“We’ve been here 28 years, and I love my customers,” she said. “We have some
people who have been coming here since my kids were born.”
Along with in-house eating, Wild River Pizza also offers take and bake pizzas.
Favorites: Papa Murphy, Crescent City; Zola’s Pizzeria, Brookings.
DINNER
Winner: Nautical Inn, 16850 Highway 101, Smith River, (707) 487-5006.
Hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 3
to 8 p.m. Sunday.
With live jazz on Fridays, a family-style menu on Sundays, fresh sushi Monday
and Tuesday and a sunset view every day of the week, the classy atmosphere at
the Nautical Inn is now for anyone and everyone.
“We have been so busy, it’s not even funny,” owner Sandy Hislop said. “And the
beauty of this place is, you don’t have to dress up.”
Hislop reminisced how, on Valentine’s Day, a couple walked into the restaurant
wearing tuxedos and long gowns. But, almost every other day of the year,
tourists will come in wearing shorts.
As for the food, it ties with the gorgeous view.
“The sunsets are to die for sometimes,” Hislop admitted.
Diners can enjoy a traditional feast of steaks, seafood and pasta while sipping
glasses of red wine the same color as the sunset.
Favorites: Pancho’s, Brookings; Bella Italia, Brookings; Smuggler’s Cove,
Brookings.
SPRESSO/COFFEE
Winner: Dutch Bros, 560 L St., Crescent City; 16261 U.S. Hwy. 101 and 747
Chetco Ave., Brookings.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 a.m.
to 11 p.m.
Ty Thompson, franchise owner in Crescent City and Brookings, said company
focuses on three things: fast service, quality coffee and good employees.
“We look for hard-working employees who enjoy coffee, people and a fast-paced
environment,” Thompson said of the type of workers he and his partner/wife Jenny
look for.
Customer service is a big deal. Thompson said that Dutch Bros. is known for fast
service. The chain is one of the fastest-growing in the country.
“Customers know what they want and they know what to expect and we make sure we
can provide that,’ he added.
Dutch Bros. coffee is roasted fresh daily in Grants Pass, Ore., and is delivered
weekly.
Favorite: Java Hut, 437 U.S. Hwy. 101 North, Crescent City.
