A great place to watch the sunset! We were in this little town (Cayucos) to snag some Brown Butter Cookies (If you don't know what i'm talking about, Yelp them, and RUN!). And my husband and I wanted to catch a beach sunset since it would be coming any minute. We asked the team at BBC where we could get a cocktail + watch it within walking distance and they recommended Schooners. It is definitely a fun, local spot at Happy Hour! Everyone seemed to know each other which was pretty fun. We sat on their outside deck and had a great view of happy hour! We ordered a drink and nachos. The nachos didn't knock our socks off but definitely took the hunger edge off! Their happy hour is inside their upstairs bar only and was a great deal so i'd highly suggest that! We'd absolutely come back another time to watch a sunset. The service was friendly! read more

Schooners - Nachos - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

Not many choices for dinner in Cayucos. Staff were very nice, but short handed. Food was just ok. We had different cuts / sizes of Harris ranch steak, all ordered medium rare, but arrived medium, somewhat tough and cold (although tasty). However the food and service aren't the complaint. Schooner's needs to decide if it wants to be a restaurant or a second rate nightclub. The obnoxious 'entertainment' in such a confined space during dinner hour was deafening. Blaring off tune rock lyrics to 100dB instrumentals literally caused impaired hearing. Not only did the waiter have a hard time and visa versa, but how inconsiderate to seat people for dinner, then allow such intrusive screeching. Seriously? How about serenading the after dinner crowd instead. When the lead started doing shots while performing we asked for our food to go, fortunately we were told it would end soon. Regrettably , the ringing in our ears lasted much longer than our dinner. Btw our party had millennials, however we ran into several older couples after dinner that were discussing the same grievance. Diners check the 'Entertainment' schedule before heading to Schooners for a weekend dinner. read more

My man wanted a burger and I don't eat fish, so what better place to go to than a seafood spot! But notice the 5 stars, that's bc those chicken nachos were fab u lous *3 snaps*. The burger was exactly what my man was looking for, and my mama got the jumbo shrimp n chips that she said were huge and delicious. Sure, the service was slow, but where isn't these days? Despite the speed, my man accidentally dropped the pickle on the ground, and they came back with two. Now that's service. read more

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This place was amazing, Brook our server was amazing and added so much positivity and excitement for our time here today she deserves a raise ! The food was delicious and worth it o definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal to have a nice time and relax next to the beach really good restaurant and nice personal. :) read more

Fantastic! Had oysters and crab fresh from the ocean! Great drinks too! Must stop in this little beach town! read more

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I'm not sure we will be back. Your service has gotten horrible. Tried getting service on Sunday twice. Sat at the downstairs bar. Bartender acknowledged us ..... then served two other parties..... then updated her tips from credit cards.... Then continued to serve people who arrived after us. When we had the audacity to say something, she told us she didn't like our attitude. So we left. Friday at 5ish we sat at the same bar. The bartender was fast, efficient, and friendly. His personality and service were what made us want to come back on Sunday. read more

***3.5 Stars*** Nice little spot to grab lunch or dinner while out in Cayucos! It's conveniently located just steps away from Cayucos Pier and Cayucos Beach. If the weather is nice, you should definitely try to snag a seat outside on their upper deck. Their upper deck and bar area feature a great view of the beach and pier. I stopped here for lunch before heading back home to the Bay Area, and my overall experience was a-ok. I really wanted to sit out on the deck, but it was completely full. It seems like reservations are definitely the way to go here. I decided to just dine in the bar area instead. Their bar is waaay more casual than their indoor dining area. Lots sports memorabilia covering the walls and a room full of locals and sport heads. It seemed like everybody knew each other, so I'm sure this is the local kick it spot seeing as though this little town doesn't have many bars and restaurants around. The drinks options are really good here! Lots of good beer on tap, decent wine options, and they also offer specialty cocktails. They're known for their bloody mary's here, but I've never been a fan of them, so I passed on it. It was a nice day out, so I opted for a beer and paired it with their fish and chips. I had their jumbo shrimp cocktail to start which was super tasty! It came with 6 massively plump shrimp that tasted really fresh. I mean... how can you go wrong with shrimp cocktail anyways? The fish and chips were very plentiful and equally as tasty, however I did find the fish to be a little too greasy. Portions were ample for the price. The Cayucos Beach Amber Ale that I had was mildy hoppy but still light and refreshing. I can't forget to mention that they have free WIFI which really came in handy because I had virtually no phone reception when I was there. Service at the bar was just so-so. There were two bartenders manning the fort, but they seemed to both be preoccupied with a few of the regulars the majority of the time. Service was pretty inattentive for the most part, but the food and drink came out pretty fast which was nice. Aside from the service and greasy fish, this place was pretty cool. I wouldn't mind coming back during a future trip to try something else off of their menu. Next time, I would avoid the bar area and try to snag a seat outside on their deck. read more

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I love to visit this local spot whenever I am down on the central coast. If there is any dish I absolutely recommend, it is the Seared Ahi with Crab Mashed Potatoes. The presentation is wonderful, the seaweed salad provides balance and the flavors are spot on. I also love their BBQd oysters. These were so flavorful and a perfect plate for sharing. I have to give a 4/5 because there are some dishes I have not enjoyed in the past but will always come back for the atmosphere and the ahi :). One example would be the lobster Mac, personally, I didn't care for the Preparation of this dish. It was overly fishy, and the toppings/mix ins were not well chopped or incorporated. I also don't love the calamari. I have had it a few times and each time it's overly rubbery and the strips are very thick. It is more like a chewy fish stick than what you might expect from a light friend calamari ring. read more

Schooners - BBQ oysters - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

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Great place, tacos are delicious, service is very nice and the hostess is perfect! Cool atmosphere and I would definitely come back! read more

Came in this evening ordered clam chowder and calamari. The calamari was fine the chowder had to be sent back three times. First two where not hot our waiter ayoung man with round glasses finally got use a hot bowl he was very accommodating we didn't Finnish this bowl the taste was different from our previous visit had to ask servier of they had changed the recipe was disappointed .tasted less creamy had less clams and may have had more celery in it . read more

Worst restaurant in Cayucos. The band playing was terrible and too loud to the point the waitresses had to wait until they stopped so they could hear us. Our food came out before our drinks. Don't worry no clams or harmed and making their clam chowder. The only redeeming entree was a carrot cake which was probably bought from one of the very good bakeries in the area. read more

I always make a point to stop here when in town, great food & ambiance. Their cioppino is a true treat! I always have a hard time deciding to stick with that or try their specials (which also never disappoint). read more

Schooners - Cioppino - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

The place is nice but they seemed to be short-staffed. The bathroom was clean. They have great Bloody Mary's.

Love this place,owner is super responsive and engaged. Great drinks. Didn't have food. We will be back often Highly recommend read more

Schooners - View - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

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This place is great. The food was delicious, I don't think I've ever had better calamari in my life. The lobster Mac was my boyfriend's and I basically ate half it was so good I couldn't stop. The only reason I give it a four is because of a few reasons. One when walking in on the street side entrance the sign said to go to the beach side entrance to wait for a hostess. We waited for about five minutes before we realized there was a sign that said wait here and another that said seat yourself. It was really confusing so eventually we just sat down. The Ahi tacos were amazing but the rice was quite dry. The staff is friendly enough but most of them had the same reaction to seeing people arrive as if they were guest stopping by their house uninvited. The location of Schooners is amazing with views of the pier and the ocean. read more

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Even on a chilly damp night, we sat outside under the heaters and had lovely dinners. Best chowder I had all week and a delicious lobster dinner. The calamari was delicious as well. The servers were working hard as the galley is downstairs and bulk of seating it seemed was upstairs. Still, service came timely enough for our multi course meal with cocktails. read more

This place has gone SO downhill. Went with a small group yesterday evening and the service was just absolutely awful. It was overcast & chilly and we were directly under the heaters so we asked they be turned on. One server moved the umbrella, hit some poor girls head in the process & after all that we were told the heaters didn't work & were "temperamental" which we know just means they were out of propane cause NONE of them were on. I don't even know which of them was actually our server. Nobody ever filled drinks, checked to see how the food was, had to flag them down to ask for anything... I have nothing positive to say. read more

Wow what a ridiculous establishment! Waiting in line to be seated. It would take 10 min or more for the hostess to return. After 30 min (there were 3 other parties in front of us), she informs us we can go on the waiting list which is a 45 min wait. No waiting list in site. Just a missing empty hostess station. Also empty tables around us. We had a party of 6 and 10 months ago they wouldn't make a reservation unless you had 8 person minimum. People with reservations were behind us waiting to be helped too. One inept hostess and obviously no manager. I don't recommend bothering with this place. read more

My husband and I, along with our 4 children, decided to go to Schooners for lunch. The restaurant has always been our go-to eatery while in Cayucos and the place has definitely changed. We understand that lunch time can be very busy, especially on a Saturday, but this experience was very disappointing. After being seated, we were served water, which seemed to have been a great start. Another family was then seated in our area after a while, and we noticed that they were not only served with water but as well as drinks along with appetizers while we have yet to be asked for our drink orders. Food kept coming out for that family while we sat there just waiting. We finally had enough of being ignored or forgotten. My husband was not able to get the attention of any waitress to let them know we were leaving so we decided to just leave. My husband did leave $10 just because they served us drinks. He tried one last time and tried to talk to the hostess and she just walked away. read more

My bf and I went to Schooners for a drink and Victoria made me a great spicy margarita! The margarita had the perfect amount of spice and flavor to it. read more

Food was delicious, we had fish and chips which were fresh and fries were great. We also had the clam chowder which was chunky and rich and I enjoyed the celery in it. We had a patty melt as well which was spot on. Juicy with red onions. The service was quick and it was kid friendly. The nachos were also a great appetizer, nothing fancy but getting the dips and sauces on the side worked well. We were there in the rain so did t get the full water front experience but the inside was very nice. read more

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Because of Jenna and Betsy as well as several other staff members, it is a must for me to visit Schooners's on Sunday's and Monday's! The food I've had here has always been good and a great ambiance overlooking the pier, beach and ocean! Thank you Jenna for the great service and always being such a sweetheart! read more

Schooners - Cayucos pier - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

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First time at Schooners and we're definitely coming back! We were a bit early for the dinner menu which had a vegetarian option. Our fine server offered to make my tacos vegetarian and added avocado. My plate was complete with black beans and rice. Excellent! My husband enjoyed his chicken tacos with the same sides. It wasn't crowded and we were quite happy to enjoy our meal for our anniversary weekend. Well done Schooners! read more

One of the best spots to have lunch or dinner in Cayucos. Delicious food and great views of the Cayucos pier and ocean. The staff is very nice and proactive. read more

Always my togo spot when I'm in the area. Love the atmosphere, employees, and food! Even with the COVID requirements, they still are running a great environment and business. Thank you Schooners, never a disappointment! read more

Schooners - Lunchtime with the Mrs. - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

If this was for ambiance alone, 5 stars. We came on a Saturday night in time for the band and the sunset and it was amazing. Unfortunately my food was not. I ordered the fish and chips despite the waitress telling me that they were "standard". But tables around me had ordered and everyone seemed to be enjoying them, and I was in the mood for fish n chips, so... they arrived and it was a huge plate so I was ready to dig in. The fish had little taste and was soggy. There was a sauce or something cooked inside and I don't know if that's how it was supposed to be but it was soggy and not crispy. The waitress as polite and offered to get me a new order but when I asked if it was going to be different she said probably not. I got the crab cakes instead but they were also not great. Too big to be crispy and not cooked enough. My martini - they had Jalepeno as one of the ingredients tasted only like jalepeno. So spicy! My husband orders the steak and it was good, he said. But I was very disappointed with everything I ordered. Such a bummer, but the sunset was gorgeous. read more

We ordered dinner to go. Crab cakes took 45 minutes, were burned, and the container looks like they shook it up before handing it to us. Not happy. read more

Schooners - This is how they "plate" their crab cakes when they are ordered to go. - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

Since most restaurants in the area are closed between 3 and 5 pm, this was our only option for a late lunch. We were delighted to have such great food. Shrimp and cod in a light batter cooked to perfection. My friend's grilled salmon Caesar sald was amazing. This place is not much on ambience but is probably jumpin' at night. Lots of seating and a big outdoor bar. Right next to the pier and on the water. Enjoy! read more

Iconic bar and restaurant located in the heart of Cayucos with a great view of the pier. Awesome drinks and great food. Highly recommend the Bloody Mary and calamari. My favorite on the central coast! read more

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The food was good, party of 4 we were. Two fish and chips, a burger, and I opted for the ahi tuna tacos! Got there when they were running their lunch specials - I have read the reviews and maybe it depends on what you order but I loved the food. I wish the service was better. She didn't come back once to ask if we needed anything or how the meal was. It wasn't busy but she could have been new. I would definitely come back here again ! read more

I never leave a bad review. I leave shout outs and accolades. We have been coming here for years we love Cayucus, as a small preserved CA town. My husband & I love the view, vibe and Bloody Mary. I needed a walk on the beach and he said to meet there for drink/lunch. I arrived a bit later, but noticed the bar tender was pretty hostile. I was thinking oh. I get it Monday morning tourists,,, but still it was odd. We were going to order lunch, but decided to move on... there it was our 3 tip options starting with 22% - wasn't a big bill since we left after one drink , but we were still committed to 22%. For grumpy service :( read more

This restaurant has delicious food and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The staff were all very friendly including who I think was the owner (Brian). The calamari strips really are epic as well as the fish and chips. I certainly enjoyed my meal and if I'm the area I will be back again. Highly recommend! read more

Great location and good food, if you get your food. Used to be one of our local go to restaurants. Unfortunately, they seem to be struggling with their service. Choices are limited in Cayucos, so we're sad to see Schooner's going down hill. Tonight they they brought out two of our three meals. Said my meal had accidently been given to someone else. Ok, mistakes happen. Said they'd place priority on getting my meal cooked again. It was salmon, quick to grill. Nope. My two friends finished their meals and mine still had not arrived, 20 minutes later! All we could do was ask them to take it off our check. So I did not get dinner. Manager never came out to apologize. No offer to comp our next visit. Nothing. Will not go again for a while for sure. Hope to hear they get better management soon. read more

This place gets better every time! They seem to be expanding as well. Excited to see how it looks when the upstairs work is done. There is a nice new bar area downstairs which add some good seating. The halibut Thai salad I had today was superb and spicy. My wife loved her clam chowder bread bowl and Caesar. Good beer options. Also service was great. read more

Clam Chowder hit the spot We stopped for a snack and tried the chowder. It was delicious with lots of tender clams. It was also served hot (I like my soup hot on a cold day). Looking forward to trying a meal next time. read more

Sherri and I went here and loved it! The server was very nice and polite. I had a salad and the cioppino soup and it was spicy and filled with fish and excellent. It was kind of cold but it had been raining all week. read more

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Schooners is a must stop when visiting Cayucos! Very friendly service, great food, and amazing ocean view on the top!

The wonderful booths are gone and the potbelly stove, so it's drafty under those tables, so except for the outside seating it looks pretty generic now. Our servers were pleasant and service was quick, though getting seated was a little more complicated than necessary. The fries were terrific. The meals were okay. I got a bloody mary that was just barbecue sauce on ice. We didn't try dessert this time. Going to have to find a new favorite in Cayucos read more

We had a lot of fun here during the Covid crisis. Things where a little hectic but we had a great server and everyone enjoyed the appetizers and main dishes. Drinks were strong. Nice selection of beers and wines. They have indoor and outdoor seating and Cayucos is my favorite beach town. It was a great time! read more

Schooners - Happy birthday Jessie! - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

We stopped here for the calamari. It was worth the stop. The clam chowder, on the other hand, was disappointing. It was too watery. I would not get it here again. read more