Cranky Sue's

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Crank Sue's: Food and atmosphere

What do New Jersey and Oregon have in common? Well, besides being the only two states where you cannot pump your own gas, residents of both tend to like seafood.

Once Cranky Sue figured that out, she said bye-bye sunrise coast, I like my sun when it's setting. So she left the Jersey shore (with hubby in tow) and opened a restaurant in Cannon Beach that bears her name.

Now, before you scratch this diner off your list, know that Cranky Sue can be as cranky as her customers want her to be. Or as pleasant as they come.

She picked up the nickname back in Jersey when some rich folks asked her to keep her restaurant open seven days a week. She demurred, saying that working seven days a week makes her cranky. (Hey, don't we all feel her pain?)

Sue is closed on Wednesdays in Cannon Beach, so her mood on the other days is not a concern for any would-be diners.

Cranky Sue's is located on "restaurant row" in Cannon Beach. As you take the first exit into town after arriving from Portland, just about the first businesses you notice are the Thai place, Cranky Sue's and the Lumberyard (which is actually a high-class rotisserie and grill). Three diners to pick from right there. Such a deal!

Cranky Sue's were as good as advertised, made from Chesapeake blue claw crabs. She doesn't use local dungeness crabs because the flesh doesn't hold as well together in a cake. Her whole menu has a bit of East Coast feel to the fresh seafood she serves, which makes her stand out on the Oregon coast.

I had a dinner-quality caesar salad (with fresh grated parmesan and pepper), a fabulous bowl of clam chowder and a home-brewed energy drink with cranberry and grape flavoring (all for $20.50). I didn't leave that restaurant cranky. Oh, and I got to taste all three dipping sauces with the crab cakes. The chipotle aioli is still sending me bursts of flavor.

The restaurant is very homey. You order at the counter and take any of several tables, including outside dining when the weather cooperates. The interior is furnished with beach decor of the day, whatever she happens to find when she's out walking her dogs in the morning. Oh, the dogs, they are part of the schtick, too. You'll just have to stop by and see, and while you're at it bring you're own bowser because the dog biscuits are on the house.

Cranky Sue is really Sue Neuwirth. Her husband, Rick, is the "delivery boy,'' but no, they don't deliver to Portland yet.

Keywords: Fast Food / Sandwiches, Local / Regional food, Dress casual, Outdoor / Patio seating, Brunch, Good for first date, Everyone, Cheap (US$ 5 - US$ 10), Lunch, Seafood