The ocean views with outside seating is very nice. This used to be my favorite restaurant. I ordered a smoked salmon salad and was very disappointed. It looked like it was prepared in quantity and scooped out onto a plate. I was told the tomatoes were blanched which were not tasty. Next time I'm in HMB I'll try a different restaurant. I gave a 4 because the service was good. read more

This was my first visit here at Sam's Chowder House. The parking lot was 100% full. I dropped off the family and waited in the far left corner for someone to leave. When I walked inside I saw a family looking at their lightly scratched rear bumper and they asked me if I saw anything. I asked the manager Jay to help out that family before they left. Great customer service first impression without me even going inside the restaurant. Thank you Jay for helping out that family. The wait to get called in was around 15-20 mins and i dropped in their little souvenir shop. I met a very helpful and kind person Alex. I picked up a mug and a feelin' crabby shirt for me! Lots of great items here. I'll be back for more. The ambiance was full of sea items. The front main entrance has a fresh lobster tank. The entire building is very clean and organized. Almost 100% full capacity as well. Business is doing great. Finally the food. The best recommendation was from our lovely server Sulem. She was the heart of this wonderful restaurant experience. She went above and beyond to help us out with ordering and customer service. I want to come back and try more foods. The clam chowder being one of them! We enjoyed our meal today. Our favorite was the Aloha. It comes in a sushi and we actually loved it without the rice. Just the sashimi. It was a great first bite of the day. I'll definitely come back with the family again to try more of the menu. Thank you all for such a lovely experience! read more

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Lunch here with mini me a few days before her summer break is over. For our lunch we ordered baked oysters Rockefeller, naked lobster roll, and large new England chowder to share. The food here is consistently delicious and Chandra who helped us was really good and efficient. We're full and happy and we have some leftovers to enjoy too. Iced water and bread with butter are their standard service. We'll be back read more

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We stopped by Sam's for lunch during the week and were seated outside on the patio, where the views were beautiful. I ordered a cup of clam chowder and the crab and shrimp Louie salad. The chowder was excellent, and I can understand why many consider it among the best. I'm admittedly a clam chowder snob, so while I thoroughly enjoyed it--especially the bits of bacon--I've had a few I liked even more. The salad came with very generous portions of small bay shrimp and real crab, which I appreciated given the fairly high price. I also ordered a strawberry lemonade, and it did not disappoint. Service throughout our meal was excellent, friendly, and attentive. Overall, it was a very enjoyable lunch with wonderful views. read more

Pretty chill staff. The wait is long and the food is overpriced. Ocean view and 1 minute walk to get to the sand. Live music! read more

Sam's Chowder House - Rosebud - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

We came here because a friend was visiting the Bay Area for a few days, and I thought it would be nice to have a meal by the ocean and enjoy the scenery together. Overall, it was a pleasant experience. The weather was beautiful, and the atmosphere was nice, although it didn't particularly stand out to me. There are other waterfront restaurants in the area that I personally find more memorable, but this was still a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The food was delicious. I really enjoyed my soup, the oysters were also tasty, and the wine was excellent. I also liked that the menu offers a wide variety of options, so there's something for almost everyone. The service was perfectly fine as well. It wasn't especially memorable, but it was friendly and everything went smoothly. Overall, I think this is a nice spot if you're looking for good food and a relaxing meal by the water. While it didn't leave a lasting impression on me personally, I still had an enjoyable experience. read more

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After a relaxing day at the beach, I ordered takeout online, and it was exactly what I needed. The clam chowder was served piping hot, loaded with tons of toppings, and absolutely hit the spot! Picking it up from the designated takeout window was quick and easy, but I did notice the interior looked super nice and inviting while I was there. Whether you're grabbing it to go like I did or staying to dine in, this spot is a must-visit. Perfect comfort food by the coast! read more

Sam's Chowder House - clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Sam's is all about the vibe. Outdoor seating with heated patio, a beautiful view and solid seafood. The wait in prime time can be a little lengthy additionally they have limited parking. Once you're in, there are plenty of sea and land options on the menu. I've noticed the portions of the sandwiches and rolls change and are shrinking but the quality is still delicious. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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I visited with my pup, and since the restaurant doesn't take reservations for outdoor seating, I decided to take my chances after my friend suggested meeting here for lunch. The parking situation was absolutely wild for a Wednesday afternoon. I ended up parking down the hwy and walking over. To my surprise, they had an outdoor table available for the two of us and my dog right away. I also appreciated that they seated me immediately even though I mentioned my friend wouldn't arrive for another 15 minutes. Despite the cool temperatures and wind, the outdoor patio has a beautiful view and made for a very pleasant lunch setting. My friend is gluten-free, and we were happy to see that many menu items were clearly labeled as GF, making ordering much easier. We shared a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder, which was enormous, we couldn't even finish it! We also ordered the roasted petrale sole along with a side of creamy roasted mushrooms. Both dishes were delicious, generously portioned, and perfect for sharing. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, we both enjoyed our lunch and would happily return. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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4.5/5 A bit on the expensive side, for the portion size of fish and chips. Other items we ordered were, fried shrimp, New England chowder and seafood spaghetti. Loved their dessert of chocolate ganache slice, think it had compote of some kind, delicious. Great service and plenty of choice in the menu. The waiter was very courteous and gave us details on specials, was easy to choose. It was our first time there - had to wait for about 15minutes to get seated, we were there around 2:30pm on a Friday, and didn't mind the wait - it was a beautiful day, perfect sea side. The ambiance was cozy, sea was within view even from across. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Dessert, chocolate ganache - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

A friend and I were in Half Moon Bay on 6/11/2026, and were a bit hungry. A restaurant that I assumed must be really good is Sam's as the parking lot is always packed, every day that it's open. I arrived a little later than my friend. Once I arrived, he suggested take out as there was a waiting line. I ordered fish & chips. He as well, and also a large white clam chowder. Chicken tenders for his son. We went to the back of the restaurant, outside, where there was seating on bar stools. As always, with all my reviews, I can only speak of my own experiences. With my fish & chips, for $21.95, came 2 pieces of battered fish, and French fries. I was in shock when I tried the fish. No taste. I added the sliced lemon that was provided, and that helped a tiny bit. The French fries were cold. My friend's French fries were cold as well. I didn't want to complain, as my friend paid the $95 for all 3 meals. We both ate about 1/4 of the fries and tossed out the remaining. I'm guessing the other meals must taste better, being the restaurant is packed every day. Just guessing! Neither of us will patronize the restaurant again. Out in the back of the restaurant is a beautiful beach that's definitely worth a visit to. read more

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If you're a seafood lover, Sam's Chowder House belongs on your Bay Area bucket list! Nestled right on the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay for 20 years, it's easy to see why it's consistently voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the Bay Area and one of the Top 3 Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area! The menu celebrates sustainably sourced, ocean-fresh seafood with classic New England flavors. Enjoy breathtaking oceanfront views from the spacious indoor dining room or soak up the sea breeze on the outdoor patio. It's casual, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and even has a convenient takeout window if you're headed to the beach. Don't miss their legendary Lobster Roll, ranked among the Top 5 Lobster Rolls in America. They also feature fresh daily catches, live Maine lobster, and local Dungeness crab when it's in season, fresh local produce, house-made dressings, sauces, pastas, and desserts. The roof top is covered with solar panels and they use 100% biodegradable and compostable to go boxes made from sugarcane. Owner Paul Shenkman and Executive Chef Partner Lewis Rossman grew up on the East Coast and wanted to bring their memories of the Atlantic seaboard family friendly "fish house" to the West Coast. We started with a cup of their famous clam chowder--rich, creamy, and loaded with clams. The crab cakes were packed with sweet crab and perfectly crisp, while the grilled octopus was tender, smoky, and beautifully charred. Celebrating a birthday? You're in for a treat! Sam's serves a complimentary dessert--we enjoyed a refreshing Key lime pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, beautifully plated with lime sauce and a fresh lime swirl and for added pleasure we added their Italian style Affogato! Planning a special event or want to eat at one of their food trucks? Their Sam's Chowder Mobile catering truck brings their famous seafood favorites to parties and events throughout the Bay Area and Napa Valley. Fresh seafood, spectacular ocean views, a relaxed coastal vibe, and consistently delicious food--Sam's Chowder House is the perfect place to enjoy the best flavors of the California coast. Special note - ask for Ryan- he's a 5 star waiter ... knows the menu well and is top notched! read more

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Spent the day at Poplar Beach on a very beautiful sunny day. Decided on dinner at a local place and found this lovely gem. We walked in at dinner time around 7pm, were sat instantly outside... Thankfully, there were heaters... Kept me warm as we watched the sunset. Rio (I believe that was his name was our waiter). He was very knowledgeable and always checking in on us. We ordered a lobster roll and the seafood paella. First time for both of these items for me, so my friend and I shared our meals. The lobster roll was DELICIOUS! Definitely would go back for another. The Seafood Paella was good. Just expected more.... It was delicious don't get me wrong, but from what if studied about paella's this one needed a little more tweaking. The shrimp in it was the best for me... And I only got two. Add a couple more. I had an Arnold Palmer which was delicious, but note... Refills are NOT free. My friend had a cocktail and they made it so delicious! But, I could definitely smell the alcohol as it sat next to me lol. Overall, thank you Sam's for being welcoming, delicious and having so many items to choose from. read more

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Very obvious why this place always has long wait. On Saturday night, arriving at 7:40 pm with a large group, our wait time was around 20 minutes but the scenery around the restaurant kept the wait interesting. Food was excellent, view simply great, very good services too. Has kids menu as well. Definitely recommend. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Lobster pasta - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Great views from this iconic chowder house. We stopped at Sam's after walking along the Coastal trail. We had a large bowl of New England Clam chowder and a Lobster roll. The lobster roll wasn't good the bread was dry and the lobster was a little fishy. The chips and coleslaw were good but overall the lobster roll was a waste of $35. The large bowl of chowder is actually a giant bowl of chowder big enough for 2-3 people $16. The chowder is not thick like most white chowders but the flavor and content were good. Sam's is on the pricey side but great views, good service and excellent chowder make it a worthwhile stop. read more

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AMAZING food and even better service! They are famous for their lobster roll and my goodness they pile on the lobster meat! So amazingly fresh, tender, and juicy. The roll was phenomenal, super soft and buttery. I wanted to eat more of the roll itself lol. I'm usually not a cole slaw fan but I kept finding myself eating more and more. Whatever they put in the cole slaw, please keep it up! I think the real winner was the mushroom gnocchi--such fragrant and earthy flavors and the gnocchi literally just melts in your mouth. Such a bummer that this isn't a main dish. They need to make it its own entree or at least a larger portion!! Clam chowder was alright, definitely authentic but slightly too watery for my personal preference (I prefer thick chowders). Our waitress was phenomenal! Please keep up the amazing work! She made our visit so fun and answered any questions we had about our dishes. Amazing customer service and hospitality! I also love how the interior of the restaurant makes you feel like you're dining on a boat! Very on theme with the city and the cuisine. Will mostly be dreaming (and drooling) about this place until my next visit. read more

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I would come back strictly for the view of this restaurant. 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. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Shrimp scampi - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I mean, whenever I hear Half Moon Bay I think of 3 things: the beach, a cold beer, and Sam's Chowder house. The group I was with came with a full heart but small appetite, but we left with full bellies. Starting off: we ordered a bunch of things but I only got half the photos before the boys started eating the unpictured. unpictured first: polenta fries: almost like if you fried mashed potatoes but it still had a grainy texture. wasn't a favorite but it came PIPING hot. old bay fries: exactly what it sounds like, easy to pick at throughout the meal, kept everyone full until desserts came gumbo: was told they regret not getting the chowder (come on, it's a CHOWDER house). I'm not even a fan of clam chowder but I almost ordered a bowl (I took 3 bites from my boyfriend's, though). the chowder: potato, fat pieces of clam, the flavor? amazing. one of the better chowders that even I debated on ordering. oysters: when I see Miyagi oysters, I already know they're about to be delicious. to me they're slightly sweeter and always have a good chunk of meat, even if the shells are smaller. we ordered 1 dozen and ended up getting a second when we realized how good they were. pictured captain's platter: it SEEMS pricey. but after digging in, it was worth it for sure. and all of us were just craving oysters HEAVILY for some reason (something in the salt water air). Shrimp, oysters, poke and chips, lobster, and a crab dip, with all the fixings for the oysters and shrimp (lemon, cocktail sauce, vinegar, horseradish). well worth the $90 price point. creme brulee: of the 6 of us, it was 3 people's birthday. this one was as good as creme brulee gets. soft serve: chocolate vanilla swirl, perfect end to the night crumble: the topping was like warm oatmeal cookie batter on top - not fully oatmeal but it was like a taste of grandma's house in a bite. all in all I wish we had bigger appetites but that just means we'll be back to redeem our stomachs :) Meagan our server was INCREDIBLE too, she was so attentive and even though we were there close to closing time she never rushed us (we know better than to stay past closing time but she was a doll the whole time we were there as well) read more

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The food is amazing, the staff are friendly and fast even while it was busy, but the ambiance is the best part. We ordered take out and enjoyed the warm sun and the cool sea breeze read more

Sam's Chowder House - Fish n chips, clam chowder, sourdough bread and coleslaw - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Dropped by Sam's chowder house after a day along the coast. Though the food tasted alright, we had a very mediocre service. Our waitress Laurie was very absent minded and was seen wandering around after we have specifically asked for items such as water and ketchup. The restaurant had about a 30 min wait but didn't feel like we were crowded together. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Sam's Chowder House used to be one of my favorite spots to sit on the patio with a dozen oysters, but after today I won't be coming back. I was served a Kumamoto oyster that was green. Thinking it was just a mistake, I brought it back. The replacement they gave me was also green--this time with a large brown spot of who-knows-what. At that point I completely lost my appetite. To make matters worse, the calamari was essentially 100% tentacles with no rings at all. Between the oysters and the calamari, it felt like there was absolutely no quality control coming out of the kitchen. For the prices Sam's charges, this level of quality is unacceptable. Oysters are one of those foods where freshness and careful inspection are non-negotiable. I left thoroughly disgusted and incredibly disappointed after what used to be one of my favorite restaurants. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Questionable - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Came here on Saturday afternoon around 1 pm and there was about 45 min to an hour. We put our name down, grabbed take out (hot dog and fish and chips) from the same place for the kids and went to the beach. Once we were seated in about 45 min we ordered oysters, Ahi Tuna tartare, lobster roll and blue crab sandwich. Tuna was so lightly seasoned it kept the flavors of the fish alive and fresh. Lobster roll was delicious with the brioche bun and crab salad was good but probably wouldn't order again. Highlight was oysters. Beautiful view of the bay with indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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I mean WOW! This place was referred to us on our weekend visit and we were so impressed! The atmosphere is fun and vibey. We went at sunset, sat by the window and a cover band was playing in the bar area. It made it extra special! We got the paella, a cup of chowder, the ahi tuna, seafood spaghetti, a local beer and an espresso martini. We were absolutely blown away! SO delicious!! Our server was kind in making suggestions and the food was timely even on a busy evening! We can't wait to go back! read more

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This was our second visit to Sam's Chowder House. They're usually extremely busy and parking can definitely be hit or miss. We got lucky to find a spot right away and had no wait, something that's pretty rare here. A huge shoutout to our waitress, Sulem, who was so sweet, attentive, and genuinely friendly. She found out it was our dog's birthday and surprised him with his own pup cup while we humans enjoyed a delicious Italian affogato. It was such a thoughtful touch and really made our visit extra special :) Thank you! For food, we started with the Kumamoto oyster shooters, which were so yummy! We also highly recommend the house-made potato gnocchi, it was one of our favorite dishes. We tried the Manhattan chowder for the first time, and while I still prefer New England clam chowder, it was fun to switch things up. The local halibut was good as well, though ours was just slightly overcooked. To drink, I had the cilantro gin gimlet, which was light, refreshing, and perfect. Overall, we had another great experience and will definitely be back to try more of the menu. The beach views make this such a charming spot and the outdoor heaters are a nice touch for cooler days. Great food, beautiful scenery, and outstanding service overall. read more

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Absolutely love this spot. On weekends expect a wait but it's worth it. The view is unmatched. Love the outdoor seating. One of my favorite clam chowders. Had the artichoke side as an app. The sourdough bread is amazing. Had the halibut and the seafood paella. Ended with the strawberry crumble. Servers were very friendly and attentive. Always a must when I'm back in California. read more

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This place used to be THE spot to get a really tasty lobster roll in the Bay Area, but it's really gone downhill. The last few times I went, the roll was going stale and the lobster tasted really fishy instead of clean and sweet. It wasn't even mediocre, it was plain bad. The food has really dropped in quality over the past few years. It's a huge bummer because I used to swear by this place but after being burned a few times recently, I probably won't come back. read more

About 45 minutes for a wait on a Saturday afternoon. Overall a solid place for a late lunch and patio area was very nice (though be warned, there is minimal shade). Ordered oysters, clam chowder, the hamachi special, and shrimp scampi. Everything was fresh and well-made, though overall the food was not a standout compared to other similar seafood places I have been to in the city. My favorite was the hamachi appetizer special, which actually was very good. read more

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We came back here because we stopped on a whim once before and it was excellent. Beautiful view of half moon bay and super friendly staff. Almost everything was amazing. New England clam chowder is a must. Cannot say enough about the quality of this food. read more

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Super bummed that they didn't have bread bowls. But, it's the clam chowder that matters. Disappointing.... Had to add salt and pepper to this bland soup. We got 2 slices in total of bread for 2 people. This is a very popular coastal place. Live up to your popularity!! I guess we were paying for the view. read more

Came here for the first time after hearing about it being a staple in Half Moon Bay. It was pretty packed for midday on a Tuesday. The service was attentive and the waiter asked if it was our first time then proceeded to give us the specials/recommendations of their most popular items. I was bummed their clam chowder had bacon so I didn't get to try it. The food was pretty quick and came out hot. Everything we tried was full of flavor and fresh. The views were amazing and they have close access to the beach. read more

This is for take-out only where there is a separate take out window in front of the restuarant. I noticed the prices kept creeping up when compared with the same menu from previous years. We ordered: 1) Fish and chips - two large portions of fish and lots of skinny fries but no vinegar for the fish or ketchup for the fries. We did get white tartar sauce for the fish which was crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. This came with a small cup of coleslaw - I was disappointed how little coleslaw you get. You're done with it after about 3 forks of it. (The picture i posted is misleading.) $21.95 (IMO - a little pricey) 2) white clam chowder soup with oyster crackers - not too salty or thick, just right but I didn't taste many clams. It came with a small bag of oyster crackers and two slices of sourdough bread with little pat of butter $10.95 3) ahi tuna poki- small tub came with what looked like tortilla chips - $17.95 family member ate this, it was gone in no time so I assume it was good (and I forgot to take a picture of it) We enjoyed it. But for 3 orders of fish and chips, 2 orders of small clam chowder soup and 1 poke, our total was $116.13 Parking: there is a big parking lot in front of the restaurant. Depending on what time you come, it can get really full. If you dine inside, you might need to wait a little if you go during prime lunch or dinner time. There are several benches in front of the restaurant (under a tent) for people waiting to be seated. There's also a small gift shop for souvenirs while you are waiting. Our take out food took about 15-20 minutes. read more

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Celebrated 2 bdays with the family! My first time eating here n it was so delicious. The polenta fries were different n very good. Crispy on the outside creamy polenta inside. The naked lobster roll sandwich was delicious n filled with buttery lobster. I did not care for the potato chips. I would have preferred fries or just more coleslaw. The fried calamari n popcorn shrimp were delicate n fried just right n the popcorn shrimp came with a slightly spicy dip We also tried a blood orange margarita which was very light with a hint of blood orange n very refreshing. Finally the desserts are comp for the bday guests so we had key lime pie n chocolate creme brûlée - easily shared between 6 people! Our waiter -Ryan was excellent n patient with our questions n trying to make food decisions n being a waiter for several bday parties Major tip -parking is very small so try n carpool n make reservations if u can. There was a huge line when we got there at the opening. But because we had reservations we walked right in. Looking forward to going back! read more

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Rating: 3.5/5 Been here 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! read more

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Weekday line, but it moves--operational efficiency on point. The space is large with indoor and outdoor seating, and they accommodated our window request for that ocean-view upgrade. Nice touch: cold bread and butter while waiting. New England chowder and New Orleans gumbo were fine, nothing headline-worthy; chowder edged out the gumbo. Appetizers, though? Baked Rockefeller oysters and calamares absolutely delivered--clear MVPs, highly recommend. Seafood paella didn't align with traditional expectations, so that was a miss. Service was attentive, parking was easy. Net-net: solid experience, enough upside to justify a return--specifically to stress-test the lobster roll everyone's hyping. read more

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Pretty good stop if you're in the area! There's a big parking lot, but it was actually pretty packed on a gloomy Thursday in January. Definitely a popular spot and a great location right off CA 1. The dining room is spacious and right along the water, so it is obvious why this would be a popular choice for visitors and locals alike! Originally had a reservation, but the baby was not having it ..so we decided to get our lunch to go and eat in the car. We ordered: Lobster Roll - wasn't my favorite to be honest, but still good Seafood Ceviche - this was my dad's favorite dish and he takes his seafood pretty seriously Fish and Chips - always a solid choice Clam Chowder - Can't come to a chowder house without getting chowder! Crab Cake - Pretty good and would definitely order again read more

Sam's Chowder House is such a great spot with an amazing view and a fun, coastal vibe. The portions are huge, you definitely won't leave hungry! The service was so nice and friendly, which really made the experience enjoyable. The food overall was good, but I felt like it could use a little more flavor. My clam chowder was creamy but mostly filled with potatoes, which was a bit disappointing since I was hoping for more clams. That said, everything was fresh and well-prepared. The highlight for me was the soft serve ice cream, it was super good and the perfect sweet ending to the meal. If you're looking for a place with big portions, great service, and a beautiful setting, Sam's is worth a visit. Just don't skip the ice cream! Follow me on IG: @kyms.kravings! read more

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Came on a Sunday morning, arrived 10 mins before they were open and there was already a line but the line moves pretty quickly as they started seating people We ordered - clam chowder (small bowl): I really liked it, just the right amount of clam mixed in and not too thick or salty, I would get this again 9/10 - baked oysters: they were okay, the cheese on top added a nice savory taste to the oysters, but next time I would try their fresh oysters instead 5.5/10 - naked lobster roll: so good, generous amount of lobster meat for a sandwich and lightly tossed with butter, it didn't taste too oily 10/10 - orange juice: didn't taste like fresh orange juice. I would skip this next time 5/10 Overall, great views and yummy food, I would come back for their clam chowder and lobster roll! read more

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We always have a good time comimg to Sam's Chowder House, we usually take clam chowder to go, but on this occasion after the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival we decided to stop by and dine in. We got lucky and barely had to wait for a table for 2 to be seated, we spent more time circling for parking than we did waiting for a table lol. I got a bowl of clam chowder and it was exactly what I needed after feeling a chill in the air. It was warm, and the consistency was perfect , not too watery and not too thick, it was just right. I personally love when its not chock-full of potatoes so I appreciate the ratio of soup to clam, potato ratio. Baked oysters, ahi tuna poke and fries were also good. Service was quick and to the point, its very busy in there but we still felt well looked after. I love the view, especially when its that Hoa Hoa weather (IYKYK). read more

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After many years of visiting Half Moon Bay we decided to come here for Lunch. Normally parking is tough on a weekend but today (Sunday) had plenty of open spaces. The food was great and delicious. Our waiter was Axel and was very attentive. Sam Chowder House was a great restaurant for food and services. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Fish and Chips and coleslaw. Excellent! - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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We stopped by for lunch on our drive up the PCH from Carmel to SFO. Beautiful view from the outside seating area and service was very good. We really enjoyed the food. You can always tell when you're getting close to San Francisco as the quality of the Sourdough Bread at restaurants greatly improves. My wife ordered the Shrimp Po Boy and really liked it. Smallish shrimp in a light batter with a mild remoulade that wasn't drowning the sandwich. What seemed like homemade potato chips, were also very good. I had the Clam Chowder as required when dining at any CA restaurant near the coast. Another good rendition, but I think the versions on the Monterey Peninsula are better. I also had the Shrimp Cocktail that came with 6 perfect shrimp (when did other restaurants decide that 5 or even 4 was the new default?). The homemade cocktail sauce was very good. I also ordered the Crab Cake appetizer. It was good, with little filler, but the crab was not lump as described on the menu. All in all, a good lunch, and would definitely stop in again. read more

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