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    Splash Cafe

    4.2 (5.5k reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    SPLASH CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Splash Cafe

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    Interior
    Ian A.

    I had a lovely, memorable experience at Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach). I ordered the Clam Chowder Bread Bowl ($12.95). WOW! That immediate familiar clean salty flavor bubbles through. It's creamy and very fresh. Surprisingly, its buttery, fluffy bread brought a bright crunch. I couldn't stop myself from smiling as I continued to feast. I arrived at Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach) on Wednesday (around 8:50AM - 10 Minutes Before Opening Time). A line had already formed!! POPULAR spot! It's a brief two minute walk from Pismo Beach's Pier. Parking is challenging; nearby parking spots contain parking meters. Staff is very professional, welcoming, and efficient. Staff is very experienced and accustomed to the long line of customers. Staff quickly helped me. My food arrived within two minutes. Fast! As mentioned, I ordered the Clam Chowder Bread Bowl ($12.95). It's one of the best! Fresh food, thoughtfully prepared chowder, and delightful service is very apparent. This location has won multiple awards for their Clam Chowder, and the high quality truly shows. As I bit into those thick clams, I smiled. On ambiance, Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach) feels a little claustrophobic due to its narrow dining area and many customers. However, there's a couple large tables in the rear, and there's small tables & counters near the front. Muffled diner music plays, but the main noise are the chatting customers. Overall, I found a blissful experience at Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach). The long lines are well-deserved! It's one of the best clam chowders that I've tasted in a long time. If you love clam chowders, this is an easy recommendation. 5 out of 5. Go!

    Cristina D.

    One of the best clam chowders I've ever had was that splash!! We ordered two bread bread bowl clam chowders loaded with seafood on top. So good. We also ordered fish and chips. My husband wasn't a fan of the breading on the fish. But I did not mind it. You order at the counter and wait for your number to be called. You are not allowed to sit down until your number has been called. We found seats right away. They have a self-serve drink station. Seating is a little crammed... Outdoor seating would be ideal. Splash Cafe is a must stop when coming to Pismo Beach.

    Clam Chowder BREAD BOWL
    Kristy H.

    This is a must try over in Pismo Beach! The seating inside is pretty crowded because so many people are here, and I can see why. The clam chowder bread bowl is a must get -- one of the best clam chowders I've ever had. I also really enjoyed the fish and chips (the chips are curly fries!), and my friend enjoyed the fried fish tacos that are loaded with toppings. Overall, a great vacation lunch spot!

    Inside
    Chris M.

    I heard this cafe had the reputation for serving the best clam chowder so my expectations were high going in. I came in on a Friday around 1pm. There was a long line, but it moved briskly. Once I ordered I received my food within 5 minutes. I ordered a pint of clam chowder and onion rings. The chowder lived up to the billing. The chowder was creamy, thick, just the right amount of clams to potatoes. Perfection!!Probably the best I've ever had. The onion rings were great as well. Nicely seasoned. All in all a great place that lives up to the hype.

    Lisa H.

    Ummm yummm! Super good service, amazing onion rings, great fries and pretty good fish & chips This cool little place was the perfect stop after we stuffed our faces at the cinnamon roll place with sugar, since we needed more than sugar in our bellies! We will definitely be back since I'm dying to try the chowder in a bread bowl.

    Tanya M.

    Absolutely delicious! I was so excited to try their "famous" clam chowder bread bowl, and it did not disappoint. I am very picky and so many clam chowders are watery, full of potatoes, and very little clams. This one has the perfect consistency, great ratio of potatoes and clams, and nice and hot and hearty. I just wish I had some pepper because I felt like it needed a little bit of a kick. I am definitely going to buy some to go and take home and plan on going there again for lunch today. I also had their calamari and chips. They were pretty standard and tasted how calamari and fries should taste. They had friendly staff and they seem to deliver all the orders efficiently. They didn't make a mistake with my to go order and everything was packed neatly! The line moved fast as well. I wasn't a fan of the inside, but that's just my preference. It is just too packed and messy and it feels like everyone are just sitting on top of other parties. However, it's a quick order place and it's meant to be a "eat quickly and go" place. I just wish the tables were a bit more spaced. Again, that's my preference and doesn't warrant removing a star. Just an FYI for people because the pictures on here make it seem like there's lots of space.

    Counter
    Carrie S.

    What a cute place in Pismo Beach!!!! I ordered a bowl of chowder with a side of sourdough. The chowder was full of clams and potato. It was thick snd chunky. I know the bread bowl is famous but I wasn't that hungry. I am including a pic of the loaded bowl. I tried some of the toppings and it was pretty good. I don't think I'd like all of that stuff on it though. I did try the carrot based hot sauce. I could only do a tiny drop at a time but it was really flavorful. I think you can taste the carrot. This was very unique. It could overpower the chowder if you use too much. Adds a nice kick though. You order at the counter and hope to find a seat in the busy restaurant. We lucked out and got a table. The food came out quickly considering how busy they were.

    Grace Y.

    Had to try this iconic place out during our trip. We ordered the loaded clam chowder bread bowl, fish and chips, lobster roll, and onion rings. The clam chowder was absolutely the star of the meal. There is a reason it is what they're known for. Fish and chips were just okay. Fish was dry and harder than we expected. Onion rings were crispy and fresh. Lobster roll was good and we would get it again. Food came out fast and the workers were all nice. You can tell it's a local favorite in addition to being a tourist destination. Love the family vibes and closeness to the water.

    Bowl size of Clam Chowder
    Michael S.

    Anytime I'm in the area, I have to get some Clam Chowder from Splash; it's one of my "happy places", and I always restock on their carrot hot sauce and seasonings. Small place to dine at, but it's right next to the beach. Service is at the front counter, and friendly staff.

    A few lines
    Cherry Lynn I.

    Splash Cafe is always been my favorite here in Pismo Beach. This time I ordered a bowl of Clam Chowder with Seafood and Clam toppings for to go. This time o didn't wait too long. Splash Cafe is just a half block away from our hotel Beach House Inn.

    Lanze A.

    As much as I like to try other places in Pismo, this place is just too dependable. If you see a long line, don't fret, it goes by pretty quick. This place is solid and never changes. They got the formula going and they don't need to change it. Of course we got the specialties. A chowder, Lobster Roll, Shrimp SLO Boy, Ahi Sandwich, and all the fries. Chowder: Get the bread bowl. Sweep it up, soak all that chowder and just let it move you. Lobster Roll: Great cook, proper texture on the lobster. Can't complain, although oddly feels more crawfish than lobster. Shrimp SLO Boy: This is the winner. This is the best thing we got. I could have this all day. Guaranteed to order again when I come back. Food might take a while but it's pleasantly worth it. Nothing's blowing anything out of the water, but it's all solid and dependable.

    Buddy with bud with the menu & muscles
    Christine P.

    I ordered the lobster roll, fries, and a cheeseburger meal! $50 for all 3 items. Service , pretty busy although very welcoming and friendly ! Place is nice and clean needs more fans though as it is hotter inside than outside! And what a cool place to be at! Pismo pier is near by and ....of course next is drinks ar

    Ivy N.

    It's a tradition for us every time we visit Pismo Beach to stop by here at Splash Cafe. My kids enjoy having the usual clam chowder and calamari fries. We were here right when it opened and there was no line yet. We got our food fast and hot so pretty happy with that. It wasn't crowded inside at that time but we're happy to enjoy the breeze and sun while eating. It's best to just order the large sizes and share, we will see yall soon again!

    Clam Chowder BREAD BOWL

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    Page 1 of 139

    Splash Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Splash Cafe

    Do they sell merch on site?

    Yes they do, but I only remember seeing shirts and maybe caps

    Open on New Year's Day?

    Yes, they should open on New Year's Day - the last time I was there they were open.

    Are dogs allowed In the outdoor dining area?

    When I went in late Feb, I didn't see any outdoor seating. I saw some folks take their food to-go down to the beach. It's a couple minute walk away

    Is the clam chowder bread bowl order equivalent to a cup or pint of clam chowder?

    My husband and I chose the Cup of Chowder over the Bread Bowl since there is quite a lot of Bread which unfortunately never gets eaten ! I think it's about the size of the Cup they fill it with. But the cup of soup and the side of bread makes it a… Read more

    Is the clam chowder gluten free?

    It is not.

    Does the lobster roll have real lobster? We ordered it and it came shredded and couldn't really taste any lobster.

    I believe it's probably not fresh lobster. We thought the same it didn't taste like it had lobster in it

    Is this a good restaurant for someone with celiac?

    No.

    Do they take reservations for seating? If not, when is the best time to go to avoid long waits? We will be (hoping) going on a Friday if that makes a difference!

    No, they don't take reservations! They are a counter-service restaurant. Any time that is not a typical meal time is probably the best time to go. Breakfast is usually less crowded than lunch/dinner, but their chowder is a must so up to you!

    Are there any vegan options?

    They have them now. A beyond meat backyard burger that is labeled vegan, a veggie burger that might be customizable to be vegan, bread, and fries. Probably can make a vegan taco with no protein alternatives. For vegetarians there is grilled cheese.… Read more

    What is in the seafood topping? Is it real crab or imitation?

    crab, extra clams, etc

    Do they have gluten free options or jicama for tortillas?

    Not that I have seen in regards to jicama. However, you can probably do a bun less hot dog, a lettuce wrapped burger, etc.

    When is the best time to go?

    They mostly busy from spring through the summer but if you go before 1130 or after 130, you should be ok.

    Is Clam chowders contain bacon?

    No, but you can add it as a topping. :-)

    Do they have a kids menu?

    I don't think they have an actual kids menu, but there are plenty of options for kids: burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs (my daughter loved it!), chicken strips and fries. Great prices too!

    Is it only seafood served here?

    No... They also have burgers, fries, etc. I just happen to love seafood.

    Clam chowder gluten free?

    No it's not

    Is the crab topper real crab or imitation crab?

    It's not real!!

    View All 20 Questions

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    Ventana Grill

    4.1(3.1k reviews)
    0.9 mi
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    We were looking for a place to have dinner to celebrate our anniversary…read more We looked around yelp the night before and found this gem. We made a reservation for the next day. We originally made our reservation for 7:30 p.m.... we then decided we wanted to perhaps change it to 6:30. We called ahead and hopes that they could accommodate us. They said they couldn't promise anything but they would try. We showed up around 6:15. And they sat us down around 6:35. We had a beautiful window seat overlooking the ocean and had a perfect view of the sunset. I forgot our server's name but he was amazing. This place sounds fancy and bougie but it's really not. The food might be, but the vibe is not. There's no dress code. Everything we ordered was soooo tasty and delicious! We ordered fish and chips, baked clams, a wedge salad, and seafood pasta. For drinks we had two mocktails that were just okay. We also got a couple of flour tortillas with some cinnamon butter and a salsa trio. Our server suggested we spread butter inside the tortilla and drizzle our favorite salsa inside. So good. After dinner we decided to walk around the restaurant and appreciate the views. I'm so glad we came here. We will definitely come back next time we come to Pismo Beach

    I ordered the almejas al vapor (steamed clams), and they were honestly the best I've ever had. We…read morealso got the quesabirria, which my son gave a 10/10. The Coconut Breeze mocktail is incredibly refreshing. My husband ordered the campechana, it was loaded and super satisfying; they definitely don't skimp on portions here. We can't wait to come back! Our waitress, Sakheela, was incredibly kind, gave great recommendations, and was just an all-around wonderful person. We can't wait to come back!

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    Molcajete

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    Ada’s Fish House - Fish Tacos

    Ada’s Fish House

    4.5(2k reviews)
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    $$

    If you're looking for great seafood in the Pismo area, Ada's does a great job with a variety of…read morepreparations. Even during the off-season, they can get busy for dinners so make a reservation, especially if you have a larger group. The patio is dog friendly and they have a private parking lot. We started the meal with a half dozen fresh oysters which were cleaned well and served with some Tabasco, an herby vinegar, and lemons. Fresh warm bread and butter were also provided to start the meal. We got the steamed clams which were absolutely delicious. Done with a classic garlicky white sauce, the clams were fresh with no unpleasant fishy smells or tastes. The seafood pasta is the reason we return to Ada's year after year. There's a huge assortment of seafood included and all of the individual ingredients are well cooked unlike most seafood pastas. The mussels were small and very mild in flavor, almost tasting like clams. A flaky white fish as well as a more meaty fish were also included and weren't overcooked. The creamy rose sauce is flavorful and rich without overwhelming the various ingredients Service is friendly and they have a wide selection of drinks available.

    It was pretty busy on a Friday night but we were able to grab seats at the bar without waiting. But…read moreI would suggest making a reservation or giving yourself extra time. I got the lobster roll which had large chunks of meat but I would have like some old bay seasoning or something on it We got the artichoke appetizer which was huge and delicious

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    Ada’s Fish House - Lobster Roll ($32)

    Lobster Roll ($32)

    Ada’s Fish House - Lobster Mac & Cheese ($32)

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    Lobster Mac & Cheese ($32)

    Hoagies - Steak & Eggs

    Hoagies

    4.1(1.4k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    If you are in the area and looking for a bite to eat after visiting the beach, this is the spot to…read morego! I ordered the clam chowder in a bread bowl and the 805 wrap. Highly recommend these! The clam chowder was super filling and had a side of loaded fries which were garlicky - my fave! And the 805 wrap tasted just like an in n out burger. Great portions and everything tasted amazing. Plenty of items to choose from and they also have beer available. Indoor and outdoor seating so I was able to have my dog with me.

    I decided to give Hoagie's a try -- I usually go elsewhere for my cod wrap when in the area. I…read morerequested the cabbage and tomato instead of curly French fries inside the wrap -- and fries came on the side, anyway. The counterperson taking my order kept saying lettuce, and I repeated a few times, you mean cabbage, since that's what is written on the menu, and they seemed a bit confused.. But it did come with lettuce, not cabbage (?). Hmm. The fish was okay, but not fried to enough of a crisp, so it was not crunchy. It was also a relatively small amount of cod in the the burrito wrap. I say burrito wrap as the tortilla was pretty thick and barely toasted. I did see other patrons sitting at the tables with much toastier-looking wraps, and it looked like the steak wrap came in a wheat tortilla. So is there more than one kind of tortilla? The tartar sauce was middle of the road and there was not enough of it in the wrap for my tastes - I like sauce. But I could not get more for the side, as the line was out the door by the time I discovered I could use more tartar sauce! So while it was fine, and the fish seemed fresh, I was somewhat disappointed, and did not munch this wrap with the zeal that I do the one from the other locale in town where I typically buy the killer cod wrap. The curly fries were good and well salted. Lots of people sitting outside; tables could've been cleaned better. Maybe staff should come out and wipe them down periodically.

    Photos
    Hoagies - Hoagies inside dining room.

    Hoagies inside dining room.

    Hoagies - Fish tacos

    Fish tacos

    Hoagies - This is the Pismo wrap with curly fries. I'm not easily impressed, but this wrap did not disappoint.

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    This is the Pismo wrap with curly fries. I'm not easily impressed, but this wrap did not disappoint.

    The Break - Fried Chicken Slider

    The Break

    4.6(117 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Staff is friendly, food is outstanding, big open windows for that fresh air beach breeze. Most…read morecomfortable restaurant

    Quite possibly the surprise hit of the trip. I was looking for decent price and great taste. I was…read morealso looking for variety since there are 11 of us and I know the young ones are picky. I was a bit dismayed to find, upon arrival, that the options were kind of limited. I was still torn between the tacos, the birria fries and the spicy chicken sandwich. I took a chance and went with the chicken sandwich, hoping that it wouldn't be too spicy. I also ordered a side of fries, not knowing that the sandwich came with fries already. I don't know why I thought the sandwich same by itself. My mistake. The chicken sandwich was very good. A bit spicy but not to the point I couldn't finish it. It also had this nice sweet taste that contrasted well with the spice. I knew my wife would like it so I let her have a bite. I was also curious about my sons birria fries so I stole a bite of those. I recommend if you come in a group, be sure to share some. It would also be nice if you could upgrade the fries that come with your meal to birria fries, you know for an extra $2 or something. From what I can tell, everything is good here. If I could, next time I'm getting birria tacos with a side of birria fries! Probably the only gripe I could find was that service was on the slow side. 2 people were responsible for the whole restaurant, besides the cooking in the back. One mostly manned the bar and the other roamed the tables while helping behind the bar too. It wasn't that busy and the place isn't that big. My man wasn't lazy and was always doing something. It's just that paying the bill was a process. Eventually I got up to go pay rather than wait for the bill to come to us. I'm happy to have found The Break and hope to come back

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    The Break
    The Break - Spicy chicken slider

    Spicy chicken slider

    The Break - Hail Mary Bloody Mary

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