The new custom house was a great place to stop at for a quick snack and some delicious drinks. We ordered a side of fries to share... they were fresh, hot ,and delicious . We ordered a couple of drinks - a local beer and a tropical drink. The beachfront cocktail was perfect, sweet, just the right amount of alcohol and a good beach drink. Definitely brought on the ocean vibes. Staff was friendly and helpful picking out drinks Had TV's for sports games,which made it even better, so we didn't miss our teams playing! read more

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This is so disappointing. The Custom House we loved is dead and gone, and in its place is the "New" Custom House. A loud, cheap cafeteria serving mediocre. overpriced food. We should have walked out, but decided to give it a try. We should have kept walking. Do yourself a favor and keep walking. There are much better options in Avila Beach. New Custom House.... Do better! read more

DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO THE REVIEWS! The food is SOLID! The bbq ribs are GREAT! Big portions VERY TASTY Half a rack is enough for 2 people Nachos are also great Self service . So you have to bring it to your table but the view, the vibe is good ! read more

The New Custom House couldn't be any truer of a statement. The inside looks cheaper with the hard surface seating. Gone are the booths and nice tables, now looks like Chipotle. Now no service. You go up and order and then grab your order, gone are the waitresses. The food quality has also gone down. What was my favorite clam chowder in a Breadbowl and Fish n Chips, has gone to a never again. The fish was so chewy. Sad. All these places are geared for the tourists and no longer the locals. *Another one bites the DUST* read more

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Stopped by the new Custom House mid-morning for a snack between breakfast and lunch and really enjoyed it. You order at the counter from a large, easy-to-read menu, and there's plenty of seating inside and out. We sat on the patio with the ocean just steps away--such a beautiful spot on the Avila boardwalk. The menu has a great variety. I went with a large clam chowder, which was hearty and satisfying, and added onion rings that were absolutely delicious--thick-cut, perfectly battered, and clearly not frozen. My friend had the half Caesar salad with a small chowder, which was a great lighter option. If I had one wish it would be that they offer all of their salads and a half portion size, the only one they offer in half portion is the Caesar. One unexpected highlight--their takeaway bag! It's sturdy, has handles, and is actually big enough to fit large containers comfortably. Such a small detail, but so well thought out. I also spotted a lobster roll on the menu that I'll definitely be back to try. Overall, great food, easy ordering, and a perfect beachside atmosphere. The bar is close by with pretty cocktails as well as standard beers and wines. read more

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We took the kids to the beach and of course everyone was hungry for lunch when we got there. So we gave The New Custom House a try! My youngest tried the shrimp kids meal, my oldest got the cheeseburger kids meal and my mom and I tried their fried fish. My mom got hers with fries and I tried their clam chowder. There was a generous amount of clams in my cup of chowder and it had great flavor. The girl who took our order was super patient and answered all of our questions. The whole place had a nice vibe and they kept it clean. They had clean, nice restrooms too. We would definitely come back. read more

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This place has changed a lot since the last time we were here! It's no longer tables with service, you order and pay at the front and get a buzzer for your food. I got the street tacos which came with 5 steak tacos, and my husband got the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. The kids meals were good size and the kids got a frisbee as a plate & a "toy". Super pet friendly, we so multiple dogs when we were there. I liked that they had a couple Crow and Wolf seltzers! read more

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Drinks only! It's been awhile since we popped into this place within Avila! We were shocked by the transformation that occurred about a year ago to the inside: it's so light and beachy! Very welcoming with a great view to the outside! We curled up to the bar around 1030 and were welcomed by Michael. Michael was an excellent bartender who provided us great service and conversation. I had the Custom Bloody Mary that came with bacon, shrimp and olives and more...it was a breakfast of champions! This was a solid drink! It was great to see that locals and tourist visited this place! All treated with the same level of great service! read more

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My food was excellent. It was so good I forgot to take a picture. They gave indoor and out door seating. Both are excellent. They play great music and have screens showing sports. I recommend the salmon salad. My kids loved the Mac and Cheese while my husband ate the great fish tacos. read more

The New Custom House - Mac and cheese - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

We stopped in at The Custom House during a weekend getaway to Avila Beach, and it was exactly what we needed after a day exploring the coast. Grabbed a window table just as the sun was dipping, and the view through those big panes--palm trees swaying, the pier lit up, waves rolling in under that golden-pink sky--was pure magic. You can feel the salty breeze even inside, which makes everything taste better. The food came out fast and generous. We dove into a massive basket of those crispy, cheese-drenched fries topped with herbs and parmesan--indulgent in the best way, perfect for sharing. Then the loaded nacho platter arrived piled high with meat, cheese, beans, and all the fixings--seriously satisfying and great for two. Sides of guac and ranch were fresh and spot-on. Cocktails were a highlight too: my wife's bright turquoise beach drink looked as good as it tasted, garnished with a pineapple wedge that added just the right zing. I went with a deep red dragon tea that paired beautifully with the savory bites. Service was friendly and efficient in that casual beach-town style--no fuss, just smiles and quick refills. The interior has a cool, modern-coastal feel with the blue tile, string lights outside, and that open layout that keeps things lively without being overwhelming. If you're in Avila looking for ocean views, hearty coastal comfort food, and a relaxed vibe to unwind, this place delivers. We'll definitely be back next time we're craving that seaside escape. Highly recommend grabbing a window seat at golden hour--you won't regret it. Loved it. Thanks for the great evening! read more

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It's an average spot. The food is ok and the portion sizes are large. The flavor is nothing to write home about. The cost for the food and for drinks is very expensive for what it is and for not being a standard sit down restaurant. It's an order and pick up food spot but the food came out faster than expected. If you're in a tight spot for a place to eat this will work, otherwise it's best to find somewhere else to eat. - Mr.Narrwahl read more

A fun place to sit outside and have a snack. They were very nice and brought our dogs a bowl of water. You go inside to order and then a server brings you your meal. We would go back next time we are in the area. read more

Great food and view of the ocean. Pet friendly and was plenty of seating inside and outside. All the staff was very friendly and courteous and the food was ready pretty fast. Would go back again read more

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This is the most amazing restaurant I have ever been to. They are completely dog friendly and the staff is the nicest I have ever had at any place anywhere. The food is tasty and well priced. Espresso martini was just ok but the bartender Chloe helping me is top notch! Usually it's pick up yourself but since she saw I had a puppy and minimal hands so she brought it to me without me even knowing. I came her Friday night and sat outside: the two male bar tenders were also so friendly and helpful but this Chloe made my experience. Chill spot for beach goers and a nice environment for a casual date. I noticed a pizza parlor connected of seafood isn't your jam. read more

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I had the stream clams - not impress the clam was not in season, so small no meat at all. My entire pot is all other veggies. read more

The New Custom House - Stream clam - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Love this little beach food shack! Food was great, came out quick, beers are cold, and the patio is right on the boardwalk. Not much more I could ask for I only want to eat fish and chips and fish tacos when I'm at the beach, so Custom House is my new go to in Avila Best bites: Fish and chips were excellent. Light, crispy, flavorful Onion rings are perfectly crispy with a solid bite of onion Sunburst Other bites: Ribs on farmers market day were good, just don't expect Texas bbq quality read more

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The sign at the entrance said to find your own table, order inside and get a pager, go inside when pager goes off. We were surprised to have Helena take our drink and food order, then brought us a pager. A nice view of the ocean and pier. Weather is great! read more

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We came here on a recommendation and I was impressed by how huge the restaurant is. There's an adult side and everyone else side. So if you don't want any kids around, go to the adult side. The restaurant does give off a Hamptons nautical vibe. There's plenty of seating inside and out. This a walk up type of restaurant. Place your order up front, they give you a buzzer and will buzz you when the food is ready. We didn't have to wait too long for our food. We ordered a 3 piece fried fish, steamed clams, 6 oysters & a drink and it came out to about $73. Kind of expensive tbh. But you do have a fantastic view of the ocean though. Apparently, for $15 for 3 pieces of fish, it did not include fries with it. Honestly looked kind of sad when I picked up my food with just the fish there. The steamed clams were just ok. We didn't enjoy the bell pepper taste of it. I thought it was going to be traditional white wine, garlic and butter. This was totally different, which I'm not against, but the bell peppers really overpowered this dish and it was not our favorite. Plus, the clams were tiny. I don't know how they can plate this and sell it to customers. The oysters were oysters. Fresh, but a little fishy for me. But my wife enjoyed it. Their clam chowder was just ok. It's on the thicker side and bland. I had to add S&P and tabasco to make it taste better. If I do come back to Avila Beach, I would probably skip this place as it's pricey and you don't get what you pay for. read more

Summary: Not exactly a romantic or high-end, setting, but the food is really good. Location: Located in a very large dining hall right next to the beach. Inside it's a bunch of open space that's largely undecorated to arguably a bit boring, maybe even sterile. You have to walk up to the counter to order your food and then go sit down. Food: Honestly, I didn't have high hopes as a result of the setting. But I was very happy with my food. Everything was nice and rich and flavorful. Beauifly well cooked. I couldn't have been happier. I would gladly eat here again. read more

Alex was amazing! Service was great, she makes the most amazing drinks. Talked me into the fish tacos. The restaurant was very busy and her service was still 5 star. I've eaten in Michelin restaurants and didn't get as great of service as I got here! And she's so pretty, she should be a model! read more

It's just not been the same since the pandemic. It's basically cafeteria food now. :( bit sad really. Today I tried once more and I can honestly say I have no want to ever go there again. Food just not good, especially for the price. read more

Quick service, patio seating, free refills. Largely a do-it yourself place (order at the counter, pick up your food when the coaster light up, get your own refills. My veggie sandwich was very good with lots of avocado. My sister's burger was undercooked (prefer no red inside). The fried fish was declared tasty. Lots of tables with shade which is appreciated! read more

The New Custom House - Veggie sando - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

HORRIBLE ALL AROUND: Food is definitely mediocre. Service is horrible. No more table service. Self serve, walk up to window, order, get number, when called, pick up. NO MORE DINNER SERVICE. Ambience has been cheapened. AWFUL!!! read more

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Wow, a lot of mixed reviews. It's an old place with lots of reviews, and a lot of recent (spam reviews?) that talk how bad it is compared to the old place. Well, I saw it thru my own fresh eyes without comparison, and I liked what I saw. * Great looking place * Menu filled with fish & chips, chowders, sandwiches, nachos, clams, salads, and ahem, breakfast served all day. * 2 large bars * large sidewalk patio (the largest of any restaurant in Avila * nice service I only had a bread bowl of their CAJUN CHOWDER (with spice and crawfish added), and wow, it was great. $15.50 and it was more than an ample portion. When in Avila, I'll be back. read more

This pains me. This used to be our go to spot in Avila. Breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Now, forget it. The interior remodel is not welcoming, ordering food at a window, self seating and picking up your own food? With these prices? In this economy?! We didnt have any issues before paying $150 for dinner, now you're telling me Fish Tacos, garlic parm fries and a bread bowl of chowder is over $40? GTFOH. They used to have great servers. This used to be a good place to come have a good meal and people watch at the beach. The prices reflected that experience. Now, nope. It's so sad to walk by and know what it used to be as we go past them and into Blue Moon instead. To go from three places to have a nice meal on the beach to one is crazy. The investors have made a mistake and I hope they're seeing it in their pocketbooks. read more

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My places to dine at typically revolve near the places I'm driving clients to...in this case Avila Beach. My chef buddy says the best Clam Chowder is at the Custom House. So my assistant and I decided to taste for ourselves. Defiantly quite on this Thursday night for a beach town, First street parking was not an issue for my 24' Sprinter. We walked up and saw that most of the seating is outside under umbrella covered tables, very pleasant for our Pier setting tonight. The sun was headed down and we went into the House. Big place, lots of seating in here too. There was no question as to what you do and we walked up to the Order Counter. I'm sure there's plenty of time to read through the entire menu board when you're line but we were up first and last tonight. Hummm...Well Okay we ordered the "Boston Clam Chowder", salads looked good...Lobster Roll, that's it Lobster Roll. Now this is a thirty dollar sandwich so it better be frigi'n awesome. I asked but they couldn't tell me the size of the lobster tail I was getting in the roll..."well its shredded lobster so I don't know the weight". That instilled no confidence for in me, what were paying for tonight? I do know that we ordered and enjoyed the "pint" of Chowder. This is top three best CC I've tasted, M is the aficionado and she said it was the best. I agreed, not too thick and plenty of tender clams. The flavor itself was a 5or6 on the clam tastes meter, just enough I thought. The Lobster roll was served with a few choices and sweet potato waffle/criss cut fries won. We shared the roll and I will say it was very good. Could it have used some more Shredded Lobster of course. "I'll have the lobster with a side of toasted roll please." I won't tell you how much dinner cost us that night, cause if you have to ask... I will say that I'd recommend a meal here if your in town. Next time we'll go with the chowder and something else on the menu but for tonight it was all very good and easy and that helps. Foodguy-martin read more

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This was my first time to Avila beach! My fiancé and I just got engaged and it was my birthday, we had lunch at Custom house to celebrate and the servers were just so kind, full of energy, and quick! And OH MY GOD their food is delicious!! We had their fish tacos and steak nachos, loved it so much came back the next day to have their sunset sando, clam chowder and garlic Parmesan fries... their food is so fresh and even the dried food tasted clean and delicious!! definite must try! read more

The New Custom House - Mermaid Drink ‍ - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

My wife and I spent the day at Avila Beach. We came in for lunch. The staff was friendly. I ordered fish and chips. My wife ordered the lobster roll and clam chowder. All the food was very tasty. I wish I could have given you 5 stars, however, the size of the fish was kind of small. I was a bit disappointed. I like when places along the coast serve large pieces of fish. I will be back. read more

Used to be a fun place with ok food, they turned it into a cafeteria. Only thing going for it is the location, such a bummer!

Love this place. We were here 10 years ago but like the vibe now much better. It's bright and airy inside. Habanero bacon burger was delicious. Fish and garlic fries had the best batter, light and crispy. Both chowder, regular and Cajun were perfect not too thick with potatoes. Everything was delicious. We sat outside to enjoy the view and sunshine during lunch. The staff was friendly and efficient. read more

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My friend and I went last week and it has changed since I was there. Not necessarily a bad thing! I got the clam chowder in a bread bowl which was very good and filling. I also got the shrimp cocktail. My friend also got the shrimp cocktail and I don't remember it being as big as it was this time otherwise we might have just bought one to share! Overall it was good and it's the perfect environment for a beachside restaurant. read more

The New Custom House - Old Custom House Clam Chowder and Custom House Shrimp Cocktail - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

They have a new guava based seasonal drink right now called the "Surfrider." Highly recommend. Would love to see them add it to the menu. Bar tender was cool vibes too. read more

This was a solid lunch. We came in and got seated right away. The service was good and our order was in pretty fast. The food was good, nothing crazy special. The burger was pretty generic. It was cooked well and was still juicy. The ceviche was bland and needed some additional flavor. It was nice sitting by the window, the view here is something special. Great location, good food, good service. read more

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Had been here a few years ago when it was a sit down restaurant. Now order at the counter at grab a table. Didn't bother us at all. The food came fast, the employees were friendly. And the prices were reasonable for what we ordered. There were 4 of us and all were happy with their orders. read more

So I'm going to be blunt.... The owner ruined a great restaurant. Yes you owner of Woolys in Pismo. You took a restaurant that has been loved for decades and turned it into McDonald's. This yelp business should be recognized as false advertising. Most of all of the reviews are from when it was a fantastic restaurant The Old Custom house..... now it's completely a new restaurant and the old menu, seating, ordering, and what was offered before is gone.... And when I mean gone I mean gone forever. This is the New custom house and it kinda sucks. No More fine dining! Just sandwiches and overpriced fish & chips. I typically don't get mad or upset, but I was pissed. After you order, it took 30 minutes, which is hilarious because all I got was some tri-tip sandwich and soup and there was no one there and my picture will prove it.. I hope you're happy owner of woolys You ruined a restaurant that so many loved for some over priced tourist food. read more

The New Custom House - Plain tri-tip sandwiches and a cup of clam chowder and a clam chowder in a bowl $53 - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

Custom House is meh. Super duper expensive for what you get. We had the "fried fish" which doesn't even come with fries, they are $3 extra. To me, that's ridiculous. The fish is okay, you don't get that much, but they SERIOUSLY skimp on the fries. For $3 on top of the almost $20 "fried fish" I expected a bunch of fries, but that was not the case at all. We also got a beer. We were bummed that there were no hazy IPAs on the menu, and honestly for how big the bar is, we were really surprised by the small selection. It took awhile for a bartender to get to us (you have to order alcohol at the bar, separately from the food) which was strange because the place was fairly empty. The beer glass was chipped in multiple places on the rim which made the drinking experience not good. My lip got a little scratched which hurt. We sat outside and the pigeon presence was intense to say the least, so if we had to come again, we would sit inside, although not sure if we will be back due to this experience. read more

My family and I were in Avila Beach for the C10 SLO Down car show and we decided to dine in for some lunch today based on the high rated reviews. You place your order at the register inside the restaurant and you find your own table. It wasn't too busy today so we got a table right away. I ordered the superfood Salmon Salad. It was delicious. My family also loved their food. Restaurant was clean. Really busy but service was fast. I would definitely eat here again. read more

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I was enjoying a walk around Avila Beach thinking about fish tacos. So I cruised the local places and the boardwalk. I found Custom House. They looked busy on a Sunday afternoon. We walked in and got immediately seated. Our waiter came around and we ordered some fish tacos and a martini. The fish was battered and fried up just the way I like it. Not a fan of grilled fish tacos. The tacos were delicious! Nice vibe and good service. I reccomend Custom House. read more

The New Custom House - Fish tacos - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

On a recent staycation, the hubs and I checked out the newly renovated and reopened Custom House. We are on the Mr. Rick's side of the joint business (and shares the same menu). A few changes: now you place an order for food with staff and are given a pager (to later go pick up your food at a counter in the back) and the breakfast menu is SUBSTANTIALLY reduced breakfast menu, which now lacks any sweet options like pancakes. The plus is that the few breakfast items they do have are served all day. We really loved that we were allowed to have our two small dogs at our table and that they still have a doggy menu (which our pups benefitted from). We loved our adult beverages (the Pink Mermaid was both pretty and delicious). One night we ordered carne asada fries, which was SO large a serving that we didn't need an entree afterward. Another night, I had an amazing Turkey sandwich with yummy clam chowder, while my other half got the habanero burger (which he really enjoyed). Staff were friendly and accommodating. We liked most of the updates, though I will miss their pancakes!! read more

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The place got remodeled although I liked the previous setting. Ordered fish and chips with sweet potatoes. The fish was ok although we found the fried sweet potatoes had a distinct flavor that we've never had which was so good. We had the hibiscus fruit juices with free refills. read more

The New Custom House - Hibiscus juice - New American Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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