Beautiful setting, fantastic service, divine food. What more could you want? The very salad is a must. It is a beautiful composition of flavors and textures. Even the house salad is great. Cioppino was brimming with a great variety of seafood. Steak was perfectly seasoned. Desserts were a just right. Get the affogato. read more

Solid four stars here. wonderful meal, great flavors, and great service. Bartending needs some work, and that's the only reason this wasn't a 5. i don't hand out 5's lightly. You gotta change me, you have to want it. and last night, everything was on except the bar. we had a wonderful meal, view, and ambiance all on point. I had the ribeye set 1 medium rare. She had the chicories and sole both delicious. apps were a house salad and octopus, wow.. both on point. loved the dried fruit on the salad, and the dressing was delicious. the $42 bowl of ramen was the best ramen I've ever had in humboldt and one of the best I've had, period. but honestly expecting folks to eat ramen with a fork and spoon is kind of lacking in sensitivity, as it's difficult and messy, but we got it done none the less. get some chopsticks, folks.. seriously... That's some good ramen... it requires chopsticks... our waiter was exceptional and understood our issue with the bar it was over the proper use of egg whites. I had classic negronis, and they were good but half fills with a huge ice cube, which watered down substantially within a few minutes. They were pricey, but they did the trick. her order a whiskey sour, one of her favorite drinks, as we will travel just to get a good egg white drink, but none the less to no avail after 3 tries the Bartender just simply refused to shake the drink. you see, an egg white drink (sours n fizzes) are renown for their flavor and their delicious froth. the frothieness is created by the careful balance of the egg whites and the proper technique of shaking to make a luscious foam that floats on the top of the drink for the user to sip at... It's exquisite when done right. but it requires a fair amount of shaking. Most whiskey sours are shaken and strained twice to achieve this mastery of liquid alchemy... the first sour came in a glass full of small ice chunks and was shaken for no more than 5 seconds. we listen for it, you see. it's the sound of pleasant relief to hear your drink being shaken and knowing that your favorite drink is soon to touch your lips. but it was less than 5 seconds couldn't have been more than 10 shakes of the lambs tail. she actually said something to the waiter who acknowledged yes that's odd your sour came in a glass full of ice, and strangely, there is not much froth. I'll have him give it a good shake this next time. thank you, we said... but to no avail, 2nd comes out no ice and no froth. I listened to the shake, and yet again, it was no more than last time. he asked how it was, and we told our waiter, "Great flavor again, no ice, but not much froth." He agreed and said, "Don't worry, he'll nail it on round 3. but honestly, on the third, he shook it even less than the 2 before, and this one came out the same with not much froth at all... there was a specialty gin fizz on the menu, I'd be surprised if the customers were happy with that one either.. you see, 5 stars really come down to how much your team wants it. your host wanted it, the waiter wanted it, and the chefs wanted it.. and hats off to all of them... but your bartender didn't want it. if I have to repeatedly ask you to froth my drink, you should just do it. for the over $300 this meal costs you should just do it. for the love of the job, and for posterity, man just shakes the drink. for that, you lost the repeat business as well. we'd have been perfectly content as it was our anniversary if the drink was right. my negronis were good, but not great. it was a bar thing for me. and it will be a while before I come back. noble efforts by the rest of the staff. cheers.. read more

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There is no denying it, the view is spectacular. The Seasonal Caprese was underwhelming, the fruit too firm. That for $16 plus having to pay for bread and butter and a fruit fly in my drink started it off poorly. The Cioppino and Seared Ahi were lovely. Amazing flavors and generous servings. The cinnamon roll dessert was dry and not too flavorful and the mocktail was the price of a cocktail. I guess I'd have to think twice before coming here again. If I did I would share a salad and one of the entrees we got and skip appy and dessert. read more

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Came early for happy hour and then enjoyed a wonderful dinner at this beautiful restaurant right on Moonstone Beach. We shared the caesar salad for two and had the soup of the day (tomato basil). Then we had New York steaks that were cooked perfectly. I opted for the crazy good mac and cheese while the wife had the risotto. Everything was great. We were too full for dessert. This was the best restaurant we visited in the area (better than the Larrupin Cafe). Enjoy! read more

I had been here before Covid, and it was nice to see it was still operational. I was greeted by a lovely hostess. I chose to sit at the bar and face out towards the ocean. I was greeted by the bartender/owner, who was very nice and attentive. It was very nice to see that the place had not changed much at all. For dinner I ordered halibut with a glaze and jasmine rice. Presentation was very nice and I have to say the food was delicious. I would recommend this place for dinner anybody that wants a high-end meal with a great ambience. read more

Moonstone Grill - Halibut with miso glaze, jasmine rice, and veggies. - Seafood Near Me - Trinidad, California

Every single thing about this place is awesome. A little hard to find off of the road but well worth turning around for. The owner made me a few great drinks and ever single bit of food I had was amazing. Took time to talk to us about hotels in the area and about the town. We had the salmon the captains player some fish tacos and crab cakes. It was all so freaking amazing. For dessert we had a crème brûlée and a sundae of some sorts that was literally to die for. I'd give this place six stars if I could read more

Moonstone Grill - Captains platter - Seafood Near Me - Trinidad, California

We greatly enjoyed our dining experience at Moonstone. Drinks, food and dessert were all tasty. I had a vegetarian pad thai; my wife enjoyed the seasonal caprese and a baked potato. The crème brûlée tasted amazing; my cookie with ice cream was simple and wonderful. Food items all presented artistically. Food was fresh with many items sourced locally. The building itself offered good ocean views and enjoyable environment. I'd recommend for a date night! read more

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Terrible prime rib, the serrated knives given us tore up the raw meat, I had to borrow my friends sharp straight pocket knife just to determine it was too poorly cooked to eat. The one whole roasted carrot was the best thing on the plate. Can't fuck that up And the bathrooms!!! They are ridiculously disgusting, the fan hanging from the ceiling and covered in grime and dust, it was all just filthy. The things that pass for "fine dining" here are a joke. read more

An absolutely wonderful experience! The view of the Pacific ocean was spectacular, and the food was out of this world delicious. The service was spot on and we were never left waiting. We went at 5pm so that it wouldn't be crowded, and we enjoyed everything about the evening. read more

Over priced for what it was. Food didn't come out together. They brought out everyone's food except for my husband's. His dish was served 30 minutes later. His $50 seafood dish was mediocre at best. read more

Had a fantastic meal here with one of the most stunning views you can imagine. Perfectly made Manhattan, Cesar salad and delicious calamari paired with local bubbles got us started We shared the Halibut and had Crème Brûlée for desert. I'll be back read more

A memorable meal for all the wrong reasons. Ok, its a view place - so we expected a fab view and passable food at an outrageous price but it was my husbands 60th birthday and we were up for the splurge. We were disappointed in every way, except price. If you want the view sit at the bar for drinks, but do NOT EAT here. Caramelized onion soup should be renamed Unset Seawater Custard, not a hint of onion. Everything else was drowning in a flavorless, gloopy green ocean of sauce, rubberized scallops, undercooked flavorless & truffleless truffle risotto, tough, overcooked & seriously over breaded abalone (over $100), everything under seasoned, poorly prepared, infantile plating - wish I had take a picture; but imagine a large flat bottomed bowl filled to the brim with army green sauce, an island of bland, tooth breaking risotto, rising from the center, topped with a curled up, breaded chew toy: this disastrous creation encircled with alternating red & yellow cherry tomato halves, seven eighths sunken into the algaeic tsunami of sauce. We had worked up an appetite walking all day & been saving our calories for this 'special' meal, so we chewed & chewed & chewed our way through the abalone, some bites with the foot still attached, but all else remained on our plates. It was a meal ender, we wanted to leave ASAP. I left the table to find the server & ask for the bill. We didn't complain, to his credit the server asked about the uneaten plates. I calmly stated the dish didn't belong on the menu. He halfheartedly offered to adjust the bill, but his tone made it sound like such a hardship & imposition. We paid the full bill, which I regret, including an errant bowl of clam chowder & left a 20% cash tip. Seriously, don't eat here, the food is revolting, the view is OK you won't get what you pay for & the staff makes you feel as if an edible meal for $$$ is an imposition. AVOID THIS PLACE !!! Sadly, a birthday meal we will never forget for all the wrong reasons !!! read more

This experience was better than previous ones I've had here. The beautiful location is the main plus but this trip we had very good service, and better food than in the past. I hope this trend continues as this restaurant has the potential to be world class read more

We chose delicious crab cakes small plate, and salmon dinners. Everything was fresh and attractively served, (especially the salmon) by a attentive server. It was truly the best dinner we've eaten in a restaurant in years. What a great anniversary dinner experience! read more

A year ago this place was a five star for me The mini was fresh and exciting I guess I came at a happy hour time so I didn't have to sit down and eat at a regular table but when I did which was my birthday last year I can't believe the service for a place so beautiful The servers were absolutely lame and the meal was horrible The burger was raw and it was just awful and then I heard the restaurants soon after got shut down because of cockroaches and rats in the kitchen so we haven't been back in a long time read more

Absolutely delicious food and wonderful service. The atmosphere is classic and tranquil. If you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some fine cuisine by the beach, please stop by. Their prices are very reasonable given the quality of the dishes they serve. Cheers!! read more

Was in Trinidad for my birthday, our Airbnb host suggested eating her and I'm so glad I did. The restaurant is so quant and quiet. We were greeting right away from the hostess with a great attitude. Our server was so attentive. It was dark and stormer but could hear the waves. The bartender Jonae was so friendly and nice. She made me a custom drink for my birthday. I even gave her my phone for her to record. We shared the broiled oysters, clam chowder and chefs platter (I believe was the name) which had a little of everything. Only suggestion for the restaurant is to update menus online. read more

Good things first; Service was excellent, most of our food was tasty, nice view but I live on an island so can take it or leave it. The bad; I now get the rat problem, and why they've been shut down more than once. The prices are not worth what you get in the environment in which you get them. This place is dirty. It is VERY dirty. It is very VERY dirty. I'm not going to elaborate but only want you to think of one restaurant rule; If the front of the house is that bad, can you imagine the back of the house? The rule is, if the front is dirty, the back will be worse. Like, a lot worse. And we don't eat there. This place has the balls to serve overpriced food in a filthy place. This means, they don't care if you get sick. Let me say that again; They do not care, if you get sick. I won't mention the bathroom. read more

I have been coming here for 30 years or so now, and it's been more and more disappointing in the last 20 years or so. I hate to say that, but each time I've been here since 2015, it just keeps getting worse in terms of quality, service, and atmosphere. The last time I came here and actually enjoyed it was New Year's Eve 2006. The prior visits in 1995 and 2004 were great, too, so maybe it's me getting older? This last visit was probably the worst, and I'll never come back here again. The prices are too high; the quality of the food was mediocre, at best. It's a shame, too, when a favorite spot of yours deteriorates over time. But hey, maybe I'm just more cynical and picky now in my middle age. Try it for yourself and see how it goes; I'd like to try it again, to recapture the enjoyment of my earlier years here, but I don't think I will. Also, fix the road into the parking lot! Too many potholes!! read more

The county has closed them yet again for rats. They don't keep the rat situation under control to the point that this has happened AGAIN. This place is disgusting. They even lied about why they got closed on their social media when they could've owned it and asked for forgiveness I used to go to the is place all the time for my anniversary but they've had this problem for a while now. I had a friend who fixes appliances go there to fix their oven because of rats nests breaking it... beware. Eat here at your own risk. https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2024/mar/8/countys-environmental-health-division-shuts-down-m/?fbclid=IwAR0_L0ViAa__Fzzh-0151Wv7lxbIF-isIZDjqv_td0sN74_Vlww2YFkPCB8_aem_ATWYPpUUtetTU0ORVdvRENFqPAO-0tdjcAissvgy8j7bax3sWxZpwon74FJZasyiloI read more

As many times as I made it to Arcata and Trinidad from the Sacramento area, my only regret is that I never came here sooner! Moonstone Grill was everything I hoped it would be! My husband and I were only in Trinidad for the night so I had low hopes of getting in on a Saturday night but we were able to get reservations at 8:00 which worked out perfect as we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset from our table. I splurged on the surf and turf and I must say the battered prawns were the best I've ever had, it came with two gigantic prawns that had an amazing beer battered type of coating, it was truly to die for. My steak was juicy, tender and a little red for being medium but it was so tasty that I still ate most of it! Husband was anxiously waiting for me to get full so he could finish it off, lol. My husband ordered the Lobster Fettuccini. It too, was cooked perfectly with just the right amount of lobster and deliciousness. This was a perfect evening in every way from the service to the food to the views. I will definitely return when back in this gorgeous area behind the redwood curtain! read more

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We are on an epic cross country trip and randomly stopped here for food. It was the closest to us when I got hangry. Amazingg food, gorgeous atmosphere, and wonderful staff, We had the crab cakes and fish tacos to start - both some of the best we've ever had. I had salmon for dinner and it was cooked to perfection . The crème brûlée is the creamiest most phenomenal thing you could ever put in your mouth. Highly recommend stopping if in the area read more

Location! Location! Location! So of course the location can't be beat, sunset views and all. The food was all good, and although there weren't many vegetarian options they were every accommodating and let us make some custom requests. The cauliflower steak dish was incredible. The omnivores in our party enjoyed halibut and filet. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Excellent service. We even got to see a rare "green flash" sunset while we dined. read more

This place was recommended to us through another traveler who, when she visited, had an amazing visit so I'm not sure where the disconnect was the night we visited. We arrived a little close to closing, and after asking if they were still seating, was told "yes" and escorted to our table. The view of the beach was great, even though it was foggy. I ordered a soft drink, which came straight away - and my friend ordered a tea, which took long enough to come that we had to ask for it a second time. We each ordered steaks, which came with a soup or a salad. After at least thirty minutes of waiting for our food, our steaks finally arrived and everything was on the colder side, which is disappointing considering how expensive the dishes were. We had to ask for our soup and salad after our steaks arrived, as we hadn't received them prior. Nothing Like an appetizer AFTER your entree, which was funny to us because the definition of appetizer is "a small dish of food taken before a meal or the main course of a meal to stimulate one's appetite." The soup was the only thing that was warm on the table. Late but warm: the soup of the day. There was an issue with another table and I'm not sure what it was, but after that table left, we heard him complaining about that table's tip to the bartender. The waiter was nice to us when we were sitting at the table but after leaving, we watched him grab the bill book from our table and go on a rant about us, throwing the bill book across the bar. Would not recommend and will not be returning. read more

This was my first time here. It was easy to make a reservation on OpenTable. I was greeted by a friendly hose and see it right away. I was also given water and menu. I sat outside on the patio. I'm surprised they didn't have more than three tables on the patio. It was also during sunset so the sun was in my eye and there was no shade or anything to block. My waiter was fantastic. He was Wall manner and very respectful. He was polite and kind and made sure that I was being taken care of constantly. I got the octopus. It was good but definitely overcooked. I got the fish and chips as well that was delicious.tart sauce they use was amazing. I am normally not a fan of tartar sauce, but this one was good. I also got the blueberry mule and it was very refreshing and definitely worth the $14 parking was easy and there was plenty. I did notice there were a couple cats in the front outside one of the doors, the restaurant. not sure why there was three or four of them lingering around. read more

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Always great food and service. Incredible view of the ocean! Not a bad seat in the house:) Steamed Clams are delicious! read more

Moonstone Grill - View from deck at Moonstone Grill. - Seafood Near Me - Trinidad, California

A lackluster meal in a restaurant that needs some major updating (paper doilies and a tea-candle lit butter warmer, anyone???) and to reconsider their inflated prices. I must say before I continue, though, that our server Summer was very welcoming and attentive. Service was not an issue at all. Here's a breakdown of our meal: *Soup du jour-- was described to us as a tomato soup with a red bell pepper creme fraiche. What we got was a pale greenish-cream soup that tasted like green chile enchilada sauce. Took some time before hubby and I determined that our server had erred and mistakenly said tomato instead of potato. Honest mistake, but even after identifying what it was, it was the quality of soup you could find at Sizzler in the self-serve soup station. In fact, the cup it came in was the same style as Sizzler's if my childhood memories serve me correctly... $6. Hubby and I both ordered the spinach salad with toasted walnuts and Humboldt Fog cheese as this was the cheese we had at our wedding and holds a special place in our hearts (and tastebuds). What arrived was 12 pieces of spinach, some teeny crumbled bits of nuts (maybe a teaspoon in total) and 5 tiny crumbles of Humboldt Fog the size of the last segment of my pinky finger (yes, I counted). $12×2... should have been $8. Finally, we both ordered the king salmon with jasmine rice, chanterelle mushrooms and a lemon dill sauce. The protein was fantastic-- good portion, cooked perfectly, and flavorful. The rice and mushrooms were mixed up and reminiscent of a rice pilaf, complete with onions and scallions (yuck for me, and not represented on the menu). $34x2... should have been $18-20 each. Last, our two $14 cocktails were okay, a creative spin on a Manhattan and an old fashioned with some infused spirits. We didnt love them, but I wont criticize the place for trying to spice up their bar menu. All in all, overpriced and underwhelmed. We skipped dessert and headed to Arcata for some better cocktails and appetizers at a restaurant on the plaza that goes with pepper. ;) read more

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Right off the bat we were sat at a table that seemed to be next to a flies nest. We were moved to a table that was better...until the food came then the flies were swarming our food. We ordered the chefs board and it was a basic charcuterie board that seemed to have been sitting out for a while. The meats and cheeses were already sweaty when it came out. The artichoke dip was inedible and tasted like it had turned. Such a shame for such a nice location to once again be seemingly managed into the ground. Never again. read more

Stopped in last night with my mom for a quick drink and bite to eat after enjoying some sun at Moonstone Beach. We arrived right when they opened and there was already a line forming to be seated. We hadn't made a reservation, but we're still seated anyway, which we were thankful for. A tip: MAKE a reservation on OpenTable. We orders the smoked salmon wontons. They were SO GOOD. Five come in an order, so be sure to order a couple of you have a large group (or if you're hungry). I enjoyed the old fashioned and it was well made. It was a little on the sweeter side, but I enjoyed that. The prices are expensive, but it's to be expected for the view and the quality of the food. Every table here has a view, which is awesome. read more

Moonstone Grill - Moonstone Old Fashioned with a view of the beach - Seafood Near Me - Trinidad, California

My husband and I stumbled upon the little gem while we stopped in Trididad, CA. We sat at a high top just on their other side of the bar. The seat looked out over Moonstone beach which was a pristine sand beach where we watch surfers, paddle boarders in the water. We were waited on by the bartender who eventually had a full bar but that didn't distract from giving attentive service. He made a mean old fashion as well! The portions are large and delicious. Go hungry or share everything. We had the crab cakes to share and then each had an entree before rolling out of there. Looking forward to our next trip back! read more

Moonstone Grill - The arrabbiata pasta with shellfish...delicious! - Seafood Near Me - Trinidad, California

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Great happy hour! You can't beat the view from the bar. The food offerings were delicious and a great value. Our service was prompt and friendly. I love when the staff makes you feel so welcome. read more

The view and our waiter were really the only thing I found nice about this place. The food was not good and the prices are outrageously too damn high the food is not at the quality. If you want the view I would recommend picking something up at Murphy's market n picnic on the beach. read more

Great place!! Vacationing to hike in redwoods and stayed nearby. After a long day of hiking this place really hit the spot. Really delicious meal from start to finish. If you are in the area and want a good meal would easily recommend. read more

We were headed to Moonstone beach and saw the sign for Moonstone Grill, so we decided to go have some cocktails before going to the beach. We sat on the patio overlooking the ocean with our dog - it was so enjoyable , we decided to order a meal. We are both vegan, so we were intrigued by the one vegan entree - which was called Chef's Choice. The server explained that the dish would be made with whatever the chef had from the market that morning. Our dish exceeded our expectations: it was a pasta dish with coconut milk, mushrooms, snow peas, squash and the seasonings, which included fresh mint, were spot on. It was literally a perfect dish and I can't wait to go again and see what they make next time. read more

Million dollar view, San Francisco prices, mediocre food. We brought our own bottle of Napa Cab -- the menu priced corkage at $30, but the bill priced our corkage at $35. When fish and chips is $32 and abalone from the warm waters of Baja is $104, well, our visit to Moonstone Grill is once and done. No thank you -- we'll pay less money for better quality just down the road. read more

Moonstone grill...so we finally meet. Two ships passing in the sea. Two long lost lovers finally able to unite in a warm embrace. The sea breeze through your hair and me atop a horse like Fabio in a faygo commercial. The food was bussin' bussin' as the kids say. Almost passionate. Cocktails that could skip a heart beat. Appetizers that could jolt me from my toes. Everything was so great, and sensual. Till we get down and dirty to the Salisbury Steak. Man o man was it like a wet blanket on a firey night. I could've won the Ice Hockey World Championship with that thing. I almost called up the IHL to make it a regulation price of equipment to shoot out on the ice. It was tough. Alas, I wanted to love you. But it was you, not me. Maybe in another life time, lover boy. Everything was awesome, and great service. Don't get the Salisbury steak is all. A little pricey, but the atmosphere is so nice for a passionate night out with your lover. read more

I have dined at the Moonstone Grill twice in the last 3 months and I'm delighted to report that the food exceeded my expectations both times. The food is pricey, yes, and worth every penny. Both times we began our meal with bread and butter which consists of a sliced brio baguette, butter and Hawaiian black salt. We accompanied this with the Caprese Salad, so delicious, and a House Salad, also very tasty. Additionally, both times we enjoyed the Crab Cakes, fresh as could be. We have sampled the Miso Salmon with coconut rice and were totally blown away by the texture and flavor. We also tried succulent Steak Skewers, perfectly grilled and tender. And the Seared Ahi was another memorable highlight. We closed with a Creme Brulee and a fat slice of an amazing Carrot Cake laden with Macadamia nuts, strawberries and toasted coconut. Please enjoy a choice meal in a beautiful setting overlooking the beautiful California coastline. read more

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Absolutely the worst dinner experience I have had. First off the flies...we are not talking a few it was a full on swarm. They moved us and it was better...until our food came and the swarm made their way over. Next, the food. We ordered a number of appetizers. When the cheese comes out sweating you know it's going to be a problem. The meat on the charcuterie had clearly been left out way too long somewhere. Next the artichoke dip...it had turned. Literally one bite and my stomach turned. It smelled foul. Last was the burrata/beets...enjoy a plate drizzled in balsamic glaze (and obviously not made in house) with what tasted like canned beets, a hunk of Burrata cheese with some crushed pistachios (no additional seasoning) some cutie (like the mini oranges) slices and honestly the only redeeming thing...some carrot chips (which were perfectly cooked and seasoned) we ordered a Caesar salad but from the time the three other dishes dropped 40 minutes went by with no sign of the salad and honestly the food was starting to turn our stomachs so we canceled the salad and couldn't pay our bill fast enough. We have always loved this place but damn...$76 before tip later and I'm pretty sure I'm going to pay the price later tonight! Save yourself and go elsewhere read more

I have been to this restaurant MANY times. It's a favorite for anniversaries.... You may want to consider choosing a different place to dine and spend your money, unless you like food contaminated by rats and a business that quite literally sweeps the rat feces under the rug. The county has shut their doors due to a rat investigation, that the restaurant is claiming to be, "equipment repairs." As nice as this place is, behind the scenes is absolutely horrendous.. With critical surfaces being contaminated and food prep sinks having rat feces in them, I would hope the public would be smart enough to not patron this garbage business anymore. This has been going on for YEARS. Rat infestations don't just happen over night. They're not impossible to fix either. A little responsibility on the restaurant's behalf would go a long way in this situation, but they are just blatantly lying to the public about this, in hopes it gets swept under the rug with the rest of the rat feces. DO BETTER MOONSTONE!!!! read more

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We were referred to this restaurant by our air bnb host and we are so happy we went! We went right before sunset and were seated at an ocean front window table. All of the staff was incredibly nice and knowledgeable. Our waiter was Casey, and he was awesome. The vibe was great, the food was great, prices were spendy but totally fair for everything we got and the quality of food and service! We are so happy we spent our first night here. read more

Moonstone Grill - Clam fettuccine - house made pasta - Seafood Near Me - Trinidad, California

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