Mo’s Legendary Clam Chowder Making Its Way to Portland

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Karina Skauge, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Mo's is coming to Portland - it's about time! Mo’s Seafood & Chowder Restaurants have been serving customers for over 60 years.

Started in Newport, Ore., in 1946 as a café called “Freddie and Mo’s,” Mo knew she had the work ethic to make a legacy of her name. Mo’s became just Mo’s after her business partner, Freddie, became ill and she purchased his portion of the café.

Mo's Annex Restaurant

Photo Credit: Jeramey Jannene (Own Work) (Image Cropped)

Mo strove to make her restaurant as friendly as ever by installing a garage door to commemorate a patron who drove her car into the restaurant. This has managed to serve Mo’s as a sidewalk café, making sure anyone who came in felt an instant connection to what Mo was all about; friendly, informal, and unique dining.

Over time Mo’s has expanded to Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Mo’s West/Otter Rock, the original Newport, Mo’s Annex, and Florence, making it a must-stop place for coastal visitors to eat.

Portland International Airport location

Now, after 68 years, Mo's is finally coming to Portland. The only drawback: You just might have to be arriving in or leaving Portland to taste it. The latest location for Mo's is Portland International Airport. Coming to the PDX Airport in 2015, travelers will no longer have to make a trip to the coast to enjoy some of the freshest Oregon seafoods.

Mo’s decision to bring to Portland their famous clam chowder, seafood sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches helps spread Mo’s unique coastal, family friendly experience to everyone passing through Portland.

“We have to take this opportunity to open up a place at the Portland Airport,” says Gabrielle McEntee, owner of Mo’s Annex in Newport. “Many customers have been saying, ‘come to Portland!’ and, ‘I wish you could open up a place in Portland.’ It’s a great opportunity to partner with Portland and so we took it.”

Condensed menu

PDX Airport Patch

Photo Credit: Becky Stern (Own Work)

Even though Mo’s menu will be condensed at the airport location, customer favorites such as their signature clam chowder, cod fish 'n’ chips, and shrimp salad sandwiches won't be going anywhere.

So, don’t fret travelers - Mo’s signature dishes are coming along to Portland as well.

With the demand of coming to Portland being fulfilled by 2015, Mo’s clam chowder and other menu favorites will catch on like wildfire.

“We’re really excited. It’s going to be an excellent addition to the airport,” McEntee adds. As it's one of the most “must go to” places on the Oregon coast, any traveler and Portlander will relish the state's signature clam chowder.

Homepage Photo Credit: Mike Krzezak (Own work)

Related Slideshow: Mo’s Must Try Foods

Mo's airport menu may be condensed, but some of the favorites aren't going anywhere.

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Mo's Clam Chowder

This creamy New England style clam chowder topped with bacon is what makes Mo's Restaurant legendary. Can't make it to Mo's to try their clam chowder, feel free to order online!

Photo Provided By: Mo's Restaurant Annex

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Mo's Cod Fish and Chips

A seafood menu regular, fresh cod fish and chips will at least give you a taste of the kind of fresh fish Oregon has to offer. Even though it's a menu regular.

Photo Credit: Paul Joseph (Own Work) (Image Cropped)

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Shrimp Salad Sandwich

Try this take on a seafood sandwich. Taking fresh Oregon Pink shrimp tossed with green onion, celery, and green onion served between a bun grilled with garlic cheese butter will settle anyone craving a seafood sandwich.

Photo Credit: Ann Larie Valentine (Own Work) (Image Cropped)