2025 Chowder Crawl Champion

Chowder Champion of 2025 Announced: Castaways Seafood Grille Takes the Crown

Feb. 4, 2025, Astoria, OR – After a month of sampling and voting, United Way of Clatsop County is thrilled to announce that Castaways Seafood Grille has been crowned the Chowder Champion of 2025! This exciting announcement comes as a result of the annual Chowder Crawl, where community members had the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite chowder from an impressive lineup of local eateries.

The Chowder Crawl, a beloved winter tradition in Clatsop County, invites chowder enthusiasts to purchase Chowder Crawl Cards, granting them access to sample the finest chowders from participating restaurants. This year, voters assessed each chowder based on key criteria: temperature, flavor, presentation, and service. Castaways Seafood Grille stood out among the competition, delighting palates and earning the top spot in this friendly culinary contest.

“We are so grateful for the support and enthusiasm shown by our community during this year’s Chowder Crawl,” said Claire Catt, Executive Director of United Way of Clatsop County. “The participation from local restaurants and the community’s engagement truly made this event a success. Congratulations to Castaways Seafood Grille for their outstanding chowder and for bringing home the title!”

This year’s Chowder Crawl featured an impressive roster of participants, showcasing the diverse culinary talents of Clatsop County. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the restaurants that contributed to the event, including Pelican Brewing, Ole Bob’s Seafood, Sea Breeze Roadhouse, Long Beach Tavern, Lost Roo, Portway Tavern, Merry Time Bar & Grill, The Logger, Pig N Pancake-Seaside, Dundees Bar & Grill, Seaside Brewing, Ecola Seafood Restaurant and Market, Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge, Tom’s Fish and Chips, Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, Pacificks, T Paul’s Supper Club, Sonnys, and Tre Bros.

The Chowder Crawl not only celebrates the culinary arts but also serves as a fundraiser for United Way of Clatsop County, helping to support local programs that address essential community needs. “Events like this not only bring us together as a community but also help us raise vital funds for those in need,” added Catt. “We appreciate every participant who helped make this event a success.”