Elk Creek Coffee

The name is a nod to the past – before it was Cannon Beach, this stretch of coast was known as Elk Creek. That sense of local rooting defines the shop, which sits on the quieter north end of town rather than in the thick of the main tourist drag. Owner TerrySue Gremaux spent seven years baking for another local outfit before opening these doors on a Fourth of July, and that background dictates the daily lineup on the counter. The space feels lived-in and specific to its owner. A stained-glass window separating the front from the kitchen was a gift from a local artist, and the wooden shelving near the espresso machine was hand-built for the room. It isn’t a place designed by committee; Gremaux is often the one behind the counter, chatting with regulars while pulling shots or restocking the bakery case. While the coffee menu covers the standards – plus a signature spicy "Ecola Mocha" named after the nearby creek – the baked goods are the primary engine here. Everything is made in-house, with a selection that leans heavily on scones and savory biscuits. Flavors shift regularly, ranging from orange-cranberry and coconut-chocolate chip to sun-dried tomato feta. With a large public parking lot directly across the street, the morning rhythm is steady: people pull in, load up on pastries and coffee, and head out to walk the town or the beach.