Peter, no one from TAPS or their fans are really upset about the props themselves, we are upset by the BLATANT DISRESPECT ur glib as f*ck manager showed to the TAPS members. Why don't u or any other defender of Moss Beach get that?! Other historical establishments make attempts to prove & add to the credibility of claims, thereby drawing potential customers WITHOUT the use of trickery; so why can't Moss Beach?! Furthermore, MANY historical places investigated by TAPS & aired on SciFi have been disproved, again, WITHOUT any manipulation on their part! And why? Because most of the owners have integrity, character & respect! And not that this point should ever be defended but the reason TAPS doesn't do a ton of research prior to investigation is because in their experience, it tends to bias them & the other team members! Every paranormal team has their style of investigating & TAPS style is to do the bulk of the research during or after their investigations! Furthermore, they go out their way to help people! In fact, in order to become a TAPS team member, it is a requirement to perform community service of some sort! I would bet my life that your boss Moss Beach restaurant owner) has never lifted a finger to help others nor is it a requirement for his employees to perform community service in order to work at his establishment! TAPS on the other hand, does work for Habitat for Humanity on the side while also making helping normal everyday people (many of them children) who feel terrorized by ghost, their main priority in terms of cases received! While the owner of this restaurant works at deliberately MOCKING the paranormal by setting up gadgets & tricks to supposedly enhance the dining experience! Well that's all well & good & perhaps a smart business move on his (as far s I'm concerned undeserving) rich ass to manipulate & then capitalize on simple, obviously desperate for entertainment type people. But to bring the highly respectable TAPS team all the way from RI, have them leave their families, take time off from their day jobs, incur travel expenses, attempt to discredit them & the show and worst of all take away from people who may have REAL problems with paranormal activity negatively affecting the quality of their lives, is so ridiculously disrespectful that it's mind-boggling to me! What's even more mind-boggling is how you or anyone could defend such actions!! And that makes me both angry & sad. I worked as a waitress in the restaurant industry for 10 years & have seen a ton of slimy things done to make a buck but NEVER did I defend them & many times I quit places simply because I could not work there knowing what I knew or condone such shady practices! The owner of Moss Beach, whatever his slimy name is has the right to do whatever slimy thing he wants to draw customers in but when he deliberately f*cks with people's lives, the lives of their family members & their very jobs, that's where he oversteps his boundaries! He overstepped BIG-TIME with Jason & Grant & should be ashamed of himself! And until he publicly apologizes for what he did, I have zero respect for him & will tell everyone I know to steer clear of his fun-house restaurant! And how hypocritical is it of you to say that because of a "few props", TAPS & we as paranormal research fans are "down-playing" the "rich history" of this gorgeous historical place & all the reported claims of paranormal activity when we are doing NO SUCH THING! In fact, the owner of Moss Beach Distillery is the one who mocks the rich history & validity of the reported paranormal activity by setting up gadgets & trickery props! By doing so, HE in fact turned his own restaurant into a fun-house which makes light of & even mocks the legitimate field of paranormal research! So PUHLEASE give me a freakin break! If it walks like a duck & talks like a duck, it's a freakin duck! You call a spade a spade, simple as that! And furthermore, as the famous quote goes "believe NONE of what you hear and only half of what you see"! So for TAPS NOT to be told about the props was so unethical on the restaurants part and did a tremendous disservice to TAPS, all their dedicated fans and the field of paranormal research itself! I am truly disgusted by Moss Beach Distillery restaurant & even more so at the glib, smug response of the manager during the reveal and wouldn't eat there if my life depended upon it! I have, however, developed a new found respect for Jason & Grant of TAPS who handled the beyond f*cked up situation with the utmost professionalism and class unlike that pretentious manager of the even more pretentious Moss Beach who came across as sleazy, slimy and classless! And last but not least Peter, I give you NO credit for your devotion to Moss Beach because I'd surely be an EX-employee by now; for I could NEVER continue working for a place that values the almighty dollar over human beings & disrespects them to the degree that Moss Beach Distillery does! Ugh! read more

I had a very long review of the Distillery written out, breaking down everything concerning this establishment. But then it occurred to me that, no, the owners don't deserve it. And while one of the reasons was brought to national attention on the TV show "Ghost Hunters", there are other grounds for not patronizing them. No doubt about it- Moss Beach Distiller has many wonderful things going for it: Beautiful period art-deco architecture; an extraordinary prohibition-era history that includes patronage from local politicians, movie stars, and gangsters alike; a stunning view of Half Moon Bay; and it's one of the most romantic places in all of California to watch a sunset at any time of the year It's quite a shame that the owners had to go and ruin it for just about everyone- including themselves. The best place to start is with the prices. The word "astronomical" comes to mind. As does the phrase 'comically insane'. Sure, one should expect to pay a little more for higher-quality epicurean fare. But I believe that for the particular dishes offered a surgical team should not be standing by to remove an upper and lower limb in order to enjoy a meal. The same can be said for the beverages. While Wild Turkey is an excellent bourbon and far from a bottom shelf spirit, there is still no justifiable reason for charging the average cost for one 750ml bottle for a glass of bourbon on the rocks. But let's get to the most notorious reason for not going: deception. As you drive along PCH in any direction towards The Distillery, you'll undoubtedly see at least one Moss Beach Distillery sign proclaiming that it's haunted. By now, most have heard of "The Blue Lady" ghost, who became that way by having an affair with a piano player during the speakeasy days, killing herself in either a car accident or tossing herself off a cliff after supposedly being spurned by her ivory-tinkling lover. The problem is there is no evidence of her existence. No photographs, no name, no newspaper articles, nothing. Matter of fact, the only "sightings" outside of the owners, and smirking staff, are a bunch of "psychics" and highly questionable "paranormal investigators" (I'm looking at you, Lloyd Auerbach!). Added to this, the owners decided to "heighten" the supposed "ghost" experience by installing funhouse contraptions so that people would have a "ghostly" experience. You might as well go to The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland- especially for the amount they gouge customers. As of late, the current owners, after receiving some rather bad national attention (as well as angry reactions from locals and tourists alike) have decided that they should sell the place- talk about karma coming back to bite you in the ass: first all the negative attention, and then attempting to ask a bloated price as the real estate market is crashing... and expecting to get it. I'm constantly amazed by the blunt arrogance of some people. So overall, even though the place IS beautiful, the experience and price asked just isn't worth it. It may be in five or so years, when new owners take over, but it certainly not right now. read more

In response the appearance of MBD on Ghost Hunters, Sci Fi Channel: MBD mocked people trying to do a job. Whether their food is good or not is not even relevant for me. They tried to mislead people who were investigating on good faith. The folks at Ghost Hunters traveled all the way across the country to check out this farce. Too bad they wasted their time. And then, the response from the restaurant is to post some long winded Soliloquy on their website, without the ability for readers to respond or counter. This written trash attempted to attack the credibility of the GH team that had on good faith taken what they had been given, and had in all fairness been mocked. Why would the GH team do any historical review, why would they research the Internet to see if something is real? The poor guy who represented the restaurant was the worst. he mentioned all the "haunted" things and then acknowledged later that they were all fake? What???? This was a publicity stunt of this restaurant, and it failed miserably. Why would you support a restaurant by buying their food when they openly display that they have no morals or ethical standards. Even if their food is edible, there are better restaurants with harder working more ethical people in the Half Moon Bay Area. (My favorite is Barbara's Fish Trap in Princeton, and the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is doing some great things with their new chef). Do not take your $$$ to this mockery of a restaurant. Also, to the person who says that Ghost Hunters should do their research and know that it is a joke? Please.... Give me a break. I am glad you have been there twice and now you defend them. I have been there once, (Before seeing this mockery on TV) and have not made it back. Must not be that great. Weird that I have been to Barbara's about 10 times since then. Ridiculous.... read more

Moss Beach Distillery is a historic gem that perfectly combines the beauty of the California coast with a world-class dining experience. From the moment you arrive, you are struck by the stunning view of the sunset over the ocean, which sets the tone for a truly memorable meal. The service at Moss Beach Distillery is professional and attentive, with the staff going out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. The views from the dining room are simply stunning, providing a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. If you prefer to dine outside, the charming patio is the perfect spot to soak up the ocean breeze and enjoy a delicious meal. For an even more memorable experience, be sure to ask about "The Blue Lady," the famous ghost that haunts the restaurant. The staff are happy to share the entertaining haunted history of the restaurant, which adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to your dining experience. If you want to secure a window seat with a view, it is recommended that you make a reservation. The restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak hours, so it is best to plan ahead. The food at Moss Beach Distillery is just as impressive as the views. The menu is full of delicious, fresh, and inventive dishes that perfectly complement the coastal setting. Whether you are in the mood for fresh seafood, juicy steak, or a vegetarian option, there is something for everyone. Overall, Moss Beach Distillery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and history of the California coast while enjoying exceptional food and service. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this iconic restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression. read more

I started going to the Distillery about 10 months ago and have since then become a regular. There are always friendly faces, yummy food, and great wait staff! The best time to go there is just before sunset (which is AMAZING to watch!!). You can grab a drink (from Mel, who is the BEST bartender ever!), and head on out to the patio overlooking the breathtaking pacific ocean. You can say hello to some visiting pooches and hang out at the fire pits, which always keep me warm and toasty no matter how chilly it is. The locals who usually hang out at near the bar are always so much fun to talk to. It feels like we are all an extended family. No matter who you are, or where you've come from, you're welcome!The food is extremely good as well! Which is definitely a plus. My favorites are the Filet Mignon, Pasta Torres, Cheeseburger, Quesadilla, Sliders, Corn Dogs, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Artichoke Hearts, Clam Chowder, and every damn cocktail made at the bar haha. The best part is that every Friday they have the Specials deal where for a fixed price you get a unique 3-course meal. They are different every week and are customized for what's in season and what month it is. The dishes are always delicious and so creative!! For the sports fans out there they have some great TVs always tuned to one of the games in the bar and also a HUGE one downstairs. It's pretty cool to have one restaurant cater to so many different kinds of people; You have the tourists visiting the coast, the couples on a romantic date, the kids and parents, the patio pups, and the regulars laughing it up at the bar. Couldn't ask for anything better! Love this place. read more

On a beautiful hot Saturday Kev and I decided to head to the coast, HMB. Ended up in beautiful Moss Beach and settled at The Distillery. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=siBExnSohZrTFrlJSo2Crg&userid=96hshSuowB8Zqe5aklFJRw We got seated in a flash by the window that has amazing view to the ocean. Service started off slow and my WTB got upset already for the wait. Finally, our wine and beer arrived, shortly after that came our clam chowder. Chowder was meaty. My princess ordered seafood platter and I went with baby behind ribs. Or back ribs, whichever you like. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=UNYJuUOMxePtsEOYVhvGxA&userid=96hshSuowB8Zqe5aklFJRw Food was not worth for doing backflips so I stayed at our table and ate my ribs quietly while my baby pretended to enjoy her seafood platter. We wanted to get a table at the patio downstairs but it seemed to be a hot spot and my wifey didn't want to do her kung fu to clear out a spot for us. Oh well, maybe next time. If I will come back then it will be for the view and drinks. Dinner for two $89 Place 5* Service 3* Food 2* sorry, but I actually forced the food down in my throat. It was pleasantly nice to experience something new. read more

What a complete rip-off this place is!!!! I have eaten at this restaurant several times and the food was always mediocre or worse and the service fairly lousy... but I didn't mind all that because the location and view (on a clear day) is decent. After seeing that this entire restaurant is a COMPLETE SCAM and that they are trying to con thier customers is absolutely ridiculous. I was shocked at the rude and smug response when the Executive numpty was caught lying on national TV about the fake/mechanical 'ghosts' that they have rigged. I have already removed myself from their monthly emailer and I will refuse to patronize or recommend this seedy establishment to anyone. I can stomach mediocre food, high prices and lousy service for a decent view, but INTENTIONALLY DECEIVING CUSTOMERS and false advertisement is SO PITIFUL!!.... Pass this one up!! What a complete and utter joke this place is... I could say so much more but I will end it with ... ...don't patronize this shady joint unless you LIKE being CHEATED, scammed, deceived and charged high prices for 'so-so' food. read more

I have never used Yelp before to write a review but after my experience tonight at the Moss Beach Distillery I decided to let other potential customers know what to expect if they patronize this restaurant. My husband and I went into the bar tonight to have drinks and watch the sunset. My husband stood at the bar for 10 minutes. The bartender did not acknowledge him in any way, "hello" or "I'll be right with you. She ignored him for ten minutes. After another customer was served his second rounds of drinks my husband asked when she would be taking his order. She raised her voice in a nasty tone and said she would get to him when she could. We drove down the coast to Miramar Beach Restaurant, were greeted when we sat down at the bar, served promptly and in a courteous manner and thanked when we were finished. What has happened to customer service at the Moss Beach Distillery? I will never go there again. read more

The first thing you need to know about the Moss Beach Distillery is that it's apparently haunted. No, I'm not kidding, it's haunted, as in...has a ghost. This doesn't mean you're going to see a ghost or experience anything out of the ordinary, but it's something to be aware of all the same...JUST*IN*CASE. If your buddy gets up to use the restroom, quickly drink their beer, play it cool and blame the disappearance of the beer on the ghost when questioned. This next bit of info is as important, if not more so than the first spellbinding tidbit I bestowed upon you. The food here, not so great. It's amazingly mediocre at it's best and plain bad at it's worst. But here's yet another slick tip, don't come for the food, come here to see the amazing view and to watch the sunset while sitting next to the fire pit, enjoying a beer or cocktail and snuggling with your honey. *THATS* the Moss Beach Distillery experience. read more

Extremely DISGUSTING service. The staff and servers need to be fired to bring any amount of respect to this establishment. Forget about any semblance of good service, they lack the basic civility and etiquette of communication and they are peddling this place as a classy restaurant. They are quite possibly engaged in illegal food handling and other activities. I not only not want my food to be handled by such immoral people but also not want them to have any place in food industry in general. The management would do itself and the location justice by letting go this bunch of non-deserving staff and manager. If you are not interested in questionable food, cheapness and degrading lip-service please steer clear of this place. read more

Hands down best place to go to for seafood and brunch in HMB. Love love love this place! The scenery from the outdoor patio is just amazing and so relaxing. I love how they have an outdoor fire and blankets and seats for their customers. The menu is very good and I cannot describe how good the maitais are man. The bartender knows what hes doing and definitely works hard to make sure every guest is happy. You have different areas inside the restaurant where you can sit which is nice. The grilled chicken club sandwich is to die for along with the fresh calamari. These two are the only two things I get when I come here. Ive always recommended all my family and friends of this hidden gem! read more

My boyfriend took me here for our Valentine dinner. The overall experience was perfect!! From the receptionist to the bus boy, their entire staff gave great service. Location is breathtaking! Beautiful ocean view 24/7!! You also have the option of dining in front of a camp fire. And the food... OMG!! Every bite made me close my eyes... it's that good! They had a special Valentine menu which made it convenient. Appetizer, entree and desert were exceptional! Everything we had was of superb quality and quantity!! They were everything you could ask for from a restaurant!! To top it off, every lady received a pot of baby roses! 5 STAR ALL THE WAY!! Thank you for making my Valentine!! :) read more

Hi Fellow Yelpers. After I wrote my review of Moss Beach Distillery on 10/20/09, the manager sent me this message below. HAHA can you believe this is how the treat thier patrons. Wow, unbelievable! It sickens me to know that this is how customer service is nowadays and that I gave them even one cent of my business. His msg is below: John B. "I'm the person you acused of racism you don't know me never meet me I'm sure my Asian wife and interacial kid would disagree. Still have not heard from your lawyer or are you all talk or maybe your women was not there to tell you what to say have above day asshole read more

My wife had eaten here before and had a great meal. I made a reservation for us.The food was pretty standard fried as we ordered the fish and chips. One small problem was when I ordered a glass of white wine. The glass came with approx. 2.5 to 3 ounces. I used to be a bartender. Some say the standard is roughly 6 ounces. I called over one of the workers.He informed me that " he knows nothing about the pour because he didn't pour it." I let it go.I did bring the empty cup home and poured water to the approx volume of the cup they served me. Sure enough,3 ounces. Just saying . . . read more

Moss Beach Distillery is such a nice place to visit for a quick little romantic excursion. The drive there from the city is pretty and scenic. It's the perfect place to go to if you want to grab a little meal, wine, and watch the sun set. Going here for a date is fun because you can sit on cozy little swinging chairs for two and watch the vista. You're provided with wool blankets to cuddle under. It's just all very cute. For us guys, if you're trying to score big with your chick, this place is a winner!! Good place to visit if you're trying to get out of the dog house!! read more

Been eating there since 79, Was a fun place the 80's and upscale food, not the same place now. The crab cakes were basically inedible, and in high crab season. The sweet potato fries were wilted. The homemade tortilia dish was edible, unremarkable, and should probably removed from the menu, it just doesn't fit. The fish and chips looked marvelous, did not try it. Those fries looked much better. Just not the upscale food of the past that I can only attribute to serious lack of kitchen talent. And quality way below the asking price point. read more

This is not a great place for food but if you're looking for a reason to cuddle with that special someone then the moss beach distillery is a must. it's a shame the food isn't better (i've had the burgers and salads and they were quite forgettable); however, nothing beats the oceanfront view. and best of all, they have these big benches and chairs with warm thick blankies on the deck outside. cuddle up with your sweetie, sip hot chocolate and frangelica, and stare dreamily at the ocean. read more

I'm updating my 5 star review and letting you all know that my experience was great. The fact the people come onto Yelp, some BS app to slander a business is unbelievable. Was it that bad that you feel the need to tell the world how awful your experience was? We don't care and you really shouldn't be trying to destroy a business because your carrots were hard or you had to wait too long to be noticed. Five f'ing Stars!!! Amazing views, great waiters and fun vibe. read more

We did not eat dinner here. we got there around sunset and orders a couple glasses of wine and steamers. Sat outside to watch the sunset. They provide blankets and always have a fire going in the fire pit. It does get cold so I suggest you dress in layers. Not very romantic when the fog rolls in and you cannot see the sun setting. Doesn't matter as long as you go with the flow. Steamers are yummy and you can't screw up on wine. read more