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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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    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    Yoonie J.

    We were in Half Moon Bay recently and, like most people do when you're near the coast, we were craving seafood. I found Barbara's on Yelp--solid 4-star rating, good reviews, so we decided to give it a try. We arrived and were told there was about a 20-minute wait, which felt reasonable for a weekend seafood spot. Once we were seated, things started off fine, but the experience quickly became a bit frustrating. There seemed to be a breakdown in communication with our server regarding our order. We placed everything clearly, but when the food came out, it wasn't what we had ordered. Instead of just clarifying or correcting it, we were told the order had been placed incorrectly on our side and were asked to reorder. Unfortunately, we were also still charged for the original order, which made the situation feel even more confusing. We also ordered the clam chowder, which was honestly disappointing. From the very first spoonful to the last, there was a consistent gritty, sandy texture that made it difficult to enjoy at all. It took away from what is usually a comfort dish, especially in a coastal town where you expect it to shine. On a positive note, our timing coincided with sunset, and the view from the window was absolutely stunning. Watching the sun dip over the water while dining added a really beautiful moment to the experience, and the scenery itself was honestly the highlight of the visit. The setting itself is nice and the location is convenient if you're exploring Half Moon Bay, but based on our experience, the execution on both service and food quality didn't match the expectations set by the rating. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity. With a bit more attention to order accuracy and consistency in the kitchen, this place could easily live up to its Yelp reputation--but unfortunately, that wasn't our experience that day.

    Shrimp Ceviche

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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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    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
    Ketch Harbor Pub

    Ketch Harbor Pub

    4.0
    (311 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    We are locals, love breakfast and brunch and are fans of the original Ketch Joanne's. We're also…read morefans of the current owners of Jetty Wave, who are presenting a new incarnation of Joanne's under the name Ketch Harbor Pub. Curious about what the new/old place is like, our three-person family went there for a late breakfast today. Walking up to the front doors, the original inset stained glass remains. Walking in, the cool wood paneling and nautical decor remains in place with a couple of new touches. The fully appointed bar also remains, now with a more streamlined look with subtle lighting changes. We were greeted pleasantly and seated inside the dining room immediately; it was moderately busy and buzzing, not too loud. Our server was quick to our table, menu-knowledgeable and consistent in his attention to us. We had a Denver omelette, a couple of bennies and lemon ricotta pancakes to share. My omelette had particularly fresh and al fresca peppers and onions - wonderful. The lemon ricotta pancakes were sufficiently saturated and fluffy(hard to pull off)and came with fresh cream. The prices were at about the same level as the local competition, which pleasantly surprised us. It appears that the folks who did this breakfast/lunch reboot were shrewd in pricing their dishes. Jetty Wave, a drinks and appetizers adventure(which I heartily recommend as well for different reasons)in the northwestern part of Princeton, is not for the fiscally faint hearted. The only element that makes our experience short of a 5 is that we were not given a farewell when we left, though I was able to find our friendly server and thanked him. In all, the Joanne's legacy is intact - the old carved wood Ketch Joanne sign still hangs inside - literally and figuratively a homage to its legacy while bringing a new energy to this space. Recommended.

    Ketch Harbor Pub (often just called Ketch) is a fantastic spot right on Pillar Point Harbor in Half…read moreMoon Bay. We stopped by for lunch on a crisp day, and it completely captured that perfect coastal vibe--think fresh seafood, laid-back atmosphere, and killer views of the boats and water. We started with the calamari, which was hands-down some of the best I've ever had: tender, not rubbery at all, perfectly seasoned and fried, melting in your mouth. The New England-style clam chowder was rich, creamy, with just the right subtle smokiness and balanced seasoning--definitely lives up to Half Moon Bay's chowder reputation. For mains, the Dungeness crab sandwich was the star: generous lumps of sweet local crab, minimal sauce (just how I like it), on toasted sourdough with fries on the side. My partner went with the fish and chips, and the cod was crispy, flaky, and not greasy at all--classic done right. The outdoor patio with fire pits was cozy even in cooler weather, and our server was super friendly, attentive, and full of local recommendations. The place feels welcoming, whether you're a regular from the Coastside or just passing through after a beach walk or harbor stroll. Prices are fair for the fresh, quality ingredients and location--definitely worth it. We've already added it to our list for the next trip to Half Moon Bay. Highly recommend if you're craving solid seafood in a charming harborside setting! 5/5 stars.

    Photos
    The sundae. Yum.
    The sundae. Yum.
    Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.
    Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.
    Would order again.

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    Would order again.
    Old Princeton Landing

    Old Princeton Landing

    3.9
    (401 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Locally sourced ingredients
    Grab-and-go

    Picture this- you leave Moss Beach hungry for lunch. The distillery? 45 minute wait. The brewery?…read more60 minute wait. And then, you stumble upon this unassuming spot. Zero wait. Super friendly and fast service. Great menu. Hearty plates. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Kid friendly. TV's and separate bar. Are you dreaming? My kid and I shared the Hawaiian pork plate with sticky rice and flavorful mac salad. Spouse had their delicious and near perfect burger. We share the thick and crispy fries. We couldn't have imagined such a stellar lunch with family friendly vibes. If you find yourself dreading all the tourist spots, just walk 25 feet here! I hope this review doesn't blow up this place!

    After over two decades on the coast, I finally tested the cashier's cocky claim that they have the…read morebest chowder around. He wasn't lying. It's creamy, loaded with clams, and has a great jalapeno kick. And, I fully intend to go back for it. On a follow-up visit, the fish tacos (fresh, flaky cod) were a win (although a bit of guacamole would have made them really shine), but unfortunately, the Crab and Shrimp Louie lacked the same personality (it was bland and underwhelming). If you've been avoiding this place because, like me, you aren't a fan of the bar next door, you're missing out. Try the clam chowder-it's not cocky to claim you have the best chowder in town when you actually do!

    Photos
    Yummy acai bowl in the backyard
    Yummy acai bowl in the backyard
    Authentic chilaquiles
    Authentic chilaquiles
    Breakfast burrito

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    Breakfast burrito

    Barbara's Fishtrap - seafood - Updated July 2026

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