Cafe Mundo

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They can't make this place up

In the upstairs dining room in Cafe Mundo at Newport's Nye Beach, I counted 35 chairs at the tables. No two were the same.

Ever been in a restaurant that reminds you of the place you ate at last week? That won't happen at Cafe Mundo, at the corner of Second Court and Coast Street in Newport's Nye Beach district.

The eclectic cafe was started nine years ago by Greg and Laurie Card, on an open lot where they parked a food trailer that they had purchased in Portland. This, essentially, gave them a three-month season, when it is bearable to dine outdoors a block from the Pacific in Oregon.

But even then, the cafe developed a bit of a cult following with its beach-decor dining area and the fun and games dreamed up by the owners. The proprietors also did their best to shelter diners from the elements. One legacy that remains is one of those huge TV dishes from the '90. Turned upside down 10 feet overhead, it makes for a dandy umbrella. Wood stoves are also scattered around, just in case it gets nippy. They go through a lot of wood.

But things change over time and Cafe Mundo now has a building! Its fervent customers helped build and decorate it with original and extremely unique art. Each table top has been hand painted.

The food and drink were fine and Laurie takes great pride in her menu (especially the desserts), but it's the ambiance that makes the difference. While a folk band entertained, guests mingled around talking to each other. Just try doing that at the restaurant you dined at last week.

By the end of the evening I had met 20 new friends.

I left wishing there was a Cafe Mundo in my Portland neighborhood (Hawthorne/Mount Tabor), but deep down I knew it would be impossible.

Keywords: Dress up, Dessert / Ice Cream, Outdoor / Patio seating, Cafe / Tea House / Coffee Shop, Everyone, Pub / Brewery / Beer Garden, Cheap (US$ 5 - US$ 10), Dinner, Pacific Northwest, "In" place / People watching, American, Lunch, Seafood, Eating late