Sam's Chowder House restaurant in Half Moon Bay serves sustainable ocean fresh seafood, reminiscent of a New England style seafood house. Voted "Best Seafood in the Bay Area" by the San Francisco Bay Area A-List, and named "Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area" by San Francisco Magazine, this iconic Half Moon Bay restaurant serves lobster, crab, fish and chips, fried calamari, fresh oysters and clams from the raw bar, and many fresh fish dishes such as salmon and halibut.
NBC-TV's The TODAY Show featured Sam's famous Lobster Rolls, which were selected by the Food Editor as one of the five "Best Sandwiches in America".This casual, family-friendly restaurant includes outdoor oceanfront dining with a pet-friendly patio. A great oceanfront spot for Half Moon Bay beach wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, corporate events, off-sites and corporate teambuilding, Sam's offers six different venues for private dining.
NBC-TV's The TODAY Show featured Sam's famous Lobster Rolls, which were selected by the Food Editor as one of the five "Best Sandwiches in America".This casual, family-friendly restaurant includes outdoor oceanfront dining with a pet-friendly patio. A great oceanfront spot for Half Moon Bay beach wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, corporate events, off-sites and corporate teambuilding, Sam's offers six different venues for private dining.
Reviews (22)
Wen Clemnt
Jan 23, 2022
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A bery popular seafood restaurant at Half Moon Bay, California. great food by the beach ! indoor and outdoor dining available. fresh and tasty seafood paella good for two to three persons. good service. the view and the sea breeze is worth the trip. weekends are full . waiting time to get a table takes 30 minutes more or less.
Tom E.
Jan 22, 2022
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My former boss told me when I head out to CA, that there were a few places that I had to try. He stressed that Sam's in Half Moon Bay is one of those places. He swore by their lobster rolls. With it being not too far of a drive from work, I made it a point to go there. Welp, a few times.
Funny this place is called a chowder house- I am not sure I ever got any (nice, Tom). The times I went, I usually got the lobster roll- I mean, why not?
This place was just about busy every time I was here, but I never had to wait long, if at all (since I was a solo diner most times). Service was
Funny this place is called a chowder house- I am not sure I ever got any (nice, Tom). The times I went, I usually got the lobster roll- I mean, why not?
This place was just about busy every time I was here, but I never had to wait long, if at all (since I was a solo diner most times). Service was
Sharon H.
Jan 22, 2022
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Important to note that the hostesses were kind and cordial, but we felt discriminated by our waitress (prob mid 40s with blonde hair) that left a bad after taste. She served us as needed. I started noticing when she would make small talk to the tables in front and behind us but would rush off with our order with an attitude. Never came back to fill our waters and to take away finished plates. At one point she checked on the table behind us and walked right past us to check on the table in front of us without checking in on us. Management should probably do a diversity and inclusion training since
Annabelle R.
Jan 20, 2022
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I firsted learned about Sam's at a food truck festival years ago when I tried the lobster roll, which was absolutely divine. I've been to both the truck and restaurant multiple times since then, and I'm never disappointed by the quality of their food.
This is the first time I tried something other than the lobster roll, and it was just as good (well almost). I just had a caesar salad and small bowl of NE clam chowder. The small bowl was already quite large IMO, and even sharable, so no need for a large. The flavor and spice is good, you can tell they put effort into their ingredients
This is the first time I tried something other than the lobster roll, and it was just as good (well almost). I just had a caesar salad and small bowl of NE clam chowder. The small bowl was already quite large IMO, and even sharable, so no need for a large. The flavor and spice is good, you can tell they put effort into their ingredients
Lesleigh P.
Jan 20, 2022
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Seems like we hit Sam's Chowder House, Half Moon Bay about every other time we're in San Francisco. The service and food just can't be beat, plus, that view .
Noah was our server this time, and we just had the greatest meal. Fresh sourdough, scampi for him, roasted chili garlic prawns for me, with chowder, of course!
Outdoor and indoor seating, lots of heaters available outside. Make a reservation instead of relying on walk-in.
From the menu.
Noah was our server this time, and we just had the greatest meal. Fresh sourdough, scampi for him, roasted chili garlic prawns for me, with chowder, of course!
Outdoor and indoor seating, lots of heaters available outside. Make a reservation instead of relying on walk-in.
From the menu.
Julia Guan
Jan 18, 2022
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Chunky N.
Jan 16, 2022
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I used to get the Lobster roll from Sam's Chowder mobile on there food truck 10 years ago but this was my first time visiting the restaurant. They had a Togo front outside and it was so quick and easy. I had my sandwich within 10 minutes. I chooses to go with the cold, dressed version because like wanted to try the cold style of their lobster. They were so generous with the portion. It was so tasty and delicious. It came with a side of chips and coleslaw. Definitely would come back.
Sam's Chowder House @ Haft Moon Bay, CA.
Sam's Chowder House @ Haft Moon Bay, CA.
Jenna T.
Jan 14, 2022
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The wait wasn't bad around 4pm, but can get longer later in the day. It's not worth more than a 30 min wait. We ordered the ahi tuna app, cioppino, clam chowder, and home made gelato with olive oil and salt. Ahi tuna wasn't served with any chips so we requested for it. Good thing, because I wouldn't be able to eat it by itself. The cioppino had all the great seafood it in, just wasn't the best. It was a little bland and needed some spice. Dessert was probably the highlight. It was unique and surprisingly pleasant. Maybe too much olive oil but it was a good combination.
Jina C.
Jan 13, 2022
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We stopped by Sam's Chowder House when we went to visit Half Moon Bay. We showed up close to opening time, and there was already a line forming outside the restaurant. They have parking and the store has both indoor and outdoor seating options. We opted for an indoor table with a view of the water. Outdoor tables had heating lamps, but we felt like it would be too sunny during opening time.
The restaurant was spacious and had very quick service. We ordered a small clam chowder, a crab cake, and a lobster roll. The clam chowder was warm, thick, and flavorful! It was perfect for the winter
The restaurant was spacious and had very quick service. We ordered a small clam chowder, a crab cake, and a lobster roll. The clam chowder was warm, thick, and flavorful! It was perfect for the winter
Amber L.
Jan 07, 2022
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No wait and plenty of seating when we went for early Sunday dinner. We requested outdoor seating and they give us several heat lamps which was nice! Most of our table ordered the New England clam chowder (which did not have much, if any clams - mostly potatoes), and the fish & chips. The fried fish portion was huge with crispy batter, and not too oily. The views of the ocean were spectacular too!
Suki M.
Jan 01, 2022
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A beautiful day in Half Moon Bay. We had reservations to celebrate a birthday. Parked right in the small lot and felt lucky, had there been a slot machine near the door I woulda put in some cash... Alas, no slot machine but we checked in and went to the bar. The drink I ordered, a spicy mango Margarita was just ok, I've had better. My husband's beer was ice cold and well received, sadly one of the only fails... They make you pay at the bar and will not add to your dinner bill. I totally get it though. Although other restaurants have figured out how to do it...
We were seated fairly quickly
We were seated fairly quickly
David Terry
Dec 30, 2021
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The seating was quick and the services was good, not great but good. Ordered the following items:
Fumomoto oysters - very fresh. 8/10
Gnocchi - was really good and had an exceptional taste of truffles. 9/10
Clam chowder - was seasoned perfect and was delicious 8/10
Calamari - it’s pretty well done here and I would order it again! 9/10
Fish and Chips - the fish was over cooked and it was smothered in batter 6/10 (chips AKA. Fries saved this one)
Overall it was a good dinning experience and I would return!
Fumomoto oysters - very fresh. 8/10
Gnocchi - was really good and had an exceptional taste of truffles. 9/10
Clam chowder - was seasoned perfect and was delicious 8/10
Calamari - it’s pretty well done here and I would order it again! 9/10
Fish and Chips - the fish was over cooked and it was smothered in batter 6/10 (chips AKA. Fries saved this one)
Overall it was a good dinning experience and I would return!
Damon Tighe
Dec 23, 2021
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Matin Nazari
Dec 14, 2021
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Went here on a weekday morning. Got one of the chowders and a lobster roll. Pretty good! I like the salad that came along with it as well. Very good coleslaw as well!
The staff was friendly and nice as well. The view , of course, is incredible. You’ll love it if you go here. I’d go early because the line can get long. I definitely recommend the lobster roll!
The staff was friendly and nice as well. The view , of course, is incredible. You’ll love it if you go here. I’d go early because the line can get long. I definitely recommend the lobster roll!
Lily S.
Dec 11, 2021
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The view gets 4 stars, period. The food, another star-up to make it a five! If this is a typical visitor/tourist spot, so be it, definitely earned its badge. I can't describe the view for you, you'll just have to come experience it yourself.
Everything we had tasted great for me. Yes, it was a lot of fried foods, that's why I ate all the coleslaws on the table. They were refreshing and made me feel more balanced downing all the fried shrimp, calamari, and French fries. Get the crab cakes, they were so crabby and besides the batter, I didn't taste a hint of flour, all meat
Everything we had tasted great for me. Yes, it was a lot of fried foods, that's why I ate all the coleslaws on the table. They were refreshing and made me feel more balanced downing all the fried shrimp, calamari, and French fries. Get the crab cakes, they were so crabby and besides the batter, I didn't taste a hint of flour, all meat
Stefany D.
Dec 02, 2021
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I am honestly surprised that Sam's doesn't have five stars because everything I had here was excellent. Also the view is AMAZING! And luckily we were there at sunset so it was quite the treat! Our server was also very lovely! My only caution is to come here with a lot of time on your hands because it seems like it's always busy and the wait was over an hour. We were in no rush though :)
All the food I tried I loved, but I especially loved the mussels and the oysters were some of the best I've ever had. For my main course I had the Sams lobster roll and it was delish! The lobster
All the food I tried I loved, but I especially loved the mussels and the oysters were some of the best I've ever had. For my main course I had the Sams lobster roll and it was delish! The lobster
Gwen M.
Nov 30, 2021
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Minus one star for the rude customer service
To clarify our main server we had on Sunday evening was great. It was his coworker who rudely told us to ask our server for napkins and aioli. ~ she could've said it politely, but anyways she seemed unbothered by her attitude.
The wait wasn't too bad on a Sunday evening - they only take reservations during weekdays.
We were celebrating my dads birthday, got seated in less than 20 mins.
Ordered:
seared ahi specials
Cocktails
Chowders
Fried combination apps
Paella
Lobster roll
Ambiance: casual, there's TV at the bar
Service: okay
To clarify our main server we had on Sunday evening was great. It was his coworker who rudely told us to ask our server for napkins and aioli. ~ she could've said it politely, but anyways she seemed unbothered by her attitude.
The wait wasn't too bad on a Sunday evening - they only take reservations during weekdays.
We were celebrating my dads birthday, got seated in less than 20 mins.
Ordered:
seared ahi specials
Cocktails
Chowders
Fried combination apps
Paella
Lobster roll
Ambiance: casual, there's TV at the bar
Service: okay
Shanelle S.
Nov 10, 2021
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Seafood focused restaurant by Half Moon Bay beach. Came here on a Sunday around 12:30 and there were a lot of people who were seated in the outdoor patio just chilling. Indoor seating is available as well. We got seated immediately (a group of three) outdoors. They do have their own private parking lot, or you can park along the highway.
The New England chowder was very rich and creamy. There wasn't a lot of seafood, but we ordered a large bowl, so there was enough for three people to split. We also split an order of the fish and chips, which came with three small pieces and a bunch of fries
The New England chowder was very rich and creamy. There wasn't a lot of seafood, but we ordered a large bowl, so there was enough for three people to split. We also split an order of the fish and chips, which came with three small pieces and a bunch of fries
Nancy L.
Nov 03, 2021
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Just okay, nothing really stood out.
Ordered the Shigoku oysters, $4 each. They were okay, not super sweet.
The Shrimp Scampi was underwhelming, missing a lot of seasoning and herbs. Very citrusy.
Favorite thing we ordered was probably the daily special, the halibut. It was served with a cauliflower purée and the flavor was very rich and delicious.
Meatballs were good.
Feta Shrimp was good.
Calamari was more greasy than crispy and the batter didn't stick.
Clam Chowder was also alright, not the best.
Ordered the Shigoku oysters, $4 each. They were okay, not super sweet.
The Shrimp Scampi was underwhelming, missing a lot of seasoning and herbs. Very citrusy.
Favorite thing we ordered was probably the daily special, the halibut. It was served with a cauliflower purée and the flavor was very rich and delicious.
Meatballs were good.
Feta Shrimp was good.
Calamari was more greasy than crispy and the batter didn't stick.
Clam Chowder was also alright, not the best.
Dominique Ng
Oct 24, 2021
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Incredible experience with their private dining / catering department! We hosted a milestone birthday for my mother there this past weekend (on an outdoor patio by the beach) and the staff and food and weather couldn't have been more wonderful! We opted for the clam bake and were thrilled we did! Everyone had a fantastic time, the staff were accommodating and the location and decor items were beyond expectations. We loved Sam's already but this event just really cemented their exceptional quality across the board!
Jem T.
Oct 14, 2021
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My mom loves it here! We dine here pretty regularly, usually whenever we're in the area. Don't be intimidated if there's a line, they're pretty good about getting people seated in less than an hour. Parking can be a headache, but once you see the view and get to enjoy the food you'll realize it's worth it.
The lobster roll is my mom's go to. My brother tried the seafood lobster pasta and would've given his compliments to the chef if he could. It was my first time trying the popcorn shrimp and polenta fries. Those were enough to leave me satisfied
The lobster roll is my mom's go to. My brother tried the seafood lobster pasta and would've given his compliments to the chef if he could. It was my first time trying the popcorn shrimp and polenta fries. Those were enough to leave me satisfied
Tania Segovia
Sep 21, 2021
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As a first time guest, I already knew what I wanted to try. Lobster roll and clam chowder. We also tried some sides to get more flavors in. The clam chowder was creamy and almost how I life it. I love when it has a lot of clams. This one didn't. It was missing something for me. Good but I didn't think it was the best clam chowder I've had. The lobster roll had a really good amount of lobster. The roll kept falling part though. But, the roll did have awesome buttery flavor.
I would like to go back and try their pasta. The view/scenery is gorgeous. After lunch, we took the stairs down to the beach
I would like to go back and try their pasta. The view/scenery is gorgeous. After lunch, we took the stairs down to the beach
