Open 8 am – 9 pm

Press to call:

503-392-4400

A Labor of Love

Drive around Neskowin and you’ll notice a lot of homemade yard signs, all creatively articulating the same thought: “Slow Down”.  From a traffic standpoint the meaning is clear, but the message is also a philosophical one.  The pace of life is a little slower in Neskowin.

When Genie and Frank Ullrich first moved to Neskowin 17 years ago, part of the attraction was that pace of life.  They especially loved the local café, where neighbors would linger to catch up on the day’s events.  It seemed like Neskowin and its café were inseparable.

Over the ensuing years the café was operated by several owners, but in 2012 it closed.  Recognizing how much it meant to the local community, Genie and Frank purchased the business.  Using local tradespeople whenever possible, Frank and his son completely remodeled the building.  The Café on Hawk Creek was reopened.

Business was immediately brisk.  The town was packed with summer tourists and so was the café.  But it was the locals who seemed most appreciative.  Although open officially from 8 am to 9 pm, the neighbors would typically continue their conversations on the café’s new deck at least an hour after closing.

With its prime location next to the creek and views of Proposal Rock, the deck quickly became the most desired seating area.  But if you dine inside, it’s the tables you you’ll first notice.  Frank built them himself of solid quartersawn white oak with ebony inlays.  The walls are paneled in cedar and display original works by local artist Michael Schlichting and Ken Dust.

The menu is varied with emphasis on local seafood.  Five different entrée salads are popular, each served with the café’s signature rustic bread.  A variety of pizzas all start with fresh dough and homemade sauce, and then are baked in a wood fired brick oven.  The wine list is extensive, including a wide variety from Northwest vineyards.  Oregon microbrews are among the 10 beers on tap.

Owning a restaurant is a serious commitment of time.  “You have to be here if you expect things to run smoothly,” says, Genie.  Generally, either she or Frank is at the restaurant seven days a week, but both enjoy interaction with their customers.

The Ullrichs have high praise for their staff, recognizing how difficult it is to operate a café that often has a line of customers waiting out its front door.  From an economic standpoint, the café has been a benefit to the community of southern Tillamook and northern Lincoln Counties.  Eighteen more people are employed.

In reopening the Café on Hawk Creek, Genie and Frank utilize local businesses whenever possible.  They also chose a local bank, Oregon Coast Bank.  “They’re friendly and very accommodating,” explains Genie.  “That’s why Oregon Coast Bank is so nice to do business with.” She enjoys visiting the bank, but admits to using Oregon Coast Bank Bank’s On-line Banking when she’s just too busy or needs to do her banking after hours.

Genie and Frank call it a” labor of love”, but we’d like to thank them for reopening The Café on Hawk Creek.  With miles of pristine beach, memorable in Proposal Rock, and a relaxing pace of life, Neskowin does have a lot to offer.  But it’s hard to imagine the town without its café.

Menu

Press to call: 503-392-4400

Cafe Menu

Press to call:

503-392-4400

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