VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
This guide forms part of our complete USA Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United States.
Day 1: Historic Bridges, Sea Lions & Astoria’s Waterfront ✅
Day 2: Haystack Rock, Puffins & Oregon’s Most Beautiful Beach ✅
Day 3: Shipwrecks, Cheese & Portland’s Weird Side ✅
Day 4: Volcanoes, Forests & The Mountain That Changed America ✅
Day 5: Small-Town Charm, Ferries & The Journey Home ✅
Our Review of The Rusty Cup in Astoria
The Rusty Cup in downtown Astoria, Oregon, caught our attention while we were exploring the city on our Pacific Northwest road trip. We stopped in for breakfast to find out whether this popular local café was worth adding to an Astoria itinerary. Here’s our first-hand review, including what we ordered, the atmosphere, service and our final Ticket Rating..
Our thoughts:
Food
We ordered a bacon sandwich on a fresh-made biscuit and a house-made granola, berry compote and yogurt parfait. We also had an oat latte and a black tea.
It was absolutely wonderful and very reasonably priced.
Service
The barista was friendly and efficient.
Atmosphere
The cafe was cozy and comfortable.
Value
Prices are moderate and really inexpensive.
It’s been around since 2004 and sits at 1213 Commercial Street, right in the historic Liberty Theatre building & across from the Astoria Downtown Historic District.
The Rusty Cup is cozy, small, and personal, not a chain feel at all. It’s got a comfortable atmosphere & wifi. The barista was efficient & friendly. On the menu you’ll find Heart Coffee Roasters espresso, all-day breakfast, and house-made items like granola, berry compote, and yogurt parfaits.
Standout drinks we noticed on the menu were their Dirty Chai, Cardamom Latte, cortado, oat latte, Cubano latte, and the “Brown Cow” smoothie. Food-wise, the bacon sandwich on a fresh-made biscuit was amazing. Prices are moderate/inexpensive. They had a cool section of cookbooks, some delicious local honey, coffee beans, and other retail items.
If you’re downtown without a car, it’s an easy walk from spots like the Commodore Hotel, then you’re right near Fort Astoria and not far from the waterfront.
Is The Rusty Cup Worth Visiting?
When you are in Astoria we highly recommend a stop for breakfast at The Rusty Cup. we certainly will return.
Visiting Astoria on a Pacific Northwest road trip? See our complete 5-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip for the route through Washington and Oregon, including our favourite stops along the way.
Top 3 Favourite Alternative Fast Food Eateries in Astoria
- The Lemon Fresh: Healthy-ish fast-casual spot known for vibrant bowls, salads, and wraps with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a quick, tasty lunch
- Custard King: Old-school drive-in serving creamy frozen custard, classic burgers, and crispy fries with that nostalgic roadside feel
- Frite & Scoop: Casual spot dishing up Belgian-style fries with creative dipping sauces plus hand-dipped ice cream for the perfect sweet-salty combo
More to explore in and around Astoria:
- Bowpicker Fish and Chips (Unique Experience)
- Astoria-Megler Truss Bridge
- Nordic Park and Hidden Trolls
Nearby Attractions:
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
