The location is marvelous! The food is average. 15.00 for a hamburger? $1.50 to make it a cheeseburger. An additional $2.50 to make it a bacon cheeseburger. Now, do you want an avocado bacon cheeseburger? Well, add another $3.00! Just for the location? They are understaffed, because it was packed! No one was under 65 either. When I lived here, way back when, it was a quaint little place. It's not the case anymore. The hours are set to maximize regulated feeding. No relaxing here. It's just not the same. Sorry. read more

Bayside Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

I don't really write reviews I usually just don't return - In this case I am doing both - my feelings are actually hurt which sounds silly but our experience was so uncomfortable. I wanted to and should of left but the previous and only other time we came here was vastly different; hence the hurt feelings - a few months ago we were at the marina and decided after years of seeing this place always busy decided to pop in. They have a pet friendly outdoor patio, it's good sized too, not crammed on the street or one or two tables but a nice big patio with heaters and views that take your breath away. I wish I would have written a review from the first visit - our hostess , server and the young man serving drinks were so helpful and kind, it was a slower day so we did get extra service. The interaction with our server was fun we chatted about other things besides food - we had such a good time that after already splurging with two $42.00 halibut specials and a nice bottle of wine, we even had a shared dessert which we never do. I wish I would have taken names, but our server, I will guess over 30, dark hair small in stature. Sorry for body description but I didn't get a name. She was lovely, kind and made the experience so wonderful - in addition our food was really good too. I even stopped to make sure word got to the kitchen - that caper sauce is amazing - Now to This recent visit - Sat at 4 we were the first people seated from the change over - our hostess was nice and friendly - once we got to our table, a lady (again I have to describe her) - bright blond hair pulled in a tight ponytail with a swoop of hair in front - over 40 - medium stature - she brought our drinks I commented how I loved the wine in the serving vessel to be poured into the glass it just adds to the experience- she said oh ya the carafe and then said with such a nasty tone your dog can't touch the table they are usually on the ground, but I understand (what did she understand?) - but no touching the table - I have my small dog in a stroller we take her to all dog friendly restaurants all over the central coast and have never been told anything like that . Now before you think I am one of those dog people - trust me I am not, I try to be very sanitary with my dog - restaurants do not always clean up the patio floors and my dog is on a special diet plus some other special needs - I can't leave her on the ground to snarf up stuff . I see people holding their dogs in their laps isn't that touching the table - it's either dog friendly or it is not. I moved the stroller away so she wasn't touching the table. I wanted to leave at that point but I thought ok no big deal - try to understand, policy - I just did not care for her attitude at all. There were so many dogs on the patio, the guy with the two golden retrievers were at table level as an example. Our waitress was fine so no description - she was friendly and took our order just fine - but the food !!! My halibut special was served with Rice pilaf and green beans - the fish was fine, pilaf was fine sauce is yummy- but the green beans were just about raw - ok I like raw green beans as a snack, but these were maybe dunked in the water not suitable as a dinner plate side dish - my husband got fish and chips I asked for extra crispy fries, joking with the waitress his wife might sneak a fry or two - they had so many burnt ends they were not extra crispy but over done - the fish was crispy but so greasy it really needed to be drained on absorbent cloth before plating. Additionally last time we were served a small basket of bread and butter , such a nice surprise but not this time, not that we needed it but consistency matters. We did not complain, we ate it, paid and even tipped a little more than 20%, took no photos as proof - honestly I was still so uncomfortable from that interaction originally I just ate and left. Of course all night it bugged me for a $98.00 meal plus tip in this day and age when restaurants are struggling I expect better. Consistency also , good once bad the next makes me not come back. I know ultimately this will do no good and may never be seen by anyone from Bayside but I think you should know the first thing you sell is yourself, if food issues are subpar one might over look it a bit if service is spectacular. I am retired from Retail management I don't think the customer is always right but the customer always matters, no customer no business. Thank you to the dark haired angel who made a meal out an experience, the first time. That tab was well over a hundred bucks and it didn't matter the experience was so good. read more

We picked up desert and it was delicious. We got Carrot Cake and Choclate oblivion cake. I picked this place because I read all deserts are made in house and they were OUTSTANDING!!!! I cant wait to try the other deserts read more

A lovely location with a view of the bay. Although the menu is small, all of the food is well prepared read more

So good. Entire family loved this place. Felt nice and cozy on a cold windy day. Everyone was welcoming and helpful from beginning to end.

Great food selection - awesome fish and chips. Fabulous service and wonderful view. They have Mexican specialties (fajitas are great) and other fare. Everyone gets what they want. Hours are different near weekends read more

Got a chance to eat at this cafe on Sunday morning, around 11AM, and it was pretty busy. We waited about 15 minutes for a table and got seated in a great corner outside facing the bay. Service was a little slow and our food didn't come out for probably 20 minutes, long enough to start wondering if they forgot about our meals. However it was a nice cloudy day and we didn't mind waiting too long. We ordered the california chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and the fried seafood platter. Both were so delicious, I loved how light the chowder was and the bread was perfectly chewy. The seafood platter was crispy and fresh. Overall, great food and great ambiance; not the place for those in a rush. Would definitely come again! read more

Bayside Cafe - Fried seafood platter & california chowder in sourdough bread bowl - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Located inside morro State Park and next to pier. I thought gps was wrong. But it was right. Plenty of parking. Check in with the hostess. Nicest people. Coleslaw is definitely different with coriander. Sweet and sour but more sweet. Yellow color, so im thinking turmeric. 5 big pieces of fried cod fish. Beautiful fish. But very oily. Toilet is part of state park. This could be the campgound gem I've been looking for! Outdoor camping but restaurant eating. Kayak rental at the dock. This restaurant lets you eat inside or outside. read more

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I can't believe that it has been a year since we have been to the Bayside Cafe! It is an old favorite, and was as busy as ever on a Wednesday afternoon when we stopped by for a late lunch. Great, intimate view of the marina and the estuary from the outside patio or from indoor dining has us returning time and again. Add on the friendly service and great food and you have one of our local favorites. We parked right in front and didn't even have to put our names on the list, and were immediately shown to an outdoor patio table. The menu has only changed a little bit, and our favorites were still there, fish and chips for my husband and a Caesar salad with blackened salmon for me. I ordered a glass of Fume Blanc to go with the fish while my husband got a tasty root beer. We enjoyed the breezes and the view while we awaited our meals, which arrived promptly! Several minutes of silence ensued as we chowed down with gusto! Bold flavors and fresh fish were invigorating dining! I eyed the desert menu and found an old favorite, the Tres Leches cake, which embodies my idea of what a cake should be. Rich, creamy and so moist it borders on being a pudding with a nice tangy cream cheese frosting to accentuate the milks (leches). The cake was even bigger and better than I remembered! Be sure to check the hours before you go, because they are only open for dinner Thursday through Sunday. Bayside offers a great combination of nature and great food everyday! read more

Must come here if you are in Morro Bay. Food is excellent. Service is great. There's plenty of parking space. You may just have to wait a while for seating but it's totally worth it. Order the Clam Chowder and the Ahi Tuna! read more

Late review after coming here the first week of April. My bf and I were around the area for spring break and he took me to Bayside Cafe since his family frequented the place. On top of it, it was also his late grandfather's favorite cafe. So I ended up giving it a try. First off, their menu is a bit wacky but in a good way. Their clam chowder small bowl sells for $9 but their large bowl sells for $10. There's literally only a dollar difference. Go get the large bowl. My bf and I shared it and it was amazing. Like hands down I would get this again. My bf got their sandwich dip in which it seemed like he enjoyed it well enough. I got the fish and chips in which...it's good, but it could be better. Their fish was super flaky which was good. I also liked that it wasn't so doused in batter. That said, the fries are pretty bland. Kind of wish they did something to it. But all in all, it's a cute/nice view type of restaurant in Morro bay. There's a really short hiking trail right next to the restaurant too so my bf and I took in the sights and took some pictures there before lunch. read more

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My intentions were to go kayaking at a rental business next door. Silly me, I failed to check their business hours and they were closed. Luckily, there was Bayside Cafe just a few steps away! We had the option to sit at their outdoor dining area and it was perfect. California Chowder was comforting. The Fried Seafood Sampler complimented with a Sierra Nevada on tap hit me good that I had a great afternoon nap afterwards. LOL. I absolutely appreciated every single staff member I have interacted with. They were all so polite and made us feel welcomed. I walked into their establishment not dressed for the occasion and that did not phase them at all. read more

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We love the peaceful serenity of the aviary and marsh path. This restaurant ha s the best only salsa verde clam chowder in town. crab cakes are full of crab meat not fillers . We always take a walk at estuary then come so here for lunch . One of the best kept secrets in town! read more

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A go-to spot in Morro Bay, the clam chowder is awesome and kick it up a notch with a splash of the green chile soup. Always delicious with outstanding service. read more

The aroma of the gumtrees was nice in the parking lot but the olfactory nerves were more impressed with the smell and taste of the clam chowder. Chowder was superb and beer was frigid. read more

My family loves Bayside Café! My family has been going there for over 30 years. My grandparents used to camp in the Morro Bay State Park a lot and my parents and then would frequent Bayside Cafe all the time. Their fish and chips are amazing! That's always a go to for my family as well as the clam chowder. If you have any food allergies there are also plenty of options. They have vegan/vegetarian entrees and easy swaps to make other dishes vegan or vegetarian friendly, as well as gluten free. All their food is fresh, homemade or local, and leaves you feeling like you just had a wonderful family meal. We have always had pleasant service when we are there and feel taken care of. Anytime we're in the area we stop by Bayside and walk the esplanade after. A little piece of paradise on the Central Coast! read more

Bayside Cafe - Birthday celebration at Bayside - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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I did NOT expect the food and selection to be as good as it was, given what I've experienced at similar marina-adjacent restaurants. But to our surprise, the service was super-friendly, the portions were huge and delicious, and they had a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Plus, a great view of the marina. read more

Bayside Cafe - The green chili bread bowl was fantastic... and HUGE. - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Located in the Morro Bay State Park confines, the Bayside Cafe is nestled between the State Park Marina and the Morro Bay Golf Course. One can dine viewing the marina & sandspit, as well as in the beauty of mature eucalyptus trees. There is usually a wait to get seated, as it is popular with locals as well having campgrounds nearby. Besides limited indoor dining, there are three small outdoor patio seating areas for one to enjoy their eats. The menu is small but quite varied with a little something for everyone, from seafood to burgers/sandwiches to salads and Mexican specialies. Today's Catch of the Day was Halibut prepared in a lemon caper sauce which was quite good. The Club Sandwich was well-filled with ham, turkey, bacon, avocado & Provolone cheese. Service was excellent, from the friendly hostess to the wait-staff. Even though it was quite busy, the waitstaff served patrons needs efficiently. One thing that is very inconvenient in this restaurant, is that the restrooms are located in a separate, adjacent public building run by the State Parks Department. The unisex facilities were not clean, and two restrooms lacked any soap in the dispensers. read more

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Walt from Walt's Adventures still adventuring in Morrow Bay, California. Today, I sought out a small cafe next to Morrow Bay State Park next to the bay called Bayside Cafe. This cafe has inside and outside seating with shade and heaters. There's plenty of parking and is quite popular for their menu has a multitude of different dishes. We signed our own name to the waitlist ourselves and we're given entry with an acceptable amount of time for lunch. The food was very good. My Tri tip sandwich was magnificent filled with flavor on an ultra soft roll while the Tri Tip salad was also exceptional. Their fries were good but, still...the fries were fries. We chose the flourless dessert and it was like eating a raspberry, creamy chocolate bar. No doubt any lover of chocolate will find themselves fulfilled with this selection. 4 of 5 for the dining room's floor was carpeted. This eatery was a fine discovery and very satisfying. I look forward to returning one day to partake in their dinner menu for the cafe shines brightly in my memory. read more

This cafe used to be one of our favorites. But today, we changed our minds. Although the service was still excellent, my fish was so greasy that I had to peal all the breading off to eat it. And, as I usually order the fish platter in order to share, today, no one really wanted the overcooked calamari. They were busy, but not any more than usual. We will be looking for a new local ch read more

A nice cafe next to the bay. This is a very popular restaurant with the locals as well as the tourists. Patio seatings require long waits. It's kind of casual and relaxing environment. The people here are very nice and friendly. You definitely feel welcome here. The sandwiches are very good here and the seafood are excellent. Too bad that they didn't have the Bayside steamer with the mussels since they are not in season. I heard that they are the favorites for many visitors. As we saw many people order their fish and chips and beef dips sandwich, we also got ourselves those food. The fish and chips were excellent with very tender cod fish meat. I also like my beef dip, although the french bread was bit stale. The clam chowder on the hand was not that impressive. It's pretty watery. I don't recommend this dish. read more

Bayside Cafe - outside view - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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Sweet little hidden gem on the bay inlet in Morro Bay. I was impressed with the laid-back, friendly, no hassle staff. Was seated immediately on the upper patio. It was a chilly, overcast, day. The patio heaters were sufficient enough to ward of the chill. I ordered the tuna sandwich. It was very tasty, fresh, and well presented. The fries were just done to crispy perfection. However noteworthy the sandwich was I have to say the clam Chowder stole the show. The clam chowder was beyond imagination compared to other restaurants in the area. Bayside put the clam back into clam Chowder. Tiny pieces of celery, potatoes, and parsley rounded out a flavor sensation that brought a smile to my face. Seriously the clams dominated the bowl. Every spoonful brought a spoonful of clams. Made my day! The servers were pleasant, helpful, and kind. Great experience here! read more

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Wife and I had two orders of the Baja Fish Tacos (2) and split a large bowl of clam chowder. Everything was exceptional, chowder was loaded with meat. Salsa and tartar sauce were home made and excellent. read more

Bayside Cafe - Baja Fish Tacos- Delicious - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Went with the servers recommendation of the blackened ahi, it was only pretty good. Would recommend getting to the place before 6pm because it was busy, waited maybe like 40min. Wish they had a heater outside to accommodate the people waiting. Other then that it is a good place to enjoy dinner at read more

You will never have clam chowder like this! The California clam chowder has a green sauce that is a great compliment to the chowder, not overwhelming but complimenting to the flavor. The clams are tender. The fish and chips were also excellent! Not greasy like some places. When we come here from L. A,, we always come to this restaurant! Highly recommend!! read more

Still love this place whether it's lunch or dinner. Went to lunch with some friends today for the holidays. We absolutely love the clam chowder so I think we all got some of that. I had a fish taco also and one of the girls swears by the salmon sandwich. When I come from dinner with my husband, we always try one of the bottles of wine displayed on the table, I love their halibut or any type of fish. Their desserts are to die for I love the carrot cake, one of my friends got Keylime today and another one shared the chocolate. The service is great. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. I love the surroundings. It's so peaceful either inside or outside. read more

My wife and I were in Morro Bay on our way from Cambria to Home Depot in San Luis Obispo and decided to have a late lunch/early dinner. I read reviews for Bayside Cafe and we decided to give it a try. We were pleased. We shared a large bowl of their clam chowder and their fried seafood sampler. From my observation of other tables, we ordered what a majority of the other diners had ordered. It was obvious these are their two most popular menu items. The clam chowder was not too creamy and thick but light and savory with a whole lot of clams. It was delicious. The seafood sampler came with two healthy pieces of fish, two calamari strips and four large shrimps. They were lightly breaded and that didn't overwhelm the quality fresh seafood used in the dish. We sat in the patio and had a view of the back bay of Morro Bay. Lori, our server, was friendly, efficient and cordial. She gave us a good recommendation on their key lime pie. So yummy!!! From the diners interaction with Lori, it was apparent that Bayside Cafe is a local favorite with regulars from the community. I'm glad that we stopped in and we will definitely return for their other house made pies. I have to try the coconut cream!!! read more

Wonderful,as usual. I ordered a salad with delightful charbroiled salmon. The view was as breathtaking as ever and the service was kind and friendly. Love this place. read more

Best chowder on the west coast. Try the "California Chowder" with a splash of green chile soup and tons of clams

Their food is delicious and portions are good size. We usually get ty large fish and chips and share it in order. To save room for their delicious Boysenberry cobbler. The service and food has always been good. Sometimes there is a wait a little longer than desired, but the food makes the wait worth it. That would be my only complaint. There are windows in which you can view Morro Bay and the Marina. If your timing is right, you can catch a beautiful sunset. We will continue to go there for a good meal and service. read more

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The fish and chips here are SO good! The location is a little out of the way. En route here, I thought we were lost. When you pull up there should be ample parking. During the COVID-19 lockdown, they are takeout only. There are a few benches outdoors and the view of the Bay is beautiful. The fish were large, battered well, and fried perfectly. They are generous with the portion sizes and their house made tartar sauce is bomb! You can really taste the fresh dill in it. I kept it classic with tartar sauce and some malt vinegar. I wish the fish had a tad bit more salt for my liking, but overall it was really good. I washed everything down with a lemonade. If you're in the Morro Bay Area, you should check this place out. read more

Bayside Cafe - Outside view - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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Whether dining in or take out, the quality of food is impeccable. Our only place to go in town and best for hosting out of town guests. Menu is expansive of sandwiches, apps, burgers, Mexican, seafood, you name it. And the best linguine & clams hand down. The people are amazing from managers Paul & Amanda to all the crew. Great indoor and patio dining. Homemade desserts omg! Their nachos are huge and have the best options of toppings and scratch made chips are the bomb! You will always have an amazing meal! read more

Bayside Cafe - Burger w/spicy green chile soup, nachos and chile verde monster burrito - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

Love the variety of options at Bayside Cafe. We love the Fish & Chips (you can even sub chips for a salad or a cup of soup). They also have a fresh fish salad that has beautiful lettuces. They are accommodating with different diets. We love sitting outside with their heaters going and watch the bay at sunset. read more

Had a great meal ! Fish and chips were plentiful and delicious.. the clam chowder was packed clams and very flavorful. Our waitress was sooo pleasant and friendly.. definitely we will be back !! read more

3 stars for the view, that's about it. Food is plain with hardly any flavor...I see why a lot of older folks eat here. Service is friendly but nothing special. Eaten here twice and both times the food was lack luster. Maybe come for a beer or glass of wine at sunset but skip the food. read more

Great location, great food, great service, great patio. Can't ask for more. This is a busy place as it's reputation precedes it. Get here early or wait in line! We were walking by here in the morning before the place opened and just reading the menu posted outside. Another couple walking by felt it necessary to tell us that we must eat here...everything's good. Since we were staying at the adjacent campground, we walked to the Bayside Café and arrived shortly after they opened for lunch. There was already a large influx of people (Covid time, so patio seating only) and by the time we left, all of the tables were full. I'm a fish and chips guy, but I had to try the special of fish tacos. I was a bit worried when the special board said "two tacos" but they were huge! I swear I had more food than anyone else at the table. Highly recommended! read more

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Found this place while on a walk from our campsite across the street. We had lunch here during the week and it was some of the best food in town. My wife had the clam linguine pasta and it was amazing. I had fish and chips, it didn't disappoint. Bread bowl was standard, nothing to get excited about. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised here. read more

Food quality has varied over the years, and I'm sorry to say 2024 is back on the "tourist schlock" mode. We went again recently because we got a gift certificate for it. Specifically went for dinner because I spotted the scallops and puff pastry dish. Well.. I certainely didn't expect handmade puff pastry by a pastry chef, but I'd have expected it to be cooked through, even if a simple egg wash was too much effort. The scallops were fine, the creamy mushroom sauce way, way less flavorful than my own. My friend's grilled fish was totally indifferent. Both of us got some barely warm steamed broccoli slapped on the side, without even a trace of butter, the kind of thing that turns kids off veggies for life. I forget what dessert was, but it was eminently forgettable. To add insult to injury, they claimed their gift card system was 'down' and refused to honor it, so we spent way more than we'd have spontaneously on one of the worst meals we've had in months. Eeck. read more

This is my definite go to place. Food is always delicious, fresh with healthy portions. Service is always good. There is indoor/outdoor seating with view of the bay. Excellent mud pie dessert! Yummy read more

Absolutely lovely location, fantastic service, delicious and fresh food arrived promptly, enjoyed some wonderful company and a nice breeze on a sunny day by the ocean, couldn't ask for more. The restaurant was clean, the quality of the food out weighs the price, the service was professional and kind, the atmosphere is exactly what you would want with a Bayside location, all together easily earns five star rating. I am a return customer and will remain such, thank you for the lovely experience. read more

Bayside Cafe - Fish and Chips AMAZING - Mexican Near Me - Morro Bay, California

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