Valentine's Day Dinner Restaurants in Astoria, Oregon: Casual to Fine Dining on the River

Have you been dreaming of spending a romantic Valentine's Day evening with your sweetie; sipping fine wines, indulging in gourmet cuisine with spectacular views of the river? Or perhaps you and your squeeze are more down to earth, and would enjoy kicking back while listening to music in a restaurant/brewery with awesome chowder and even better ales? In Astoria Oregon on the Columbia River, both of these options are available for Valentine's Day, as well as a few more.

To help you choose the perfect Valentine's Day restaurant experience while you visit the coast on Valentine's Day weekend, here a few excellent choices that all offer something a little different for every taste and budget:

The "Lover's Package" at Baked Alaska
#1 12th St., on the waterfront, 503-325-7414, open daily 11 am - 10 pm

Baked Alaska is one of the finest dining experiences not only in Astoria, but for miles around. To begin with, they are located right over the Columbia River with a spectacular view, and the ambience is fine dining. Gourmet choices abound such as Seared Sea Scallops, Crab and Mushrooms Sambuca Carbonara, and Natural Ale Braised Baby Back Ribs. One of their highlighted appetizers is the Garlic, Cream Cheese and Jalapenos wrapped in a flour tortilla, lightly deep-fried and served with a salsa stuffed avocado. Some of the desserts include the requisite Baked Alaska and Creme Brulee. There is a decent wine list with primarily Oregon and Washington labels, and a full bar with a signature cocktails menu. For Valentine's Day Weekend (Friday through Sunday) they have designed a special Lover's Package which is $75 for two (does not include drinks or gratuity), and the featured items are the Chateau Briande and Crabs Legs, Sockeye and Tender Pork, or the BBQ Duo. The full restaurant menu will also be available with dinner entree prices ranging from $18 - $28. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The Silver Salmon Grille in Downtown Astoria.
1105 Commercial St., 503-338-6640, open daily 11 am - 9 pm

The Silver Salmon is famous for serving - you guessed it - tasty and creative versions of salmon. But there are many other delights on the Silver Salmon Grille's menu as well. Also a fine dining establishment, this restaurant is located in the charming downtown shopping area of Astoria, and has been known to host celebrities vacationing in town, such as when rock star Robert Plant stopped by last year. The atmosphere is a combination of contemporary and historic; with metal sculptures and murals by a local artist, as well as a 120 year-old cherrywood bar. If you are a salmon lover, than try the Alder Planked Salmon Dungeness, Smoked Salmon or Toasted Pecan Salmon. Other delectable choices include the Dungeness Crab & Provolone Cakes, Cocunut Beer Prawns or Filet Mignon. Fine Wines, a full bar and luscious desserts are also available. Dinner entree prices range from $19.95 - $44.95. Owner Laurie Martin says there will be a Valentine's Day special that will likely include lobster tail, but the details are not finalized as of this writing. Call for reservations and the Valentine's Day option.

The Wet Dog Cafe and Brewery
144 11th St., on the waterfront, 503-325-6975, open daily 11 am - 9 pm

Not all of us can afford $100 plus for a night out, and not all of us are comfortable dining with the white cloth crowd. The Wet Dog Cafe is the perfect choice for the more relaxed Valentine's Day restaurant experience. Housed in a warehouse-like building with wonderful river front views, the Wet Dog is also a brewery with incredible ales with names such as Da Bomb Blonde, Poopdeck Porter, Kickass Stout and Old Redbeard Amber. It is also available in kegs to take home, so pick your fave and you will have a wonderful reminder from your Valentine's Day weekend experience. Fortunately, the food also matches up and is worth the trip. Seriously, one of the best clam chowders for miles, and the Fish 'n' Chips combo is awesome as well. If you're not in the mood for seafood, there is the steak salad, and a killer selection of "mondo" burgers, including a Bison Burger. Appetizers include dungeness crab cakes, cheesy shrimp bread, steamers or mussels and macho nachos. In addition to the ales, there is a full bar. For dessert, there are cheesecakes and other various items depending on when you go. To add to the ambience here, Fridays and Saturday nights feature live music from local singer-songwriters, and a little gift shop where you can grab a Wet Dog T-shirt! Dinners begin at $9.95 - $20.95. Reservations not necessary.

All three of the above restaurants offer an enjoyable dining experience for your romantic Valentine's Day out, with the added bonus of being located in a picturesque town along the Columbia River. Make this Valentine's Day extra-special, and make it to the Coast.