Buttercup Ice Creams & Chowders: Fresh Coastal Soups & Unique Handcrafted Ice Creams in Nehalem, OR

Outstanding soup and ice cream take out in Nehalem. Having their soup on an hot summers day or a cold winter afternoon... can't decide which I like better yet. Happy to keep trying to figure it out, though. Last time I was here I had the coconut miso Ramen with seafood for extra protein. It was garnished with seaweed and fresh kimchi. Inhaled it. Almost wish they'd offer an extra portion of Noodles like some ramen places do for four or five dollars, so it could make the dish last longer! This time I decided to go with the coconut Thai vegan base and add a tofu for extra protein. It was just chock full of delicious vegetables perfectly cooked and again it was hard not to eat the whole thing. I always congratulate myself on the intelligence of ordering the pint instead of half pint. If you're not used to paying over $20 for a pint of soup but you just have to watch them put your soup together and you realize it is just chalk full of healthy goodness and so damn hearty you won't remember the last time someone took such care to make a soup for you. Take my advice and don't scrimp: order the pint if you come all the way here from Seattle (or Cannon Beach)... you don't know when you're gonna come back so it's better to order the pint and save half if you really can't finish it. But that rarely is the case. While you're waiting there's a chance to taste their ice creams. They offer a solid vegan selection as well as having some Italian cream based options. I like the gingerbread cookie. But the almond joy is also good. I recommend tasting before buying because the unique flavors can sometimes surprise you if you're used to generic ice cream flavors bought from a store. They also stock some good items including spice blends that they use, that you can take home in a jar. I picked up several for a girlfriend who I knew would appreciate the homemade blends. I love that they source a lot of their ingredients within 50 miles of the store. I love that they have a back area where you can eat on picnic tables facing the river/creek that flows quietly behind the town. I love that the staff signs all their takeout bags by hand with a stamp and an actual thank you. And sometimes they even remember your name which is a bit of magic. Don't miss this stop, check hours, and remember to be smart enough to order the pint. Excellent sour dough from Wolf Moon Bakery (local to Nehalem)

We stopped at Buttercup Ice creams & Chowders quite by chance while driving from Hug Point to Lincoln City. It was a cold, rainy, windy afternoon, and the staff's hospitality was enough to warm our hearts. We ordered a chowder with their secret tomato butter topping. We took to their back deck, heated by space heaters, where we had this divine tasty chowder while listening to the falling rain and watching the lazy Nehalem River flow by. After lunch, we returned to the cafe and ordered a tulsi herbal tea and their ice cream. This is where things really got interesting! Their ice cream tasted nothing like any other ice cream we have tasted before. The green herb ice cream we ordered was just out of this world! Infused with fresh herbs and salt, the taste was subliminal! The tea with honey was just what we needed for our rainy drive back to Lincoln City. Our experience with Buttercup Cafe was like a scene from a Hallmark movie, heartfelt and memorable! Hopefully, we will get a chance to visit this excellent cafe once again when we are in this neck of the woods…

We tried a couple of soups and some ice cream flavors. I noted that the soups were very flavorful and did not appear to be as heavy as typical chowders. The consistency was thinner as opposed to typical thick style. I liked the taste and creativity of both chowders we tried. The stand out ice cream flavor was the burnt chocolate. It was excellent! Will return when I am in town.

One of my favorite places to eat on the Oregon coast, the soups are incredibly fresh and the ice cream is home made and delicious. They always have gluten free options as well, including gluten free cones!

Stopped in Nehalem for lunch because the town was so cute. I got the chowder which was like a green Thai vegan curry which was great and came with crusty bread. The outdoor seating outback was right on the river with a few other food trucks. My husband was able to get the fish and chips he wanted from a food truck while I got my vegetarian meal and enjoyed them together in the lovely setting. Staff was really friendly as well. Perfect place to stop just check ahead to make sure places are open.

Absolutely delicious chowder! We tried the clam chowder & thai coconut curry. They were both so flavorful & fresh. Will definitely come back for more on our next visit.

What isn't there to love about Buttercup Ice Cream & Chowder's kitchen? This wholesome family owned business was quite a delight to discover after a weekend exploring Oregon. The unique and vegetarian friendly chowder options were a nice find, but better was the taste! Texture, flavor, and portion all were in perfect balance. I had a Thai green curry chowder that was just exquisite along side their freshly baked bread. My friends and I enjoyed dining in there back patio, and we shared compliments all around as rain poured around us and chowder filled our bellies. Although we were pretty full, we still had to get ice cream after sampling some scentful flavors. After one taste of their most unique pistachio ice cream, I was hooked. I ordered a cone of it and spent the next 15 minutes in pleasure. It is literally the best pistachio ice cream I've ever had! The staff was also extremely friendly, helpful, and certainly maintained the cheerfulness title of "Buttercup". Can't wait to come back!

This is always a must stop when we are in the area. Best soups on the coast! I love the vegan curry and my partner swears the chowder is the best of all time! The staff are always cool and chill. Everything is made super fresh to order. Just amazing, thanks for existing friends!!