Splash Cafe Pismo Beach is one of the longest standing Pismo Beach Restaurants. A popular destination since 1989 and one of the busiest restaurants on the coast, we serve more Clam Chowder at this location in one year than most other Pismo Beach seafood Restaurants serve in their lifetime-over 40,000 gallons of Clam Chowder per year!
This restaurant is a Pismo Beach landmark; it's the place that truly represents Pismo Beach. Splash Cafe San Luis Obispo is one of the few restaurants in the city of San Luis Obispo with a truly artisan bakery. At our SLO location, we feature freshly baked and handmade pastries, breads, desserts, and custom cakes as well as all of Splash Cafe's signature menu offerings-can't leave out our Famous Clam Chowder!
This restaurant is a Pismo Beach landmark; it's the place that truly represents Pismo Beach. Splash Cafe San Luis Obispo is one of the few restaurants in the city of San Luis Obispo with a truly artisan bakery. At our SLO location, we feature freshly baked and handmade pastries, breads, desserts, and custom cakes as well as all of Splash Cafe's signature menu offerings-can't leave out our Famous Clam Chowder!
Services
Each can be sized for your needs and personalized whether it be for a birthday, a graduation or business event. Parents, you can order a birthday cake here for your college student's birthday and we'll deliver it to their dorm! Please provide specific personalization details in the comments section in the order guide to help us create the cake of your dreams.
We create our cakes from all-natural ingredients, using recipes that are 100% reliable so that you don't have to worry about the finishing touch of your wedding. Susan, our pastry chef, and her staff will delight you with their creations and their artistic sense. Susan has been a professional baker for more than 20 years and has been working for us since we opened Splash Cafe SLO in 2005.
Splash Cafe Artisan Bakery takes you back to the times when breads, cakes and pastries were made from scratch, where danish and croissants were rolled out by hand. The word "Artisan" means made with pride by human hands using pure and natural ingredients. We use these time-tested methods and incorporate fresh new ideas and flavors so our baked goods and specialty cakes bring an unexpected pleasure: real flavors with real textures.
Splash Cafe has been a favorite destination in Pismo Beach since 1989. Our casual beach-oriented cafe has been featured in several national publications and we have received requests from Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines for our clam chowder recipe. We serve more than 40,000 gallons of our specialty clam chowder a year in the Pismo Beach cafe!
For years, Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach has won awards for its delicious clam chowder. In 2005, we opened a second location in San Luis Obispo and expanded to include an artisan bakery. Our bakery features artisan breads, pastries, cakes and desserts baked fresh daily. The cafe is bright and cheerful, and features all your favorite food that you love from Pismo Beach plus a few specialty items!
Reviews (26)
Christine L.
Feb 01, 2022
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If you're putting in an online order and don't get an order number right away, don't try to resubmit the order. There's a real possibility of the system reading it as you ordering twice. And keep whatever receipt you get in case your order gets mixed up during the really busy period. We had cases for both in our group. One person ended up getting two sets of their orders and another person got only their clam chowder and nothing else. There is an enclosed "patio" area on the side street, though it seems to be mainly for those who got takeout from the pickup window
Alan G.
Jan 30, 2022
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Just went to pismo again and had to stop here as usual being this place is my son and me's go to spot. I wanted to try something different so I got the lobster roll. When I got it I was kinda thrown off because of the shredded lobster but the portion was a really good size and once I added their homemade sauce. I couldn't put the sandwich down. Super good never had a bad experience here. Thank you guys.
Jackie R.
Jan 25, 2022
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On our way down to Santa Barbara, my hubby took my to his fav spot in Pismo. We originally thought the line would be super long but honestly, it moved quickly so we were at the register within ten minutes.
We both ordered the clam chowder bowls and fish and chips. The clam chowder bowls were huge! There was an abundance of clams inside, which wasn't something we were used to. Even when we visit Monterey or Half Moon Bay, the amount of clams are significantly less. Nonetheless, it was delicious. And why didn't I ever think of adding green onions in for a refreshing taste? Genius!
The
We both ordered the clam chowder bowls and fish and chips. The clam chowder bowls were huge! There was an abundance of clams inside, which wasn't something we were used to. Even when we visit Monterey or Half Moon Bay, the amount of clams are significantly less. Nonetheless, it was delicious. And why didn't I ever think of adding green onions in for a refreshing taste? Genius!
The
Anh E.
Jan 25, 2022
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Emily D.
Jan 20, 2022
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We went out of our way to try their famed clam chowder and it did not disappoint!! We both got the clam chowder in bread bowls. The clam chowder was perfectly creamy and delicious. Definitely in the top 3 I've ever had. The bread was also a star of the show - particularly the piece served on the side. It was buttered and grilled to perfection. Must stop for anyone on the Pacific Coast highway!
Jennifer S.
Jan 04, 2022
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The online ordering menu was a bit limited than the reviews that people have posted so I called in my order. After driving from SB we were hungry so ordered a bunch of food: bowl of clam chowder, fish and curly fries, clams, and baja fish tacos. The clam chowder was delicious but it got heavy in the end so I would have done a cup of it for one person. The baja fish tacos had baked salmon (it was not hot) along with an assortment of vegetables. The clams were very flavorful but the tomato olive oil sauce that it was in was a slightly too oily for my taste.
Soumya Thomas
Jan 02, 2022
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Allie D.
Jan 01, 2022
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Come on a weekday if you can to avoid crowds and have access to parking - our first attempt on a Sunday was unsuccessful due to so many pedestrians that we had a hard time driving around and even harder time finding parking, but we came on a Thursday morning and parking, seating (parklet) was plentiful.
The chowder (added seafood topping which was like shredded imitation crab and some small shrimp) was great - highly recommend! I also added a slice of sourdough which comes soft, slightly toasted and buttered.
My husband got the lobster roll and gave it about 4 stars - the bread was a bit high
The chowder (added seafood topping which was like shredded imitation crab and some small shrimp) was great - highly recommend! I also added a slice of sourdough which comes soft, slightly toasted and buttered.
My husband got the lobster roll and gave it about 4 stars - the bread was a bit high
Leana L.
Dec 29, 2021
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If you're driving through Pismo Beach, get the chowder. You won't be disappointed.
This place has become a staple over the years and even during COVID times, they're set up with outdoor patio seating to help the fans get what they want. There's a walk-up counter to order and plastic patio furniture for dining. No complaints, it's delicious!
This place has become a staple over the years and even during COVID times, they're set up with outdoor patio seating to help the fans get what they want. There's a walk-up counter to order and plastic patio furniture for dining. No complaints, it's delicious!
Rebecca G.
Dec 21, 2021
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Always a favorite! We love coming here for their famous clam chowder and like always they did not disappoint!!
The line wasn't too long and the ordering process is smooth and simple. We went inside to find seats and the food came fast!
Everyone loved the chowder and our son ordered the grilled salmon tacos and loved them! (He can't eat the chowder anymore because it has dairy)
Wouldn't go anywhere else for clam chowder! Highly recommend!
The line wasn't too long and the ordering process is smooth and simple. We went inside to find seats and the food came fast!
Everyone loved the chowder and our son ordered the grilled salmon tacos and loved them! (He can't eat the chowder anymore because it has dairy)
Wouldn't go anywhere else for clam chowder! Highly recommend!
Marsy Asinas
Dec 14, 2021
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Jason Hayes
Nov 28, 2021
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Amy D.
Nov 24, 2021
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3.5 stars overall, but rounding up for their clam chowder and grilled sourdough! They were super busy at 11:30am on a Sunday and the line was decently long. It took between 30-45 minutes to order and receive my food. You can order online, but the full menu isn't available; however, I believe you can also call in your order, which is highly recommended if you come during the lunch rush. The line wasn't as long after 1:30pm, and there was more seating available then also. I tried:
-Famous Bread Bowl ($9.50 + $1.50 Seafood Topping + $1.50 Clam Topping, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos
-Famous Bread Bowl ($9.50 + $1.50 Seafood Topping + $1.50 Clam Topping, https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos
Danny N.
Nov 14, 2021
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Karen N.
Nov 07, 2021
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The BEST clam chowder I've ever had. I've been to this place multiple times throughout the years and I'm not from the area. I haven't found anything that is as good as this place. It's a different flavor than traditional clam chowder places. We always buy the frozen one for ourselves and for other people - you can find it at their Costco. You just have to try it for yourself.
The chowder is so good it leaves me speechless!
The chowder is so good it leaves me speechless!
Adrian Flores
Oct 03, 2021
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Splash has been and always will be my FAVORITE spot for the best Clam Chowder Breadbowl. The way the sourdough bread is toasted buttery goodness of it compliments the clam chowder perfectly. Pair it with a 805 beer and you're good to go! I've been coming here for years and I've tried other breadbowls elsewhere, they just don't compare. It's no wonder there is ALWAYS a line to get in or even order your food, it's well worth it though!
Big John
Sep 27, 2021
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From the minute we walked in. We were treated better than a 5 star hotel. Clam chowder in the bread bowl is to die for. Along with a Dr Pepper that never saw less than half full and the dessert... Every aspect of my visit was impeccable. I'm sorry I don't remember the waiter name but he made it all possible with his team. Thank you🙏🏾
Jason De Leon
Sep 27, 2021
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C. Q.
Sep 24, 2021
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So I was craving fish and chips. We originally chose a different spot but that unnamed spot didn't even have seating areas for the patron. We moved on to splash cafe.
We decided the the family combo and chose three proteins. We went with shrimp, fish and calamari. We also received a quart of clam chowder, curly fries and four drinks all for 85 bucks.
The food came out rather fast. So let me paint this picture. They brought out two 9x13 tin trays. One tray had the proteins and the other tray had the curly fries. Yes, you read right, a whole tray of curly fries. That's crazy right?
We decided the the family combo and chose three proteins. We went with shrimp, fish and calamari. We also received a quart of clam chowder, curly fries and four drinks all for 85 bucks.
The food came out rather fast. So let me paint this picture. They brought out two 9x13 tin trays. One tray had the proteins and the other tray had the curly fries. Yes, you read right, a whole tray of curly fries. That's crazy right?
Carla Immordino
Sep 17, 2021
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Alyssa N.
Sep 13, 2021
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TL;DR
I would come back from the clam chowder. Skip the steamers, no bueno. I'd try the calamari next time.
This place was recommended to me by my coworker. He insisted they had the best clam chowder. I was a bit skeptical but I was taking a trip to Santa Barbara over the weekend and figured why not stop for a bite to eat in Pismo.
We arrived on a Saturday morning at 11am and the line wasn't long yet but it was hard to find outdoor seating. Very limited.
Pros:
-the clam chowder is excellent. Rich, creamy, potato ratio isn't overdone. The clams were delicious. I'm sure everyone
I would come back from the clam chowder. Skip the steamers, no bueno. I'd try the calamari next time.
This place was recommended to me by my coworker. He insisted they had the best clam chowder. I was a bit skeptical but I was taking a trip to Santa Barbara over the weekend and figured why not stop for a bite to eat in Pismo.
We arrived on a Saturday morning at 11am and the line wasn't long yet but it was hard to find outdoor seating. Very limited.
Pros:
-the clam chowder is excellent. Rich, creamy, potato ratio isn't overdone. The clams were delicious. I'm sure everyone
Jennifer W.
Aug 19, 2021
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MUST order ahead through their website, it'll redirect you to ChowNow. Otherwise, expect to wait in a lengthy line.
MUST order the clam chowder. It's what they are known for, afterall.
MUST order a slice of their sourdough bread, if you're not ordering the bread bowl.
MUST add on a side of clam topping. The clam chowder itself is already remarkable but to top it with extra clams? I could cry.
MUST order the clam chowder. It's what they are known for, afterall.
MUST order a slice of their sourdough bread, if you're not ordering the bread bowl.
MUST add on a side of clam topping. The clam chowder itself is already remarkable but to top it with extra clams? I could cry.
Regis K.
Jul 27, 2021
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Without a doubt, this is the best clam chowder around. It helps that they put either real truffle or truffle oil in their chowder, it tasted extra delicious. I love everything truffle!
Like you have seen all the Yelp reviews here, the hype is real and the foods are that good. They have been featured in many national restaurant reviews. It's worth the wait in long line. But the line seemed to move quickly. We were lucky that we got our foods in less than 10 minutes.
Besides the world famous clam chowder, the restaurant offers many other great foods like fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches
Like you have seen all the Yelp reviews here, the hype is real and the foods are that good. They have been featured in many national restaurant reviews. It's worth the wait in long line. But the line seemed to move quickly. We were lucky that we got our foods in less than 10 minutes.
Besides the world famous clam chowder, the restaurant offers many other great foods like fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches
Kvon M.
Jul 23, 2021
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Candice F.
Jul 19, 2021
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Clam Chowder + raving Yelp reviews? That will bring us anytime for a first (and some future visits hopefully!)!
Upon a recent stopover in Pismo, we stumbled across Splash Cafe without having any prior knowledge of the award winning clam chowder they serve up. Like most other Yelpers, this is pretty amazing stuff, if not the best Clam Chowder we've had including from San Francisco and Monterey. That's a big statement, but very true!
We arrived around the noon lunch hour and already there was a line down the side alleyway. The line on this day did move quite slowly as there is
Upon a recent stopover in Pismo, we stumbled across Splash Cafe without having any prior knowledge of the award winning clam chowder they serve up. Like most other Yelpers, this is pretty amazing stuff, if not the best Clam Chowder we've had including from San Francisco and Monterey. That's a big statement, but very true!
We arrived around the noon lunch hour and already there was a line down the side alleyway. The line on this day did move quite slowly as there is
Pamela Nonato
Jun 24, 2021
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First time here. Many of my friends recommended this place. And yes, the clam chowder is so good!! And with the toppings, it's so extra! I added seafood, green onions and their special hot sauce.....wow! We went back again and got the quart size. I wasn't impressed with the calamari (mine was cold and too chewy, it was too busy to bother) & fries, there were alot of fries. Maybe next time, I'll just get no fries. Service went well, there's a line for ordering only, then you wait till they call your name. There was both indoor and outdoor seating available (as of June 15, 2021).
