I always love a good seafood place, on the water and with history!…read more It's a small(er) place but the menu is great! They close mid day for an hour or two but it's a causal, cute spot to grab some seafood and feel like you're at the beach! The have specials and some specials on beer too. It can get crowded fast but I think the service is pretty quick.

We were in Half Moon Bay recently and, like most people do when you're near the coast, we were…read morecraving seafood. I found Barbara's on Yelp--solid 4-star rating, good reviews, so we decided to give it a try. We arrived and were told there was about a 20-minute wait, which felt reasonable for a weekend seafood spot. Once we were seated, things started off fine, but the experience quickly became a bit frustrating. There seemed to be a breakdown in communication with our server regarding our order. We placed everything clearly, but when the food came out, it wasn't what we had ordered. Instead of just clarifying or correcting it, we were told the order had been placed incorrectly on our side and were asked to reorder. Unfortunately, we were also still charged for the original order, which made the situation feel even more confusing. We also ordered the clam chowder, which was honestly disappointing. From the very first spoonful to the last, there was a consistent gritty, sandy texture that made it difficult to enjoy at all. It took away from what is usually a comfort dish, especially in a coastal town where you expect it to shine. On a positive note, our timing coincided with sunset, and the view from the window was absolutely stunning. Watching the sun dip over the water while dining added a really beautiful moment to the experience, and the scenery itself was honestly the highlight of the visit. The setting itself is nice and the location is convenient if you're exploring Half Moon Bay, but based on our experience, the execution on both service and food quality didn't match the expectations set by the rating. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity. With a bit more attention to order accuracy and consistency in the kitchen, this place could easily live up to its Yelp reputation--but unfortunately, that wasn't our experience that day.

They have Deathbed Tacos!!!…read more It is pretty hard for me to go anywhere except Flying Fish when I'm in HMB. Their scallop tacos are a deathbed meal for me, and I love their ahi poke. The restaurant itself is big, and the sections are spread out so you can get forgotten about at times, which I honestly prefer. I understand why other divas in the reviews may not be able to hang with the laid-back service style. Come here if you want impeccable, fresh seafood after a long day at the beach, not if you're on a time budget and need to grab something quick. If you like an unpretentious place that lets the food speak for itself, check it out!

Unfortunately, this place is going downhill. I would skip happy hour since the posted times and…read moreprices were not honored during our visit. On my last trip, a patron at the bar left without paying his tab. He was not part of our party and we had no interaction with him. When we received our bill, there were extra drinks and entrées added. The bartender told us that since someone left, someone needs to pay. Check your bill carefully before handing over your credit card.

I would come back strictly for the view of this restaurant…read more Sam's chowder house, to me, lacks flavor. The chowder was average. My shrimp scampi was okay . Yes the seafood ( which obviously is the highlight of the restaurant) tasted fresh , yes the service is great but I wouldn't come here if I wanted a "worth the cost plate." We arrived half an hour early to get a table since they didn't take reservations for 5 and there is always a crazy line to get in on a Saturday morning. Come for views.

Rating: 3.5/5 Been…read morehere twice with my husband and the menu item that stood out to us the most was their baked oysters Rockefeller. It comes out piping hot, the cheese has a nice char to it, the bread crumbs adds a nice crunch, oysters tasted fresh, and the lemon just adds a nice citrus touch to the overall appetizer. We also enjoyed their calamari appetizer which wasn't too oily, fried well, batter was light, and the squid was cooked well and not too chewy. My husband I also tried their lobster roll, and clam chowder both of which were just decent and ok but nothing to go crazy for. I've had better chowder elsewhere, it tasted kind of bland and felt like it was missing seasoning. However, I do like that they don't skimp out on clam and potato pieces though. The complimentary sourdough was ehh and a bit tough and doesn't come out warm. This place is popular and does get crowded. Be sure to come early or make reservations--lines do start to form before opening. There's tons of seating indoors as well as outdoor patio heated seating too which you can enjoy the ocean views. Great service and welcoming environment!

OUTSTANDING seafood paella ! So delicious and fresh. I loved the service too. It's family owned and…read morehome cooked meal.

Christmas Day lunch at Evangeline Cuisine...wonderful. We've had dinner here before and absolutely…read moreloved the quality of the food. The wait staff/host recognized our (local) son even thought he had not been in for a while. Such great, attentive service! Appetizers to share and then w feasted on an assortment of dishes - everyone loved and complemented the food: Piquillo and Croquettes, then Gambas al Ajillo (2 of us); Fish and Chips (2 of us), Lobster Bisque (huge pieces of lobster!), and Crab Cakes (excellent sauces!). Try the Peach Soju!

They forget my meal. It happens. I was just hungry and frustrated but they made up with it with…read moregreat customer service (host?) love you but deserved better

The Bucatini is phenomenal and our server was very professional. She finished it off in the cheese…read morewheel which was entertaining and delightful. 5 out of 5 recommend.

We are locals, love breakfast and brunch and are fans of the original Ketch Joanne's. We're also…read morefans of the current owners of Jetty Wave, who are presenting a new incarnation of Joanne's under the name Ketch Harbor Pub. Curious about what the new/old place is like, our three-person family went there for a late breakfast today. Walking up to the front doors, the original inset stained glass remains. Walking in, the cool wood paneling and nautical decor remains in place with a couple of new touches. The fully appointed bar also remains, now with a more streamlined look with subtle lighting changes. We were greeted pleasantly and seated inside the dining room immediately; it was moderately busy and buzzing, not too loud. Our server was quick to our table, menu-knowledgeable and consistent in his attention to us. We had a Denver omelette, a couple of bennies and lemon ricotta pancakes to share. My omelette had particularly fresh and al fresca peppers and onions - wonderful. The lemon ricotta pancakes were sufficiently saturated and fluffy(hard to pull off)and came with fresh cream. The prices were at about the same level as the local competition, which pleasantly surprised us. It appears that the folks who did this breakfast/lunch reboot were shrewd in pricing their dishes. Jetty Wave, a drinks and appetizers adventure(which I heartily recommend as well for different reasons)in the northwestern part of Princeton, is not for the fiscally faint hearted. The only element that makes our experience short of a 5 is that we were not given a farewell when we left, though I was able to find our friendly server and thanked him. In all, the Joanne's legacy is intact - the old carved wood Ketch Joanne sign still hangs inside - literally and figuratively a homage to its legacy while bringing a new energy to this space. Recommended.

Ketch Harbor Pub (often just called Ketch) is a fantastic spot right on Pillar Point Harbor in Half…read moreMoon Bay. We stopped by for lunch on a crisp day, and it completely captured that perfect coastal vibe--think fresh seafood, laid-back atmosphere, and killer views of the boats and water. We started with the calamari, which was hands-down some of the best I've ever had: tender, not rubbery at all, perfectly seasoned and fried, melting in your mouth. The New England-style clam chowder was rich, creamy, with just the right subtle smokiness and balanced seasoning--definitely lives up to Half Moon Bay's chowder reputation. For mains, the Dungeness crab sandwich was the star: generous lumps of sweet local crab, minimal sauce (just how I like it), on toasted sourdough with fries on the side. My partner went with the fish and chips, and the cod was crispy, flaky, and not greasy at all--classic done right. The outdoor patio with fire pits was cozy even in cooler weather, and our server was super friendly, attentive, and full of local recommendations. The place feels welcoming, whether you're a regular from the Coastside or just passing through after a beach walk or harbor stroll. Prices are fair for the fresh, quality ingredients and location--definitely worth it. We've already added it to our list for the next trip to Half Moon Bay. Highly recommend if you're craving solid seafood in a charming harborside setting! 5/5 stars.

Aight listen... if you know, YOU KNOW about New England Lobster Market & Eatery…read more Why nobody talkin bout the secret weekend 4LB lobster special for $100??? Like they really out here gatekeeping seafood heaven. They don't even advertise it online fr this one them "heard it from the homie" typa deals. Whole time I thought people was exaggerating... nahhh. They bring out this BIG BODY lobster lookin like it got its own zip code. Then they dip that mf in butter???? MANNNNN. Simple. Juicy. Perfect. No extra goofy stuff needed. Just straight seafood crack. Every bite had me quiet at the table reevaluating life choices. And peep this - it come with chips, bread, AND coleslaw so lowkey this the ultimate hangover brunch spot. Like if you survived the night before and need resurrection food? THIS IT. Grease soaking up sins immediately. Vibes cool too. Indoor seating if you tryna chill comfy, outdoor seating if you wanna sit outside actin rich while demolishing a sea monster. Real talk this spot got that "don't tell too many people" energy but I had to speak on it. I'm still dreaming about that butter. Highly recommend with my utmost respectful regards!

Solid lobster rolls, but worth $48??? Seriously???…read more The lobster plates are a much better deal. Came on a weeknight and got a deal on the lobster special. Fun atmosphere, and the place was well attended, but parking is weird. Lots of people competing for parking for a weeknight church service?? Had to park 1/4 mile away. But I will be going elsewhere for a great roll. There's just no justification for that kind of pocketbook punishment.

The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with high ceilings, nautical decor and beautiful views…read morealong the water. Staff are very friendly and attentive. I started with the honey moon bay which had chamomile infused gin and the pineapple and honey made it a bright, flavorful drink. My partner got the berry mocktail and he loved the fresh fruit and mint accents. We ordered multiple appetizers to share. We started with the ceviche pescado, it had a delicious lime bite and tasted fresh- they did charge us extra for chips, it was not included with the order. My other favorites were the shrimp tequenos and chorizo empanadas. The tequenos were perfectly crispy with amazing dipping sauces with a yummy shrimp and cheese inside. The empanada also had amazing flavors, and the dough consistency complimented the meat perfectly. I was not a huge fan of the Lagostinos, I didn't like the smoky sauce on top, but my partner loved it. Overall, it was a great experience and beautiful spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a great meal.

LOVE the food!! The wait staff is very friendly and the location is picturesque…read more I wish to goodness they would fix whatever is casing the high pitched sound!! It is absolutely horrible!!

Tourist Trap or Worth the Trip?…read more Worth the stop -- with a few caveats. I stopped by The Fisherman's Taverna in Half Moon Bay, and honestly? I really enjoyed what I ordered. The clam chowder was a highlight -- rich, creamy, and served in a classic sourdough bowl that's practically a Bay Area rite of passage. Each bite had a nib of buttery flavor that made me keep going back for more. Purist bakers might cringe at sourdough being hollowed out and flooded with chowder, but in the moment -- as the afternoon fog crept in -- it felt just right. The "prawn" cocktail was a bit of a mislead -- the shrimp technically qualify as prawns, but don't expect jumbo-sized crustaceans. Still, they were fresh and paired well with my Corona Light. One quirky detail: you have to serve your own soft drinks. It caught me off guard at first, but walking behind the counter and filling my own cup with sweet orange Fanta ended up being a weirdly charming part of the experience. The only real letdown was the lack of available fresh seafood. Dungeness crab? Out. Ceviche? Out. Clams? Also out. Most of the "fresh catch" menu was unavailable, which left mostly fried options and chowder. A bummer if you came craving the real coastal fare. Final Thoughts: It toes the line between tourist stop and local hangout. While it may not deliver the full fresh seafood spread, if you manage expectations, grab a bowl of chowder, and soak in the coastal vibe -- it's still a satisfying experience.

Friendly hospitality. It is a sit yourself and order at the counter restaurant. Creamy clam…read morechowder, HMB grilled cheese sandwich so cheesy and delicious, lamb gyro was tasty, trio sampler was filling. Fountain drinks comes with the meals too! Love the chill vibe and atmosphere. Definitely recommend Andy family and I will return.

Stopped by The Barn for breakfast on my way to Santa Cruz and I'm glad I did! They have their own…read moreparking lot and a TON of seating (outdoor only). You order at the register and then grab your food from their pick up area. It wasn't that crowded on a Friday morning (maybe 2-3 other parties there). They also have lawn games (corn hole, jenga, etc.). I ordered their breakfast burrito ($15-$16) and it was pretty big (ate 3/4 of it before getting full). The taste was good and it comes with a salsa (not my favorite so I used hot sauce).

My favorites from this place:…read more 1) French fries were amazing, I asked for them extra crispy and they were super crunchy, golden, delicious, best I've ever had. 2) Cheezy Caesar Salad was delicious. A half portion was quite large and I feel like it could be a whole meal. 3) I wasn't really feeling the burger, but boyfriend really liked it and happily finished my leftovers 4) Grilled chicken sandwich was good but I would request no sour cream next time. 5) Chocolate malted milkshake was delicious, whipped cream was a bit too sweet. Vibes are good. They only have outdoor seating but it was nice and there are heat lamps, good shade. Only one bathroom, which had a very long line the entire time we were there. Order at the counter, pick up your food at the window, bus your own table.