Stand for Flavor
By Gary Hayes
Published: 06/15/2009  Updated: 08/05/2019
A flavorful, filling meal for under $9, the carne asada platter at The Stand in Seaside features grilled steak and vegetables with sides of rice and beans.
A flavorful, filling meal for under $9, the carne asada platter at The Stand in Seaside features grilled steak and vegetables with sides of rice and beans.  photo by Gary Hayes

How does an order-at-the-counter, casual Mexican restaurant appeal to both young cash strapped surfers and the tastes of serious foodies? The Stand in Seaside has been doing just that for 15 years.

With a combination of flavorful, homemade and affordable Mexican food, The Stand in Seaside has been a local favorite for 15 years. Famous for bulging burritos and hearty traditional Mexican stewed meat dishes, this unassuming eatery is a gem of a find for budget diners and sophisticated palates. The Stand not only offers flavorful meals and affordable prices, but health-minded diners and vegetarians will also be pleased with choices. Most things at The Stand are handmade, right down to the corn tortillas, salsas and beans. Choose between black beans or pinto (refried). Both are vegetarian preparations. At least six salsas are made in house including a flavorful and chunky pico de gallo, roasted pepper brown salsa, tomatillo salsa verde and a chipotle sauce that is used in various dishes. Different sauces for chile rellenos and enchiladas are also house made. Vegetarians will also find veggie tamales, quesadillas and other options on the menu.

The Stand is family owned and ­operated by Tami and Jose Saucedo who owned a similar restaurant in Bend. "Jose is an ocean person," said Tami, and 15 years ago, they turned their vacation destination of Seaside into their home. A few things have changed at The Stand in 15 years. About seven years ago, they moved to their current location on the corner of Holladay Drive and 2nd Street. In April, The Stand added beer and wine to the menu. Tami created a wine margarita recipe, a refreshing blended drink that hints at green apple flavors. Soup is also now offered and on Saturday, homemade blue or swirled corn tortillas are served. A small patio offers outdoor dining. Another timely addition to the menu recently is recession tacos, a smaller version of The Stand's tacos priced at $1.75 each.

Prices for most items on the menu at The Stand are priced under $6 and even combination platters are all priced at under $10. A daily special always makes a filling meal, usually served with rice and beans and priced at about $6. Newcomers to The Stand should consider the burritos. My favorites are the carne asada and chile verde. I never pass up the pork Colorado when it shows up on the specials board, a hearty combination of stewed pork in a slightly spicy red sauce. During the summer, The Stand is open for lunch and dinner 11am-8pm Monday-Friday and 11am-3pm Saturday. They are located at 109 N Holladay Dr in Seaside (503) 738-6592.
Stand for Flavor