Great place for seafood. Fish and chips are delicious but the steamed clams was my favorite.

Stopped in today for lunch. Got there when they opened since we were worried about Omicron. We and the server wore masks but the customers that came in after us either didn't or immediately removed them when they were seated on the upper deck with us. Food was average or below, basically unremarkable. Felt uncomfortable by the end and just wanted out, especially since food wasn't compelling enough to risk getting sick. Hope we don't. read more

Horrible service never even got our food but everyone around us that came in after us got all their food! We keep asking service and got nothing not even a cup of clam chowder or side dinner salad! We ended up walking out and server said ok! Crazy night still don't get what happened. read more

This Restaurant exceeded our expectations. I felt the staff was quite friendly and professional. Portions were generous, and everything was perfectly prepared . On tap beer selection was extensive. The sea bass was excellent. Nice views, Literally steps from the beach! read more

Worst service I've ever had. It's very unfortunate because it's a really cute place and I really wanted to like it. We sat for 30 minutes before anyone came to take our drink or food order. We asked 3 different times if someone could please come take our order then when the waiter came he said "everyone thought someone else had helped you" like we didn't ask 3 times already? After we ordered they forgot my Bloody Mary. I reminded the waiter twice. We got our food... still no Bloody Mary. Then he said he was going to bring it half way through dinner but I didn't want it anymore. Food was not bad. But the service was absolutely terrible I didn't even want to eat anymore because it was just so disappointing. The cocktails my husband and mom got tasted awful. Even the water tasted gross which also made the soda taste nasty like their machine is moldy. Very disappointed. read more

The steak was cold and chewy, and half of it was fat, and just NO seasoning on it, the grilled lobster was chewy too, and the mashed potatoes was alright but I do not recommend read more

This place is charming and simple. Like me. Except charming. I love Cayucos, even though it sounds like some type of nasal infection. It's a laid back, family and pet friendly beach. There's even a couple nice play structures right on the beach. The only complaint I have about the town is the turd burger kids who come to play Baywatch Junior Lifeguards sitting on the stairs and under the play structures so nobody can use them and basically just being inconsiderate sacks of garbage-packed human flesh. But back to Schooners.... I'm not a local, but I come here at least a few times a year. Dinner at Schooners is always how we finish off the day, and may be the part I look forward to the most. Like the general atmosphere of Cayucos, Schooners is laid back and casual. There may be seating elsewhere but we always sit upstairs in their fairly small outdoor dining area. It's quaint and casual, and off to one side is the bar, which is a rusty metal shack, for lack of a better term. The staff always dresses very nice, but the clientele is always casual, so don't sweat coming straight from the beach. A gal who thought she was Jessica Rabbit walked in during our most recent visit and looked laughably out of place. The food, like the atmosphere, is also simple. They have steak and fancy sounding things, but I generally stick to the burgers, fish and chips, clam chowder, etc. and I've never been disappointed. This time I got their BBQ burger with fries. The burger and bacon was a little over done, which is unusual. The fries were outstanding as always. I also got a "cup" of clam chowder. It says it's an 8oz bowl on the menu. I don't like calling people liars, but I'm pretty sure it's bigger than that. My son got the fish and chips. The fish was cooked perfectly...moist but not soggy. My daughter got the chicken strips, which were like you'd expect. Both wanted hot chocolate. Our waitress did a great job with the kids hot chocolate. She mixed in some ice, making it the perfect luke-warm chocolate to accommodate kids whose mouths haven't been scalded numerous times by overhot coffee and who don't know how to sip. My wife got some sort of salad. Gross. But she said it was good. If you're looking for a fancy pants dining place, where you can eat food that looks like some sort of weird food art, where you can dress in your finery and look down your nose at people, this isn't it. But if you're looking for great, casual ambience, friendly and attentive service, a great view and, in my opinion, the best restaurant by the beach in Cayucos, Schooners is a solid choice. If you can get there at the right time to watch the sunset, it makes it even better. read more

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Been coming to Cayucos for years. Finally tried this place. Slow service and the restaurant's dog roaming loose in the restaurant and peeing on my seat before I sat down was enough for me. Don't recommend. Food marginal as well. read more

Beautiful location & view! We had an, enjoyable lunch of a tuna melt, clam chowder and ok patty melt.... The only thing was the live music was way too loud and the singer was absolutely awful. We laughed at every off key he hit. Karaoke would have been better... read more

My family truly enjoyed our dining experience!! We were greeted with ice water and had a lovely view of the ocean!! While waiting to order we had our first whale sighting! We shared the chicken nachos as an appetizer and the complimentary sour dough rolls were amazing! I had crab cakes and a side of garlic mashed potatoes and they were both yummy! My husband enjoyed the cowboy burger and fries, my youngest ordered the mac and cheese on the kids menu and we were so happy to see that it was real homemade mac and cheese! The girls enjoyed salads and were also very pleased! Our waiter was friendly and attentive! We will definitely plan to visit again! read more

Atmosphere is cool if you can get upstairs. Mai tais are delicious and a fun treat. But don't ask for anything special. The answer is no. A party of six? Nah, we don't want your business. Can we sit apart with separate check? Nah, we don't want your business. Food mediocre. Service spotty and they have a very "I don't like you attitude and, also, we don't care". So, if you can call out to your waiter for service as they walk by, you may get help. Otherwise, skip it. Go somewhere where they try. read more

Drove 45 minutes to have dinner here to celebrate a friends birthday. Hostess was nowhere to be found for about 5 minutes. We were sat upstairs in a table closest to the viewing area, outside. We ordered 3 glasses of wine and then ordered our main entrees. We ordered the crab cakes, the grilled salmon ceasar, and the wild caught fish, salmon, at market price. All of our dishes were delicious. Fish was very tasteful with the appropriate sauces for each dish. The corn relish with the crab cakes was paired perfectly. There were some mistakes with our order but it was fixed immediately. Dinner was actually very nice with great food and a beautiful view, service was good also. We were given our bill and we paid immediately. As we sat finishing our drinks, the hostess, Mia, requested that we get our drinks and move to the bar. Bar was crowded and loud. She stated that there was a reservation for our table. This was not expressed to us when we 1st sat down. As I visit places to review, I make notes throughout my meal. This restaurant had 5 stars until Mia told us to move on. She made me feel that since we had eaten and paid, it was time for us to move on. Well, we hadn't even discussed dessert but we sure did want more wine. This was a bit humiliating to my guests and myself. I loved the food here but because of how this was handled, I will not return. This could have been handled more appropriately. read more

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This place is a gem. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. During our weekend trip we visited three times - dinner one day, afternoon cocktail, then later for dinner and drinks. The staff was helpful with the menu and drinks were always perfect. We had the chowder, halibut & chips, calamari & chips on our first visit and it was fantastic - the chowder is perfectly buttery and chunky, We had the halibut and horseradish crusted ahi and they were just right, perfect portion and just the right punch of flavor. The team on staff this weekend was courteous and fun. We sat in the upstairs area each visit and it was a great element. I would highly recommend Schooners! read more

I had the best fish(halibut) and chips!!! Lightly battered and fish was super juicy and fresh tasting!!! I'll be coming back!!! :) read more

Service has been declining every time I visit. Our waitress disappeared for 30 mins after seated after waiting an hour to be seated and said there was a mixup in the kitchen, another server ignored us when we shouted excuse me to get his attention when he passed, to see if he can flag our server down. Second time dining here, and same treatment, thought we would give this place another chance to see if things were different but not. read more

Willing to wait the 45 minutes required for a table but was told to check out the full service bar. Treated so rudely by the host/manager whatever he is. Disappointing how rude business's are these days. I think tourism keeps you alive so have some respect Update- thank you for your response. Basically I wasn't upset that I got asked to wait in the bar. I was upset that this guy chases me out of the bar. In terms of swooning over him, I don't see it at all. Basically, common basic respect is all I was expecting. Don't think I would ever go here again. read more

A very busy and popular restaurant, we waited patiently for our food along with plenty of other people. Thank goodness for the ocean view! Once we received our food we walked back to our hotel and distributed the food. Their fries and ketchup were delicious as well as their burger patties, unfortunately they forgot the cheese on my cheeseburger. That seemed to be the only hiccup in the order, but other than that it was perfect. The hamburger combo only comes with fries (no drink) and they offer alcohol to-go in Mason jars. Expect to wait 15-20 minutes for your food, perhaps longer around dinner time. It was a pleasant experience with delicious food my family loved! read more

As a local this experience was disappointing. The hostess was noticeably rude when seating us. We waited at the very least 20 minutes, which I get it servers can get slammed. However 20 minutes is slightly unacceptable. Our sever was either unaware of this or indifferent. Once our food and drinks arrived I noticed the cilantro lime dressing was gel like and seemed spoiled. This is the first Yelp review I've written so I promise I'm not a Karen, but it was a bummer of an experience. On a positive notice the view from the restaurant was beautiful. And the blonde server was super helpful, upbeat and positive! read more

It's a whole experience. If you want that good groove, good food, good drinks good vibes kinda place with a view, you need to head to Schooners. We went 3 times in 2 days, it was that, well, good. (I'm apparently not well versed in adjectives). Truly enjoyed ourselves. The vibe: They have a full bar, a patio with a view, and a solid music selection. Inside the bar makes you wish you were a local, there are stories in the nautical decor, and you picture yourself coming off a fishing operation to grab a pint. It's moody, but in a good way. Watching the light dance off the water while you're in a dark bar is something you need in your life. Also. If you've got a bucket list idea, let them know. They've got a collage of brass plates filled with bucket list ideas that make you want to take adventures. Mine was line dancing on the moon, but their large ship helm turned chandelier is also on that list of potential dancing spots. Service: Staff was more than attentive, polite, and fun to interact with. Our bartenders were chill, but they hustled (We came back just to imbibe in the bar and witness the interactions with the plethora of patrons. From cowboys to bridal parties, lovers on a weekend, families with toddlers indulging on oyster crackers, everyone was enjoying the atmosphere, I can say, it was fantastic) Food: The chowder is buttery, the halibut is flaky, (had both the battered and seared menu options) the fries were perfect--crispy outside, melt in your mouth inside, my seasonal vegetables were indeed a medley well received. Drinks: Bloody Mary was just right, spicy, yet smoky. The Allagash on tap was like uttering a magic word. I expected a rabbit to jump out of a hat, but hey, they can't do everything, I suppose. Whether you want family friendly, or night out with friends, they've got ya covered. Looking forward to our next trip to the central coast to experience another round. Cheers! read more

Food ok I had fish and chips . I just thought it was just ok . A little greasy and bland . Other wise it's ok

only gettin one star due to not being able to give 0. cold food, horrible service, burnt food, no refills waitress ask if something was wrong cause the plate was still full of food / a whole crispy steak we laughed and said it was horrible and burnt she replies with I'm trying, whatever that meant spoke to 4 different employees to try to get our card back, with absolutely ZERO help from them took 45 minutes to get our card back only to find out they charged us for another tables meal also. Went to ask why we're still waitin for our card and the waitress was cleaning off tables outside, lmao Nevermind us just sitting here with our kids trying to go home, WHAT AN ABSOLUTE JOKE , LMAO read more

Came here with my family for my birthday lunch. They told us it'd be 45 minutes, and they'd call us when a table was ready. Hostess wasn't very friendly. No big deal. We ordered some drinks and fries at the to-go window while we waited. We watched them sit people that came after us. We decided to just go walk around while we waited for their phone call. Long story short, they NEVER called us, so we went to Duckies and gave them our money instead. Giving two stars because the fries were good. Super rude. read more

Wow, what a terrific restaurant I mean come on. Everything we ordered at this place all week was great. Get the Calamari and the halibut and chips and you won't be disappointed. read more

One of the best meals my family has ever had. We have dined at high end restaurants all over the world and didn't expect more than an average experience at Schooners, a small restaurant in a tiny central coast California town. We were more than pleasantly surprised. Service was prompt, pleasant and attentive. The cold heat martinis made with cucumber and jalapeños were amazingly good. Then came the food. Ahi sashimi was very nice, but the spicy Cole slaw stole its thunder. Absolutely amazing. My wife ordered the lobster tail with croquettes. Lobster was well seasoned, not just boiled, and cooked perfectly. She only let me have one bite (can't blame her!) and I must say it was the most perfect lobster I've ever had. The croquettes were excellent. Crispy and deliciously moist. I had the cioppino. Having previous experienced the cioppino at Fior d'Italia, the oldest Italian restaurant in San Francisco, which was amazingly good, I was blown away by Schooners' version. The broth was incredible, the garlic bread perfect, half a snow crab, three giant prawns, several smaller shrimp, excellent clams and whitefish. Truly the best I have ever had. Some reviews here reflect on poor service and mediocre food. Perhaps they are true. We went on a Sunday night for my wife's birthday and couldn't be happier with our experience. read more

Always look forward to coming back to this local haunt. Never disappoints. Great views. Great food. Great service. read more

Schooners - Best Mai Tai and Bloody Mary! - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

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Rick makes one outstanding Bloody Mary! We also had dinner here last night and the food, specifically the Steamed Clams were amazing! read more

Schooners - Steamed Clams - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

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Called ahead of time and the waitress assured me we could watch the Broncos on one of 3 TVs in the bar. Got there and the bartender changed the channel and looked at me and said, "Sorry, we're full," in a snide way. The bar wasnt full actually. He was just very rude. We have eaten here before and it's quite popular, but the food isn't great and the bartender ruined it for us. Go to Sea Shanty for great food and beat service. Go to the saloon for beer. This place is overrated. read more

We've been to Schooners many times over the years since we own a home in Cayucos. Our conclusion: it's good for what it is, which is a fun place to hang out on a beautiful day, drink a beer and have a snack. Don't expect fine dining. The quality of the food is often quite inconsistent, so choose carefully. We were there yesterday, sat on the upstairs deck, enjoyed some cold brews, and split an order of fish (the halibut) and chips. It was perfect. Bottom line: Great place to stop in for an adult beverage, maybe a snack or two...definitely not the type of place you want to take out of town family for dinner. read more

We stopped in for a quick lunch - and we were pleasantly surprised ! Our server was Thomas - he was friendly and attentive but not so much that he was hovering. The Ahi was so fresh and delicious, the calamari was plentiful (could make a meal out of the appetizer plate ) and the clam chowder was perfect ! If we are in the area again we will definitely come back ! read more

Patrick you r a complete beast on your reviews keep up the great work my man. Doesn't get better than this guy

I can honestly not rave about this place enough!! The owner truly care about his customers and employees. He will even make you 1000 island and your table. He goes above and beyond. The food is INCREDIBLE! We had the crab cakes and surf n turf with the best lobster and steak I've ever had! We felt so incredibly welcomed like we are locals. I will return here ever time I visit Cayucos and recommend this place to everyone I know read more

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Our neighbor recommended that we go here for fish & chips. Glad we took his advice! Best fish & chips we've ever had. We also got the halibut to share. This came with a mustard sauce. I was hoping it would just be a little drizzle, but it was a large amount on the plate. My hubby who is a mustard lover was good with this. I would probably just get that on the side next time. Lots of unique, yummy cocktails. I got the shaken colada which I would highly recommend. Cookie in cast iron skillet for dessert was delicious. Beautiful outdoor patio with amazing view of the beach/pier, very kid friendly with lots of fun pirate decorations. read more

Excelente food service came in with a huge group of people and staff and food was excellent would recommend the halibut and chips

We waited around quite a long time for anyone to show up to the hostess table. It was a short wait for the upstairs area. I ordered a salmon salad and literally half of the lettuce was rotten (not just wilted from the salmon but turned the plate brown when the leaves touched the plate). I didn't ask for a refund but just told the waiter to mention it to the chef as an FYI. I noticed all the servers were young men who didn't seem to know what was going on. The fish n chips looked frozen. I ate one of my kids frozen chicken strips and headed to the hidden kitchen. Wouldn't return. Not upset at them just not quality food. Maybe the drinks were good! read more

Love the legendary calamari & their oysters! Great service, nice views, highly recommend!

"For some odd reason, this place has seriously gone downhill. I've been here many times in the past and was never treated so poorly. Also, I've never had such horrible food served to me. The spring rolls were soggy and unpalatable, and the lobster Mac was flavorless and atrocious. The salad my friend got had expired lettuce mixed into it; by the time she finished picking out all the brown pieces, she had half a salad left, costing $18. The kicker? They almost refused to comp it. I felt like the entire establishment was run by teenagers with zero customer service skills. Maybe put a smile on your pretty faces, and your attitude might not appear so ugly. The wait staff seemed very sexist; only male servers would help my group of girls, while all the female wait staff avoided providing any service to us. I was very unimpressed by my experience at this establishment and I probably won't be back. The ambiance is typical--ooh, a beachfront business, so cool. Maybe pick up the service slack and actually care about how you treat your establishment's patrons!" read more

Super good restaurant. We were glad we stopped in and plan to come back. I had the fresh catch, thai-slaw and vegetables. All really well done. Good local wines. read more

Schooners never disappoints! The food is fresh and creative, yet simple! If you opt for outdoor dining the view is gorgeous and on most days you can see the Morro Bay Rock or just enjoy watching the surfers catch a wave! Schooners has a very relaxed atmosphere and a staff that is both efficient and believe in great customer service! Don't pass up the chance to enjoy a meal, great libations and an awesome view! read more

Schooners - Our view from the patio at Schooners! - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

Highly recommend checking out this local gem! I had the halibut and my wife had the lobster Mac and it was all delicious! read more

Schooners - Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut. Delicious! - Seafood Near Me - Cayucos, California

Good Lord - this was the best lunch I've had in ages! We were tide pooling near by and starving! We were seated up on the deck. Great view but even more amazing halibut tacos! My kiddo's fish and chips were amazing. As a 5 year old he obviously didn't have proper respect for a non-greasy, well-seasoned fish and chips. My husband's burger was great as well. Glad we stopped by! read more