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    Barbara's Fishtrap

    4.0 (3.5k reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Sandwiches
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Barbara's Fishtrap Photos

    BARBARA'S FISHTRAP ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Barbara's Fishtrap

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    Donna L.

    Six of us came for a late lunch before they closed. Apparently the tables outside are Only for take out orders. We ate family style and it was perfect. We ordered the shrimp Louie salad, bowl of clam chowder, tempura oysters and fried combo seafood platter It was perfect for 6 People. We divided up everything. And the 805 Beer was only $3. The shrimp Louie salad was fresh and delicious. The clam chowder was loaded with a creamy consistency. Excellent! Our server was Kim who has worked there for 40+ years! The tempura oysters was crispy and juicy. The Barbara fish trap Fried platter had a variety of everything. Everything was crispy, hot and perfectly cooked.

    Combo Pasta Marinara Style
    Tracy W.

    We were doing a battered fried Fish & Chip roadtrip (Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay), so we had to end with the best :) F&C were as excellent as we remembered. Service was expedient. Ambiance was cozy seaside on this overcast day.

    Fish & Chips
    Cameron C.

    EAT HERE BEFORE 2-4 they close to change their oil. Also, be aware that there might be a long wait. Insanely good fish and chips. The tartar sauce is the best I've ever had. I got the fish of the day sandwich and it was absurdly good. Pair that with good fries and $3 beers, this place offers an unbeatable combo. Another 5 star banger in Half Moon Bay :)

    Menu updated 2026
    Garie B.

    This was my second time here, so I already knew the drill. We came earrrrrlyyy. They open at 11 AM, and we got there at 10:20 AM and were second in line. I gotta say... I think twice is enough for me. The food is definitely fresh, but not the freshest I've ever had, especially considering the price. It's pretty overpriced for what you get. I'm not sure why, but the fish and chips weren't as seasoned as they were during my first visit. We ended up adding a lot of salt this time around. The garlic cheese bread is an absolute must-order honestly, it was my favorite thing we had. The oysters were very creamy and fresh, which I enjoyed. The ambiance is still the biggest reason to come here. The views and atmosphere are fantastic, and the service is great too. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and smiling throughout our visit. Overall, I'm glad I gave it a second try, but it'll probably be a while; or maybe never...before I come back.

    Mylinh V.

    Parking was easy with a lot conveniently located across the street. We arrived when the restaurant itself was closed, but the takeout window had just opened. They actually close between service periods to change the oil, which I appreciated because it helps keep the fried food tasting fresh. One thing to note is that the line can get pretty long. I would recommend arriving about 15 minutes before the takeout window opens and getting in line early if you're visiting during a busy time. There is some outdoor seating available, but tables are limited. Be prepared to grab a bench or take your food to go if it's crowded. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and everything we ordered was fried to perfection! It was crispy on the outside without feeling greasy. You can tell they take pride in the quality of their food. Overall, it's a great spot for fresh seafood and definitely worth the wait in line.

    Boat harbor next door
    Lewis C.

    Had lunch here recently and even though it was a Monday with overcast weather, there was still a decent wait for a table. But - it was well worth the wait. We shared fish and chips, fried calamari, a Shrimp Louie and cheesy garlic bread. Everything was delicious. The fish was perfectly cooked and the Shrimp Louie was quite large with a big pile of shrimp. And the calamari was awesome. One of the best we've had in recent memory. No surprise that we saw nearly every table around us also order the calamari. The seating inside is homey and the seating on the covered patio has heat lamps, which are a good idea on an overcast chilly day. Also plenty of outside seating. Service was friendly and helpful and our food arrived quickly. Overall it was a very enjoyable lunch.

    Fried oyster sandwich
    Arthur T.

    Grew up going to Barbara's! First time back after a few years. Saturday morning. Around 11:20 am. Luckily last table inside. Two of us ordered: cup of clam chowder $6.95 (more on the starchy/potato-y side) mini fishtrap with fries $28.50 frid oyster sandwich $22.95 Obviously heavy on the fried food. Flavors were good. Service is a bit on the slower side. Decor inside seems unchanged. Parking in the lot / on street parking. They take credit cards now which is great!

    Jann B.

    Came in for an early lunch on a Saturday, arrived just befote they opened and there was already a line outside. Parking was easy in the restaurant lot. We were able to get a table inside. It was super busy so we had to wait a bit to order. Our order took a reasonable amount of time to get to us. Everything was delicious, fish tasted fresh and the fries were on point. Servers were nice. Great place to eat at of you're in the area.

    Fish and chips
    Brian G.

    Stopped by after a hike and wanted to grub on some fried foods. Fish and chips: B Tried this out since they're known for their fish and chips. I will say the fish was just okay to me. Huge pieces, and battered well but the fish lacks seasoning and depends on the vinegar, lemon juice, tartar sauce, and/or hot sauce to taste good. The chips however I will say we're great. They aren't skinny but somehow are insanely crisp and satisfying to bite. Easy parking on the parking lot at least when I went during 1pm on a weekday. And food came out quick, maybe a 5-7 min wait.

    Dungeness crab sandwich
    Sho R.

    I was there on Mother's day sunday, and reached there 10 minutes after they opened. The restaurant was smaller than I thought. Wait to get a table was brutal. I was told 50 minutes wait, but ended up waiting for 2 hours. They also had a togo counter. I should have gone there instead. All seafood was fresh. I went for their fan favorites. Fish and chips was my favorite item here. Coastside calamari was an excellent one too. It came in good quantity. Dungeness crab sandwich was expensive at $36. Sandwich as such was good, even if the quantity was smaller. Clam chowder was flavorful. Orange juice was ok. There is a small parking lot right opposite to the restaurant. Getting a spot there is near impossible. Pillar point harbor is 5 minutes away. May be parking there is the only option.

    Interior view
    Robert H.

    TL:DR - still a neighborhood gem. Go visit Parking - Nuts. Be patient. The lots across the street fills up fast. Best bet is to park away and walk in Service - prompt and efficient. Busy crew Food - Crab cocktail - outstanding Shrimp cocktail very good Oysters - very good. Cocktail sauce only. No mignonette sauce. Bring your own! Mini Fishtrap - fried is good but fresh is better Pro tip - fresh seafood is great! Start with that first.

    Kaushik N.

    Great place to check out with the fam or friends when youre in half moon bay! The line gets pretty long for take out but definitely worth it! On a saturday around noon we waited about 30 min to get seated a table. When you enter inside it can be confusing where to check in but usually there will be a host at the stand. Once seated instead we placed our orders for some appetizers and food! Ordered the Chicken Nuggets which were good but heavily oily. The Cheesy Garlic Crabby bread didnt have much taste to be honest but great shareable size. The fish and chips is definitely a huge portion to share between two people comfortably. Salmon Burger was okay it didnt have much taste and had to put salt and pepper to add some flavor even with the onion roll. One thing I noticed was when the server delivered the food, his fingers were touching the food which was pretty unsanitary knowing we are about to consume it. At the same time they were wiping down tables and delivering food.

    Fish, Prawn & Chips
    Bruce W.

    We arrived close to closing time but they were able to squeeze us in. We were sat by the windows overlooking the sea. I had the fish and prawns with chips. They were very well prepared and light and crispy. Our waiter and the owner were incredibly friendly, I recently started fishing and ask excited to do by after my fishing trips in the future.

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    Barbara's Fishtrap Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Barbara's Fishtrap

    Is it just me or did they recently change the kind of fish they use for the fish and chips?

    It's a mild white flaky fish - classic for fish and chips.

    Is the cod and calamari beer battered?

    No, the cod and calamari are not beer battered, they are tempura battered and fried in rice oil. Very light and crispy.

    Do they accept credit cards?

    Yup, they sure do.

    Are dogs allowed in the covered patio area?

    Only service animals.

    May a place a phone order for pick up?

    Yes, you can place an order for pick up.

    Do you guys accept credit cards for to-go orders?

    I know they accept credit cards for dine in and probably do. You can call before ordering.

    Is Clam Cowder on your lunch menu every day of the week?

    Yes, Thank You for your question Melodie… Read more

    I read somewhere that cioppino is only offered at crab season, so when is crab season?

    Crab Season for us in Half Moon Bay opens November 15.

    Are the dog friendly that we can eat outside? And is the coippino any good?

    They are dog friendly in that you can eat outside. There are tables as well as a beach area you can enjoy.

    Take reservations ? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaasss

    No they do not take reservations.

    Planning to grab takeout from here. Is there any picnic area nearby to go enjoy the food?

    They have about 8-10 tables next to Barbara's otherwise you have tons of beaches to choose from nearby. We usually like to park near the boats and bring a portable table and… Read more

    Can you PLEASE start taking credit cards?

    Dear Jp R. Thank you for your question, as you know we have not taken credit cards, "Ever".… Read more

    Are they open today?

    Sorry, we were all at work yesterday, we are open 7 days a week. Friday and Saturday-11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday 11:00 am to 7:30 pm.… Read more

    Can I call to order for takeout?

    Dear Kate, No, in order to make sure people are happy with their tempura items, we can not leave… Read more

    What are the gluten free option on the menu? Thank you!

    My guess would be steamed mussels, steam clams, broiled fish, ceviche, shrimp or crab cocktails. But I'd suggest you ask to confirm. Good luck!

    Is malt vinegar available for the fish and chips? Thanks in advance.

    Yes! We got malt vinegar packets with our order.

    Is outdoors dog friendly?

    Yes, we just ask people not to bring the dog through the deck part of the order line. Because we have made half of the deck an open kitchen.… Read more

    Hi! Can you accomodate 10 people outdoors?

    Hello Jann, Most of our outside tables can accommodate 8, but if you give us a heads up we can… Read more

    Indoor dining yet? Fried tempura oysters?

    Yes they are open for indoor dining! They have seating indoor and outdoors.

    Does your batter contain any dairy (milk, butter, cream) in it? Asking because of dairy allergy.

    These are the ingredients of our Tempura Batter, Enriched Wheat Flour, (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine, Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Salt, Contains 2% or less of… Read more

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    Spangler's Market

    Spangler's Market

    4.6
    (114 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I absolutely love everything about Spangler's Market. It's clean, welcoming, affordable, and…read moreincredibly convenient--exactly what you want from a neighborhood corner store. The layout is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to find everything you need without any hassle. One of my favorite things is their selection of local products and specialty foods. From gourmet instant pastas and fresh cinnamon breads to Strauss milk, ice cream, and other delicious treats, there's always something great to discover. I can quickly grab ingredients for a healthy home-cooked meal, which has helped me save money and avoid unnecessary waste from overbuying. They even carry unique items like elk meats and savory jerky for when you're feeling a little adventurous. The meat department is outstanding--the marinated chicken is a must-try, and the beef is always fresh and high quality. And the deli? Hands down one of the best around. Their signature sandwiches are incredible--fresh, flavorful, and made with care. It's the kind of place where you go in for a few items and end up leaving with an amazing sandwich you can't wait to eat. What really sets Spangler's apart is the people. The staff is consistently friendly, helpful, and professional. Their positive attitude makes every visit a great experience. Spangler's truly rocks. I'll definitely be back again and again!

    Cute little market with a wonderful deli. The pesto chicken and Tri trip sandwich were bomb! We…read morealso liked their Chipotle Mac salad. Service was quick and easy to navigate.

    Photos
    Front entrance area
    Front entrance area
    Happy Signature Turkey Sandwich!
    Happy Signature Turkey Sandwich!
    Tri tip sandwich

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    Tri tip sandwich
    Gherkin's Sandwich Shop

    Gherkin's Sandwich Shop

    4.1
    (504 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    You could fly by this hidden gem when driving on Highway 1, BUT you would be missing out on some of…read morethe best sandwiches around!!! I came here with my cousin who wouldn't stop raving about this sandwich I "had to try". So he, my kids, and I took a drive. Walking in, I really appreciated the cleanliness of the place. They also had a really cool floor that looked like you were standing on the beach. Grade: A The service was great! The person who took my order was patient and very helpful when I was trying to figure out food for my son. I didn't know that they also served breakfast items until noon. I ordered the #27 Nor Cal, a kid's burger for my daughter, and so thankful they offered pancakes for my son. Service grade: A Let's get started on the main attraction for me...the #27 NorCal. There are so many choices on the menu that I really want to highlight how great this one is! I ordered it with Dutch crunch per recommendation from my cousin. The NorCal comes with chicken, teriyaki, peanut sauce, pepper jack cheese, mayo, onions, sprouts, and tomatoes. Yes, peanut sauce. The bread was toasted to perfection and soaked up the sauciness. I'm the first to admit that my cousin was 100% right! I really loved this sandwich. The flavors and quality were off the charts. This sandwich easily goes into my top 5 all-time. Wow! Grade: A+ I really appreciated that they have a kids menu! My son had the pancakes. He usually complains anywhere we go, but he actually turned to me and said that he liked these pancakes. I picked one up and I must saw they were thick, fluffy, and delicious. The fact that my son was happy, made our visit all the more better. Grade: A My daughter had the kid's cheeseburger. The burger was a 1/4 lb and came with a generous portion of fries. The French fries were crispy on the outside and perfectly seasoned. The French roll used for the burger may be the best French roll I've had. (Of course I had to try it) haha The outer part had an easy chew and the inner part was like a pillow. I only tried the bread, but my daughter was overall content. The cheeseburger was a good size for her. Things that I want to try next time include their sourdough bread that looked fantastic, their flan, and this bbq beef sandwich that looked insane! There are also a few other sandwiches that looked good on the menu...chicken marinara and provolone, a honey mustard one, and the other was a California club. I'm still thinking about my sandwich a day later so it may take a few visits before trying others. Apparently this spot is a not-so-hidden gem to others as while we were there, the place filled up fast! When we were leaving, a line had formed and the staff readily took care of everyone. I guess it's a known spot. Gherkin's in Montara will be a must-stop any time I'm remotely near it if not even at home...it's worth the drive! Thank you Gherkin's!

    I was in the area for three days in a row and kept driving past this sandwich spot, so I finally…read moredecided to stop in and check it out. One thing to know: avoid the lunchtime rush if you're in a hurry. It gets busy, and with only two people working, the hot sandwiches can take a little while to come out. That said, the service was friendly . The sandwiches are huge--which is exactly what you'd hope for when you're paying $16-$20. I ordered the Go Green sandwich and added bacon. It was delicious, although I would have liked a little more pesto. Even so, it was filling enough that I had it for both lunch and dinner. I also picked up sandwiches for four other people, and everyone enjoyed theirs. If you're a sandwich lover and find yourself in the area, Gherkins is definitely worth checking out. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm nearby.

    Photos
    Inside Seating
    Inside Seating
    Gherkins
    Gherkins
    Turkey with pesto on Sourdough

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    Turkey with pesto on Sourdough
    Dad's Luncheonette

    Dad's Luncheonette

    4.4
    (893 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Came here on a Sunday around noon and there were a few open empty seats inside as well as some…read moretables outside, but there were people at the restaurant. it's an order at the counter type of place. ~the food~ - Hamburger sandwich: pretty good! I really liked the pickled onion and the choice of white cheddar. I'd say overall it wasn't as greasy as a full burger which I really appreciated! - Mushroom sandwich: out of the 2 sandwiches this one was my favorite! The Maitake mushrooms were very tender and flavorful! - Homemade Potato chips: staff told us that this tends to sell out before the end of the day, but we were lucky enough to get an order of them and they were very very good! The addition of nutritional yeast in the seasoning added a lot of great to the chips! - Herb salad: super refreshing salad, this salad is made with all herbs and the lemon dressing that they used was very light and refreshing, which I think balanced out the rest of the meal! ~overall~ I definitely recommend dad's luncheonette for a quick bite. The staff were very friendly and the food was really good. Everything tasted very fresh and not too heavy.

    Experience (4/5 stars): *Food: hamburger sandwich was…read moreflavorful! what made it was the red onion pickles. bummed that they ran out of the homemade potato chips and sweet of the week. *Price: ~$15.50 for the sammich Overall, it's a yes!

    Photos
    Menu
    Menu
    Hamburger Sandwich
    Hamburger Sandwich
    Chocolate Cherry Coconut Pudding

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    Chocolate Cherry Coconut Pudding
    Sam's Chowder House

    Sam's Chowder House

    3.6
    (6.1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    We came here because a friend was visiting the Bay Area for a few days, and I thought it would be…read morenice to have a meal by the ocean and enjoy the scenery together. Overall, it was a pleasant experience. The weather was beautiful, and the atmosphere was nice, although it didn't particularly stand out to me. There are other waterfront restaurants in the area that I personally find more memorable, but this was still a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The food was delicious. I really enjoyed my soup, the oysters were also tasty, and the wine was excellent. I also liked that the menu offers a wide variety of options, so there's something for almost everyone. The service was perfectly fine as well. It wasn't especially memorable, but it was friendly and everything went smoothly. Overall, I think this is a nice spot if you're looking for good food and a relaxing meal by the water. While it didn't leave a lasting impression on me personally, I still had an enjoyable experience.

    Sam's Chowder House used to be one of my favorite spots to sit on the patio with a dozen oysters,…read morebut after today I won't be coming back. I was served a Kumamoto oyster that was green. Thinking it was just a mistake, I brought it back. The replacement they gave me was also green--this time with a large brown spot of who-knows-what. At that point I completely lost my appetite. To make matters worse, the calamari was essentially 100% tentacles with no rings at all. Between the oysters and the calamari, it felt like there was absolutely no quality control coming out of the kitchen. For the prices Sam's charges, this level of quality is unacceptable. Oysters are one of those foods where freshness and careful inspection are non-negotiable. I left thoroughly disgusted and incredibly disappointed after what used to be one of my favorite restaurants.

    Photos
    Beach at Sam's
    Beach at Sam's
    Fresh Maine Lobster
    Fresh Maine Lobster
    New England Clam Chowder

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    New England Clam Chowder
    Pilot Light

    Pilot Light

    4.3
    (247 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Came for breakfast on Sunday and was able to easily get a table for 6. Place was easy to find and…read moreget parking. I loved sitting in front of the large windows and seeing the foggy landscape outside. Service was friendly and attentive. The inside is a little rundown and the restroom could use an update. A unique setting and location. Great place to drop by if you're visiting the area and want familiar food in a quirky setting. Noteworthy dishes: - quinoa power bowl with smoked salmon. Well seasoned, delicious and nutritious - fish and chips was a generous portion, well cooked, and delicious - chocolate pancakes - my kids gobbled it up

    Was going to Half Moon Bay to relax after a long week of work…read more Ambiance feels very welcoming as it was a nice cloudy day. The decoration was nice, homey, and trendy. It was also pretty quiet but we came in as they were opening. Service was nice and welcoming as well. Food was excellent. We ordered a mimosa, shakshuka, latte and chorizo scramble. My shakshuka was delicious and hit the spot. Will definitely come back here versus the old place I used to go to since this place does service substantially better than the other place I'm talking about in Half Moon Bay, lol.

    Photos
    Beautiful kitchen and cute and quirky setup. Very homey feeling with a lot of character
    Beautiful kitchen and cute and quirky setup. Very homey feeling with a lot of character
    Classic combo: 2 eggs to order, sausage (choice of bacon or ham available), potato hash, buttered sourdough
    Classic combo: 2 eggs to order, sausage (choice of bacon or ham available), potato hash, buttered sourdough
    Pilot refresh

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    Pilot refresh

    Barbara's Fishtrap - seafood - Updated July 2026

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