Just not that great. I got the lobster roll: rubbery lobster chunks on a soggy piece of white bread that could all fit in the palm of my hand. Oh, and it was over $11. Maybe their chowder is better, but I doubt it. read more

The lobster roll is not as good as it used to be. The first time I tried their lobster roll, I thought I was in heaven. Their lobster roll was warm and loaded with lobster. As time went by, the portion size got smaller and the taste went down. Today was a disappointment. Went online to see where their truck was and drove all the way from South San Jose to Mountain View just for their lobster roll. It was located in the Violin parking lot and there were no place to sit and eat so we decided to eat in the car. The lobster roll was still loaded with lobster, but it was barely warm. It would of tasted a lot better if it was warmer. We also ordered fries and the fries seems like it has been sitting there for a while. The clam chowder is still good...better than most place. I will have to think twice to try this place again. If I am spending that much on a lobster roll, I want it to be good. read more

Considering that there aren't many places in South Bay that can satisfy my lobster roll cravings - when Sam's Chowdermobile rolls into town, I am surely in line. Lobster is my favorite food and because of that, my standards for quality actually aren't exceptionally high - I just dunk lobster into butter and I've got a perfect meal. Their lobster roll gives a healthy portion of lobster chunks, mostly claws but large pieces of claw and no shell bits or inedible bits mixed in, which is appreciated. Instead of dunking the lobster into butter, the bread roll the lobster is served in is doused in butter, some celery bits for some greenery and just like that, a simple sandwich to satisfy your lobster craving. The coleslaw on the side isn't great so I just skipped it. I caught them at Moveable Feast in San Jose, they had a healthy line with the longest wait but moved quickly enough and I was certainly satisfied at the end. It's not the best place in the world but if you're craving a lobster roll, few places can serve up a satisfactory response like they can. read more

This is an great little food truck. I've been twice and got their Shrimp Po' Boy both times. The shrimp is lightly battered and deep fried...and the sauce on the sandwich is simply amazing, complimenting both the shrimp and the lettuce and tomato on the sandwich. I'm a little particular about my tomatoes, preferring homegrown, and I don't know where they get their tomatoes, but they've always been deliciously ripe and tasty rather than those not even red tomatoes you see most other places. The bun is also great. Their fries are good! When crispy. I took off a star because the second time I ate there, my fries were soggy. Which was such a disappointment because the fries were excellent the first time. I also sampled my friend's lobster roll.....tasty delicious, but a little pricey for lunch...I guess it's lobster. :) read more

Chosen as one of "America's Top 20 Food Trucks" (http://www.samschowdermobile.com/news-and-events.html) ~$10 for a "Shortie" Lobster Roll, ~$16 for a "Regular": Shortie isn't that much smaller than the regular, they just give more pieces of lobster. Menu (http://www.samschowdermobile.com/menus.html) Comes with the only coleslaw I would eat! The clam chowder is OKAY. The only two reasons why I wanted to get it was because A) It was so COLD and B) It's the "Chowder" mobile. They do catering (http://www.samschowdermobile.com/catering.html). Part of the Moveable Feast in Willow Glen (http://mvblfeast.com). They also have a restaurant (http://www.samschowderhouse.com). Which has to be better, since it's not cooked in a food truck ;) Writing this review actually makes me want to go get one right now!! read more

Never eaten from a food truck before and I have say it was a very pleasant experience. Good was excellent as was the service. We had fish and chip, lobster roll and 2 clam chowder. I have to say that the lobster roll is not to disappoint. They really load up on the lobster. Will definitely come back. read more

Sam's Chowdermobile - Fish and chip - Food Trucks Near Me

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Chowder is a perfect choice any day! Unlike a lot of clam chowder out there, this stuff is legit. It always comes out hot (too hot most of the time) and is super flavorable. You can actually see the chunks of clam and you will find surprise bits of bacon floating around too. You can't go wrong ordering chowder with a side of seasoned fries. The fries are perfectly seasoned but be forewarned, you will need to share them because the order is pretty big for one person. Can't wait for the Chowdermobile to be back next month! Too bad Sam's Chowdermobile only comes out at the community towers location once a month... Unless otherwise stated on their schedule. read more

Sam's Chowder Mobile usually has one of the longer lines at the food truck events I've been to, and I finally got the chance to check it out at the Wednesday food truck event at the Hiller Aviation Museum. My coworkers and I came around noon, and there was only a short line for Sam's at the time. There were probably 6 people in front of me, but it took a while (almost 10 minutes) to order. I ended up just ordering the Lobster Roll "Shortie" (Maine Lobster Lightly Tossed in Warm Butter, On a Toasted Bun, $10.73, http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sams-chowder-mobile-santa-clara?select=X5xW-yTRXyP7kRyobBXWWA#X5xW-yTRXyP7kRyobBXWWA) which came with a side of cole slaw. The lobster roll was good, but not amazing since the lobster was a bit overcooked, and the roll was overtoasted and on the dry side. However, I really enjoyed the cole slaw, and thought it add another layer of flavor when added to the lobster roll. Overall, I didn't think the lobster roll here was anything special, and definitely pricey at $12 for a small lobster roll. I might come back to try their chowder, or to purchase the cole slaw if they sold that separately, but don't think I will get the lobster roll again. At least you don't have to wait too long for your food after you order, and my lobster roll was ready after about 5 minutes. read more

Sam's Chowdermobile - Lobster Roll "Shortie" (Maine Lobster Lightly Tossed in Warm Butter, On a Toasted Bun, $10.73) - Food Trucks Near Me

Although their lobster rolls are $17 each, I've never tasted anything better. My best friend got me hooked on them!

While still good, the quantity and quality have gone down over the last year. After 2 disappointing visits to the Chowdermobile, I'm not sure if I'm willing to give them another can @ $18 for a lobster roll... read more

Tried it at Moveable feast in sj. You get a lot of lobster so I guess it's worth $16. But the line is too long!! They use some super buttery garlic texas toast as the roll. They do toast the roll which is good but you need to eat it right away or it gets soggy. Then the whole sandwich becomes too greasy. Chowder was pretty good. Lots of clams which I like. Overall, not bad but not worth the wait IMO. read more

The lobster roll here is alright. I dont think its the best in terms of bang for your buck. But it will satiate your lob roll craving even its for a couple of hours. What they need to work on is service. I ordered a lobster roll, and asked for lemon wedges on the side. But when I received my order the guy ended up not giving me the lemon wedges. Boo hoo, the lemon wedge is key to adding more bright flavors to the roll. anyways, i think the wait is too long for a rush hour lunch, if you can, wait until the crowd dies down, that way you wont have to wait 20-35 mins in line for something that is not worth waiting for. read more

Tried this place at Moveable Feast in SJ. The line was craaazy long, but the bf and I had time to kill and other food to eat while we were in line. We waited for about 20 - 25 minutes. We ordered the lobster roll and calamari. We didn't order the clam chowder .. we saw the price, the size of the cup, and the watery consistency and decided we'd much rather pass on that one. The lobster roll was alright. It was served with really buttery garlic toast with a good amount of lobster inside. However, it most definitely not worth $16. The calamari was nothing special. We both agreed that we've had much better elsewhere, and that it again was not worth the price. We both felt this place wasn't that great and was overpriced. read more

I am super shocked at the review for this place because I have been here over a handful of times and it is by far my favorite food truck!!! I crave this place!! This truck comes downtown several times and that's when I go and get it. Every time it has been downtown there is always a huge line half hour before it even opens! But they're very good about taking orders fast and getting the food out fast. Here's what I have ordered in the past: -New England Clam Chowder: I'm not a big fan of their clam chowder but a lot of my friends love it. I ordered it once and don't plan to ever order it again. -Shrimp Po' Boy: This is my favorite item on the menu!!!!! It is so tasty good in every way! It is very filling! -Lobster Roll: A lot of the reviews thought the lobster roll was too dry but I thought the opposite. I have had lobster rolls at other restaurants and thought they were to dry. I really enjoy the lobster roll at Sam's Chowder Mobile. I also love that they sell this in "shortie" size as well. -Fish & Chips: They aren't the best but they aren't the worst. The portions are good. That's it! I guess I'm the odd one out for giving this place 5 stars! But in my book that's what they are. read more

Service is meh. Can't hear me because their truck is so high up. I had to put my hands around my mouth and yell just so he would properly hear and understand my order. Out of chowder during lunch visit. read more

YUMMY chowder. Ate the bacon filled chowder to day at the wet SJvPOR San Jose EarthQuakes soccer game at Avaya Stadium. It was so good and filling I forgot to take a pic! Take my advice, it's good and worth the $5.00 read more

The long line was worth the wait for the quality of food and service from Sam's Chowdermobile. With a huge line waiting to order behind me, I expected to be told that a couldn't customize my order, but I was happily surprised. I asked for a lobster roll fixed differently than listed on the menu. Very graciously, I was told that I would have to wait seven minutes for the lobster to be prepared to my liking. I didn't have to even wait that long. The lobster roll was HUGE! I don't remember ever having so much lobster in a lobster roll! It was delicious. Pro-tip: the butter they use is unsalted, so make sure to season the sandwich or splash some hot sauce on it! My only critique: Where are the crab rolls?! read more

What makes them so good? It's the big chunks of lobster meat in their lobster roll! Seafood is never cheap, so the price surely reflects that. There is something to be said about that line though. When you just want to eat and run, you can't. You will have to wait (in an almost certain line), eat, and running is not recommended after. But if you happen to catch their truck, go and grab a lobster roll. You won't be disappointed! read more

Found them outside the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park. Had the Po'boy Fried Shrimp Sandwich with old bay fries. Everything was excellent, they even sold old fashion soda pop. read more

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Lobster Roll and clam chowder are excellent!!! Worth queuing for 20min! Fish & chips are good too. read more

We get food trucks that park near my work at Moffett Towers Club. Sam's was there and I decided to order the Crab Cake Special lunch meal, with Cajun seasoned fries, coleslaw, Remoulade sauce and lemon wedge. ~13 The best part was the single crab cake, it was round and about the size of a racketball. It was deep fried and had a very nicely crispy breaded shell and inside was absolutely delicious crab meat I think it was Snow crab, no other fillers such as bread, but there was a white sauce that the crab meat was in. Dipping it in the Remoulade it was very tasty and satisfying. Fries and slaw were just okay, I've enjoyed better. I sprinkled the Malt Vinegar in the fries and was also dipping them in the Remoulade too. Next time, I'll probably try their Lobster sub sandwich that I saw ~17 or ~11 for a half and the clam chowder ~6. read more

I've been dying for a lobster roll for a few weeks now and couldn't wait to get one at the OtG Presidio Picnic yesterday. The line wasn't your fault, but it was about 25 minutes long. The lobster roll APPEARED to be delicious, but unfortunately, it was far from it. The portion of lobster was generous, however, it wasn't abundantly fresh and it was over cooked. The bun tasted more like slices of sweet bread and was quite thick making each bite lobster to bun ratio way off. I checked your website and it does say you use fresh Maine lobster, but I've had fresh Maine lobster, and yours just didn't cut it yesterday. Perhaps I'm spoiled by having lived my whole life on the East Coast. The next time I'm craving a lobster roll, I unfortunate won't be getting one of yours. Womp, womp. read more

I've been to their truck once before (pre-Yelp days) and then enjoyed their Half Moon Bay restaurant 2 years ago and now I have come full circle and am back to their truck You certainly don't come here for the staff, though they are average in the friendly department. What you are here for is either clam chowder or a lobster roll. A small cost $10 bucks and a large cost $16. While that might sound high, just know you are getting some quality seafood (lobster!) on a nice prepared butter roll. The clam chowder is neither "seafood-y" or salty which is just the right combination for a soup of this type and even better with the oyster crackers sprinkled in. If you feel like splurging, then this is the right place to do so! read more

I had these guys a few days ago, I only had one item but I was not impressed. I feel that food trucks will typically have their menu as being pretty delicious no matter what you got, but this wasn't the case with Sam's Chowder Mobile. I ordered the Lobster Roll shortie size. I have to say I was really unimpressed. The bread had a nice buttery slightly crispy taste to it which was good but the lobster was very bland. There was not very much taste to the lobster and maybe tasted a little dry. It definitely needed some kind of a sauce or butter or something to make the dish worth the cost. I would have ordered another item from the truck if the first time would have been more tasteful so instead I went to the next truck. I would be will to try them again for the chowder but that is not going to be a priority since it seems like the food at other trucks seem more delicious. Maybe next time. read more

I don't know what to say, but this truck is just stupid good. If you never been to the restaurant, than you may not know... Of course the favorite is the lobster roll, as many would say. Pricey, but well worth the meal. Great flavor and lots of lobster on the roll. Although, often my favorite is the shrimp poor boy. For $10 you get a shrimp (fried) poor boy with fries. The bay fries are fantastic. (seasoned fries) Its one of the cheapest means on the menu, other than the cup of clam chowder. I have eaten most of the items. Fish and chips, calamari, clam chowder, poor boy shrimp and sausage and lobster roll. You can't go wrong on this truck. read more

The lobster roll was delicious! I caught them at the Saratoga Gateway Food Truck Fest on Saturday. It started at 4 pm and I got there around 4:30 and it was less than 5 minutes until food in hand. The only suggestion I would make is to have wet wipes. People would not need handfuls of napkins if wet wipes were available. read more

Chowder is very good and tastes homemade, not the sludgy variety many restaurants pass off. I didn't try the lobster roll but I will next time assuming I'm hungrier. They did offer a 'shortie' size which is promising. read more

The lobster roll is a great thing. The lobster is fresh and the entire concotion is buttery. I have eaten there a few times, and my only issue is the slow speed of their service. between watiting in line and waiting for the food, I have had to wait up to 40 minutes. Since it's my lunch break, the wasted time is a bit disheartening; but quicky made up by the food. Why 4 stars from me: Do they fulfill their job with integrity? - yes (2 stars) Do i like the food/service - would I use them / eat there again? - yes (+1 star) Would I unreservedly recommend them to friends? - yes (+1 star) Are they crème de la crème / peerless? - no read more

I have visited this truck a couple times at Moveable Feast Southside. Im pretty much a creature of habit so once I find something I like I will stick to it. I have ordered the Shrimp Po' Boy and the Clam Chowder each time and I think both are yummy. The fries are always seasoned nicely too. Nice meal for under $20. Service is not fast but overall I think it is worth the wait :-) read more

Our office in Sunnyvale has a number of food trucks visit the campus during the week and I've tried Sam's a couple of times now. I've tried both the crab cake and the fish and chips. Thoughts on both we that they were a bit pricey for based on the food quality. I will stay away from the Chowder Mobile going forward. read more

Oh... My... Gawd... The lobster rolls are sooo damn good. Fully loaded with big, meaty claws and sweet meat. Buttered roll, toasted to perfection. Clam chowder was nice and light, not too heavy. Great side for this sandwich. Can't wait to try a shrimp po boy next.... Who am I kidding? I'm gonna get another lobster roll. read more

I don't know what happened but this lobster was the most disgusting thing I have ever tried to eat. It was not buttery and tasted more like rubbery death. It looked really gross too. I cannot believe they charge 15$ for the shortie sandwich. Seriously was the worst lobster I have ever tasted. If I could get my money back I would. Completely ruined my lunch, I ended up having to just eat the bread because I was starving... read more

If you are looking for a food truck for a private party or event I would highly recommend Sam's Chowder Mobile Truck! They recently catered for my birthday backyard party at my house and it was wonderful. I filled out their form online and called. Within 10 minutes Kelsey Currier called me back and confirmed they had an opening on August 4th. The forms were easy to fill out online and I kept Kelsey informed of final numbers. Kelsey gave me advice on appetizers, menu and suggestions on beer servings. The team arrived right on time and were super friendly, got everything setup and ready for the guests. They accommodated the full menu including vegans and vegetarians! The other benefit about the mobile truck for a backyard party is there is no kitchen clean-up the next day. The food was delicious and everyone had a great time! Thank you Kelsey and team! read more

Sam's Chowdermobile - Food Trucks Near Me

Went for Friday off the grid for lunch by City Hall. Tip: Opens at 11 - go before 12 noon if you can to avoid lines. This is for Chowder Mobile #4 in SF. Calamari is good - crispy, flavorful in itself, comes with two kinds of sauces, both compliment well. Filled to the brim of the box which is appreciated. $9. Fish in fish taco however bland. Sauce needed, but sauce should have indicated that it can be spicy to some. Good size fish, 1 taco enough to make you full, ($5 something) but didn't think the sauce in fish taco went well with the pineapple. Lobster rolls (Full lobster roll, 7inches in itself definitely fills you up) and chowder are always quality standards. read more

I usually order the lobster roll from Sam's chowder but the other day my boyfriend and I ordered the clam chowder and it was delicious. I'm quite picky about my clam chowder. I usually only eat the clam chowder from the San Francisco pier. I was satisfied with my food. read more

BEST LOBSTER ROLL FROM A FOOD TRUCK!!! Just order it, no questions asked. You will not regret it. If you do, give it to me and I'll finish it for you. read more

I have heard nothing but rave reviews about this elusive Lobster Roll, so I walked over to the Chowder Mobile on my lunch break. I was not impressed. My friend and I split the large lobster roll (almost $17!) and was still hungry. The sandwich was literally 6" long! I understand the price of lobster is high and I believe the price reflects the quality, but it just seemed a little too steep for a mobile lunch. The flavors just weren't all there and I feel like I was missing something. This was my first experience with a Lobster Roll, so there is the possibility thatbut should have added some vinegar or tartar sauce, but I don't think I will ever order another lobster roll. Maybe I'll try the fish and chips or the chowder next time. read more

I'm allergic to fish, but I can eat shellfish... so I tried the "Lobster roll" on the advice of my co-workers and it was DELICIOUS. I had never thought of having lobster this way before - just sounded weird to me. However, it is already "buttered" and the addition of the small diced celery, etc. and roll makes it yummy. My first experience with the "Chowder mobile" was - waiting in line for a LONG long time, first to place the order and again to receive it, even though they were parked right in the parking lot of my employer. This is because I guess they alert everyone far and wide where they will be that day (webalerts, etc.). One woman in front of me had two shopping bags - which she (apparently for her own co-workers) ordered and filled with items. The Lobster roll (called a "Shortie rolle" for $9 and half the serving, which is plenty for lunch!) was worth the wait that day. The second time ... I did not want to wait so long so instead, took a later lunch - went l after 1:00 p.m., (close to the time they were leaving) - to the truck and I was amazed to be on my way with my "Shortie roll" within about 3 minutes, walked right up to order it and it was ready so fast. The lobster roll DID have nice large chunks of Lobster that day, just to clarify. read more

I LOVE their CALAMARIIII! it's really hard to please me when it comes to calamari, but these guys ace the texture/crispyness, taste & size (bite size). Will def be chasing them around town now. I also tried out their chowder, OF COURSE! I dont know if it was supposed to be like that, i have read that they dont thicken their chowder, and that was obvious to me because the soup was very watery opposed to creamy.. the problem i had with mine however was that i had way more clams, potatoes, celery..all the good stuff and not enough liquid lol... I hope that made sense,..the cup was full of all the good stuff but the main "soup" only filled half the cup..nevertheless my son & I enjoyed eating good food in the trunk of our car =) read more

I have become a regular at the Moveable Feast foodtruck gatherings and its always nice when Sam's Chowdermobile is there. This last Friday (July 13), I met up with a friend at Moveable Feast. There was already about 20 people in line when I got there right at 5pm when they opened. Luckily the line went pretty fast and food even faster after ordering. It took about 30 minutes to stand in line and then wait for my food. Totally worth it though. Their New England clam chowder is the best. Very flavorful, lots of chucks of clam and potatoes. Always a nice start to a meal. This last time I had their fish and chips. Fish was prefectly cooked. Fries were good, sprinkled with Old Bay. The cole slaw is good too, tastes like it has something a bit spicy in it, maybe onions. I have also had their shrimp po' boy which was really good, very huge. The lobster roll is good too if you are into lobster. Not my favorite but my friend Lorianne love their lobster rolls. Prices are bit high but it is seafood afterall. Lobster is not cheap. read more