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Scott's Chowder House - Precision, Umami, and Quiet Confidence Scott's Chowder House isn't trying to be trendy, nostalgic, or loud. It's a seafood bar that knows exactly what it's doing - and executes with restraint and consistency. I went with the spicy lobster roll, which the staff specifically recommended. This is not a standard boiled New England-style roll. The spice is calibrated with intent: instead of masking the lobster, it pulls out a much deeper, more assertive umami. The ocean flavor becomes clearer and more pronounced, something you simply don't get from water-only cooking. Inside the roll, there's a full lobster claw, not chopped scraps. The structure matters. What's easy to miss - but absolutely intentional - is the full leaf of crisp lettuce lining the lobster. This isn't garnish. It functions as a moisture barrier, protecting the bread from soaking up oil too quickly. Texturally, it adds a clean crunch, and from a flavor standpoint, it acts as a palate reset, keeping the spice focused and the umami sharp rather than greasy. It's a small detail that keeps the dish precise. The clam chowder is another standout. Instead of being fully puréed into a flat cream, the soup maintains a uniform, fine-grain texture, likely from carefully integrated potato solids. The result is body without heaviness - rich, cohesive, and intentional. There are generous chunks of clam throughout, and the structure holds from the first spoonful to the last. Honestly, it doesn't even require a spoon - drinking it straight from the bowl feels natural, which tells you the fat, starch, and shellfish are properly aligned. The bartender's beer recommendation was spot-on: cold, clean, and crisp. It cut through the richness perfectly and reset the palate between bites. Exactly what you want in a seafood bar setting. I'll be honest - I usually dislike coleslaw. Most places overdress it until it turns watery and sloppy halfway through. That's not the case here. The slaw stays dry, crisp, and controlled from start to finish, with just enough dressing to bind. The potato chips follow the same philosophy: properly fried, audibly crisp, and free of excess oil. This isn't an inexpensive meal, but in terms of ingredient quality, density, and execution, it represents real value. You're paying for precision, not filler. That difference matters. Service is genuinely warm without being intrusive. Water is refilled proactively, and during my visit, the chef even stepped out to greet guests - a human touch that's becoming rare in San Francisco. Scott's Chowder House isn't chasing hype. It earns trust through balance, structure, and repeatability. If you're in San Francisco and want seafood that's confident, deliberate, and quietly excellent, this is a place worth returning to. Dr. C Measured like an ISO process. Served with human warmth.
Came in on a Wednesday around noon to meet a friend for lunch. We had heard about their lunch special (lobster roll, clam chowder, slaw & chips) and wanted to give them a try. Izzy greeted us as we walked in & had such great energy - super friendly. My friend got the Maine style lobster roll and I got the Connecticut Style. The Connecticut style was served hot and was a tad spicy while the Maine style was more refreshing and light. The space was really nice - comfortable seats and a clean bathroom is always a plus when going out for food lol. Also, $25 for a full lunch in San Francisco downtown? More people need to know about it! Definitely would recommend!
Got the lunch combo for a sando + soup for $25. The lady (seems like the only person working there) was very nice and polite. The space is large, with plenty of tables and counter sitting. It has a nice "ocean" vibe to it. Food wise I'm on the fence here. It is lobster and tastes like it. Just not sure if it's worth the price point. The chowder wasn't bad, but nothing to write home about. If you're feeling like lobster, maybe give it a go?
Randomly stopped by here after a visit to my dentist because it was lunchtime and I was hungry. Tried both the Maine style and Connecticut style lobster rolls and, personal preference, but thought the Connecticut style was better and more "lobster forward" since it didn't have a mayonnaise dressing or pickles. Both were tasty though so don't think you can go wrong. The cashier/prep cook/server was so sweet and helpful, even though she clearly needed a friend to help manage the number of customers. I think they should probably also figure out a system where they give out table numbers so the staff can know who ordered what. It wasn't a crazy lunch rush, but still more tables than I think a single staff person should have to manage on their own. She handled it well though so kudos to her. Will definitely stop by again if I'm in the neighborhood!
Cool and spacious spot right next (or in) Chinatown! We found it as we walked SF. We stayed in SOMA and it was a quick walk in a nice area! The employees were very nice! Pointed us to the lunch specials and that's what we went with (any sandwich and any soup for $25). The regular clam chowder was yummy (the one in the tomato sauce was okay -- different). The crab cake sandwich was delicious -- wish it was larger, but the flavor was great -- the aioli was perfect and we also added Tabasco! This would be my order next time -- with the regular chowder. The lobster roll was mediocre though (the reason for the 4 stars). It tasted more like a homemade lobster sandwich with a bunch of slaw. Just not what I was expecting -- and it really lacked the butter taste. The restaurant was very inviting overall and we would check it out again in the future!
I first noticed this business in mid 2023 as I drive by daily weekdays as part of my work. When I saw the name, memories flashed in my mind of the old-time seafood chain restaurant Scott's Seafood and its flagship location on Lombard Street when I just got out of college. As with most SF places, parking is a big reason why it took me this long to dine here. Having a business meeting a few blocks away on a Friday around noon, I made a point to dine here afterwards. My friend who tried it numerous times gave me his thumbs up so I was looking forward to this. Walking up to the counter, I decided to try the soup and sandwich combo (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=m-H-zHJMQjP81JnafCd9IA&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) for $25, upgrading the soup to a bowl size (+$4.00). I ordered the Manhattan clam chowder (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=PxtmRFUzzmR64zzDHBCi1Q&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), which was tangy and served hot and came with a slice of bread; there was a good mix of carrots, potatoes, and chopped clams. For my sandwich, I tried the Scott's Connecticut style lobster roll (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NHdkJgFDGMEVTQE5E0Gucg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), described in the menu as being served warm, fresh lobster tossed with lemon and pepper melted butter and topped with fresh herbs and Special House spices. I enjoyed this especially because there is no mayonnaise and that there seemed to pieces of lobster tails and not just claw and knuckle pieces. The sandwich came with potato chips and a small container of cole slaw (sweet in flavor), both of which paired well with the roll. I finished everything except the bread that came with the soup. When I arrived, I was the only customer just before 1 pm. Maricella took my order and was very courteous and efficient in showing me the water station near the entrance. There were condiments and utensils next to it. Being more of a take and go operation at this time, please temper your expectations. I will be back and likely have the same.
One of my favorite places in SF for Boston clam chowder. As for the lobster roll I enjoy the Maine style. There's quite a bit of mayo in the sauce, so it makes it more like a lobster salad sandwich, and the mayo can overpower the lobster.
Fiancé and I were in the area and happen to find parking right infront of their store, and thought why not give it a try. They offer $25 soup and roll for lunch time which is a great deal. Comes with chips and coleslaw too. We tried the clam chowder and gumbo. Pretty good flavor wise - but not the best we ever had. It could be more creamier. Rolls were pretty solid. It could use more flavor or some melted butter on the side. Overall I wouldn't mind coming back if I was in the area again. Not a place I would go out of my way for. I give the food a 3 and add another star because staff was friendly.
Though the lobster rolls were tempting, I wanted to stick with the eponymous dish for my first visit. I tried four different 8oz cups of chowder and chowder-adjacent seafood soup. The signature Boston Style was by far the best. Everything else felt a bit overpriced for the amount and substantiveness. Scott's Boston Style Clam Chowder Soup: Definitely my favorite of what I tried. Super thick and creamy. The only 8oz soup that legitimately could be a meal with some bread. Love the slightly firm potatoes and bits of clams. I especially liked the lardons of smoky bacon. I can understand why the restaurant was named after this dish! Scott's Manhattan Style Clam Chowder Soup: It's like they took the broth of cioppino then threw in some potatoes, celery and little pieces of clams. Amazing how the Boston chowder felt so much more substantive than this. This might be an ok start to the meal, but not heavy enough for an 8oz portion to be an actual meal. Lobster Bisque: No lobster bits to be found. I wonder if they just made a broth from lobster shells (since they are making lobster rolls) and then added some cream. It was rich and lobstery, which I guess is what a lobster bisque should be. Just wish they had thrown in a few little bits of lobster. Had a little zing to it. Seafood Gumbo Soup: Probably the second heartiest soup I tried. The sausage bits and rice made it substantive. While the sausage pieces were quite plentiful, I didn't notice many seafood pieces. Though an 8oz portion really isn't meal. Had a strong celery and bell pepper aroma, which I guess makes it NOLA. Though I've had better versions at places which specialize in New Orleans food.
Food: Baked crab dip - 8/10 Scott's Boston style clam chowder - 7/10 Scott's manhattan style clam chowder - 6/10 Daily special risotto - 5/10 Right before we left SF we decided to stop by this chowder house and it was a good call. The weather was getting cold and the bowl of hot clam chowder definitely hit the spot. Out of the two styles, we preferred the Boston style better but definitely try both if you have the chance. The baked crab dip was super yummy! Restaurant was nice and clean, very nicely decorated.
24 days ago
11 days ago
Weird place. Food was not very good. Service was hard to communicate with and the order accuracy was off. Would not recommend. I'm read more
Staff: 10/10. Genuinely kind and super helpful with menu suggestions. Now for the lobster roll. I am a Maine lobster roll person 100%, I regret ordering the Connecticut version. The sauce didn't work for me and lettuce completely took over - the bitterness made lobster fight for attention. Other than that the meat texture was subpar, and I was missing the buttery lemony lobster roll zing. Hard pass next time. read more
Scott's Chowder House - Precision, Umami, and Quiet Confidence Scott's Chowder House isn't trying to be trendy, nostalgic, or loud. It's a seafood bar that knows exactly what it's doing - and executes with restraint and consistency. I went with the spicy lobster roll, which the staff specifically recommended. This is not a standard boiled New England-style roll. The spice is calibrated with intent: instead of masking the lobster, it pulls out a much deeper, more assertive umami. The ocean flavor becomes clearer and more pronounced, something you simply don't get from water-only cooking. Inside the roll, there's a full lobster claw, not chopped scraps. The structure matters. What's easy to miss - but absolutely intentional - is the full leaf of crisp lettuce lining the lobster. This isn't garnish. It functions as a moisture barrier, protecting the bread from soaking up oil too quickly. Texturally, it adds a clean crunch, and from a flavor standpoint, it acts as a palate reset, keeping the spice focused and the umami sharp rather than greasy. It's a small detail that keeps the dish precise. The clam chowder is another standout. Instead of being fully puréed into a flat cream, the soup maintains a uniform, fine-grain texture, likely from carefully integrated potato solids. The result is body without heaviness - rich, cohesive, and intentional. There are generous chunks of clam throughout, and the structure holds from the first spoonful to the last. Honestly, it doesn't even require a spoon - drinking it straight from the bowl feels natural, which tells you the fat, starch, and shellfish are properly aligned. The bartender's beer recommendation was spot-on: cold, clean, and crisp. It cut through the richness perfectly and reset the palate between bites. Exactly what you want in a seafood bar setting. I'll be honest - I usually dislike coleslaw. Most places overdress it until it turns watery and sloppy halfway through. That's not the case here. The slaw stays dry, crisp, and controlled from start to finish, with just enough dressing to bind. The potato chips follow the same philosophy: properly fried, audibly crisp, and free of excess oil. This isn't an inexpensive meal, but in terms of ingredient quality, density, and execution, it represents real value. You're paying for precision, not filler. That difference matters. Service is genuinely warm without being intrusive. Water is refilled proactively, and during my visit, the chef even stepped out to greet guests - a human touch that's becoming rare in San Francisco. Scott's Chowder House isn't chasing hype. It earns trust through balance, structure, and repeatability. If you're in San Francisco and want seafood that's confident, deliberate, and quietly excellent, this is a place worth returning to. Dr. C Measured like an ISO process. Served with human warmth. read more
Came in on a Wednesday around noon to meet a friend for lunch. We had heard about their lunch special (lobster roll, clam chowder, slaw & chips) and wanted to give them a try. Izzy greeted us as we walked in & had such great energy - super friendly. My friend got the Maine style lobster roll and I got the Connecticut Style. The Connecticut style was served hot and was a tad spicy while the Maine style was more refreshing and light. The space was really nice - comfortable seats and a clean bathroom is always a plus when going out for food lol. Also, $25 for a full lunch in San Francisco downtown? More people need to know about it! Definitely would recommend! read more
Got the lunch combo for a sando + soup for $25. The lady (seems like the only person working there) was very nice and polite. The space is large, with plenty of tables and counter sitting. It has a nice "ocean" vibe to it. Food wise I'm on the fence here. It is lobster and tastes like it. Just not sure if it's worth the price point. The chowder wasn't bad, but nothing to write home about. If you're feeling like lobster, maybe give it a go? read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
Randomly stopped by here after a visit to my dentist because it was lunchtime and I was hungry. Tried both the Maine style and Connecticut style lobster rolls and, personal preference, but thought the Connecticut style was better and more "lobster forward" since it didn't have a mayonnaise dressing or pickles. Both were tasty though so don't think you can go wrong. The cashier/prep cook/server was so sweet and helpful, even though she clearly needed a friend to help manage the number of customers. I think they should probably also figure out a system where they give out table numbers so the staff can know who ordered what. It wasn't a crazy lunch rush, but still more tables than I think a single staff person should have to manage on their own. She handled it well though so kudos to her. Will definitely stop by again if I'm in the neighborhood! read more
7 months ago
3 years ago
Cool and spacious spot right next (or in) Chinatown! We found it as we walked SF. We stayed in SOMA and it was a quick walk in a nice area! The employees were very nice! Pointed us to the lunch specials and that's what we went with (any sandwich and any soup for $25). The regular clam chowder was yummy (the one in the tomato sauce was okay -- different). The crab cake sandwich was delicious -- wish it was larger, but the flavor was great -- the aioli was perfect and we also added Tabasco! This would be my order next time -- with the regular chowder. The lobster roll was mediocre though (the reason for the 4 stars). It tasted more like a homemade lobster sandwich with a bunch of slaw. Just not what I was expecting -- and it really lacked the butter taste. The restaurant was very inviting overall and we would check it out again in the future! read more
4 months ago
I first noticed this business in mid 2023 as I drive by daily weekdays as part of my work. When I saw the name, memories flashed in my mind of the old-time seafood chain restaurant Scott's Seafood and its flagship location on Lombard Street when I just got out of college. As with most SF places, parking is a big reason why it took me this long to dine here. Having a business meeting a few blocks away on a Friday around noon, I made a point to dine here afterwards. My friend who tried it numerous times gave me his thumbs up so I was looking forward to this. Walking up to the counter, I decided to try the soup and sandwich combo (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=m-H-zHJMQjP81JnafCd9IA&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) for $25, upgrading the soup to a bowl size (+$4.00). I ordered the Manhattan clam chowder (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=PxtmRFUzzmR64zzDHBCi1Q&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), which was tangy and served hot and came with a slice of bread; there was a good mix of carrots, potatoes, and chopped clams. For my sandwich, I tried the Scott's Connecticut style lobster roll (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NHdkJgFDGMEVTQE5E0Gucg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), described in the menu as being served warm, fresh lobster tossed with lemon and pepper melted butter and topped with fresh herbs and Special House spices. I enjoyed this especially because there is no mayonnaise and that there seemed to pieces of lobster tails and not just claw and knuckle pieces. The sandwich came with potato chips and a small container of cole slaw (sweet in flavor), both of which paired well with the roll. I finished everything except the bread that came with the soup. When I arrived, I was the only customer just before 1 pm. Maricella took my order and was very courteous and efficient in showing me the water station near the entrance. There were condiments and utensils next to it. Being more of a take and go operation at this time, please temper your expectations. I will be back and likely have the same. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
One of my favorite places in SF for Boston clam chowder. As for the lobster roll I enjoy the Maine style. There's quite a bit of mayo in the sauce, so it makes it more like a lobster salad sandwich, and the mayo can overpower the lobster. read more
Fiancé and I were in the area and happen to find parking right infront of their store, and thought why not give it a try. They offer $25 soup and roll for lunch time which is a great deal. Comes with chips and coleslaw too. We tried the clam chowder and gumbo. Pretty good flavor wise - but not the best we ever had. It could be more creamier. Rolls were pretty solid. It could use more flavor or some melted butter on the side. Overall I wouldn't mind coming back if I was in the area again. Not a place I would go out of my way for. I give the food a 3 and add another star because staff was friendly. read more
1 year ago
Though the lobster rolls were tempting, I wanted to stick with the eponymous dish for my first visit. I tried four different 8oz cups of chowder and chowder-adjacent seafood soup. The signature Boston Style was by far the best. Everything else felt a bit overpriced for the amount and substantiveness. Scott's Boston Style Clam Chowder Soup: Definitely my favorite of what I tried. Super thick and creamy. The only 8oz soup that legitimately could be a meal with some bread. Love the slightly firm potatoes and bits of clams. I especially liked the lardons of smoky bacon. I can understand why the restaurant was named after this dish! Scott's Manhattan Style Clam Chowder Soup: It's like they took the broth of cioppino then threw in some potatoes, celery and little pieces of clams. Amazing how the Boston chowder felt so much more substantive than this. This might be an ok start to the meal, but not heavy enough for an 8oz portion to be an actual meal. Lobster Bisque: No lobster bits to be found. I wonder if they just made a broth from lobster shells (since they are making lobster rolls) and then added some cream. It was rich and lobstery, which I guess is what a lobster bisque should be. Just wish they had thrown in a few little bits of lobster. Had a little zing to it. Seafood Gumbo Soup: Probably the second heartiest soup I tried. The sausage bits and rice made it substantive. While the sausage pieces were quite plentiful, I didn't notice many seafood pieces. Though an 8oz portion really isn't meal. Had a strong celery and bell pepper aroma, which I guess makes it NOLA. Though I've had better versions at places which specialize in New Orleans food. read more
4 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
Food: Baked crab dip - 8/10 Scott's Boston style clam chowder - 7/10 Scott's manhattan style clam chowder - 6/10 Daily special risotto - 5/10 Right before we left SF we decided to stop by this chowder house and it was a good call. The weather was getting cold and the bowl of hot clam chowder definitely hit the spot. Out of the two styles, we preferred the Boston style better but definitely try both if you have the chance. The baked crab dip was super yummy! Restaurant was nice and clean, very nicely decorated. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
This restaurant should focus on their lobster rolls instead of chowder. I went with a friend and we both got the New England clam chowder which neither of us finished. The broth was watered down and had no flavor(even with bacon in it). My lobster roll on the other hand was flavorful. read more
5 years ago
Nice chunks of lobster in my Connecticut style roll! Just a tiny smattering of celery cubes to add crunch. Loved the butter mixed in! All on a proper grilled roll. Not so wild about the Manhattan clam chowder. True, it was loaded with clams, but the over-saltiness detracted. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Chowder was okay, but the lady who served me doesn't use gloves at all. After she used the cashier, she took the bread with her fingers and gave it to me. Is it really happening after we try to fight with COVID-19? But she was in mask, thanks God! read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
Fantastic and generous Maine lobster roll (coming with super yummy fries, home-style pickles, salad and lime). Came there twice because of the roll and hope to get back again and again. Nice outdoor seating close to Chinatown entrance gate, fresh local Anchor beer on tap. Good and friendly service. Wish they had a sparkling wine. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
Good food, decent prices for the area. More than enough in a serving. Good service just steps from Dragons Gate. It has nice decor and is clean. read more
4 years ago
Stopped by for a quick taste of the 2 types of Chowder. Great service and peaceful environment. It was very nice to have a selection of Manhattan or Boston style clam chowders. read more
4 years ago
Came here for a quick lunch, and definitely was not disappointed. This place is beautiful for grabbing a quick bite to eat. I got the sandwich & soup special for like $20-25, which was a great price for the portion & add ons, it came with a lobster roll, potato chips, pickles, coleslaw, & clam chowder soup. The staff was very sweet & attentive. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
I came here for lobster roll as the other place was closed for special hour this week, and I somewhat regret my decision. I order the soup+sandwich set with Boston style clam chowder and Connecticut style lobster roll. The soup was not bad, chips were nice, but lobster roll.... First of all, while they listed everything single thing in other sandwiches, somehow they decided to make this "topped with special house spices and fresh herbs". What are they? I didn't know until I got the sandwich, and the "fresh herb" was actually chives, which I totally don't eat, and the chives were of coz chopped into tiny pieces and mixed with the rest, so the only way for me to have it is to eat them separately by bread, lettuce and the larger pieces of lobster meat, which were about 4 pieces in total. And what surprised me was that after taking out the bigger chuck of meat, the rest were actually imitation crab mixed with a few pieces of tiny lobster meat! Seriously?? Oh did I know? It looked like it, tasted like it, and the texture was exactly the same as the ones I have in my freezer! I'm here for lobster roll, but imitation crab roll with a few pieces of lobster highlight! The 2 stars were for the soup and the chips that came with the roll. One each. read more
5 years ago
The lobster roll was delicious with a perfect buttery bun at $25. The ice cream Smores didn't stand out and it was $11. The receipt showed Cafe De La Presse which is the French cafe next door which leads me to believe it's the same owner. read more
5 years ago
The crab cake sandwich is bomb but the lobster bisque can be a little thicker. Anyway it's a good place for quick bites in the city with outdoor seating too! read more
5 years ago
Overall a great experience. It's seems to be a new place but food did not disappoint. Original Lobster roll is a must try. Lobster roll plus a bit of Tabasco is a must! read more
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