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    The Boat House

    4.1 (595 reviews)
    ModerateFish & Chips
    Open 11:30 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Boat House Photos

    THE BOAT HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - The Boat House

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    Blackened fish sandwich
    john h.

    We came here a couple of times on our trip to Bodega Bay. The fish and chips are excellent. So are the calamari, the blackened fish sandwich and the cheeseburger. The decor is basic fish shack chic and the the service is excellent. They serve beer.

    Donna J.

    A Bodega Bay institution, The Boat House Cafe has what you're craving whether that's crabcakes, a blackened chicken sandwich, or clam strips, there's something here for everyone. If you want calamari, or oysters, or scallops they have plenty for you here too. The staff is accommodating and patient with those having endless questions and modifications... Like me... the ambience is greasy spoon and a bit of a throwback to simpli tomes.

    Calamari
    Tiffany T.

    Partner and I stopped to grab a quick lunch around 12 pm on a Saturday. It was empty when we arrived but picked up by the time we left. We ordered fish and chips and calamari. The guy at the counter taking our order was super sweet and delivered our food to our table outside. Food came hot and fresh, very yummy. Fries were a good texture but I personally would have liked more seasoning. Fish was alright, though I preferred the calamari. Note: Calamari comes with fries also! We went in to ask for cocktail sauce and they gave us some. Lots of very cute indoor seating options, super vibey. We opted to sit outside for some fresh air. Overall a solid pick on your drive by, and while the food isn't mind blowing, the ambiance is great and would totally recommend!

    Brian L.

    Great service (super friendly hostess out in front) and fish and chips were great. Four average sized fish were crispy (but not overpoweringly so) and flaky. I liked the fish texture. The fries were alright, crispy but needed more salt and/or would personally like them more smaller. Ambiance is great with a plethora of seating options.

    Paige E.

    We got 2 large bowls of Clam Chowder and two beers. $47 and some change. I don't mind the money, but there was hardly any clams in the chowder. It was like eating cream of Potato soup. Don't know what happened, it use to be way better than Spuds. Have to try them again I guess. Service was friendly. Still indoor & outdoor seating.

    Menu
    Bianca G.

    I have been here a few times! I always like their clam chowder. For me it has a bunch of veggies and it's always fresh. I'm picky with celery since I always taste it but not with the chowder from here. They did add a little less salt on the clam chowder I got today but it was good nonetheless. This was my first time getting the fish and chips. The dish was super fresh but had a little salt for my taste. The staff here is always nice and accommodating. The outside area is nice and each has salt and pepper. If you like veggies on your chowder this spot is for you!

    Cheers to us
    Kristi C.

    This place is a hidden gem right around the curve our first time trying it. I got a combo of calamari and oysters and hubby got fish and chips and a cup of clam chowder. The fish and chips were perfect and the calamari and oysters were so good clam chowder had lots of clams and it was a lot of food staff was knowledgeable and friendly and we got our food quick you won't be disappointed. And it's dog friendly

    Peering outside from inside
    Tiffany M.

    This was a nice place with a variety of food to eat for lunch while also avoiding the winds the weekend my husband and I visited ! I wanted some seafood, being in Bodega Bay, and my husband wanted something more burger/sandwich-y - and the Boathouse has both. I had a clam chowder bowl and my husband ordered a chicken sandwich, and we shared an order of fish and chips. Honestly, everything just tasted O.K., nothing was terrible but it also wasn't very flavorful, either. The food came out really fast so that was nice on the service end, and the restaurant itself for sure has boathouse vibes which was cool for visiting Bodega Bay. Parking is tricky though, since it is really small. However, after you're done eating, the restaurant is also next to a kite & candy shop as well as a cafe/coffee shop, so you could stop by the shops to check out other things or grab dessert even!

    Outside
    Vanessa V.

    Service was great, but the food was just okay. We ordered the crab cake sandwich and there was really no crab or cake.. it was just a small sliver of something flat that did taste like crab.. but there was so much bread (and the tomato felt thicker than the crab cake) so if we return it wouldn't be for the sandwich. Right across from Bodega Harbor Inn though; and has a few more walkable spots you can walk to from here, so still worth the stop by. Good selection of craft beer (in fridge/bottles). Again, service was great too!

    Exterior
    Ellyzha A.

    This is where my boyfriend & his family have been going to when they'd spend their summers in Bodega Bay when he was young. I've been really looking forward to trying out this place. The raving reviews on Yelp as well as my boyfriend's have gotten me ecstatic. We came in during peak late lunch hours. For anyone coming for their first time, there's plenty of seating, but most of the seats were filled when we came. Luckily enough right as we walked in to order, a table for 2 was free. The woman taking the orders was so sweet. My boyfriend and I got clam chowder in a cup, fried calamari, & fish & chips (not pictured). We had gotten the clam chowder so quickly but the rest of our order to a while to get to us. Clam Chowder in a cup: Loved how much celery & carrots were added. It wasn't too heavy. Could use some more flavor. We really enjoyed it overall. Not the best clam chowder I had. 7/10 Fried Calamari: The serving was HUUUGE. Crispy and delicious! Though it was fairly greasy as we got to the bottom of the plate. 7/10 Fish & Chips: Fish was perfectly fried. Loved the steakhouse style fries. Not overly greasy but my boyfriend and I were already pretty full once we started eating this 9/10

    Clam strips and fries

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    5 months ago

    Best BBQ oysters I've ever had! Place is small but customer service is authentic and sincere.

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    5 months ago

    Great food with many menu options! Quaint little place, loved the atmosphere. Perfect spot to eat in Bodega Bay.

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    4 months ago

    Great service, excellent food, good atmosphere, seating inside and outside. Always a great place to stop when in Bodega Bay!!!!

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ask the Community - The Boat House

    Are dogs allowed outside?

    Yup. Not a problem. We've eaten in the outdoor covered dining area many times with no issues.

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    Fisherman's Cove - King salmon

    Fisherman's Cove

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Locally sourced ingredients

    Every once in a while, I go to a restaurant that knows how to do it. This was one of those places…read more It's not the fanciest place, but it's perfect for a fishing town. They have seating inside and outside. My mother had been craving fried oysters so I took her here. For some reason, not many places have fried oysters. I think this was the only place in the Bodega Bay area. Not sure why that is. Anyway, the oysters were 5 stars for my mom. They came with a dipping sauce. I think it was the garlic aioli. I ordered the chicken sandwich special that comes with chipotle aioli. I traded that for the garlic aioli. It was loaded with thin slices of chicken breast. I'm not sure what type of bread they used, but it was perfect for the sandwich. When we first ordered, it was Ash who took our order. He's so energetic and friendly. He is part of what makes this place special. They have an attention to detail and service that reminds of the Garden Cafe in San Rafael. I will be back even though I have to drive all the way from Novato. :)

    Lunch at Fisherman's Cove was great start to a weekend road trip!…read more Driving oceanside, you can't help but want a crab sandwich and fish and chips. That's what my boyfriend and I ordered, and were satisfied (not to mention fueled for our hike that afternoon). I agree with other reviews that say it's pricey for what you get, but you'll still have a satisfying meal. The crab sandwich is real fresh, I kinda wish they toasted the bread, but would still recommend it. It came with a few slices of carrot that seemed random IMO, but still ate it. Also, you can't go wrong with the fish and chips! Service was straight-forward - you order and pay at the counter, then take your number to seat where your food is delivered. Most people were sitting outside on the benches, which is where you wanna be, especially on a sunny day with a view of the water. But there are also chairs and tables inside. Parking can be tight around here. The lot outside the restaurant is very small, and the street/back parking signs can be confusing. (There were cars parking in zones clearly marked with "No Parking" signs.)

    Photos
    Fisherman's Cove - Fresh King Salmon for menu special

    Fresh King Salmon for menu special

    Fisherman's Cove - Getting ready to fillet fresh halibut

    Getting ready to fillet fresh halibut

    Fisherman's Cove - Two dozen Beautiful raw Oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce and lemons

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    Two dozen Beautiful raw Oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce and lemons

    Anello Family Crab & Seafood - Inside of fried fish fillet

    Anello Family Crab & Seafood

    4.3(120 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    My wife and I stopped by yesterday and ordered a dozen oysters, clam chowder, garlic fries with…read morecrab and a fish sandwhich. Everything was very very good but the fish sandwich was one of the best that I have had. The fish was cooked and seasoned perfectly and served on a very fresh and soft roll. Oysters were very fresh, clam chowder was very good and the garlic fries with fresh crab are definitely worth a try. The owners were very friendly and helpful and the prices are very reasonable. We plan on heading back here to eat before we leave and getting some crab to bring home. If you are in or near Bodega Bay I would definitely check out Anello Family Crab & Seafood!

    The BEST CLAM CHOWDER I have EVER had! The chunkiest clams and plentiful! A meal in itself. The…read morechowda is perfectly seasoned. I'm a clamchowda-holic and always on the lookout for the best chowders from west-to-east coast: LA to SD to the famous Fisherman's Wharf in SF to Boston to NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) to Houston to Seattle. I would rate it Michelin Star if I could! Amazing staff, service, and chill coastal ambiance ....where the locals go. So which means, it's the best in town obviously. I have met the entire family working together at the restaurant every time I go. I am honestly bummed to announce this publically, because now that everyone knows, I will have to wait in-line for hours. However, as a registered nurse for more than a decade, I believe in positive recognition for exceptional work wholeheartedly - to inspire and establish a great team and community with positive energy driving to success with fiery passion head-on!

    Photos
    Anello Family Crab & Seafood - Menu 8.20.22

    Menu 8.20.22

    Anello Family Crab & Seafood - Fish and Chips

    Fish and Chips

    Anello Family Crab & Seafood

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    Spud Point Crab Company

    Spud Point Crab Company

    4.4(1.9k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    We loved this place!…read more We were in Bodega Bay for a couple of days. Ate at Fisherman's Cove for lunch one day. Then came here for lunch the next day. The two restaurants are nextdoor to each other by the harbor. There's street parking - the parking lots are limited so we just parked in the street instead. Spud Point is casual. You wait in the line and order at the window. Then they bring the food out to you. There are some picnic tables and sunshades out front. Very easy and no pretense here! Here's what we ordered: Italian sourdough French bread $5 Red chowder $10 White chowder $10 2 crab sandwiches $20 each Albacore tuna sandwich $11 When ordering the bread, make sure you get some butter. The bread was absolutely delicious with crusty exterior and chewy inside. Perfect accompaniment with the chowder! We loved though New England white chowder. The Manhattan red chowder was fine, but we barely had half of it and took the rest home. The crab sandwich was great too! Tuna sandwich was good! There are other foods for sale at the order window - bags of chips, Crustable sandwiches. Can't wait to come back here! Wish I had the cooler with me to buy live crabs!!! BTW, I didn't see a bathroom here. But Fisherman's Cove (nextdoor) has one. It's just one unisex bathroom so there's a long line!

    Stopped here to taste the Clam Chowder and Crab sandwich. Parking can be a challenge on a busy day…read morebut you'll find one. They offer dining outside but limited on seats. You place your order at a window and it comes out within a momnet. The sign mentioned being one of the best Clam Chowders in Bodega Bay and after trying it, I wasn't on the same page. If you're a garlic fan this might be your jam but I wanted to taste like clams and not garlic. The Crab sandwich was served cold but it tasted pretty good. Price was a little high for It and I prefer to add some salt for taste. Overall experience was okay I liked server/cashier who was kind, polite and helpful.

    Photos
    Spud Point Crab Company
    Spud Point Crab Company - Crab cakes

    Crab cakes

    Spud Point Crab Company - Crab sandwich

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    Crab sandwich

    Ginochio's Kitchen - Piggy pulled pork sandwich on toasted brioch & coleslaw on side!

    Ginochio's Kitchen

    4.3(477 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    You MUST try their amazing BBQ options!! Pulled pork perfection, brisket and ribs are all no joke!…read moreThese folks know what they're doing and they do it with love and bomb BBQ sauce! Clam and scallop chowder in a bead bowl makes for a great day at Bodega Bay. Owner Alicia is a local gem of a human and takes pride serving up family recipes to indulge in. More locals should patronize as they truly depend on tourists but when is midweek and not a slamming weekend, come support this awesome delicious casual dining with your dog on the chill patios. Great place great people. During restaurant week they topped over 100 crab sandos to very happy folks! With no shortage of clam chowder around, the offerings at Ginochio's stand out and truly deserve more than 5 stars!!!! You're welcome in advance! This place effin rocks my palate and will impress yours. All meats can be sold by the pound as well so bring some home or to your hotel, everything packs well for a picnic at the beach or a late night when everything is closed!! Sorry no photos this time- we ate too fast ;)

    Well, I must say, Ginocchio's kitchen has a great great location!…read moreMy wife and I went in on a Saturday afternoon about an hour before closing. We were greeted right away and we placed our order. My wife ordered the crab sandwich which was quite expensive at $28 and I ordered the fish tacos. We initially went for the clam chowder, but decided to order something different. The crab sandwich was very good, but could've been better if the bread wasn't toasted so much on the outside. The fish tacos were a bit dry but had plenty of fish. I'm always in search for fish tacos as good as the ones at Zazzle's in Petaluma! Unfortunately, they closed a while back and I haven't found fish tacos as good since! I think we will come back and try the breakfast next time.

    Photos
    Ginochio's Kitchen - Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024

    Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024

    Ginochio's Kitchen - Monkey bread with bacon

    Monkey bread with bacon

    Ginochio's Kitchen - Cider at Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024

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    Cider at Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024

    Rocker Oysterfeller's

    Rocker Oysterfeller's

    4.0(246 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    Wonderful food in such a special environment. We received the BEST service from Pam! She's a gem,…read moreand she made our dinner even more memorable than we could have hoped for. Pam, thank you for everything, and Chee-Hooo!!!

    My husband wanted some oysters so we gave this place a try, and I'm so glad we did since we went…read moreback the next day for more! We had a tasty lunch with raw oysters and a jalapeño mignonette sauce, smoked trout dip, and a bowl of the chowder. The smoked trout dip was pretty good with the chip and pickled onion (my least favorite dish). The raw oysters with the mignonette sauce were fantastic...we went for two rounds! My favorite chowder in Bodega Bay was Spud's, but I think this one knocked it out. I enjoyed the smoky flavor to it! Our kids aren't seafood fans so I really appreciated their kids menu that had butter & cheese pasta. Their Bloody Mary was solid as well! The following day, we had the Wedge Salad and calamari along with a bowl of chowder. The salad was crisp and the combination of ingredients was perfect with all the textures and flavors of the bacon, cherry tomatoes, shoe string onion rings, and blue cheese dressing...the best wedge salad I've ever had! I loved the lightness of the calamari batter as well! This is a nicely decorated and clean restaurant. It was romantic with the view of the bay. I felt the customer service was a little off, but eventually our servers were nicer as both lunches went on. There was a Hispanic man that was very friendly and kept our water filled. We enjoyed talking to him. The customers sure were friendly with lots of smiles towards our kids. This is my favorite Bodega Bay restaurant. I look forward to bringing family and friends.

    Photos
    Rocker Oysterfeller's - Dining area

    Dining area

    Rocker Oysterfeller's - BBQ Shrimp

    BBQ Shrimp

    Rocker Oysterfeller's

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    Gourmet Au Bay - Oysters

    Gourmet Au Bay

    3.9(378 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Went here yesterday mid day for the first time and while hardly cheap we still felt it was worth…read moreit. Unlike other more popular restaurants in the area, no need to stand n an endless line which is great. Beautiful spot with great bay views unlike some other area restaurants with a more industrial setting. All the food was excellent. Crab sandwich was outstanding with a gorgeous bun, fantastic couscous and excellent pickled veggies on the side. Clam chowder was very good with a great hint of bacon in the savory broth intermixed with clams. The Rock Cod paella was deemed excellent and my brother in law vowed to get it again next time. If you want a quiet place on the bay with easy parking, great views and friendly service give it a try.

    Wife and I decided to try somewhere different in Bodega Bay…read moreso thought we'd give this place a go. Nice atmosphere and service but this place is way to expensive for what you receive. My wife had the Crab Cakes which she said weren't bad. For $32 you got two 2-3 ounce Crab Cakes with a topping that tasted like a citrussy mayonnaise. If this is all you order be prepared to still have stomach hunger growls when you leave. No bread...No small salad or coleslaw on the side ! I had the Clam Chowder which was fair. Could have been hotter! I prefer a chunkier Chowder and this was more pureed. The biggest chunks of anything where the bacon bits. Very little clam meat in my bowl. Where's the beef ??....In this case clams ! I ordered the bread for $5 extra and you received about 3 ounces worth of a toasted bread. We had a pint each of tap beer and our total bill was just shy of $75. We gave it a try but won't be back.​

    Photos
    Gourmet Au Bay - Inside- cute decor

    Inside- cute decor

    Gourmet Au Bay
    Gourmet Au Bay - Reality Czeck Pilsner

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    Reality Czeck Pilsner

    The Boat House - fishnchips - Updated May 2026

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