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    Moss Beach Distillery

    3.8 (2k reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Services - Moss Beach Distillery

    Venue rental

    Moss Beach Distillery Photos

    Business Info

    MOSS BEACH DISTILLERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Moss Beach Distillery

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    Reviews With Photos

    Inside
    Allie G.

    We visited Moss Beach Distillery on a Sunday around 5PM, and got seated right away with no reservation. It got super busy later though and there was a line out the door when we were leaving! I loved the bootlegger/speakeasy history of the restaurant, which was outlined on a plaque outside. The interior also had an old-timey vibe, with beautiful tiffany-style lamps hanging over the bar. We sat on the dog-friendly patio, which has a nice view of the ocean. The only thing I didn't like about it was how uncomfortable the bench seating was. The patio was sloped and the coffee table was so low, so we literally had to hunch over in order to eat. I had some back pain by the end of the meal! We skipped drinks and ordered food right away. My partner and I chose the Crispy Buttermilk Calamari and Linguine di Mare to share. Both of these were solid! The Calamari was nicely prepared with larger pieces of squid. The Linguine di Mare was more substantial and I liked the white wine sauce. I'd be curious to try the famous Clam Chowder or Seafood Quesadilla next time! Service was friendly but not the quickest. Overall, would return to Moss Beach Distillery for the ambiance and views!

    Delicious shrimp cocktail!
    Aida G.

    Stunning views; great history, amazing customer service, and delicious food! Ask for Mel, she will accommodate your requests and serve with a delightful smile!

    Beautiful sunset
    Gaylynn N.

    Absolutely gorgeous place! It's tucked away in the neighborhood and has amazing views. We sat on the patio with so many other dog!. We sat by the fireplace at sunset and it did not disappoint. The food selection was also delicious, and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back

    Cioppino
    Yang Q.

    We visited after an afternoon at Maverick's Beach. Located just a short drive away, it was the perfect place to continue enjoying scenic coastal views while warming up from a blustery adventure (with or without the help of some alcoholic beverages). Multiple dining rooms offer large windows with ocean views. The cioppino was fire. The seafood portions were generous and well-cooked, and the broth was delicious with the garlic bread. Definitely did its job of making me feel toasty from the inside out. We also enjoyed the slider trio and the garlic fries we subbed for were nicely crispy and loaded with garlic. The calamari appetizer was pretty standard and did not stand out. I would definitely go back after another day at the beach. It looked like they also have a patio area, which wasn't open when we visited, but looks like a nice place to dine al fresco in warmer weather.

    Mushroom steak Alfredo
    Andy S.

    This restaurant is located right next to the ocean which must have beautiful sunsets. We unfortunately arrived after sunset and it was just pitch black. It would have been nice if there was lighting along the cliff side or by the beach. Food was pretty good. Husband got the steak and mushroom Alfredo pasta which was good when I took a few bites. I got the slider trio with garlic fries. Omg the garlic fries were not good. They were good fried with a bunch of raw garlic dumped on top. When I took it home and put it in air fryer it was perfect .

    Steak with onion rings
    J. H.

    I really enjoyed the food and the setting. Their steak, served with potatoes and onion rings, was really great. Also, location: combine dinner with a visit to the nearby park, where you can find the Cypress Tunnel and watch the seals.

    My wife Marti with what's left of her seafood "Coast Slidee".

    My wife and I have been going to the Moss Beach Distillery for over 15 years. Yesterday, it was our 10 year wedding anniversary. So we decided to celebrate at the Moss Beach Distillery. We enjoyed some excellently prepared dishes along with my new favorite the "Smoked Salmon Carpaccio" that was outstanding! The other dishes were great and just one reason we enjoy dinning here. The other reason we love to dine here is the staff. Everyone goes out of their was to make the guests comfortable and happy. This time "Tam", our waiter, excelled with his charm and relaxing way that had both my wife and I enjoying each interface. Again, all of the other members of the team, treated us so nice that we felt wonderful. We will always return for the food, service, and the view!

    Skirt Steak
    Kayley C.

    I was pleasantly surprised by this place! It was a first time for myself but the people I came with have been here multiple times. The location and view is absolutely gorgeous. The service is fantastic despite having large crowds and everything we ordered was delicious. This is a great place to take friends/family when they're visiting.

    Onion rings the best in the West!!!!!
    Glenn M.

    What a wonderful place to have delicious food and drink, First off the service was wonderful and spot on. Our server was Tam or Tan, my hearing is terrible so please forgive me for not being sure of his name. Very attentive server and very helpful in navigating the menu. He made sure our lunches were served hot and the drinks served cold. Real good guy! One buddy had the coast sliders, for lunch, one seared tuna, one seared salmon and bacon and one crab cake slider served with delicious fries. He loved his lunch! Another buddy who is, shall we say a bit selective on his food choices (euphemism for picky) was gonna have the fish and chips. I told him to expand his horizons and try the panko petrale sole. Plus I told him if it wasn't good he could order something else. He tried it and loved it! He's a big fan of panko petrale sole now! Another buddy had the seafood combo. Fried calamari, fried fish and shrimp, served with yummy fries. He liked the fish and chips and shrimp. He considers himself a connoisseur of fried fish, shrimp and chips and though it was,one of the best he has had. He doesn't like calamari so the rest of us ate it for him. The calamari was delicious! Tender juicy squid in a lovely batter! We thought it was yummy! For my lunch I had the beet salad and it was yummy. Lots of beets, with spring mix greens and candied walnuts, mandarin oranges and blue cheese. Super yummy!!, Some of us had the clam chowder and it's super yummy, one guy had the French onion soup and said it was delicious! Onion rings are to die for! You gotta try them! Sweet red onion slices covered in a heavenly Devine batter! So unbelievably delicious! I'll be back for these soon! The desserts were wonderful. The cheese cake and the chocolate brownie with ice cream! Very delicious! Please look at the pictures below and let your eyes do the feasting! , ,

    Restrooms downstairs
    Kevin D.

    We stopped here to grab a beer and check it out. Phenomenal views here and its historic destination is a very cool story! Love how this was a real speakeasy during prohibition here on the California coast. First class views if you dine here, employees were great here as well. It is a tourist spot, so consider that but if you like history, views, an an old secluded setting then this should be on your list!

    Cioppino
    Neeta M.

    I would give 5 on 5 for the location and views of this place, along with the amazing service that was provided to us today! I would give 3 on 5 for the food. It was good but I won't get cravings for it :) I would love to come back on a weekday and enjoy the live music and sunset. So much history on this place - loved the vibe of this place!

    Calamari and clam chowder
    Amanda H.

    This place still makes the best clam chowder imo. Sweet fresh clammy taste. Doesn't have the potatoey starchy or floury taste that some clam chowders tend to have. Not watered down of overly buttery milky. Just right. Of course the bread is good too. The calamari is nicely fried. Light and crisp. Can't complain about a wonderful midday snack with a direct view of the ocean.

    Lovely sunset...

    This hidden gem has such beautiful views of the ocean. Great place to stop on a beautiful day. The food and drink isn't bad either. Looking for a great burger some fried pickles or garlic fries? Yum, best ever! Nice place to stop in, grab a cocktail or appetizer and just chill looking out on the gorgeous view were so blessed to have here in San Mateo county. Cool little spot. Good food with great service. What more can you ask for?

    Gararlic Fries

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    Thanks Gina!!

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    Clam chowder is what to get! A big bowl! Best I've had. I would drive back for this anytime.

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    Moss Beach Distillery Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Moss Beach Distillery

    Can you cater for someone who is gluten free?

    We have a Gluten Sensitive Menu that can be viewed on our website www.mossbeachdistillery.com Thank… Read more

    Is dog menu no longer available?

    It is still available!

    Are there tables for a large family of 12?

    Make a reservation! So yes!

    Are dogs allowed?

    There were dogs there at my last visit but that was the parking lot dining. Not sure about patio dining. Give them a call.

    Has anyone ever seen or heard the famous Blue Lady?

    Not a physical being since the 1930's. However, the restaurant lore is that "she" visits often. We were there today and the power went out for about 20 minutes.… Read more

    Why is it called a distillery?

    Hi P. K.- Great question. So the Distillery was originally built in 1927 as a "speakeasy" during… Read more

    View All 7 Questions

    Barbara's Fishtrap - fish 'n' chips

    Barbara's Fishtrap

    4.0(3.5k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Got food from the window since the line for dine-in was long. It worked out fine since it was a…read morenice day and there was a communal table outside that was vacant. The menu items we wanted were also available from the kiosk. There was a frequent customer that came just for the key lime pie so I had to try it. It was good and I wouldn't mind getting it again. Would I come back just for that? Probably not. Everything tasted as expected but nothing really stood out as something I have to come back for. I wouldn't mind coming back again though since I do love fried calamari and fish n chips. 3.5 rounded up.

    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.

    Photos
    Barbara's Fishtrap - The usual

    The usual

    Barbara's Fishtrap - Outdoor seating

    Outdoor seating

    Barbara's Fishtrap - INSIDE SEATING

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    INSIDE SEATING

    Ketch Harbor Pub - Not the best pic of outside area which was a good size. Jim

    Ketch Harbor Pub

    4.0(313 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Ketch Harbor Pub - The sundae. Yum.

    The sundae. Yum.

    Ketch Harbor Pub - Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.

    Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.

    Ketch Harbor Pub - Would order again.

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    Would order again.

    Mezza Luna Restaurant - Homemade seafood ravioli

    Mezza Luna Restaurant

    4.0(1.1k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    In half moon bay? Looking for Italian food?…read moreI got you. Mezza Luna: - great food - fast and friendly service - lots of seating inside, like a lot seriously - nice view of the water and docks - very quiet It's down the road a bit from the docks, but you won't regret it!

    The food looked excellent, which is the only reason this is not a one-star review…read more We arrived before opening and were first in line. When the restaurant opened, there was no greeting or welcome. The door was simply unlocked, and we had to figure out ourselves that it was time to come in. We were seated first and given menus right away. After that, we were basically ignored. Other tables that came in after us had their orders taken, received bread, and were brought drinks while we still had not even been acknowledged for an order. We even told staff we were ready to order, but when our server came near our area, he went straight to a larger party seated after us and began taking their drink orders instead. He then walked right past us without saying anything. At that point, we left. I wanted to try the food because it genuinely looked good, but the service experience was frustrating and unacceptable, especially after being the first customers seated. Two stars because the food may be good, but the service made it impossible to stay.

    Photos
    Mezza Luna Restaurant - Interior

    Interior

    Mezza Luna Restaurant - Gamberi alla Roberto. Sauteed prawns in garlic, white wine, capers and tomato

    Gamberi alla Roberto. Sauteed prawns in garlic, white wine, capers and tomato

    Mezza Luna Restaurant - IPA and cocktail

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    IPA and cocktail

    Moss Beach Distillery - seafood - Updated May 2026

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