Came in on Friday afternoon, before the dinner rush. We had been driving for four hours and we came to the restaurant hungry and on the tired side, looking forward to a good dinner in the afternoon. The restaurant is small, but not THAT small. We sat down and ordered drinks (Mojito and an iced tea) and sat down in a small table that was composed of two smaller tables. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer and started to enjoy our drinks. Before we got comfortable munching on calamari, when the young guy who had sat us down, came to us and told us he was going to take half of our table away because some other people had come in and needed more space. He didn't ask us, he just started to move thing around in our table, didn't offer to move us to another table (there were tables available toward the back), just started to remove the smaller table and told me that i had to move so that the staff would be able to serve the other people. This pissed me off! We said no. There were other people on similar table configuration than us, why did he ask US to move. He was pushy and said 'well, we're a small restaurant and we just need you to move'. He didn't ask, he didn't apologize, he didn't offer another table, just expect us to comply. We got upset and told the waiter that we're just going to pay for what we ate (the drinks and the calamari) and to cancel our order. The waiter was a very nice guy who apparently has been working in that restaurant a long time, and said, no problem, what if we move you to another table. He helped us move, get settled and was very nice about it. He apologized and said the young guy was relatively new and didn't really know how to ask things nicely to the customer. We eventually settled and tried to enjoy our dinner, even though this pushy treatment left a bad taste in our mouths. Wife had the special, a fresh piece of sea bass on a creamy tomato sauce, prawns and risotto base with asparagus ($48). It was very good. I had fish and chips, and it was also very good. ($28?). For the food, I'd give this place 5 stars. For the way we felt we were treated, we'd give this place 1 star. However, in all fairness, our waiter was very kind, and he deserves better than that. read more

This is my favorite spot in Monterey, located on (or shall I say under) the commercial wharf #2. Sometimes you can catch some great scenes of the sea lions swimming around just outside the window. If they are busy, you can usually find a spot at the bar without having to wait long. The Sand dabs and calamari steak are my favorite meals here and this place has the best bread pudding I've ever had. read more

April 27, 2026 and we stopped by for an early dinner. We got lucky as Happy Hour starts at 4pm. Can never go wrong with the bloody mary and had the calamari appetizer too. That was followed by the lemon caper calamari steak with their delicious scalloped potatoes. Once again, well worth the 1.75 hour drive there and we look forward to returning (thankfully the drive home was "just" 1.25 hours). Bartender Mike K., thanks for sharing some laughs and and making the diet coke a double!! read more

My husband and I had not been to this restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf in many years, but we went this evening and we are so glad we did! First of all, we were seated quickly and got a window table with a great view of the water. We both ordered fish and chips and our waiter even included a cup of Cole slaw for each of us, which I really appreciated! The fish was fresh cod breaded light and crispy, not greasy at all. The chips or fries were also nice and crispy. We both felt the fish and chips we had here were the best we ever tasted anywhere! The meal included complementary bread and butter which was also delish. A nice touch that we don't take for granted nowadays. Our waiter kept our drinks filled and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely come back on next trip to Monterey. Highly recommend!! read more

Sandbar & Grill - The entrance to restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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So, the Sandbar & Grill is one of those places which are a genuine crapshoot. You walk up to a beat up shack just under the pier, and all too often, they rely on ambience and strong drinks to make up for mediocre food. That is not the case here. The food is amazing. I got the best cioppino I've ever had. Lorena/Lauren, the best server ever, added some jalapeño and linguini to my dish and gave me some chili flakes on the side to spice up my meal. There's nothing quite so soul soothing as a good cioppino. This broth had a nice body, good flavor, and there was enough fish and crab meat to keep that broth nice and thick all the way to the end. The scallops were sweet, light, and delicious. My permanent date had the blackened prawn Caesar salad and clam chowder. Normally, you think of blackened whatever, and it doesn't taste like anything but blackening spices. Not so at the Sandbar. The prawns stand up to that flavor quite well. So does the house-made Caesar dressing. Clam chowder done well is satisfying without being too heavy, and you can feel the song of clam flavor as soon as that broth hits your tongue. Seriously one of the best clam chowders I've had. Finally, I can't say enough about Lorena. She's my favorite kind of waitress: personable, friendly, and doesn't mind talking for a moment. By the end of the meal, it felt like we had a friend, and that's a valuable quality. Her busser was on point with my refills, but I didn't get his name. Next time I'm in Monterey, we're coming back. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Blackened Prawn Caesar Salad - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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$25 seared ahi tuna salad. 4 stars because the seared tuna was "bland"compared to the strong flavors on the plate. I actually wanted more chopped olives to add more briny bites into the mix. Still, a good, filling salad. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Seared ahi tuna salad. - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

I absolutely loved the food here! The calamari was so soft and not chewy like I'm used to compared to other places. I love the tartar sauce it comes with to dip and the squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor. The batter on the fish and chips was so light and crispy! The french fries were regular and the clam chowder was definitely that Monterey style that was tasty and delicious. We chose to sit at the bar since there was no wait time. But if we were to wait for a table, the wait would've been 45 minutes for four people since we came at 1pm. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Calamari. Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

I came here for lunch one weekday and got their steamed clams and sand dabs. The clams were steamed with lots of garlic, white wine, tomato and green onion. You could taste some of the white wine in the broth and there was some lemon as well. The broth was strong, but it went nicely with the clams. Decent amount of clams and no sand in any which was really nice. Also tried the sand dabs lunch plate which is grilled and comes with a side of french fries or brown rice. I however, opted with a side salad. The sand dabs came with a large portion, with some lemon and tartar sauce. The fish was soft and buttery, very good. It went nicely with the lemon and tartar sauce. If I had got fries, it would be just like fish and chips. In addition to the clams and sand dabs, they also have a warm bread basket with butter, which was very nice. There is paid parking next to the restaurant but it may be difficult on a busy day. I recommend parking at the larger parking lots nearby and walk over. The restaurant itself had a gorgeous views of the water as well. read more

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Let's start off with the ambiance. It sits right on the water in the marina on the wharf. Stunning! The service was spot on. Now for the food. We have eaten at many places in Monterey, but this one is hands down the most delicious of all. Bread was served warm. We started off with the deep fried Calamari, followed by one of there specials. Halibut! We had them blackened. It came with scalloped potatoes and Asparagus al dente of course. Exquisite! read more

Sandbar & Grill - Blackened Halibut with Scalloped potatoes and Asparagus - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Our server was prompt and kind, the food was phenomenal. I'm so glad we stopped in. Watch the boats in the marina float by as you enjoy your brunch- really a great place to eat. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Oysters on the half shell, and shrimp cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

small on the water local spot. Super quaint and old school. The service was great fast and there was always a line. the bloody mary is to Die for! The bloody mary mix is house made and probably one of the best I've had! calamari is pounded to perfection, super tender, and crispy! we ordered the steam clams and must have gotten a bad batch because they were not good. Too much wine and not fresh. I will be back. read more

Was up in Monterey for the annual Sea Otter Classic cycling festival and dined at Sandbar & Grill on the recommendation of a close friend. Attached to the Municipal Pier like an adorable, nautical-themed barnacle, the Sandbar & Grill immediately felt like a locals-only safe harbor from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-focused Old Fisherman's Wharf on the other side of the docks. The wait for our table wasn't long but long enough to imagine Steinbeck working through a draft over a beer at the bar or a modern day VC bro becoming inspired by an elevated fast-casual seafood dining concept that's anchored between Long John Silver's and Red Lobster. Once we were seated the service was attentive but not pushy and a delightful meal with a trio of longtime friends and colleagues was had. However, little did a buddy and I know we were eating our way to the darkest depths of Davy Jones' Locker when we ordered the calamari. Or, it could have been the tartar sauce that came with the calamari. Either way, we both woke up in the wee hours of the following morning with a stomach-churning sea-sickness that we wouldn't wish upon the saltiest sailor. It struck me first at 2 am when I was awoken from my slumber by a desperate need for the contents of my cargo hold to escape via the top hatch. Then a couple hours later my buddy had a violent rupture in his black water tank that sent a horrible mess coming out of his bilge valve. We were able to trade turns in our shared bathroom for a few rounds without issue but by 7 am, I was faced with a choice no person should ever have to make: should I try to barf between a friend's legs while he's pumping out the kind of horrific mess that would make the Exxon Valdez disaster look like a tiny spill, or should I sprint out the front door of the VRBO we've stayed at for the past three years and greet the morning by violently vomiting in my skivvies? Actually, now that I write it out... it wasn't much of a choice. Despite knowing my friend for close to 20 years, I found a nice bush in the front yard to evacuate my stomach. What made it weird was the German mountain bike legend who was staying with us was awoken by all the commotion and came out to check to see if everything was OK. I've been in some surreal moments in my life but talking to a German mere seconds after barfing in a bush at sunrise is suddenly at the top of the list. From this moment forward, the next 24 hours for us were a hallucination of pain and the expulsion of more chunks and fluids than you'd ever imagine a person could have in their body. It's been exactly one week and my throat remains a little jagged and my abs still have a twinge of pain from how violent the dozen-plus eruptions were. Granted, I'm not the kind of person who does stomach crunches for fun but tearing an ab muscle shouldn't be the least worst side effect of a bad dining experience. If you made it this far, maybe just stick to the Sandbar for drinks and maybe some fries if you feel like living on the edge. read more

4.8 OMG, this old school diner/bar is not to be missed. The food and service was top end and the BITD vibe was priceless. Fantastic !!! read more

I was recommended this place and I've been to Monterey many times but usually go to the same restaurants and thought to try something new. I am so glad I did! You do have to pay for parking and it's a hidden gem where you go below the dock to get inside. There is no waiting area you put your name down and wait for them to call you. Came on a Tuesday for lunch and waited about 5 minutes before being seated. All seats are next to the water which is so nice to have a view. The bread they serve is warm sourdough and it was so good with my clam chowder. I heard three tables telling the servers how this was the best clam chowder they have ever had and I will say it was really delicious and creamy. The calamari was definitely fresh and tender. Not pictured I also had the fish tacos and fries which were flavorful and the sand dabs with brown rice. I usually do not like brown rice but they season theirs and it was delicious. My picky daughter loved the sand dabs. Didn't get a chance to try their drinks but will definitely be back for the food and atmosphere. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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We were visiting Monterey for a card show a couple of months back and wanted to try this place and they did not disappoint. When we got there, there was a little bit of wait but it wasn't too long. They get your phone number and text you when your table is ready. Couple of things to take note of is this is not a big restaurant. They can accommodate some big parties but your wait would be a bit longer. This restaurant is by the dock so your window view are boats coming back in which was really nice. They definitely had a great view. Food: Artichoke- this was actually really good. I enjoyed this dish but would recommend some seasoning on the artichoke itself. But we enjoyed this meal. Clam chowder: really really good chowder. Great seasoning and had a lot of protein in it. They definitely weren't stingy with the clam. We shared this one bowl cause it was a lot. Calamari- this was a good calamari, perfect breading seasoning wasn't overwhelming. Our server was also very attentive. Took care of us really well... All in all great restaurant to try. read more

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I began coming to this spot as a young man with my parents. The decent of the staircase from the warf was both exciting and mysterious, however it was the view that initially captivated me because you are seated just above water level, however now that I am a grown man, it's the food that captures me as the seasonally a available dungeonous crab club is not to be missed, but neither are the sand dabs which are almost always available. My kids love the fish and chips... and of course the view. Great spot even without the kids as the bar is great and the cocktails are always good. Don't visit Monterey without trying the Sandbar. read more

Perfect place to come by after kayaking. Beautiful view to the shore, but you have to get lucky though, as seats filled up fast. Staffs work hard. You have to bring your dishes to the table. Yummy food and generous portions. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

This is a fantastic tiny little treat of a restaurant. I am so glad we stumbled upon it on our walk down the pier. I will say because they are small, there is a good chance there will be a wait. We came in with a party of 5 around 6:30pm and was told it would be around 30 minutes. So not too bad, but I could easily see them having a wait over an hour during busy season/meal times. Once you are inside, it is very small so they really try and put as many tables in as possible. It doesn't feel cramped, but if you are looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience, this place won't have it. I do love that it sits basically right on the water though. You feel almost as if you are sitting in a boat in the harbor just looking out. The menu is all basics. There is nothing particularly unique about the food, but that doesn't mean it's not tasty. My kids were excited to get fish & chips and gobbled up the massive pieces of fried fish given to them. My wife and I were shocked at the portion size for a kids meal. I tried the Paella which was tasty, but I did wish there was maybe a bit more non fish pieces in there for the price I was paying. My wife, who's not a huge fan of fish, tried the special which was halibut and devoured it. So in all, we all had great meals and nothing was left on the plate. Even when we were full and ordered a dessert to share we ate that too. Our waiter was so friendly and helpful. He did a great job checking in on us without feeling like a helicopter. He also engaged with our kids in a wonderful way that made them feel comfortable and relaxed. Our experience here was great. I would absolutely recommend coming here if you're visiting Morro Bay. It definitely feels more like a local watering hole (there is a large bar that takes up half the dining space) than a tourist trap. And even though we were clearly tourists, they did their best to make us feel like we were one of their own. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Views of the harbor come free with every meal - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

Post-dive meal + beer is always amazing and Sandbar really hit the spot! We had to try the sand dabs as our dive instructor was pointing them out to us on our dive earlier in the day! The restaurant was very busy but we were able to grab a seat at the bar after a 15 min wait or so. There was definitely lots of people waiting after we were seated as well. Service was quick and everything we ordered was delicious!! read more

Sandbar & Grill - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

First off, the staff is fantastic!! They are warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful. The space itself is small and cozy, tucked right next to the pier, so if you're claustrophobic, consider this your gentle warning. That said, what it lacks in square footage it more than makes up for on the plate. The food does not disappoint. The fish and chips are perfectly done, and the halibut special was a standout fresh, flavorful, and clearly the star of the show. Don't skip this spot on your next visit... just arrive hungry and ready to squeeze in. read more

It's like a dive bar but for really good seafood. You walk down stairs to the lower dock level. It's a tiny place, low ceilings, the people at the bar looked like a can of standing sardines. We came Wednesday night at 7 and it was crowded. 30min wait for 3. Service was quick and to the point. Food came out fast. We got the oysters, calamari, and cioppini. Everything tasted super fresh and delicious. read more

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This place was recommended by a local when we were visiting. We probably wouldn't have gone there on our own but glad we did. You walk down stairs on a dock (?) so it's kind of hidden. It's dark and older inside. It's right in the bay by the boats. The server was friendly and attentive. The food and espresso martini were delicious! I can't remember what fresh fish was served but it was good. Lobster is always delicious. read more

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The fish and chips were not very enjoyable. The fish had a slightly burnt taste, possibly from old frying oil, though I'm not completely sure. The texture was also inconsistent some pieces were mushy while others were quite firm. Other dishes were decent and tasted fine. On a positive note, the staff were friendly, attentive, and provided good service read more

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We had exceptional service! The food was delicious and fresh! Really good Bloody Mary's. Fish and chips so good! Calamari fresh and tender! Will be back! The locals recommended it! Logan hooked it up! read more

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Once again while on our weekend trip to Monterey, we stopped at SandBar & Grill Restaurant next to the Wharf hands down the BEST place for lunch in the area. And bar none, they have the BEST clam chowder we've ever had. The drinks were great, the food was amazing, and the whole experience reminded us why this has become a staple on our visits to Monterey. Highly recommend this spot if you want great flavor, great service, and a perfect Monterey vibe. We'll be back again! read more

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This is an unassuming hidden gem in Monterey wharf. It is not located on the touristy but the other pier north of it. Parking is plenty, but paid thanks to Monterey city for collecting from the tourist. The food is excellent. They have the best clam chowder, fish and chips and calamari steaks. The spicy shrimp pasta dish is excellent. Service is friendly and fast. The hostess can be more friendly. read more

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Great views on the waterfront. Food was excellent. I got the clam chowder which was nice and creamy with good chunks of clams. We got the sand dabs (very tasty) and calamari (light and crispy) as appetizers. My main was the cioppino. Great taste and the seafood was not overcooked. The accompanying bread was deliciously buttery. We shared a dessert amongst the table - chocolate Bundt cake and crème brûlée. The Bundt cake was rich and chocolaty and the creme brulee was light and creamy. Both were great. Seating was tight as it's a small restaurant. read more

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we got a tip from a local to come here and give this place a shot since it was on pier B and right in the heart of the fishing district in Monterey. I have to say, we didn't sit at the bar as we were instructed, and I kind of regret that, because they have a bunch of specials that they only serve there at the bar during happy hour. And that's where all the locals seem to be sitting in having a great time. that said being seated by the window overlooking the marina was pretty awesome too. We started with oysters, calamari and clams, and all of them were great. The calamari was probably the best of all since it was more like a calamari steak those tenderized and frighten succulent little bites that was standout for us. for dinner, we tried in an assortment of dishes. We had the seared ahi, an order of steamed clams, the cioppino and the French style curry with mixed seafood. All these dishes were delicious and unique in their own way as the ahi was served with wasabi sauce over a bit of soba noodles and was delicious. The cioppino was filled with seafood, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, and fish, and had a great tang, but the dish that we like best off the dinner menu was the the French curry, which had a mix of fresh fish halibut in this case an abundance of scallops and shrimp and I opted for the additional side of black muscles. This dish was fantastic. The curry was light, vietnamese-style, but not too spicy, and it was a great compliment to the range of nicely prepare prepared fish. With a bit of white rice to float the fish, the rest the curry sauce almost served like a soup - being light enough to to not feel heavy or overly rich. overall, we had a great experience at the sandbar and our server Victor, and all the rest of the staff there were extremely friendly and attentive. I should probably also mention the the restaurant includes a full bar abroad selection of wines that are all reasonably priced and available by the classroom bottles and a nice selection of fresh desserts that we chose the Panna cotta and enjoyed it lightness and simplicitysimplicity. It was a great finale to our dinner I'll also mention that the Expresso that I had was fantastic. It was properly made and exhibited very little awareness, but only a full Rich coffee flavor, which is always a good sign to me. I would definitely go here again if you're in the area looking for some fresh seafood and maybe a little local happy hour or a bar character. This is a spot that's off the beaten tourist tracks, but it holds a lot of charm. read more

Sandbar & Grill - The mussels were fantastic! - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Here I am, 9yrs later! Still good! We got seated right away, but it was on the early side for dinner, 5:00. Happy hour available from 4:00-6:00,but at the bar only & it was filled with regulars who apparently are in the know! We started w/the calamari again...these are fried pcs of the body, no legs. While tasty, I do wish they would mk them crunchy. He had crab stuffed scampi. Generous sized portion of maybe 6 lg shrimp along with/a choice of pasta, risotto, or potatoes. He chooses the pasta. I had the shrimp scampi in a lemon garlic sauce that was so yummy! I ordered the risotto, but it wasn't to my liking, so the server very kindly brought me a side dish of pasta. Mine came w/green beans & the pasta had zucchini sautéed in it. The service was so friendly, kind, & really spot on! I would recommend it for 1st or return customers. The fish & chips looked good! ...next time! read more

Sandbar & Grill - Stuffed prawns $28 - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Pretty pleasant experience for a Sunday morning. Nice harbor view and got to try the Monterey sand dabs (type of fish) which was really amazing and was cooked perfectly. Ambience was good too. No complaints, hope to try their breakfast Benedicts next time. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Sand dabs - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

Amazing location and ambiance, but the food was so bland and expensive, i had to rate it low. The fish was fresh and well cooked, but it seemed like they hadn't even used salt on it. Also, the fries weren't that great. All for market seafood prices. read more

Wow great place for dinner! Right on the water, it's a bit kitsch and cute. We ordered: Clam chowder Calamari Cioppino Jumbo prawns with crab specialty menu Clam chowder was good, I liked that the starter bread came out hot. Calamari was nice thick pieces, really different from the usual calamari rings. Jumbo prawns with crab I thought was just ok, a bit too creamy for what I thought it was going to be. Came with a side of scalloped potatoes with green beans. Cioppino was really great, nice mix of seafood variety- shrimp, fish, crab, scallop and calamari. Great flavor! Would definitely come by again read more

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Wow! We stumbled upon sandbar and grill while visiting Del monte beach on our road trip up the coast and it exceeded our expectations. Lorena was our waitress and she was absolutely spectacular with us and our kiddos. The host was very friendly and welcoming when we walked in, as was the bus server and the bartender. We ate sand dabs and shrimp pesto which were delicious. They had kids meals for the kiddos which were reasonably priced and the kids enjoyed. Also had some local Monterey bottles of wine to try. The restaurant is very quaint and comfortable after a day exploring the wharf and didn't seem like a total tourist trap. We can't wait to go back!! read more

Amazing ambience, food, and service. Found our favorite spot in Monterey! Met lovely locals. Highly recommend the sand dabs.

We tried the most delicious clam chowder, crab club sandwich, fish and chips, and oysters. Hands down the best food and service. Angela the waitress is amazing informative, and very friendly. read more

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The oysters were good! The sauce for the oysters was your typical cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. The scampi prawns were good, but could use some more seasoning. The service was excellent! Very fast, nice, and attentive! The ambiance was gave bar/grille vibes. The waiting area was small, but makes sense due to the location. read more

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Food was not as good. I had the ribeye steak. It was salty. The calamari was like chewing on a rubber band. The service was very poor. The only time the waiter came was when he took our order and gave us the bill. It took a long time to get refills in our drinks, etc. The ambiance was beautiful. I will never return to this restaurant again. read more

It had been years since we had been to the Sandbar. This a small and casual fresh seafood centric restaurant at the City Wharf. Large windows to view out to the harbor with sea life and birds to add to your experience. We knew what we were going to order before we arrived, our typical 'go to' simple classic seafood dishes: calamari, clam chowder, and fish and chips. All three dishes were as good as we remembered. The calamari and deep fried fish were fresh, crispy, and flavorful. Their tartar sauce is a great dipping sauce for the French fries as well. We asked for 2 extra, and our server gladly brought us more. I was pleasantly surprised that their prices were very reasonable. The service was fast and friendly. This is a great choice for those looking for fresh seafood with a water view and great value. read more

Delicious lunch with entertaining view of beginning sailing class (a couple nearly tipped themselves, negotiating a tight turn for the first time.) The clam chowder is particularly delightful and well seasoned. Our waiter accidentally cleared my soup before I was done. He replaced it without batting an eye. I appreciate that so much. read more

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Freshly caught san dabs busy lunch spot overlooking the marina oh did I say how fresh the fish is wonderful read more

Sandbar & Grill - Sand dabs - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California