlier! She told us laughingly that she lived in Seaside, and had just finished enjoying her own happy hour with her husband at home - exactly as she had told us back at the restaurant what she would do after her shift! - Nice, friendly people they are! A small, wonderful worldit is, indeed! This is the kind of experience that makes travelling interesting and memorable - PRICELESS! ADDITIONAL NOTE: We loved the beautiful Cannon Beach. But, in my opinion, it has too many commercial establishments along the beach. I love the QUIET Bandon Beach (in Bandon, OR) even more for its tranquility and magical charm (see separate review) Peterskis, Sept 2012 ---

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    Yeah, I know it's a chain. (Some seem to think a restaurant ceases to have any allure once it has more than one location.) Yeah, I know it's touristy. (Some seem to think a restaurant that sells t-shirts and/or has a nice view loses its allure.) But I still like Mo's. We don't go out of our way to visit when we're in the area, but if it's close (as it was recently) and there's no wait, we're glad to have it. On this most recent visit, the service was quick and friendly. The views, even on a cloudy/misty afternoon, were a pleasure. And the food was better than I've had on other visits- crisp fish and chips, nice chowder, solid crab salad. I know there are other options in Cannon Beach that are more exclusive and/or more suited for foodies. But sometimes I just like to know I'm going to like what I'm served- and that's what Mo's delivers.

    (4)

  • Debby A.

    What can you say this place is wonderful. Great food , good service and wonderful views of the Ocean. You must try the Slumgullion. Yummy!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Katie P.

    A woman in Seaside suggested coming here for the price and good seafood, so we did since we were heading to Cannon Beach anyway. I'm fussy about my clam chowder. This is certainly not canned! Very yummy chowder! I could have eaten just that and been very happy! Our kids got the clam strip dinners....so good! I got the cod, calamari, and clam strip dinner ($12.95)....Ya-hum! Hubby got the cod fish and chip dinner. We all rolled out the door happily with great food all well done....we went for my birthday in mid-September, so the crowds and lines were nothing...the food not rushed, so cooked very well! A special bonus? We were seated next to the window overlooking the ocean and were treated to whales playing out at sea! What a great view when enjoying a great meal! If we get back to Oregon...we'll be back to Mo's! :D The prices were very good for a casual seafood restaurant. The clam strip dinners with a bowl of chowder, a huge slab of bread, and another side was only $8.95...and the portions are great, too!

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    I hate to give Mo's a 2 star review, I used to love the place but the last few times I have gone the food quality has gone drastically down. The mashed potatoes seem to be from a powder mix and were cold the seafood was overcooked. Our table waited for beverage refills for quite some time and when we went to pay the clerk could not figure out how to separate the bill, it wasn't even a difficult bill. The only reason I am actually giving this 2 stars is because I like sitting and watching the ocean as part of the experience.

    (2)

  • Jeffrey J.

    Mo's was my first experience with Oregon Coast food when I first moved out here in the early 1990's, and at the time I was very impressed with the food. I have always heard that it was a must type of stop when out on the coast, and I used to say the same myself. However, over the years the quality seems to have declined somewhat. Too often some of the food tastes as if it was mass produced somewhere and just reheated before serving. Certain foods are still tasty, and I find myself ordering the cannonball of chili more than anything else these days. Considering that the claim to fame of this place is the clam chowder and fresh seafood, and that I rarely order either may say something about the food. These days it is still halfway decent food, but nothing that I would really rave about.

    (3)

  • Rebecca B.

    I am not sure which was more lukewarm-the service or the food. It was a weekday, late summer, pretty chilly, and very slow. The decor is so awful is it *almost* excusable because they do offer a great view of the beach. However, little dust bunnies? On the things hanging above the tables? Ew. Crumbs on the seats. Yum? The lobby/entrance is actually an over-priced, tacky gift shop. I brought my brother and sister-in-law here while we they were visiting. It was supposed to be a nice lunch, part of the whole visiting Cannon Beach thing. My mom recommended it, based on some clam chowder she had last December. My salad: a bunch of cabbage on a plate. Blob of mayo in the middle. Tiny shrimp covered in goo on top of said blob. Ever so slowly oozing down the blob of mayo as I stared at it in disbelief. I think they probably just opened a can and plopped it on top. Lunch: shrimp, veggies. Shrimp: unseasoned, lukewarm. You know that bag of frozen veggies you get at the grocery store that is sometimes called a California blend? Pretty sure this is the bag they use. Veggies: unseasoned, lukewarm. My brother and sister-in-law were a little better off with their mediocre sandwiches. I kept waiting and waiting for the server to come back and ask how everything was. Never happened. I waited for the cashier to ask how it was. Never happened. I eat out a lot, and had worked in the restaurant industry for years. This was by far one of my worst dining experiences. They could definitely use an episode of Restaurant Impossible to bring back ANY of the so-called former glory or reputation. Terrible, Terrible, Terrible.

    (1)

  • Chris C.

    Yuk. The chowder was bacon and potato soup and the fish and chips were just a greasy mess. Add a stoned waitress and high prices and... Should have read Yelp BEFORE we went in. Pass on this place.

    (1)

  • Nani M.

    Last month my out of town family was visiting. The place is not exactly sparkling. Kind of Divey . Ugghhhh, Mo's reputation had proceeded itself. With all the hype I put my reputation out there and told the family to try their clam chowder. What a disaster. I myself ate the bread bowl chowder and was disappointed. It had more of a potato soup with minimal bacon and no clams ( unless those bits were supposed to be clams). It was tasteless and sad. I had to dump tons of salt, pepper and butter into it and that still didn't help it. Don't believe the hype, go a little further to Seaside and visit Norma's Ocean Diner.

    (1)

  • Sue W.

    The only thing they have going for them is the view. If only they would bring in FRESH seafood and not use frozen. Doñt bother with dessert. They are worse than dinner!

    (1)

  • Lauren S.

    Overall: Amazing view, average food. Food: My family and I usually get a big bucket (family style) of the clam chowder and salads and call it a day. It's thick and flavorful and definitely fills me up... my only complaint would be perhaps too many potatoes? I'm not an oyster fan, but my parents have gotten them several times and they have only been complimentary. There are a plethora of fried options & sandwiches if that's more up your alley. Atmosphere/Service: It's hard to beat that view -- crashing waves & a view of Haystack Rock. Perfect! The service can be a little iffy.

    (4)

  • Kristen M.

    I swore I wrote a review for this place already! People think that giving three stars is a bad thing. But when it's actually a good thing. It's not the worst nor the best, but it's a place worth checking out. Every visit my friends and I make to Cannon Beach, we stop by Mo's Restaurant first since we are starving from an hour drive. (I know it's not a long drive, but sitting in a car makes me hungry!) This little chain-y diner on the Oregon Coast is very popular for their CLAM CHOWDER! It would be a blasphemy to come here and NOT order the thing! If you'd like to go all out - get it in the sourdough bread bowl! The clam chowder is very rich, thick and creamy! They don't skimp out on the butter! (because butter makes everything better!) (3.5 STARS) CRAB MELT is another delicious cheesy, carb-a-licious, and crab-delightful dish. The meal comes with fries or instead, you can opt for a cup of their famous clam chowder! (3.5 STARS) CALAMARI - another great seafood dish! Perfectly friend and served with an aioli dipping sauce! (3 STARS) And what's nice about eating a bunch of not-your-healthy-type entrees? A NICE VIEW OF CANNON BEACH! You can see Haystack Rock as you dine indoor (and outdoor on their patio as well). Service is friendly! The sad part is just the wait you have to do is if the place is really busy and you have to wait in line to be seated. But, when you go up to pay at the cash register, it's just as fast and feasible. (You can even split your check up to three cards for the bill). The other entrees on the dish are average in my book. But the ones I've mentioned are quite unforgettable. The dishes are quite affordable for those on a budget. The restaurant is family friendly. Good for large groups and just a couple on a date. I wish this place got a an upgrade because the toilets in the bathroom seem like they need a face lift. But their bathrooms are probably a better option than the beach public restrooms. After a carbo-laden meal at Mo's, take a nice stroll down the beach to Haystack Rock, enjoy the view and take lots of photos! I'll be back to Mo's on my subsequent trip to Cannon Beach!

    (3)

  • Steve V.

    Had dinner at Mo's with my wife. Great family friendly diner style seafood place. Chowder was good, tacos were great. Good friendly service. If you're in Cannon Beach and are looking for a good inexpensive seafood place, Mo's is great.

    (4)

  • Joseph E.

    I'm told this place is a well-loved institution in Oregon, and I don't quite see why. A good cup of clam chowder, but other than that the food was okay. Not bad, not great, just okay. I wouldn't be upset eating here again, but neither would I pine for it or seek it out.

    (3)

  • Lexi H.

    I am a fan of this place because it is family friendly, there is no long wait to be seated or for your food, the service is very good, there is a nice selection of beer and wine, the view is amazing, and there is seafood! The seafood may not be 5 star quality but ir the price is good. I enjoyed myself and would go back again any day. I love the tacky decorations and little gift store as you enter/exit. The outdoor setting is enjoyable too!

    (4)

  • Peter P.

    I'm giving it 2 stars because of nostalgia and view/ and nothing more. As I was sitting there eating my pre-battered, frozen combo and looking out onto the Pacific, I once again asked myself, "why"? I know better and it never GETS better. Classic example of a company resting on its laurels but also a clear illustration that many people are easily duped and actually believe they're eating Oregon coast seafood of any decent quality (if it is, it's been highly processed and boxed up). The cup of chowder was served to me after 1/4 of it had been slopped out over the edge into the saucer.. and I know microwaved, magma-hot chowder when i see it.. I like the new layout but the tacky shit on the walls is degrading to the brand. Yes, the view rocks but if you're more intent on a good seafood dining experience, there are a lot better places available.

    (2)

  • Frankie V.

    Sit outside for the view. They have a large deck with a glass wall around it to help with the wind. Prices are reasonable. Food is just OK. Average. Out of the three places that I had clam chowder, This was the worst, but it was still good. It was overloaded with potato's, and under-loaded with clams. The Oyster stew was good,but had sand in the bottom of it. The Caesar salad was good but nothing special. If you order a dish with bay shrimp added to it, they are very generous with the shrimp. They have a few micro's on tap and a full bar. Service was friendly.

    (3)

  • Flory W.

    Had dinner at Mo's with a large number of family members. The location at Tolovana Park was very convenient and the weather was nice enough for us all to sit outside on the patio. even during sunset This was one of those BEST TIME TO THE BEACH WEATHER, for me, that is . . . but hubby got sunburned on a cloudy day. However, the huge windows inside the restaurant also offer a fabulous view of the ocean. The restaurant was very busy, but even with that the service for our large group was pretty good. The food was great, even their self-proclaimed Clam Chowder will not take home the blue ribbon prize at the county fair - I can't complain, since I'm the one giving this review. Nonetheless, if you set your expectations at the level of some pretty good pub food, you won't be disappointed. Many of the people in our group, gave Mo's thumbs up! Several of us have also eaten @ Mo's before - the reason why we chose this to bring relatives from Texas to eat dinner - PLUS our car was already park right outside the park.

    (5)

  • Michael K.

    Food is way overrated here.

    (2)

  • Peter V.

    Wow the entranceway with the tacky gift shop blew my mind, I thought WTH!?! The service was good, wine was cheap and the food not bad at all. Just hilarious I'd grabbed a blazer before we headed out for dinner so when I walked in I was actually embarrassed by how overdressed I was and that was just blazer / blue jeans combo. Bench seats, bit of a 70's / 80's flashback but still ok foodwise. I think the place is ideal for families you just have to be able to get your kids past the tacky gift shop without buying them some crappy trinkets, though that could be a challenge. Go, check them out, but don't expect a formal dining experience. Flashback beachside good eats!

    (3)

  • Kt M.

    I have tried to like Mo's. I really have. I've visited there every time I've come to Cannon Beach for the last 20 years. I have given their clam chowder countless chances to excel. Started out with a "Bloody Mary". I am a BM connoisseur, and this one was a tragedy. Tomato juice pepper and Vodka does not a BM make. I did enjoy the pickled asparagus spear garnish, though. I ordered a Caesar salad. Nope. Not only nope but hell Nope. Barely edible. I left most of it in the plate when my chowder arrived. Everyone says, "Their clam chowder is just the best!". Well. No. It's not. It's not even near the top. My theory is that people who love Mo's clam chowder have either not had really good clam chowder or they just don't like real clam chowder that much. Clam chowder should be creamy and clammy and be augmented by potatoes and maybe *a little* bacon and a few veggies. This is grainy and overburdened with the combination of some artificial flavors that I can't identify and WAY too much bacon flavoring. I don't think I tasted clams or a clam in the chowder I had today. Mo's is just some sort of soup that resembles clam chowder because of some of its ingredients. They had spontaneously opened the patio for outdoor dining, though, and even though the food was well below average, I really enjoyed the feeling of the sun on my back and the sound of the sea in my ears as I choked down enough of the meal to stop the belly growling. Then I paid. Then I exited through the gift shop. I think I've given Mo's plenty of opportunities to shine. Enough. I won't be back.

    (1)

  • Andrew S.

    I have not been to Mo's in ages. And I am at the Coast often. Fish and chips was average, a bit greasy. It's okay food. Chowder is more on the runny side. But the view is one of the best on the North Coast. Food is probably 1 star Service gets the extra star for the 2 rating

    (2)

  • Scott N.

    Mo's is about as Oregon as Mt. Hood. Many Oregonians can recall Mo's clam chowder and peanut butter pie from their early childhood. Mo's has other restaurants but this Cannon Beach location is my favorite. It's by far the most friendly and the most efficient of all the Mo's restaurants. One great thing this restaurant has going for it is location. The Cannon Beach Mo's gives it's diners a spectacular view of the ocean and the beach. There's a nice gift shop at the entrance selling Mo's memorabilia (T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.) Parking is a bit tight around the building but luckily there's a good beach access parking lot right next door. There's been a rumor going around lately that Mo's clam chowder has gone down hill. I disagree. Most chowder heads would agree that Mo's serves a terrific New England clam chowder. It's hearty, thick, and delicious. Once you get past the clam chowder the menu is pretty basic seafood. However, Mo's has never been known for it's haute cuisine. Mo's has always offered basic seafood dishes at reasonable prices. The menu here has changed over the years. Mo's is now offering sliders, more salads, and more pasta dishes. In some cases diners are given the choice of having their seafood grilled or deep fried which is a very welcome addition. Some standouts on the menu: the shrimp cocktail, the oyster burger, and the shrimp sliders. The tradition is to end your meal with Mo's famous peanut butter pie. However, be forewarned! Mo's peanut butter pie slices are enormous. You might want to share your peanut butter pie with your buddy. If you go to the Oregon coast you owe it to yourself to visit this great Oregon legend!

    (4)

  • Tracy M.

    My cousin recommended the clam chowder here. Today it was drizzling buckets and it was a bit nippy with a lot of breeze at Cannon Beach, so I thought hey, why not. I entered this restaurant's portal of delight, expecting the place to be clean, however, it was far from it. It was kind of blah! Also the crowd was very very very light. With this type of weather I thought customers would be busting down the door! Little did I know that this would foreshadow my clam chowder experience here. We sat at a round table view the Pacific Ocean and part of Hay Stack Rock. I ordered the fish taco and the clam chowder. Clam Chowder -It has more beacon and potatoes then clam. They should have called this potato/beacon soup. Even clam chowder in the can was faaaaar superior. Fish Taco -It was pretty good. Basically it is just a soft taco with coleslaw and fillet fish, Believe me fellow yelpers, this is not a good place for seafood, try somewhere else. Compared to the great seafood places at Monterey, San Francisco, and Pismo Beach, if this place was at any of these places, it would be out of business in less than a month.

    (1)

  • Keshar N.

    My boyfriend and I were visiting Oregon from the Midwest and heard about Oregon's legendary clam chowder. After some researching on the Internet, we found that Mo's Restaurant had "World Famous" clam chowder and upon our trip to Canon Beach we decided to go there. I cannot say that I have ever been so disappointed with a dining experience in my entire life. We walked in, and after hearing about the great view and atmosphere, we were sorely disappointed. The place was kitschy to say the last. With huge fish nets hanging from the ceiling and horrible merchandise greeting you in the doorway it is far from original. Our waitress was not friendly or attentive, barely taking the time to explain their specials, instead just pointing at a placard, even though the place was empty. The view was mediocre, just a scene of a beach, you can get much better ones by spending the time outside. We decided to go against our better judgment and order the clam chowder and the special of fish tacos. The clam chowder arrived in their "cannonball" bread bowl and was beyond disappointing. Watery and flavorless, I've had better chowder come out of a Campbells can. The fish tacos were a travesty to fish tacos. The halibut was served dry, on a bed of raw cabbage inside of a construction paper tortilla. The garlic sauce was nothing exciting, but without it, the fish tacos would have gone from really bad to inedible. My thoughts? When you go to Canon Beach take some time to look around the boardwalk and find another local establishment to spend your money. Since Mo's is not only terrible, but also terribly expensive. It's pretty bad when you find that the Diet Pepsi is the best part of your meal.

    (1)

  • Bill P.

    I have not tried much food there but their hamburger is coarsely ground and chewy, not the fast food pasty kind. I go for the Cod Fish and chips with the cup of Clam Chowder. Best chunk cod fish with tasty batter on the coast and I have tried most of them. Also, one does not have grease running down the arm when eating with the hands. Oh, yeah, the tiny area for an entrance, gift shop, cashier and rest rooms has been enlarged in the area where the unused bar was before. There are more tables available so seating should be faster. Give them a go. At their worst, they are better than most.

    (4)

  • Jen K.

    Wow. Guess the first reviewer didn't like it, huh? This is why I do. I have been coming here a few times a year for the past ten years. Still qualify as a tourist and I have never been treated poorly by the staff. A few things to get straight right off the top. This is not fine dining and they don't specialize in healthy options. Do not expect the best food ever. Their 'famous' clam chowder is not the best you will sample and it is served with a big dollop of butter on top. For me, Mo's is more of a trip down memory lane. It is a throw back to when the bread was white and there was no fusion this and organic that. The Wonderbread comment is right on. But, Mo's restaurants have great locations and this one is my favorite (Lincoln City is a pretty close second). It is an OK restaurant with a million dollar + view of Haystack Rock (the most photographed spot on the OR Coast for you non-Oregonians). They also do a good job of serving you quickly in a no muss no fuss manner. But, what I've found works best is to order my food to go (.50 addl. charge per meal). They added an outdoor patio a few years ago, but a fantastic beach is just steps away. I order the food to go then eat it on the beach while the kids run around and build sandcastles. They even serve the grilled cheese sandwich on a frisbee. Believe me, if you have kids, this is the best way to get a decent meal and actually eat it without stressing over table manners, waiting to be served, etc. I love eating their clam chowder, tuna sandwich or fish and chips with my toes in the sand. However, I think the best side dish on their menu is the coleslaw. Make sure you get it with shrimp.

    (4)

  • Tyler L.

    This place is horrible. First off, its a Saturday night and this place is 1\4 full. Our waiter (tall guy with glasses and gray hair, talks real soft and kind of creepy) took 10 minutes to come take our drink order which was 2 waters. He asked us to wait until he returned with our drinks so we can order food. Needless to say, the waters came out fast once we asked for them. So we ordered 2 cups of clam chowder and a hot shrimp artichoke dip. Let's start with the chowder. Its not clam chowder, its potato chowder that they call clam chowder. Its disgusting and has no clam flavor whatsoever, be prepared to pay clam chowder price for it. They could of at least taken their fake chowder and dumped some clam juice in it. The next and possibly most disgusting part was artichoke dip. The artichokes were obviously jarred and had that jarred pickled sort of flavor, not even rinsed,,and I don't think the shrimp were Oregon bay, if they were you couldn't taste them because the only thing they gave you to eat this bowl of toe fungus was various slices of cheap toast doused in butter and fake garlic flavor. So actually it was like a more disgusting version of SOS if you know what I mean. Where was our waiter so we could ask about the food? well we didn't know nor did our empty water glasses. I did later see him go talk to tye manager at a table he was sitting at laughing and joking, they were probably laughing at the guy who bought the trough of their oh so delicious chowder. Stay far away from this tourist trap. ANY other establishment is most likely better than this place. If you like bowls of puke, this is your place. Hell, I saw one customer eating his chowder puke out of a metal trough with shrimp like creatures sprinkled on top. I feel ripped off.

    (1)

  • Mish M.

    I had my first Mo's experience before I could even walk; its definitely an Oregon tradition. This particular location has an amazing view of Haystack Rock and comfortable outdoor seating, which I love. I know I'll get shot for saying this, but I've always thought Mo's clam chowder was a little overrated. It is good, don't get me wrong, but it's not the very best. I've always been surprised that it's so famous, when there are many places on the coast that have better chowder. That said, I've always been pleased with my meals, especially the clam strips, and usually stick to their classic seafood choices. When I moved back here with my husband (who is from out-of-state) after being away for a few years, Mo's was the first coastal restaurant we went to. I told him he couldn't be an Oregonian without eating at Mo's, world famous chowder or not.

    (4)

  • Erich S.

    Sub-par seafood. Its open late though.

    (2)

  • Sarah M.

    I spent almost every summer from 6-12 years old stopping by Mo's for a meal, so it was nice to take a jaunt down memory lane and eat one meal here while on the oregon coast. While Mo's will never be fine dining, it is a great staple and good casual fare. The crab melt was ok and my husband really liked the fish and chips. My parents went with the bread bowls o'chowder and while the bread wasn't "awesome" the soup was really flavorful and good. The view of the ocean from their huge windows can't be beat and our server was friendly and very easy going. we all left very full and happy to have another satisfactory experience with Mo's!

    (4)

  • Sharece B.

    I love Mo's. I mean, even Robert Kennedy liked Mo's. But the last time I ate at Mo's, they were working on some construction, thus the food was a bit lacking in awesomeness.That said, Mo's is the place to go for clam chowder, seafood-inspired salads, and a delightful plate of fish and chips. It might take a bit of time to get seated, but if you're wishing for an Oregon seafood experience, head to Mo's.

    (3)

  • Kristen B.

    I think everyone should stop at Mo's Restaurant at least once if they're staying in Cannon Beach. The Cannon Ball Bowl is my all time favorite, with the tuna and cheese sandwich coming in at a close second. Make sure to get a seat with a view, or sit outside if it's a nice day. Although the clam chowder isn't the all time best in town, it's still worth a try! Good prices and nice portions allow you to more than likely be able to take some home for later. I highly recommend taking a nice long beach walk from the heart of downtown Cannon Beach, all the way to Mo's for lunch. The long walk will get you hungry to enjoy all that Mo's has to offer!

    (4)

  • Leon C.

    We came here after funcycling on the beach. We got window seats and had a great view of the coast and Haystack Rock. We had a great waitress and ordered a lot of food. Some appetizer to start - Shrimp and Calamari. The sauce for the Calamari was tasty, but the shrimp was rather greasy and I mostly tasted breading. I ordered a Blackened Salmon entree and my friends had Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. I thought my Salmon was amazing and I thought I would still be hungry after that, but I was stuffed! The Garlic Mash that came with was pretty tasty even though it was stuck together like a rock? Whatever, I liked it. Oh, my entree came with a dinner salad with little shrimp on it. It was alright, it was there - I ate it. As for my friends' clam chowder in a bread bowl... where do I start? The bread! Is this sourdough bread or what? It was barely sour, it's like eating a regular roll and they put some lemon juice in the dough when they made it to make it a little sour. (So maybe not exactly, but you get my point). Then I tasted the chowder with the bread... It was... powdery? I understand they make it in a factory and have it shipped to them year round and it's suppose to be amazing. It was lackluster. It's just missing that goodness of what a clam chowder needs to be. I've probably had better chowder from a can. I can't even compare it to the chowder I had in Boston or the Sourdough bread in San Francisco, it just doesn't live up to the hype. So go and get the Salmon I had instead, it was delicious. We also ordered the Snicker Bar Cake thing. It was amazing. So an hour after the meal, I don't know which of the food I had is related, but I got sick real bad. So if you wanna give this place a go, go see the scenery and maybe get a burger.

    (3)

  • Tiara E.

    I would give negative stars if it was possible. This place was way over priced for the horrible food they serve. I love seafood, and where better to get it then on the water. Wrong. Do yourself a favor and head a little bit down the road to somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Julie S.

    I am a huge fan of Mo's. My favorite is in Newport, but since I was in Nehalem for a week, I had to stop by the Cannon Beach location at least once. (I went twice if you want to get technical.) First I had the cod fish & chips. It was very good - light breading, well seasoned, good french fries. I will agree with some other reviewers that the salads can leave something to be desired. I feel like the quality may have decreased over the years. Second, I had the Cannon Ball Clam Chowder. Their clam chowder is still my favorite. My mom stole the topper for her chowder, so I would have liked some extra butter to have with the bread, once my chowder was gone. Mo's is an EXPERIENCE - a great view of the beach, kitschy decor, nice servers, people watching. I recommend walking down to Haystack Rock and working up an appetite. Mo's is still an Oregon Coast MUST.

    (4)

  • S T.

    They have clam chowder in a sourdough bowl!

    (4)

  • Pablo G.

    The chowder was second best to Ivars but better than anywhere else around here, the oysters on the shell were gynormous and yummy. The crab melt was more like garlic bread and cheese as opposed to the tuna melt. The grilled salmon was purrrfect and the rice pilaf was better than mom's. Jules Verne would approve.

    (3)

  • Blorch H.

    Mo's is an informal seafood restaurant serving family fare. Nothing more, nothing less. If your delicate palette needs soothing in a romantic getaway spot serving nouvelle cuisine seafood caught by the fish-whispering hermit monks of Tibet, keep driving until you hit Newport. Better yet, just keep driving until you're out of state and whack yourself with a Tom McCall brand clue-bat after you cross the state line. I've been here more than a few times, and have always had excellent service with thoughtful accommodation for children and seniors. The food is mostly over-battered and messy, but it is good anyway. I wouldn't recommend a steady diet of what they serve, but it has always been worth the 90 minute trip from Portland. There are a couple of things I think need work at this location: it's unnecessarily loud inside and parking is challenging on most days. Save yourself some frustration with the latter by parking at Tolovana Wayside next door and walking an extra half block. Bottom line: manage your expectations, have some bread with your chowder, and enjoy the view. If weather permits, sit outside and dress accordingly.

    (3)

  • Mike K.

    Rest assured, this is not a cloth-napkin, crystal-water-glass, maitre-d'-in-a-suit type of restaurant. It's a chowder house, and a darned good one if you ask me. Even if it does get crowded with tourists most of the time, I still end up having a lot of fun here. People either seem to love Mo's clam chowder or be disappointed in it. If you've tried it, you know, and if you haven't you should. I happen to love it; even if it's not the best in existence it's still Mo's. We talked to the manager here and if you are having a big group come in (provided it's not the "peak" summer season) you don't have to make any special arrangements. Just call ahead and they'll make room for your group.

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    I'm a fan of the Mo's franchise, having grown up going to them up and down the Oregon coast. I don't have unrealistic expectations for what they do; they're an old-school family diner that does decent clam chowder. I always liked the one in Florence in particular. That said, this one (the Cannon Beach iteration) has to be the worst they have open - I was here a few days ago with my family and the service was laughably bad and the food worse. The chowder was fine, but the burger, sandwich, and fries we had tasted like warm, heavily salted cardboard. Side note: don't bother with the (Rogue-Brewery-produced) Mo's Ale; it's a watery, forgetable beer that is definitely not worth five bucks a pint.

    (1)

  • K R.

    As always, acceptable quick seafood, excellent service and a gorgeous view of Haystack. Well played Mo...

    (4)

  • Gabe G.

    Was expecting at minimum 3 star quality food. Girlfriend was craving awesome seafood, and we got recomended this place "it was great they said, you'll come back they said"...wrong....got the Neptune platter to get a taste of all the seafood they had. Maybe ate 1/4 of it after not finishing my clam chowder and didn't even want a to-go box. Nothing special about this place at all. Wouldn't recommend going there if you are looking for good seafood....they're margarita was tiny for price but we went for food. Girlfriend still thinks about the food and her stomach turns.

    (2)

  • Lucas Z.

    My wife and I visited this resturant this evening March 31st. It had been a good couple of years since we ate at Mo's and could not wait to eat there as our last time was SO remarkable. In the past I have reccomended this place to my friends many times, now I am not so sure I should have. We walked into Mo's and there is the typical tourist sweatshirts and Tee's and other misc souvenirs. We were shown our seats in a timely manner and quickly given our menus. Our waitress came back and took our drink orders (a seabreeze and a strawberry margarity) however, she did not know much about the menu or the options for each drink. In fact she was almost offended when I asked if they had a full bar! She later came back with our drinks (which were weak at best), and went to take our food order. My wife ordered and cup of clam chowder and I a bowl of Slumgullion and we told her were wanted to split an order of halibut fish and chips (we love our Halibut). My wife was told that her clam chowder would come with the fish and chips and we agreed that it was fine. About 10 minutes later my wife's chowder came to the table but not my soup. We were told that the wait staff delivers the chowder and the slumgullion comes out of the kitchen. So this threw off al the timing of our meal to begin with. Later when the fish and chips that we were sharing came out of the kitchen I got my slumgullion at the same time which I had to eat while my part of the fish and chips were getting cold. However, according to my wife, like my slumgullion, the fish and chips came out cold and tasted like frozen fish! Also, the waitress acted like she didnt hear us tell her that we were sharing the fish and chips and did not bother bringing another plate or even offering. We continued eating our food and our waitress did not come back to offer us anymore drinks, that is until we were done eating and she took our plates and asked if we wanted any dessert or more drinks. She just left the check on the table. Before she left the table we asked her if the fish was fresh and she told us that the only thing 'fresh' on the menu are the oysters! I was extremely disappointed. On the way out we went to pay for our meals and we were asked how our meal was and we told them the truth. They ended up comping our food and we paid for our drinks. I am guessing this happens a lot at this resturant as it came as second nature for the staff to comp food. If you like bland, cold, frozen food and not fresh fish on the coast then this is the place to eat.

    (1)

  • Benjamin W.

    This place used to be a dirty little shack, but it recently got remodeled and looks very nice inside. It's almost right on the beach and the view of the ocean draws more attention than anything. I have been to Mo's a few times and their clam chowder is very good, but my favorite is their fish tacos (I prefer cajun). The rest of their menu is just alright, but you never can really go wrong with anything at Mo's.

    (3)

  • Dan F.

    All the reviews about slow service and below average food is correct. Do yourself a favor and go to the Ecola Seafood Market/ Restaurant instead. Enough said.

    (1)

  • Gwen P.

    Get service even though they were slammed. Clam chowder excellent. Fish (cod) tacos delicious! Can't say anything bad.

    (5)

  • Christine H.

    My child asked if we could hit the Mo's in Cannon beach before heading back to Ptown...I figured sure why not. We are at the ocean ...lets get a good view... some seafood and chill before hitting the road. I always forget the lack of variety on the menu here... fried, double fried, cooked in butter then fried, boiled in cream with a side of buttered bread...not that these aren't good options but you want to balance things out a little. Im just guessing they may not have a grill in their kitchen;) So my son ordered a tuna fish sammie...which was looking good all dressed up in mayo with soft buns. He enjoyed it. I myself thought i would splurge and order not just the fish and chips... but go for it and get the Halibut and chips...they were spendy but i was feeling nostalgic for a taste of home. Thats about what you get for $14.00 is a taste... there were three tiny little 2" pieces. With all the food they fry here i was a little surprised at how GREASY it all was... if you get the temp just right you wont have a nasty oily mess. I can't say that I'll be on board to give away my money to Mo's next time.

    (2)

  • Jen E.

    After years of hearing people rave about this place 4 of us stopped off here for some food. We had driven from Beaverton after work so during the peak of rush hour and we were just happy to be out of the cars and stretching our legs. The boys ordered beers and us girls ordered sodas. We were the only people in the restaurant part and there might have been two or three small groups of two or three people each. We waited and waited and waited finally a waitress who looked as though she would rather be bathing a cat than be bothered dealing with a table of 4. We ordered the clam chowder that everyone had raved about. It was not good. It was watery, very little flavor and actually seemed as though it was a potato soup to begin with that they turned into a clam chowder. Lets just say the meal for everyone including the boys who will eat pretty much anything was not a good experience. The boys enjoyed the beer and the view.... in fact the view may have been the best part of the experience. I have never seen fish and chips served at the beach that looked and tasted like the frozen food section at a grocery store. My friend and I both ordered it. I couldnt eat more than a few bites it was that greasy. we then had to wait until our waitress decided to check on us to get our check so we could leave and go back to the place we were staying.

    (2)

  • Leah L.

    The food is good, but the view is way better. I am not a seafood person, but my husband really enjoyed his clam chowder. It is a great and cheap place to have dinner on the beach.

    (3)

  • Rick F.

    Not sure what's going on with the bad reviews. My wife and i travel extensively and were hesitant to try Mo's because of the reviews, but 15 of us had lunch there today trying all kinds of menu items including the chowder and the food and service was excellent.

    (5)

  • Allen L.

    Cliff notes: - The clam chowder tasted more like "potato chowder" mixed in with a few bits and pieces of clam and bacon. - The service was extremely slow, even though it didn't appear that the server's were over-seated

    (2)

  • Shane M.

    I tried their famous clam chowder in a bread bowl. It was (drum roll please) ... not very deserving of their famous title. It was neither great, nor horrible. I also tried some of their fried fare - it was good, and that's really the only thing that saves them. I took real offense to being told their clam chowder was "famous" - because it wasn't famous. Only one person I was in the car with was even aware Mo's existed. That's not famous. The view was nice. I like water. I once was a fish, so water makes me feel comfortable.

    (2)

  • michael k.

    It is what it is. An old school diner, with a seacoast flair. I was beyond hungry. It was there, had a view, and the food came fast. The fish and chips weren't bad, and the fish tacos outside of needing some salt were ok too. But if I herd a wait person say, Hi my name is...... and welcome to Mo's one more time.....

    (3)

  • K-Dawg A.

    Tons of hype over nothing. This place is full of over priced, fried foods. The clam chowder is NOT good. We are from New England. Trust me when I say we've had better chowder from a can. They don't even have chowder crackers, just a pile of saltines... It's not tomato soup, get a grip!

    (1)

  • Nicole Z.

    Casual, beachy and filling food. No diet on this trip... gotta enjoy the fried yumminess that is available. However, there are great healthy options as well. Husband loved the tuna melt and I the avocado shrimp salad :)

    (4)

  • Jenny D.

    We loved our dinner here, the clam chowder was great as well as the hot crab melt. Had to have the Mo's Ale by Rogue which was good too.

    (4)

  • Denny M.

    I would love to give Mo's a glowing review, they are our usual coastal go to comfort food place. It is my family's tradition to eat our departing meal at any of Mo's locations (depending on where we are at on the coast) before we head back to the Willamette Valley. But alas, our last visit was just not up to the usual standard. The clam chowder was still hot and tasty, it was the rest of the meal that left me wanting something better. Maybe it had something to do with the tour bus that was loading up as we entered the place that night. We won't give up and we will be back though! They have been to rock solid for too long for us to not come back again.

    (3)

  • Amy R.

    Came out to Mo's because we couldn't get into town due to the July 4th parade. I recall we loved this place before, but this time the chowder (Slumgallion) was bland, the service was slower than slow, and the check out extremely dysfunctional you know, they REALLY need to fix that -- what a weird entrance and exit process!!). The view was nice... Probably just an "off" day...

    (3)

  • David W.

    I can't say too many good things about their claimed award winning chowder. I've had better, even at Red Lobster. The chowder was runny and they stick a big spoonful of butter on top of it. I did like the deep fried fish,shrimp, and calamari. It was very good. So if you go I would suggest sticking to the fried foods.

    (3)

  • Eliza T.

    We stopped at Mo's on the way to Cannon Beach because we saw a billboard touting that it had the best clam chowder. Turned out to be the worst clam chowder ever, if you can call it clam chowder. Mo's "chowder" barely had any clams; it was mostly potatoes and bacon, bacon, bacon. There was no other flavor. I have had better chowder out of a can. The entrees were not much better. I ordered the mixed fried seafood; the fried fish was okay (not too much batter and not overcooked) but the fried clams were hard and too thick with a bread crumb batter. Again, you could not taste the clams. The fried scallops turned out to be tiny bay scallops; the menu should have stated so. They were also overcooked. The only redeeming quality is the location. It is right on the beach with a great view of Haystack Rock. But the view is not worth the terrible meal. A terrible shame that Mo's does not take advantage of the local fresh seafood source in the area.

    (1)

  • Gregory F.

    Having read the previous reviews of this restaurant we weren't expecting the greatest but that was okay because we were feeding our family with three small kids. The food was okay, about what we expected. For us the problem was that the food all came out at the same time. We had ordered soup and salads and we're just getting started passing those around when entrées arrived, by the time we were done with soup and salad our entrées were cold. I even commented when the lady with the hot food came out right on top of the starters but she pushed everything aside and left it anyway. When I mentioned this at checkout she asked "is there anything I can do?" And she had this dreadful look on her face like "don't ask me to take anything off your bill, please..." I didn't and she made an excuse, the iPad ordering system that they use has a "hold and fire" function hat allows them to put the whole order in but not fire the order to the kitchen until after the salad bar items arrive. She said "you tell those servers something but they just won't listen." So there you have it, there is a system in place but the servers refuse to use it, this resulted in me eating cold fish and chips. See if the servers listen to poor tipping.

    (2)

  • Tim O.

    Nothing fabulouse, at least it's reasonably priced for cannon beach.

    (3)

  • Dawn M.

    We read lots of positive reviews on this restaurant, so, on a quick trip out to the coast, we stopped by. The decor is that of a fish and chip restaurant, with basic table and wood bench seating. The view was fantastic - great view of the haystacks from almost every seat in the restaurant, so that was really nice. (Mind you - there was grease all over the windows - with that kind of view, they need to really keep the windows spic and span - very noticeable because you actually want to look out the window!) The menu had some good variety on it. I tried the fish and chips - french fries were good, fish was crispy but very greasy. Also tried some of the famed clam chowder and I didn't think it was anything special - it was "just fine". Didn't love it though. Friend had the Crab Melt Sandwich and it looked great - kinda wish I had of tried that instead of fish & chips. The amount of crab on it was surprising. She said it was delicious. Wait staff was ok. Would I recommend? Well - I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it, but if someone asked what I thought, I'd tell them it was ok. Would I return? No, probably not - I think I'd rather try to find a restaurant I liked better.

    (3)

  • RV T.

    We went to this restaurant after hearing that they had the best chowder around. It was not bad but it was nothing spectacular either. This was our appetizer. Next I ordered fish and chips with a salad and ranch dressing. My entree arrived. I asked about my side salad. She forgot it. Lettuce was fresh but the dressing was so watered down I could really not tell what kind it was. It had no flavor at all. My husband ordered a shrimp Louie salad with blue cheese dressing. I was half way through my entree before his salad arrived. Mainly just lettuce, which was fresh, 1 hard boiled egg, 3 olives and a few sticks of lettuce and carrots. His dressing was also very watered down. His was just ok too. View of beach and Haystack rock was fantastic. Wait long to get in. Don't think we'd go back again.

    (2)

  • Ryan C.

    super old decor. came here in 2003 and it hasn't changed a bit. think some decors dates back to 80s... food is... mehh! fish taco sucks, chowder's rather bland... what else, slightly overpriced... skip this and go to myrtle's!

    (2)

  • Deborah N.

    Describe Mo's in one word--ICK. The view is great. The food leaves something to be desired. I had the smoked salmon fettucine. Pretty flavorless. Salad ditto. My husband had the shrimp cocktail, blackened cod and clam chowder. He wasn't impressed with any of it, said it was all tasteless. Even my sea breeze was blah, didn't taste like it had any alcohol in it. To top it off I got terribly ill about 4 hours later. As my spouse and I tried each others main dishes, I can only attribute it to the salad. It was the only thing he didn't taste and he didn't get sick. There is nothing quite like waking up with food poisoning while staying in a hotel at the beach. Talk about ruining a vacation. Service was slow at best and once we got our meals we didn't see our server again. In short, don't waste any of your time at Mo's.

    (1)

  • Christine D.

    I hadn't been here in a long time and my boyfriend suggested we drive down from Seaside to give it a try. This location is a bit smaller than the one in Lincoln City but equally enjoyable. We were quickly seated by a window. The food came quickly and was most tasty. When we got done with dinner we walked out and watched the sunset on the beach. It was a good time.

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    When I take one of my regular trips to the coast I rarely miss an opportunity to take in some seafood. Mo's offers a great mix of fast service and great original chowder. I have to say that Mo's is all about the chowder for me. The rest of the menu is just sit down fast food and is OK. Service is typically good and fast. The dining area's are just big open spaces with picnic tables and table clothes at most locations. Not a lot of pizazz. They have locations all up an down the Oregon Coast however this one is my favorite. This Mo's has a wonderful view of the ocean and Haystack Rock. Just seconds off Hwy 101 and Cannon Beach Shopping making it the right choice for me for a quick lunch stop and a walk on the beach. Great Chowder, fast and good service is an A-OK review for me.

    (3)

  • Con C.

    Mediocre. The location and the view are excellent, however, they kill you with either salt or sugar in the food. It is clean but the food is greasy. Won't come back.

    (2)

  • Brooklyn A.

    Maybe it's just because it's sentimental for me since I grew up going here throughout my youth while on vacation- but they have such good "run of the mill coastal food"- quick bar type foods and the best clam chowder ever! The view is awesome, or you can sit by the fireplace. I just miss the actual tables & comfy chairs- the tiny tables and bench seats make the place seem less than what it actually is. My husband had the pan fried oysters- fresh and AMAZING! We were impressed! I had the shrimp salad & chowder- good as it has been for years!

    (4)

  • Rick B.

    My wife and I were recently in Cannon Beach and went to Mo's for the clam chowder. I must say it was awful and I have had much better out of a can.

    (1)

  • Drach V.

    This place is more of historic interest I guess, and if you spend much time in Cannon Beach, going here is more like going to a local museum. You go just to say "Yes, I went to Mo's once". But really the food & chowder is not up to par. I've been here 2 times, and once to their Newport location. They are the same, so I guess it wasn't just the cook who happened to be on duty. The chowder is a bit flimsy, missing some clams, and the fish & chips somewhat unimpressive. I really like to eat at 'fish and chips' places, but this was just not really good enough and not in the top 50 percentile. Ivar's is better, if you are familiar with it. "Risky" if you have expectations.

    (2)

  • Corinne S.

    Short version: We ordered a very simple dinner and left satisfied, happy and in awe of their view. Longer version: walked in, it was a usual busy Saturday night, and requested a window seat. There was a very simple table by the window perfect for us. We were given water promptly and menus - our server was very friendly and efficient. He ordered sourdough clam chowder bowl and I ordered sourdough chlli bowl. Think the only improvement would be a little more spice in the chili - like a kick or more cumin maybe? I was very pleased that it had good texture, a good balance of beans and beef and wasn't greasy.

    (4)

  • Jac C.

    Mos in name and menu only. We've eaten here three times over the past two years and the experience was not what we were accustomed to. The service was mediocre. The food was variable, from excellent to so-so. We recently found out why. The Mos we love is in Newport and Otter Rock. Seaside, Lincoln City and Florence are franchises. Mos family still runs the Mos in Newport and Otter Rock. apparently, when the franchised the name and menu, they were not able to assure good quality control.

    (3)

  • Chris G.

    Mo's is an Oregon Coast institution. Once I got sick after eating clam chowder at another restaurant and queasy at the smell of clam chowder for the next 5-6 years. How did I get back on the chowder horse? With Mo's, of course. It's that good. My favorite menu item, other than the chowder, is their albacore tuna salad sandwich. It tastes fresh and non-fishy, exactly how I like it. My wife got a side of fries with her shrimp last time we were there. Those were pretty tasty too. As other have said, the view is nice. I always enjoy watching the kite flyers during the summer.

    (4)

  • Rebecca W.

    I have heard all this talk about Mo's having this great clam chowder since I moved to Oregon, yet never got around to trying it...until now...ugh. I was excited to finally be heading to Mo's. Being from New England I am a total clam chowder lover. I try not to be too harsh of a critique when it comes to the chowder because I know very few establishments have perfected the perfect clam chowder, especially out here on the west coast. My expectations for clam chowder sunk dramatically out here on the west coast because it is very rare to find someone who actually knows how to make it at all!! But like I said, my expectations are low. Mo's clam chowder (if you can call it that) was horrible, edible, but horrible. It was a super buttery, not so creamy, mixture of potatoes and tons of bacon with possibly a few clams in the mix. Nasty! Where the heck did they get this recipe? So disappointed. To make the experience worse, you are greeted at the front door with a hodgepodge of junk souvenirs that you are forced to walk right up next to. Thank goodness I have smart kids. My 10 year old caught on to the ploy and told me he thought the restaurant was trying to trick people into buying more than they wanted by forcing them to walk by all the junk merchandise. Smart cookie! Then we had a rude waitress. She was very curt, unfriendly, and inattentive and messed up orders at a few of her tables. Her attitude was just so hostile it made me feel as though we were not welcome patrons in the restaurant. Seems to me this gal needs to find a new job! If you are unhappy with your work, don't take it out on the customers...we're supplying the dough for your pay check! When all was done, we waited for a little while for our waitress to return, unsure of how to pay for the meal since she had provided no instructions. We finally figure out that we should pay at the front, which we did and got the heck out of there. We will not return to Mo's unless it is the last place on earth with food. Yuck, yuck, yuck!

    (1)

  • Tricia G.

    Mehhh, I've had better chowder so this place was not memorable. Save your time and money, and go elsewhere.

    (1)

  • Robin T.

    Worst lunch of my life frozen food swimming in oil. Horrible service inattentive and nonexistent. The food sucked shrimp on the verge of going bad, all items reheated and frozen. When I choose to leave a small tip, the rude hostess made a loud comment. 75 bucks for the most worst meal ever. Even the view did not make up for it. DO NOT STOP HERE TO EAT.

    (1)

  • Clarkitty C.

    Some of the worst service you can get anywhere. Getting your order taken takes work here. The view is okay if you can see through the disgusting dirt caked windows. Getting your check is near impossible and the seafood is anything but fresh, yet its right on the coast. I wouldnt recommend this restaurant to anyone including my worst enemy. Prices are steep considering the quality, crappy ambiance, poor service, and bad everything.

    (1)

  • DJ M.

    Food, atmosphere and a view! Portions are large, best chowder I have found in a long time. Definitely order the steamer clams!

    (5)

  • Ashley C.

    I grew up eating at Mo's every time my family and I visit the coast. Over the years, Mo's clam chowder has declined in taste and quality. Bring the old Mo's back. Wish they spend less on marketing their products and gifts and get back to making great beach food.

    (2)

  • heather m.

    I will admit I'm a chowder snob. My favorite, hands down, is Captain Ron's in Lincoln City -- home of the sadly displaced Dory Cove. Many a chowder have I tried, and far too few have even come close to reaching the excellence of Ron-cum-Dory's chowder. On my personal chowder scale, Mo's chowder gets a 6 out of 10. Really damn close to mediocre. And that's how I'd describe the rest of my dinner, which included shrimp alfredo, garlicky bread and a watered down soda. Oh but the salad! The only bright spot was my delicious green salad, topped with shrimp. That salad plate was the only plate I (almost) cleaned. Correction: the other bright spot is the super awesome location. If a gorgeous, panoramic view of the ocean trumps food quality for your next cannon beach dining experience, then by all means give Mo's a try. You can have my seat.

    (2)

  • Bill L.

    It is what it is. A timeless establishment framed by the picture window views of cannon beach. Food is always consistent, not super exciting but standard seafood diner fare. The best things on the menu are the bacon-laced clam chowder (leave off the pat of butter) and the boulibase. You can also buy chowder base at the counter to bring home. Very family friendly. Don't expect anything fancy, go when it light out, and enjoy the beach!

    (3)

  • Beverly M.

    I just don't feel like it was a trip to the beach unless i have lunch at Mo's. It's usually the first stop when we finally reach the ocean. A walk on the beach, relax and eat yummy chowder, bread, fish and chips, another walk on the beach, then on to our next stop. I've never been disappointed with the food nor the service. You certainly can't beat the view either. Mo's gets my vote. I hope they continue to thrive for many years to come. I like places that start out as tiny hole in the wall places on the wharf and grow up to be a success.

    (4)

  • Lorie O.

    Hubby and I went to Mo's for a late lunch... We were seated with a gorgeous view of the Oregon coast and Haystack Rock. I was so mermerized by the view that I didn't care to know what I ordered. I had a bloody Mary to drink and steamer clams for an appetizer. I've had better clams... I also ordered the fish tacos and the hubby ordered the combo plate... Both fish plates were typical fried straight from the freezer foods... I didn't care to finish my food or my drink... I just wanted to watch the people on the beach... oh and we did have a small cup of the clam chowder... it wasn't the greatest but the only one I finished. Way to pricey for whatever we had...

    (2)

  • Jessica H.

    My Fishy Tea Story... I really wanted to like Mo's. I really did. And because of that, I will give it two whole stars instead of one. First of all Cannon Beach is gorgeous and the location is fabulous. My two friends and I drove here from our vacation home in Seaside because I was told this was the best clam chowder ever, so, I got really excited! The restaurant is really cute and you can sit inside or on the patio; we sat on the patio. We ordered our drink and all ordered calm chowder. I got it and it was a little thin for my preference and had tons of clams, I know I should probably like the tons of clams part, but it's actually my least favorite part about clam chowder (yeah, yeah, don't judge me; we're all weird). So... I put a lot of hot sauce in my chowder to make it taste better (and no, I'm not a big hot sauce person)... so all in all that was ok. I drink my ice tea and as I set it down I see a HUGE piece of salmon stuck inside my cup. Now, I have to give it to them, it looked like they had cleaned the cup... or tried too. Nothing tasted like fish but it was completely disgusting. Being non-confrontational; I said nothing and will never go back. And that is my fishy tea story. Sorry Mo's!

    (2)

  • Rosie K.

    We are from Texas but have family in Portland, so we visit every other summer and always go to Cannon Beach. Have been to Mo's about 5 times in the last 9 years or so... Whoever gave this restaurant 5 stars must be hallucinating... or has never been to a good seafood restaurant in their lives. This place is always nice to us, good service, patient with large parties and children, that is THE only reason we have returned. However, most of the food is fried and the clam chowder is gross. This chowder has a weird consistency, I've had better chowders at McCormick and Schmick's in Dallas!!!!! I have had heartburn for 3 days RIGHT after my fish and chips order... need I say more? I would give it 2 stars for food quality but threw in an extra *star* for service.

    (3)

  • David F.

    It's Mo's! Do I think it's a little over-rated? yeah, OK, maybe a little. But it's Mo's! Had the standard clam chowder. It was great as usual! I usually go with the "cannon ball" bread bowl, but this time I just got the regular bowl with an order of the "homemade" bread. I definitely recommend this if you're trying to go a touch cheaper. It saved me two dollars, the bread was great and I got more than if I had a bread bowl! Is Mo's out of this world?! No. But it's a tradition, it's a casual atmosphere, there's a view of the beach and food is good. Of course I'm coming back!

    (3)

  • Al G.

    Sorry, this is a mediocre, tacky, tourist trap, and they don't seem to care. Pack em in, sell em crap and get them out the door. Clam Chowder is way over rated and should only be famous for being mediocre. While they are relatively inexpensive for a waterfront, tourist town restaurant, with an excellent view, the quality of the food and service is reflected in that price. That being said, take the kids there and fill em up, they'll love it, just don't expect a special dining experience. It is what it is.

    (1)

  • James K.

    Didn't make it in. Too busy. Line out the door and to the parking lot. From what I hear, not worth that kind of wait (but if you're looking for the tourist experience, then go for it). There are great places just down/up the road that have no wait, and are better.

    (3)

  • Ellie B.

    If I could, I would probably give Mo's three stars for the food/ambiance/cheesiness and five whopping stars for the location, which is why I've left it at four. I've been coming to Mo's since I was a kid visiting the beach with my family, and, like many other reviewers here, it has a special place in my heart. I always loved sitting at one of the tables by a window and watching the Pacific Ocean roll onto the sand, the waves barely twenty feet away from where I was eating clam chowder and oyster crackers. Even better was when my family got a corner window table and we could look out at Haystack Rock looming in the distance. ...The Goonies, anyone? Anyway, I returned to Cannon Beach and Mo's last week with my boyfriend and family in tow. It was the day of the freak snow storm in Portland, so the drive back from the coast was.... interesting, to say the least. I love Portland, but when it snows, people just freak out. Ridiculous. My sister and I order oyster shooters, which were loaded down with so much sauce that we had to wipe some off to actually get at the oysters. My mom got the avocado and crab salad, which was crisp, cool, and tasty, while my sister got a bread bowl of the clam chowder, which was good, but a little to potato heavy for me. My brother ordered the fried clam strips, which were great, my BF ordered the tuna melt, which he claimed was the best he's ever had and which, when I stole a bite, I thought was quite good as well. I decided to mix it up and try the crab melt, which was not as good as I hoped. There wasn't much flavor to it, and the bread was wayyyy to buttery. The sleeper choice was our appetizer, a special that day of lightly fried scallops, which were flavorful but light, and definitely addicting. And all the pricing was very reasonable, also a plus when it comes to seafood. Overall, the food was pretty good. It wasn't fantastic, but I enjoyed it, and so did my fam. More than that, though, I loved being back in one of my childhood haunts, watching the freezing waves outside as I sat warm and satisfied inside Mo's. That'll do it for me every time.

    (4)

  • Joshua M.

    Why the F did I come back to this place for a second time? The chowder this time around literally had butter floating on the top. Pretty much just bacon flavored potato soup. Bleh. Ordered bread, got thick white slices of coldness. Sourdough! I want hot sourdough bread to go with the chowder. Note to self... eat elsewhere next time I'm at the coast.

    (2)

  • Bobby D.

    I was in Cannon Beach on the coast today and decided to check out Mo's. I've eaten at Mo's before. just not recently until now. Mo's is famous for their clam chowder and that of course was one of the items I tried. I also tried the Grilled Cod Sandwich and also a shrimp salad sandwich. The food was good. but not great. The server was good and even brought out the chowder first so I wouldn't starve waiting for the sandwiches. I have to mention the view. Just about anywhere in the restaurant you have a great view of haystack rock and the ocean. If anything. I may go back for the view and to try something different.

    (3)

  • Ginny G.

    What almost was our worst experience at a restaurant was made right by the VERY nice manager. Our server seemed to forget us and our food was just ok. We don't usually complain but when the cashier asked, we had to say something. The manager comped our whole meal which was very generous and not expected or necessary but it definitely changed our minds from "never going back" to "willing to give them another try" next time we're at the beach. The manager practiced old fashioned customer service and kept a customer. :-)

    (2)

  • Jim E.

    After not visiting Mo's for over five years I stopped in for a bowl of clam chowder with a friend. Make no mistake this place is now 100 percent a tourist place. What ever charm, originality this place had is long gone. Dirty and noisy , better chowder can be had else ware and for less. :(

    (2)

  • Casey W.

    Really average chowder.

    (1)

  • Cindy Q.

    I agree with Jen. Mo's is a family must-stop tradition on any trip to the Oregon Coast. Located in all the major coastal towns, Mo's is always reliable for great clam chowder. The service is never over the top fantastic, but I've never had an "unfriendly" server. The only thing I don't like about Mo's is the long wait in high-season time and the fact that they wind you through the so-called gift shop while you're waiting for your table. It reminds me of Disneyland waiting to get on the ride. However, I never found a real sand dollar at Disneyland, nor would I be able to buy it for $1. Mo's gets my vote.

    (4)

  • Ted P.

    On an off-day in the off-season, this place was a great place to grab some dinner. It was cheap and our waiter was genuinely friendly -- not quite what I'd expected from a tourist targeted place, actually... My wife said the chowder was pretty darn good and was pleasantly surprised by my burger and fries. I'd definitely stop here again.

    (4)

  • David A.

    I will always rate the quality of the food over the atmosphere. The seafood is very good, although presentation style is more "family" and not at all exotic. The clam chowder is very good and filling. I had the shrimp sampler that was very good, but more basic. Don't expect this place to be exciting, but expect it to be good. Additionally the view of the ocean was really spectacular.

    (4)

  • Kim G.

    Good food, reasonable prices, fun atmosphere, ocean view. Eat there. No, it's not gourmet, and there are lots of bay shrimp- I guess that's a bad thing for some folks- so tell the waitress to leave them off the salad. I thought it was fine, and I got to eat looking at the ocean. Boo-hoo stuck up foodies, but us yoakles from Minnesota don't get out here much.

    (4)

  • Justine L.

    You have to try the clam chowder, and the Marionberry pie - both of these dishes are awesome. The views are beautiful, the service is not great, but overall it is a cool place to eat.

    (4)

  • Tyler N.

    Seriously? I can not believe this place is known for their chowder, I am pretty sure I have had better chowder out of a can. Watered down bacon water with a few potatoes is more like it.

    (1)

  • Kate S.

    Gives you that little kid feeling of going for fish and chips at the ocean. I prefer to order to go after having been to the family-friendly joint. You can get a postcard or magnet in the lobby, but don't expect anything not made in China. Very American. It's hard to turn down a basket of fried scallops, clams and oysters. I like the authenticity and humbleness of Mo's.

    (3)

  • Wendy H.

    Absolutely fantastic great view of the ocean with booths lined up at the windows overlooking the beach! The chowder was awesome served hot and creamy lots of clams! Got the seafood platter shrimp, clam strips and cod of course all deep fried but really light and crunchy batter not greasy! Tartar was really good! The weather was crappy but I still feel like I got to spend some time on the beach thanks to Mo's! A must try if you are visitng the Cannon Beach area!!!!

    (5)

  • laurel d.

    Growing up, a trip to the coast (it's not the beach, crazy Californians, it's the coast, so just get the beach-talk out of your systems now) meant a few things. First, it meant a drive that wound through the coastal range: undulating curves flanked by trees that created a narrow slit of the sky, allowing just enough sunlight through to remind you that it wasn't nighttime at 1 in the afternoon. Second, it meant a romp in the ocean. But this was not a bathing suit and towel sort of affair. No, a 'romp in the ocean' meant taking off the boots (mine were generally some form of moon boot growing up), rolling up the jeans, popping the collar of the double-layer Columbia fleece and charging, face against the wind, into the water. After about twenty minutes, the tingling, stinging, altogether unpleasant biting cold subsided as our skin--now red and blotchy--was numbed to the temperature of the water. We would then splash and laugh and frolic while the rain assaulted our face and the wind whipped our hair into a matted whorl of sandy dreadlocks. This is the real coast, and if you can take it like a real Oregonian, the views are breathtaking and worth the drive--if not, at the very least, to buy a bag of authentic saltwater taffy at one of the numerous candy stands dotting the coastline, or stopping at Camp 18 for a cinnamon roll the size of the moose head hanging on the wall. And if you're anywhere near a Mo's, God himself will strike you down if you don't stop in and have a bowl of their legendarily, scarily, ridiculously amazing clam chowder. (Camp 18, 42362 Hwy 26, Seaside, 97138, Mo's 657 SW Bay Blvd, Newport, 97365)

    (5)

  • Mary W.

    We have always been a "fan" of Mo's but after yesterday, August 5, we will go elsewhere. Our group of four ordered clam chowder and salad. Pretty simple order but you would have thought we ordered the whole menu. I think the waitress would should have retired from customer service years ago. When our soup came, it had spilled all over the sides and down into the saucer. She slid those soups across the table and never looked back! Terrible service and terrible presentation. I guess her comment of them "being busy" had some truth to it!

    (2)

  • Brittany W.

    Husband and I got a suite in Cannon Beach for the honeymoon. Pulling in to CB we were FAMISHED... I'd already checked some reviews via Yelp prior to this weekend, so I had heard of Mo's beforehand.... Walked in... scene very kitschy. They sell various things as you walk in... most of them trinket-ty with bright orange price tags.... we're seated fairly early. They have an AMAZING location/view.... we have 'free famous chowder' tokens from the hotel where we're staying so I order a bowl of this famous chowder and a couple pieces of garlic cheese bread... my newly minted husband ordered a mushroom swiss burger and a cup of chowder... we both get pepsi's (I love that oregon is a pepsi state!!) I, umm... did NOT love my chowder. Ivar's is better, in my opinion. I had to add a TON of salt and pepper, and didnt finish my bowl of it... Hubby thought it was ok but he's not much of a chowder man. He REALLY liked the burger though. Pros: Location and View Staff was nice, cheery and helpful FREE chowder coins... (woulda been mad if we had to pay for it) Cons: Not sure why the chowder is famous Drafty temp. Overall, ehhh... it's ok. The view is worth it. I'll just get something else to eat.

    (2)

  • Angie K.

    On our little trip to Cannon Beach, I've been consistently surprised by the quality of food and service for the price you get at most places. Mo's was no different. Our food was generously portioned and really delicious, with friendly service despite the huge number of children and tourists flowing through. Just about every table had a good view of the ocean as well. I had a bowl of chowder, a side of coleslaw and a side of fries. This did not sound like a huge order of food until it arrived. The bowl of chowder was a basic cereal bowl size and really, really good -- not too chunky or thick, not too thin, and really good flavors. The coleslaw came in a small ramekin sized bowl, and was heaped in there (for 1.95 I kind of expected a little takeout cup). The fries came in a giant basket!! I took half of them home and still had almost a full big takeout box of fries. My husband had a combination dinner with cod, shrimp, and clam strips, which came with fries and a cup of chowder for 11.95 (you could choose other sides if you wanted to). We also had some delicious beer and my hubby had a bloody mary, which was 4.95, generous and good (he said; I don't know from bloody marys). Only one really minor disappointment -- not even worth taking off a star -- we ordered what the menu called Garlic Cheese Bread but there was actually no discernible cheese on it. The waiter claimed the cheese was "baked in," but I couldn't find any. Oh well, the waiter was nice about it so we ate it anyway, and it was pretty good if you just thought of it as garlic bread.

    (4)

  • Ann S.

    They were nice efficent they sat us down quickly food was very very good i had chowder in the bread bowl it us very good

    (5)

  • Steve W.

    Right on the beach. Cannonball breadbowls filled with delicious clam chowder. We've made Mo's a must-stop whenever we come to Cannon Beach.

    (4)

  • Tony J.

    If I could give less than one star I would. I wouldn't eat at Mo's again on a dare. Seafood fettuccine was like a frozen entree with some microwaved fish thrown in. And I don't mean a good frozen entree, I mean the $1 Michaelina's junk! I really don't understand all the high ratings I see here. Maybe it's changed since July of 09, but somehow I doubt it..

    (1)

  • Pete R.

    Casual picnic style dining room, but awesome view and very good food with generous portions. Try the bouillabaisse - loaded with seafood.

    (4)

  • Brian L.

    My Wife is a sea food lover, and everyone in Washington and Oregon have heard of Mo's. I thought it would be a special treat to take her there with the kids. Our server while very nice, was an airhead, and he was a guy. He forgot some of our orders and tried to lie saying he hadn't heard us (is that why he read it back to us?) The food was so-so, I had their famous clam chowder, it was good but no more than that. Now that I've been there, I won't mind if I dont go there again. I can take it our leave it.

    (2)

  • Jimmy D.

    Tourist trap. Fat people everywhere. Gift shop. So I was a little skeptical going into it. Well, it sucked plain and simple. The clam chowder was OK, nothing special. The cod fish and chips were thin and dry - I don't believe it was cod. I would have rather eaten an eraser off the gift shop pencil then that fish. And they came with a thick ass piece of white bread - untoasted and gross. Seemed they were trying to really push people through there b/c our food came out in about one minute flat. The view was good. You'd be better off drinking a cup of grease and going to a toy store.

    (1)

  • Kathryn M.

    Mo's is an in and out type of restaurant, but with amazing ocean views. We were able to sit by the windows and enjoy the view of the beach. Our waitress was awesome! She was very funny and attentive. The food wasn't spectacular, but that's not to be expected at a place like Mo's, which is a bit of a dive, but has tons of character. We'll definitely be back on our next trip to Cannon Beach.

    (4)

  • Susie K.

    Oh what a waste. My friends were visiting from out of town and we ended up stopping at mo's because it was convenient. It was a really bad experience. We all ordered the clam chowder because it was supposed to be good. We also tried to order bread to go with the chowder, but the server informed us that bread is already included with out meals. We got our chowders and asked if we could have the bread with it instead of without dinners. The server began to act strange saying she would see what she could do. She then disappeared and never came back to our table until she dropped of our meals. Rude. The food was really bad. All 4 of us agreed that mo's was a mistake and that we would never make that mistake again. By the way, the "homemade" bread was not good. It was like cheap dry white bread. Nothing spectacular at all..none of us enjoyed the bread or the meal. Anyway, Mo's became the joke of the visit. Every other meal we had started with a "well. it can't possibly be worse than Mo's." Well, I guess I woud say that the experience was memorable, but I doubt that's what they wanted me to remember.

    (1)

  • Rachel D.

    I absolutely love this place. Every single time I drive down to Cannon Beach to visit the haystacks I ALWAYS have to stop at Mo's. Great food, great service, great view. I also have to give props to the "Magic Man" because he is a big part of why I enjoy coming to visit so much. So thank you. :)

    (5)

  • Mandina B.

    Gotta love Mo's. This time around the food was good. It was busy, as always but we were seated after about a 15 minute wait. The service was ok, the waitress didn't meet all of our requests, but given the amount of tables she had, we understood. The location is perfect, we wanted to eat outside but the seagulls were in full effect so we settled for indoor seating but either way the view is amazing. We will always come back to Mo's.

    (4)

  • maria p.

    View is awesome. Service is great. Shrimp Sandwich is good. World Famous Clam chowder is not as great as I thought it would be, kinda starchy. San Francisco Chowder is better.

    (3)

  • Brian M.

    Not quite sure why this place is always so high on everyone's list. SURE the service is friendly...but the food is just OK. Not worth all the hype they receive. Its an Oregon Institution....but I can't say that I'm super impressed with the food here.

    (3)

  • Kurt T.

    Their clam chowder is like a gift from the heavens bestowed upon this earth. I ate like 2-3 bowls last time I was there. Great little spot. Always crowded, right near the beach. Stop in if you're in the area.

    (5)

  • Andrew P.

    The food was the greasiest stuff I've ever eaten, and even though I asked for water, the hispanic waiter brought me a soda three times. Each time I asked for water, he brought me a root beer or coke, as if he didn't understand what I was asking for. The prices were really high for such low quality of food. I left here several dollars poorer with a grease-induced gut-ache and a need for a glass of water and something fresh.

    (1)

  • chelley L.

    throwing in a couple pieces of bacon and extra potatoes doesn't make up for the watered down chowder. if you think mo's has the best clam chowder, you obviously haven't been to san francisco, but that's just my opinion, maybe someone who grew up in cannon beach thinks nothing beats mo's, who knows. boudin's in san francisco will always be my #1 chowder stop. the food was decent. nothing spectacular, nothing horrible.

    (3)

  • Tracey M.

    Just okay. This place totally lacks atmosphere but it has huge windows all along the back side offering beautiful views of the beach. It is very casual and kitsch. Service is... well... lacking. Now on to the most important part... the food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't very good either. We would not go back.

    (2)

  • glenn k.

    $28 buck on the shore,gut busting full,watching whales play out in the surf,good luck unless you're at mo's.first time i've been there and it remindedof a place we went as a kid in westbrook,ct.i had the steamers,a shooter oyster,and cup of chowder,and a mo ale,wife had the chili burger.shooter had too much cocktail sauce to let the oyster flavor come through,but the steamers were awesome giant bowlful with a great flavorful steaming liquid that might make a soup with a few more ingredients.the chowder was very good some witch about bacon in it but its an east coast thing some people just dont get,the flavors all worked well together,which is what really counts,good of balance of taters n clams.mo ale went well with the lightness of the meal.wifes chiliburger served open face had great flavor and a perfectly toasted bun.5 stars for the view,4+ for the food,two people ready for a nap cause their too full,priceless...nope bout 27-28 bucks.

    (4)

  • Brad C.

    I'm sorry but this clam chowder wasn't that great. I was hearing great things about Mo's chowder, but wow it fell short really short. To me the chowder tasted like something out of a can with sand added to it. I did have a very good oyster sandwich.

    (3)

  • Dave M.

    Felt a little like a greasy spoon place, but the seafood was great. Especially Cajun style. The waiter made the experience entertaining our kids with magic tricks and the like. I don't know whether that's standard or not, but they enjoyed the experience and the rest of us enjoyed our seafood.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Touristy
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Mo’s Restaurant

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