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    Bayside Cafe

    4.3 (726 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Bayside Cafe Photos

    BAYSIDE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Bayside Cafe

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    Fish and Chips
    Leo G.

    Bayside Cafe was our lunch choice after having a nice paddle out to the sand dunes with the kayaks we rented (shoutout to A Kayak Shack) and what a great choice that turned out to be. Service was welcoming and friendly, the clam chowder is a must, our drinks stayed filled, and the ambience complimented the calm, cool, friday morning we had earlier on the water. California clam chowder - As described on their menu, it is a mix of their clam chowder and their spicy green chile soup. We absolutely loved this. I appreciate that it was not too salty, something that tends to be for a lot of places that serves clam chowder. There was plenty of clams, as you would expect but I come to find out later on my trip to a fish house in Monterey that this isn't always the case. We will come back to Bayside Cafe just for this. Fish & Chips - This one could have been a lot better. The fries and fish were fried to perfection but would have liked more seasoning since I did not get much from the fish. Drinks: Iced Tea - Sure, Iced tea not sweetened can be the same anywhere else but I don't know what it is but the brew that day was on point. The best part was that our servers made sure we didn't see the bottom. Overall, if they improved upon the flavor on the fish and chips and increased the portion of fries, I think Bayside Cafe would be a solid 5/5. Regardless, their location, clam chowder, and friendly service, is enough for me to return if we go kayaking again!

    Kenny J.

    Ordered: - Clam Chowder - Sourdough Bowl (4/5): No frills delicious bowl of chowder. Pairs great with the sourdough, although it does help to have another dish break up the flavor since it can feel one dimensional after a while. - Fish Lunch - Grilled Swordfish topped with Mango Salsa with fries and California Chowder (3.5/5): Having never tried swordfish I knew I had to try this. The cut of fish was smaller than expected and would have been pretty fishy without the mango salsa and lemon to cut through the flavors. Fries were perfectly done and were crispy without being greasy. The chowder was spicier than expected but I really enjoyed it. Overall I'm glad I tried this dish but it's pretty expensive for what you get and I would still have been hungry without some of my gf's chowder. Overall (4/5): We had just finished kayaking and since Bayside Cafe was conveniently at the same location it was a no brainer. We waited about 15-20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon before getting seated by the window which offered an amazing view of the water. Service was quick and friendly. If we're in the area we'll be sure to return!

    Fish & chips
    Robert H.

    I thought we'd try a different place to eat lunch from our regular go to restaurant. Well the fish and chips were good, however the batter was a little too greasy for our taste. Even the seafood sampler platter was greasy.Next time we'll stay with what we know is good.

    Nachos
    Julia B.

    While I was in town visiting relatives we stopped here for lunch. We ordered a club sandwich to share and I also had a cup of clam chowder. I wish I would have ordered the California chowder as the regular clam chowder had very little flavor and was not anything I would re-order. The club sandwich was typical club sandwich it was large and presented nicely. We sat on the patio to eat and it was a relaxing lunch even though the place was obviously very busy. A week or so later we ordered food to pick up in the late evening. Upon arriving there was another man waiting for his to-go order and there were several employees standing off to the side chatting. We stood there for quite a long time without being acknowledged. The man ahead of us finally stopped a different employee that was on their way to the kitchen and asked if we could get some help. Our food was already bagged and had been waiting and after standing there and waiting to be helped for 15 minutes, by the time we got the food home it was barely warm. Very disappointing! We had ordered nachos and fish and chips and the nachos had sat so long that they were soggy and needed to be eaten with a fork. Fish and chips really had no flavor and again it was so long in getting the order from the counter to us that it was not hot or crispy so super disappointing. All in all I don't think I would choose to come here again but I know my family who lives in town likes to eat here so I may try again on another visit but the two times eating here this visit were pretty disappointing. Nothing really stood out as far as taste and the poor service the second time really made a negative impression.

    Large clam chowder
    Tia T.

    Bayside is a cute little cafe that is tucked away behind the golf course. There is a nice walking trail directly across from the restaurant. It is perfect for walking off your meal! The fish and chips were solid. The batter was crispy and light. The pieces of fish were a little on the smaller side, so I would get the 5 pieces if you're hungry or sharing . The clam chowder was creamy and had a decent amount of clams. The special of the day was pan fried petrole. It was well seasoned and tender. It came with your choice of 2 sides, so it was a pretty hearty meal. Service was good, the workers were very friendly and nice. I would return if I was back in the area.

    The view from our table
    Kristin Q.

    What an amazing way to start my husband's birthday trip! Bayside cafe was our first stop and the wait wasn't too long. We were greeted with a smile and were sat by the window overlooking boats. What a gorgeous view! Shortly after, I panicked and spotted a hornet next to me. I informed staff right away and was pretty impressed watching how they handled the situation haha. She got a cup to catch it against the window and used a menu to slowly prop it in with such ease! After that, we settled down and ordered the shrimp and chips as well as the chicken tenders with fries. Our server was so kind and friendly. Food came out in a timely manner and she continued to check up on us throughout our meal. After that, I paid the check and had quietly mentioned happy birthday to my husband. Our server returned and asked if she heard me correctly haha and offered him a birthday mud pie! How sweet and how could we resist? It was so delicious and we had such an amazing time!

    View from inside corner table
    Kellie C.

    We were a group of three friends meeting for lunch on a Tuesday. We arrived at 11:30, which on this particular Tuesday was just the right timing to be seated right away (there were still a few tables inside and outside). Every time I come here I feel welcome, and this visit was no exception - no matter how busy they are. We scored a corner table inside with an excellent view of the marina. Super pro and friendly service. I had the large bowl of California Chowder (their excellent clam chowder with a ladle of their green chile soup in the middle), served with oyster crackers, $11.95. I love this dish and almost always order it either as my entree or as a side. Today it wasn't perfectly warm but I was having too nice a time to interrupt my friends' lunch -- I'm sure they would have remedied this quickly, I just didn't ask. One friend got the grilled salmon sandwich ($23), which is a pretty basic presentation but fresh. My other friend had the tri tip salad, which was fresh and had plenty of beef. It's a very lively and lovely spot - a true gem for our Central Coast locals and visitors.

    Fossil shells embedded in rock at the end of the parking lot
    Susanne R.

    Fantastic fish and chips. We shared a 5 piece plate. Great location with indoor and outdoor seating with bay views. We also had the carrot cake later at home. Yum. Great friendly service.

    Tostada salad
    Pat P.

    After kayaking in the breezy cool bay, we were looking to warm up with a bowl of clam chowder and Bayside Cafe offered just that. I was a little concerned because we were seated outdoors but the patio heaters were cranked up and we could sit without jackets. We opted for a bowl of clam chowder and a bowl of spicy green chile soup plus the tostada salad with fish. Traditional clam chowder did not disappoint - creamy, right amount of clam and potatoes. The spicy green chile soup was delicious but a tad bit watery. The tostada salad was fresh with lots of tomatoes. The fish could have been a bit more flavorful but otherwise a good healthy choice. Service started slow but picked up and once our order was taken. Great location after kayaking!

    So many great views for dining.
    Suzette M.

    OMG! Such a great spot for breakfast or lunch! Garret was our server today and was super on his game. His personable manor and genuine hospitality was so welcoming. I heard him tell several locals how much he enjoyed seeing them again. I love that! Ok, the food is great I have never had anything bad. I really love the sweet and sour slaw as a side. You cannot beat the atmosphere. Beachy, laid back and ocean views all around. There is a large parking area and the museum above is a great way to walk off your meal.

    Alyssa N.

    My boyfriend and I went camping at the site across the street from this place! Seems like a popular place for ppl at the site LOL We walked over on a Saturday night around 5pm to do a pickup order. There was no wait to be seated when we ordered, but we walked past a few times throughout the weekend and it got pretty packed. It's a quant restaurant and lots of seating next to the dock. The service was great and they were very nice. We ordered fish and chips, calamari, fish tacos, and clam chowder. It only took 10 minutes for our food to be ready! It was A LOT of food for 2 people!! We thought the food itself was alright, nothing to rave over but it was very fresh. I liked the clam chowder and calamari the most.

    Fish n slaw
    Andrea M.

    Food was so good. Service friendly. Heated patio and dog friendly is a huge plus. Ambience beautiful view of the bay

    Carrot cake

    Busy lunch time, but outside seating has heat lamps. Fish & chips and Cobb salad was good. Kids shared chicken pasta but didn't realize there was mushrooms in it and server didn't mention when I asked. Carrot cake made up for it.

    Otters

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    6 months ago

    Consistently great. A favorite place for us to eat when we drive over to Morro Bay. The Salmon Sandwich is a favorite for me.

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    8 months ago

    Food is alway GREAT and consistant along with the service. View is wonderful, inside or out on the patio.

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    1 year ago

    So good. Entire family loved this place. Felt nice and cozy on a cold windy day. Everyone was welcoming and helpful from beginning to end.

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    Business owner information

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    Page 3 of 19

    Ask the Community - Bayside Cafe

    Are they dog friendly?

    Yes

    We will be in Morro Bay this week. Is the construction finished. Will you be open?

    They are open!

    Will they be open again. Is the construction done?

    We were there last week during the construction. Yes it was loud, but we still enjoyed our meals. From the looks of it, it believe the construction on the road is done or will be done in a few days.

    How long will the Bayside be closed? We were so excited to have lunch today and when we arrived we saw closed and they are doing construction.?

    Call them or ask the Chamber of Commerce.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Tognazzini's Dockside Too

    Tognazzini's Dockside Too

    4.0
    (799 reviews)
    1.9 mi
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    A seafood shop by the Morro Bay seaside…read more Fish & Chips 5-piece: Unlike British fish and chips, the batter is only a thin layer, and it's not fried as hot, so you can really taste the tender fish - very satisfying. Oysters on the 1/2 Shell: The oysters were fresh but rather small, nothing special on their own. However, the cocktail sauce was a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and spicy, so I kept dipping the chips in it... Eating fish and chips while enjoying the sea view and listening to a blues band playing - if you're not in a rush, it's truly a delightful experience.

    The grilled oysters made it easily as the top 3 oysters I ever had and although they marginally did…read morenot make it to #1, they were definitely not in 3rd place. Live music compliments from a man with his guitar on a sunny sunsetting Friday afternoon and since they are dockside, you get to see the fishermen at work close by and it really provides the environment of a seaside town without it being overpriced and pretentious. We originally ordered a set of 4 grilled oysters, clam chowder, and as recommended by the cashier, a couple of the smoked shrimp tacos. The oysters were grilled to perfection with butter and garlic. Not dry at all and still juicy. The oysters were well shucked (no pieces of the shell ended up on the oyster) and it was already detached for easy eating. The smoked shrimp tacos were a great recommendation. I think the seasoning wasn't too complicated; salt, pepper, and a paprika to really let the shrimp do most of the talking. As for the clam chowder, I think it was okay. Came there only for the oysters anyways. As mentioned, we initially got a set of 4 grilled oysters but they were so good that we ended up coming back 30 minutes later to get 6 more after getting our last few pictures of the sunset next to Morro Rock. As for service, this is a take-out only joint, so besides the cashier taking your order, the bussers making sure the outside tables are clean to keep the seabirds away, and you picking up your own order, there is nothing more than that. Will be dreaming about those grilled oysters until we come back.

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    Tognazzini's Dockside Too
    Steamed clams
    Steamed clams
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    Giovanni's Take Out Express

    Giovanni's Take Out Express

    3.6
    (75 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Calamari and chips was yummy. They did NOT overcook the calamari. I hate it when it's super chewy…read more Friendly people Plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the view

    Tried out the new-to-me Take Out Express part of Giovanni's. First off, it was difficult to park,…read moreno handicapped spots nearby so I had to park on the street. That would have been fine, but they have their part of the curve roped off and I would have had to either hop over the rope or walk around. Not very easy for someone with a bad foot. I ordered a cheeseburger & tater tots and chicken strips & fries. There are tables with umbrellas where you can sit while you dine or while you wait for your electronic thingy to go off. There were lots of diners, mostly tourists. The cashier was saying he had worked there for 18 and a 1/2 years while selling up people's orders. Since there was a credit card fee I paid cash, but I missed the fact that they charge for to-go packaging!! And, there is no free refills on sodas. I went to Dollar Tree to buy soda instead. The order took a long time, which doesn't surprise me since there were lots of folks there, and they might share the kitchen with Giovanni's Fish Marker around the corner. The tater tots were not done, should have been crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, right? The burger was not good, the romaine lettuce was totally cooked. The chicken strips were passable, the fries seemed to be battered but they were too soft after sitting in the to-go container with the lid closed. I probably won't come here again, sorry.

    Photos
    Storefront, shell photo opportunity at entrance
    Storefront, shell photo opportunity at entrance
    Poke Bowls
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    Cup of clam chowda & 805

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    Cup of clam chowda & 805
    Dorn's Original Breakers Cafe

    Dorn's Original Breakers Cafe

    4.0
    (1.5k reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Dorn's is my favorite place to eat when I'm in Morro Bay for dinner. The atmosphere and service…read moreare consistent and excellent, and the food is always delicious. I love sitting outside, enjoying the beautiful views of the Three Stacks and Morro Rock. A coulpe of the outdoor tables even have their own fire pits, which makes for a cozy dining experience on a cool evening. Their clam chowder is some of the best in town, and I always enjoy the fresh fish selections. They also offer a variety of daily specials featuring local catches, so there's always something new to try. The staff is consistently friendly, attentive, and helpful, providing outstanding service every time I visit. Whether I'm dining alone or with my family, Dorn's is always on my list for dinner whenever I'm in Morro Bay.

    Patronize this restaurant July 4th @ approx. 2. Upon…read moreentering is hostess booth. Give her your name and wait. Lady in front of me was a party of 2 and told their is 5 minute wait then I was next party of 2 and 30 minute wait. Waited approx 15 minutes and told no tables out side but their was table inside or wait another 20-30 minutes. We took tables inside. Ordered a cup of clam chowder; tasteless. No flavor Ordered hamburger and fish sandwich both no bread. I didn't want fries and asked for zucchini. Told no substitutes. Pay full price. Food was tasteless. Fries are homemade and not cooked throughly. Zucchini no favor added and hard. We informed waitress and she did not care. During lunch time staff was mopping the floor. I stepped off the booth to leave shortly afterwards and my foot slipped. Scared to leave . Cautiously left out. I don't recommend. Food is bland and certain items not cooked throughly.

    Photos
    Back in the day
    Back in the day
    Crab and Shrimp Salad - Mixed with mayonnaise, egg, & celery stuffed in a whole tomato
    Crab and Shrimp Salad - Mixed with mayonnaise, egg, & celery stuffed in a whole tomato
    Happy. Birthday to me!!

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    Happy. Birthday to me!!

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