We came here because a friend was visiting the Bay Area for a few days, and I thought it would be nice 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. read more

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Sam's Chowder House used to be one of my favorite spots to sit on the patio with a dozen oysters, but 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. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Questionable - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

After a relaxing day at the beach, I ordered takeout online, and it was exactly what I needed. The clam chowder was served piping hot, loaded with tons of toppings, and absolutely hit the spot! Picking it up from the designated takeout window was quick and easy, but I did notice the interior looked super nice and inviting while I was there. Whether you're grabbing it to go like I did or staying to dine in, this spot is a must-visit. Perfect comfort food by the coast! read more

Sam's Chowder House - clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I visited with my pup, and since the restaurant doesn't take reservations for outdoor seating, I decided to take my chances after my friend suggested meeting here for lunch. The parking situation was absolutely wild for a Wednesday afternoon. I ended up parking down the hwy and walking over. To my surprise, they had an outdoor table available for the two of us and my dog right away. I also appreciated that they seated me immediately even though I mentioned my friend wouldn't arrive for another 15 minutes. Despite the cool temperatures and wind, the outdoor patio has a beautiful view and made for a very pleasant lunch setting. My friend is gluten-free, and we were happy to see that many menu items were clearly labeled as GF, making ordering much easier. We shared a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder, which was enormous, we couldn't even finish it! We also ordered the roasted petrale sole along with a side of creamy roasted mushrooms. Both dishes were delicious, generously portioned, and perfect for sharing. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, we both enjoyed our lunch and would happily return. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Great views from this iconic chowder house. We stopped at Sam's after walking along the Coastal trail. We had a large bowl of New England Clam chowder and a Lobster roll. The lobster roll wasn't good the bread was dry and the lobster was a little fishy. The chips and coleslaw were good but overall the lobster roll was a waste of $35. The large bowl of chowder is actually a giant bowl of chowder big enough for 2-3 people $16. The chowder is not thick like most white chowders but the flavor and content were good. Sam's is on the pricey side but great views, good service and excellent chowder make it a worthwhile stop. read more

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A friend and I were in Half Moon Bay on 6/11/2026, and were a bit hungry. A restaurant that I assumed must be really good is Sam's as the parking lot is always packed, every day that it's open. I arrived a little later than my friend. Once I arrived, he suggested take out as there was a waiting line. I ordered fish & chips. He as well, and also a large white clam chowder. Chicken tenders for his son. We went to the back of the restaurant, outside, where there was seating on bar stools. As always, with all my reviews, I can only speak of my own experiences. With my fish & chips, for $21.95, came 2 pieces of battered fish, and French fries. I was in shock when I tried the fish. No taste. I added the sliced lemon that was provided, and that helped a tiny bit. The French fries were cold. My friend's French fries were cold as well. I didn't want to complain, as my friend paid the $95 for all 3 meals. We both ate about 1/4 of the fries and tossed out the remaining. I'm guessing the other meals must taste better, being the restaurant is packed every day. Just guessing! Neither of us will patronize the restaurant again. Out in the back of the restaurant is a beautiful beach that's definitely worth a visit to. read more

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Spent the day at Poplar Beach on a very beautiful sunny day. Decided on dinner at a local place and found this lovely gem. We walked in at dinner time around 7pm, were sat instantly outside... Thankfully, there were heaters... Kept me warm as we watched the sunset. Rio (I believe that was his name was our waiter). He was very knowledgeable and always checking in on us. We ordered a lobster roll and the seafood paella. First time for both of these items for me, so my friend and I shared our meals. The lobster roll was DELICIOUS! Definitely would go back for another. The Seafood Paella was good. Just expected more.... It was delicious don't get me wrong, but from what if studied about paella's this one needed a little more tweaking. The shrimp in it was the best for me... And I only got two. Add a couple more. I had an Arnold Palmer which was delicious, but note... Refills are NOT free. My friend had a cocktail and they made it so delicious! But, I could definitely smell the alcohol as it sat next to me lol. Overall, thank you Sam's for being welcoming, delicious and having so many items to choose from. read more

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AMAZING food and even better service! They are famous for their lobster roll and my goodness they pile on the lobster meat! So amazingly fresh, tender, and juicy. The roll was phenomenal, super soft and buttery. I wanted to eat more of the roll itself lol. I'm usually not a cole slaw fan but I kept finding myself eating more and more. Whatever they put in the cole slaw, please keep it up! I think the real winner was the mushroom gnocchi--such fragrant and earthy flavors and the gnocchi literally just melts in your mouth. Such a bummer that this isn't a main dish. They need to make it its own entree or at least a larger portion!! Clam chowder was alright, definitely authentic but slightly too watery for my personal preference (I prefer thick chowders). Our waitress was phenomenal! Please keep up the amazing work! She made our visit so fun and answered any questions we had about our dishes. Amazing customer service and hospitality! I also love how the interior of the restaurant makes you feel like you're dining on a boat! Very on theme with the city and the cuisine. Will mostly be dreaming (and drooling) about this place until my next visit. read more

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This was our second visit to Sam's Chowder House. They're usually extremely busy and parking can definitely be hit or miss. We got lucky to find a spot right away and had no wait, something that's pretty rare here. A huge shoutout to our waitress, Sulem, who was so sweet, attentive, and genuinely friendly. She found out it was our dog's birthday and surprised him with his own pup cup while we humans enjoyed a delicious Italian affogato. It was such a thoughtful touch and really made our visit extra special :) Thank you! For food, we started with the Kumamoto oyster shooters, which were so yummy! We also highly recommend the house-made potato gnocchi, it was one of our favorite dishes. We tried the Manhattan chowder for the first time, and while I still prefer New England clam chowder, it was fun to switch things up. The local halibut was good as well, though ours was just slightly overcooked. To drink, I had the cilantro gin gimlet, which was light, refreshing, and perfect. Overall, we had another great experience and will definitely be back to try more of the menu. The beach views make this such a charming spot and the outdoor heaters are a nice touch for cooler days. Great food, beautiful scenery, and outstanding service overall. read more

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I would come back strictly for the view of this restaurant. Sam's chowder house, to me, lacks flavor. The chowder was average. My shrimp scampi was okay . Yes the seafood ( which obviously is the highlight of the restaurant) tasted fresh , yes the service is great but I wouldn't come here if I wanted a "worth the cost plate." We arrived half an hour early to get a table since they didn't take reservations for 5 and there is always a crazy line to get in on a Saturday morning. Come for views. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Shrimp scampi - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Dropped by Sam's chowder house after a day along the coast. Though the food tasted alright, we had a very mediocre service. Our waitress Laurie was very absent minded and was seen wandering around after we have specifically asked for items such as water and ketchup. The restaurant had about a 30 min wait but didn't feel like we were crowded together. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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I mean, whenever I hear Half Moon Bay I think of 3 things: the beach, a cold beer, and Sam's Chowder house. The group I was with came with a full heart but small appetite, but we left with full bellies. Starting off: we ordered a bunch of things but I only got half the photos before the boys started eating the unpictured. unpictured first: polenta fries: almost like if you fried mashed potatoes but it still had a grainy texture. wasn't a favorite but it came PIPING hot. old bay fries: exactly what it sounds like, easy to pick at throughout the meal, kept everyone full until desserts came gumbo: was told they regret not getting the chowder (come on, it's a CHOWDER house). I'm not even a fan of clam chowder but I almost ordered a bowl (I took 3 bites from my boyfriend's, though). the chowder: potato, fat pieces of clam, the flavor? amazing. one of the better chowders that even I debated on ordering. oysters: when I see Miyagi oysters, I already know they're about to be delicious. to me they're slightly sweeter and always have a good chunk of meat, even if the shells are smaller. we ordered 1 dozen and ended up getting a second when we realized how good they were. pictured captain's platter: it SEEMS pricey. but after digging in, it was worth it for sure. and all of us were just craving oysters HEAVILY for some reason (something in the salt water air). Shrimp, oysters, poke and chips, lobster, and a crab dip, with all the fixings for the oysters and shrimp (lemon, cocktail sauce, vinegar, horseradish). well worth the $90 price point. creme brulee: of the 6 of us, it was 3 people's birthday. this one was as good as creme brulee gets. soft serve: chocolate vanilla swirl, perfect end to the night crumble: the topping was like warm oatmeal cookie batter on top - not fully oatmeal but it was like a taste of grandma's house in a bite. all in all I wish we had bigger appetites but that just means we'll be back to redeem our stomachs :) Meagan our server was INCREDIBLE too, she was so attentive and even though we were there close to closing time she never rushed us (we know better than to stay past closing time but she was a doll the whole time we were there as well) read more

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The food is amazing, the staff are friendly and fast even while it was busy, but the ambiance is the best part. We ordered take out and enjoyed the warm sun and the cool sea breeze read more

Sam's Chowder House - Fish n chips, clam chowder, sourdough bread and coleslaw - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Absolutely love this spot. On weekends expect a wait but it's worth it. The view is unmatched. Love the outdoor seating. One of my favorite clam chowders. Had the artichoke side as an app. The sourdough bread is amazing. Had the halibut and the seafood paella. Ended with the strawberry crumble. Servers were very friendly and attentive. Always a must when I'm back in California. read more

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Came here on Saturday afternoon around 1 pm and there was about 45 min to an hour. We put our name down, grabbed take out (hot dog and fish and chips) from the same place for the kids and went to the beach. Once we were seated in about 45 min we ordered oysters, Ahi Tuna tartare, lobster roll and blue crab sandwich. Tuna was so lightly seasoned it kept the flavors of the fish alive and fresh. Lobster roll was delicious with the brioche bun and crab salad was good but probably wouldn't order again. Highlight was oysters. Beautiful view of the bay with indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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About 45 minutes for a wait on a Saturday afternoon. Overall a solid place for a late lunch and patio area was very nice (though be warned, there is minimal shade). Ordered oysters, clam chowder, the hamachi special, and shrimp scampi. Everything was fresh and well-made, though overall the food was not a standout compared to other similar seafood places I have been to in the city. My favorite was the hamachi appetizer special, which actually was very good. read more

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I have lunch at various restaurants about 360 days per year. Recently I had my first visit to Sam's Chowderhouse in Half Moon Bay on a weekday Although it was busy, we were seated promptly. I found the noise level a bit high, and both the food and the service were mostly ok, nothing special. I do not agree with the average rating of 4 stars. When my blind companion, who had his white cane on the table, asked what kinds of beers were offered, the waitress told him to read the back of the menu. (I read it to him.) My portion of fish was not large; the prices were large. On the whole, I would not return. read more

Rating: 3.5/5 Been here twice with my husband and the menu item that stood out to us the most was their baked oysters Rockefeller. It comes out piping hot, the cheese has a nice char to it, the bread crumbs adds a nice crunch, oysters tasted fresh, and the lemon just adds a nice citrus touch to the overall appetizer. We also enjoyed their calamari appetizer which wasn't too oily, fried well, batter was light, and the squid was cooked well and not too chewy. My husband I also tried their lobster roll, and clam chowder both of which were just decent and ok but nothing to go crazy for. I've had better chowder elsewhere, it tasted kind of bland and felt like it was missing seasoning. However, I do like that they don't skimp out on clam and potato pieces though. The complimentary sourdough was ehh and a bit tough and doesn't come out warm. This place is popular and does get crowded. Be sure to come early or make reservations--lines do start to form before opening. There's tons of seating indoors as well as outdoor patio heated seating too which you can enjoy the ocean views. Great service and welcoming environment! read more

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This is for take-out only where there is a separate take out window in front of the restuarant. I noticed the prices kept creeping up when compared with the same menu from previous years. We ordered: 1) Fish and chips - two large portions of fish and lots of skinny fries but no vinegar for the fish or ketchup for the fries. We did get white tartar sauce for the fish which was crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. This came with a small cup of coleslaw - I was disappointed how little coleslaw you get. You're done with it after about 3 forks of it. (The picture i posted is misleading.) $21.95 (IMO - a little pricey) 2) white clam chowder soup with oyster crackers - not too salty or thick, just right but I didn't taste many clams. It came with a small bag of oyster crackers and two slices of sourdough bread with little pat of butter $10.95 3) ahi tuna poki- small tub came with what looked like tortilla chips - $17.95 family member ate this, it was gone in no time so I assume it was good (and I forgot to take a picture of it) We enjoyed it. But for 3 orders of fish and chips, 2 orders of small clam chowder soup and 1 poke, our total was $116.13 Parking: there is a big parking lot in front of the restaurant. Depending on what time you come, it can get really full. If you dine inside, you might need to wait a little if you go during prime lunch or dinner time. There are several benches in front of the restaurant (under a tent) for people waiting to be seated. There's also a small gift shop for souvenirs while you are waiting. Our take out food took about 15-20 minutes. read more

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Pretty good stop if you're in the area! There's a big parking lot, but it was actually pretty packed on a gloomy Thursday in January. Definitely a popular spot and a great location right off CA 1. The dining room is spacious and right along the water, so it is obvious why this would be a popular choice for visitors and locals alike! Originally had a reservation, but the baby was not having it ..so we decided to get our lunch to go and eat in the car. We ordered: Lobster Roll - wasn't my favorite to be honest, but still good Seafood Ceviche - this was my dad's favorite dish and he takes his seafood pretty seriously Fish and Chips - always a solid choice Clam Chowder - Can't come to a chowder house without getting chowder! Crab Cake - Pretty good and would definitely order again read more

Sam's Chowder House is such a great spot with an amazing view and a fun, coastal vibe. The portions are huge, you definitely won't leave hungry! The service was so nice and friendly, which really made the experience enjoyable. The food overall was good, but I felt like it could use a little more flavor. My clam chowder was creamy but mostly filled with potatoes, which was a bit disappointing since I was hoping for more clams. That said, everything was fresh and well-prepared. The highlight for me was the soft serve ice cream, it was super good and the perfect sweet ending to the meal. If you're looking for a place with big portions, great service, and a beautiful setting, Sam's is worth a visit. Just don't skip the ice cream! Follow me on IG: @kyms.kravings! read more

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Came on a Sunday morning, arrived 10 mins before they were open and there was already a line but the line moves pretty quickly as they started seating people We ordered - clam chowder (small bowl): I really liked it, just the right amount of clam mixed in and not too thick or salty, I would get this again 9/10 - baked oysters: they were okay, the cheese on top added a nice savory taste to the oysters, but next time I would try their fresh oysters instead 5.5/10 - naked lobster roll: so good, generous amount of lobster meat for a sandwich and lightly tossed with butter, it didn't taste too oily 10/10 - orange juice: didn't taste like fresh orange juice. I would skip this next time 5/10 Overall, great views and yummy food, I would come back for their clam chowder and lobster roll! read more

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We always have a good time comimg to Sam's Chowder House, we usually take clam chowder to go, but on this occasion after the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival we decided to stop by and dine in. We got lucky and barely had to wait for a table for 2 to be seated, we spent more time circling for parking than we did waiting for a table lol. I got a bowl of clam chowder and it was exactly what I needed after feeling a chill in the air. It was warm, and the consistency was perfect , not too watery and not too thick, it was just right. I personally love when its not chock-full of potatoes so I appreciate the ratio of soup to clam, potato ratio. Baked oysters, ahi tuna poke and fries were also good. Service was quick and to the point, its very busy in there but we still felt well looked after. I love the view, especially when its that Hoa Hoa weather (IYKYK). read more

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After many years of visiting Half Moon Bay we decided to come here for Lunch. Normally parking is tough on a weekend but today (Sunday) had plenty of open spaces. The food was great and delicious. Our waiter was Axel and was very attentive. Sam Chowder House was a great restaurant for food and services. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Fish and Chips and coleslaw. Excellent! - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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A wonderful meal with an unbeatable ocean view! The local king salmon tartare was the highlight of our meal--exceptionally fresh, rich, and beautifully balanced. At only $15, it was also an amazing value. Definitely 5 stars. The local halibut was another 5-star dish. The fish was perfectly cooked with a beautiful golden crust, while remaining tender and moist inside. The wild mushrooms, spinach, and creamy truffle butter sauce complemented it beautifully. The clam chowder was very good--creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. I would give it 4 stars. The service was beyond 5 stars: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. And the ocean view was also beyond 5 stars. It made the entire experience feel special. We will definitely come back! Thank you Ben for making our lunch experience unforgettable. read more

We stopped by for lunch on our drive up the PCH from Carmel to SFO. Beautiful view from the outside seating area and service was very good. We really enjoyed the food. You can always tell when you're getting close to San Francisco as the quality of the Sourdough Bread at restaurants greatly improves. My wife ordered the Shrimp Po Boy and really liked it. Smallish shrimp in a light batter with a mild remoulade that wasn't drowning the sandwich. What seemed like homemade potato chips, were also very good. I had the Clam Chowder as required when dining at any CA restaurant near the coast. Another good rendition, but I think the versions on the Monterey Peninsula are better. I also had the Shrimp Cocktail that came with 6 perfect shrimp (when did other restaurants decide that 5 or even 4 was the new default?). The homemade cocktail sauce was very good. I also ordered the Crab Cake appetizer. It was good, with little filler, but the crab was not lump as described on the menu. All in all, a good lunch, and would definitely stop in again. read more

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Get there early! Arrived at 11 and there was already a line to go in but it goes by quick. Food came out quick. Id say the food is decent and has a nice view. Unfortunately can't say it's the best chowder or ciopino, overall good. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Shrimp po boy, NY clam chowder & ciopino - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I came here because of a friend's recommendation. Now I know to never trust his taste in food. I ordered the chowder. It was just ok. There were way more tomatoes and veggies than seafood. The shrimp pasta was a major letdown. The pasta was way overcooked and soft ugh. Can't believe I'm paying 30+ for something I can make much better at home. The sauce was too oily and salty to my taste too. My friend ordered the lobster roll and found that to be just ok. Other than the food, there're a few upsides. The place is very big, so we got seated fast and service was quick overall. The restaurant is right by the bay, so the view was fantastic. Maybe stay away from their pasta dishes. read more

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I am still thinking about my meal at Sam's chowder house. What a wonderful experience. If you're looking for fresh seafood, this is your spot. From raw oysters, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, your heart and taste buds will thank you by the time you leave. I love the cold crab sandwich I got too. It was on the lunch menu, but our server let me order it for dinner. He was great!! Shout out to Jesus! The ambiance is quite loud. It's spacious, welcoming and there's plenty of seating. I can't wait to come back here. read more

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A great way to spend my bday weekend. We had attentive staff and ordered the day special: peach salad which was healthy and very tasty. A great combo- also got side of polenta fries. Couldn't go wrong or hungry! My husband had the gumbo and said it was satisfying. We will be back. So nice to walk and enjoy the beach right below restaurant. Pls leave early when having reservations because to find parking is INSANE!!! (: read more

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A must try in Half Moon Bay! I came here on a Sunday morning and 30 min before opening there was already a line! If you go early there's plenty of parking but even when we left it got super packed really fast. We got a seat indoors by the window and the view is lovely, you can see the water and the beach. Service was also great, very prompt and food came out fast. The vibe is very relaxing and casual. The food was great! The naked lobster roll is a must try, I was super impressed! The prawn cocktail was also great and I was impressed by the quality of seafood. My partner got the shrimp scampi and said the alcohol taste was a bit strong. We also tried the chowder which was good and enjoyable, but wasn't as good as the lobster roll. read more

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My sister and I got the white clam chowder and fish and chips to go. We had our dog so we wanted to grab something quick to enjoy on the beach. Once I placed the order, it took about 30 minutes for pick up which wasn't bad considering how many people were standing around. The clam chowder was good. We shared a large size and they gave us crackers and bread to go. The fish and chips were okay, but it was bland and needed salt and/or some sort of seasoning besides lemon. Overall, food was okay, but wasn't anything that special. read more

Yeah so let's just start at the beginning. The parking lot was very full which is usually a promising sign that the food's good so we stopped for a small bite to eat. The hostess sat me while my husband looked for a parking spot and said she would send them my way after I gave her his name over 10 minutes had gone by and I text my husband and he was standing at the host stand and the hostess never even asked him if he was looking for someone, etc. I had to send back my silverware because there was dried chowder on it. Our waitress was very busy but nice. The calamari was delicious. Let's get that right. The ambiance is beautiful and it's an open kitchen so you can see everything that's going on. So I guess we'll just chalk it up to them being busy and we'll give them another shot. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Calamari basket - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Pretty big & spacious restaurant with lots of indoor & outdoor seating. Service was good, no complains. - Oysters: fresh & tasty, we got two types. Some broken pieces but overall good. - New England Clam Chowder: not as creamy but it also made it lighter and easier to eat. Good amount of clam & good potatoes. - Calamari: fresh batter, so it was light & yummy to eat. We'll be back. read more

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We are staying at the RV resort next to Sam's. We had actually ridden our bikes over to our go to seafood spot Barbara's Fish Trap before 7pm only to realize they were closed for the 4th of July. Unfortunately, this place was a huge disappointment. My 9-year-old ordered the kids mac and hated it. It looked like plain dried pasta with cheese that had separated or turned cold. After stirring it together there was hardly any cheese, and apparently tasted bland and wasn't something he'd eat. My 4-year-old had the kids' fish and chips, and I ordered the regular fish and chips. The clam chowder was probably one of the worst I've had in California. It was packed with celery and potatoes, with barely any clams. It honestly tasted more like vegetable chowder than clam chowder. The biggest letdown was the FISH. It was incredibly soggy instead of light and crispy. I come to Half Moon Bay specifically for fresh, crispy battered seafood, and this completely missed the mark. For the prices they charge, you'd expect them to at least get the batter right. It was so disappointing. The prices are high, the fish was soggy, and the "clam" chowder was mostly vegetables. I genuinely felt like I wasted a lot of money simply because the restaurant we wanted was closed. Ironically, my husband had a much better meal from Spangler's Market. For about the price of the kids' mac and cheese, he got a huge sandwich that was more satisfying than anything we ordered here. Sadly, I can't recommend this place. read more

Sam's Chowder House - Soggy mess for our both of our fish chips. Could hardly pick it up because it was falling apart. - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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I've been to this restaurant many times, but never left a review until today. Food: we got the Boston style clam chowder, fish & chips, crab cakes and lobster rolls everything was ok, nothing to be excited about. It was basic seafood, the slaw was bland, no seasoning at all, the rest was just ok. We ordered their seasonal pumpkin cheesecake , this was tasty and do recommend you try it. Service was so-so, we waited a while for the bread and drink orders, our server did check on twice and our ordered was correct. Ambiance: we had our fur babies so we sat outside with the rest of the 4 legged guests and it was a bit loud, our pup is not friendly, therefore he wasn't happy with the other dogs sitting too close to us! It was a beautiful day and not too windy. read more

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I really do think Sam's chowder is a 10/10. For the price and amount of food you get- I think it's totally worth every dollar. We got here when they first opened at 11am on a Saturday, and there was already a line. The restaurant inside is huge, so the line moves quickly and we got seated in no time. For appetizers, we ordered the Ceviche Mixto and large New England clam chowder to share. Ceviche Mixto - priced at $18. An honest 10/10- I was surprised with how much food this was! Comes with shrimp, tuna, and large chunks of lobster. On the side, there were plantain chips which I didn't care for too much; I would've preferred standard tortilla chips, but for the amount of seafood and variety, it was absolutely worth it! New England clam chowder: another solid 10/10 and priced I believe at $15. I've had plenty of chowder in my lifetime, and I liked how this wasn't overly buttery or salty. You just have to try it when you come here. Main dish: Naked Lobster Roll. This is a warm toast filled with huge chunks of lobster. Priced at $33, however they give sooo much lobster so bring your appetite. I ended up taking it home since it was a lot of food. Totally worth every dollar in my opinion. Overall, this place deserves every star - the food and customer service on a busy but beautiful Saturday morning, highly recommend going here! Will definitely be coming back. read more

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Chowder Than Words Sam's is probably the most iconic restaurant in the HMB area as it's been mentioned in multiple publications like Food & Wine magazine, and featured on TV shows like The TODAY Show, where their Lobster Roll was named one of the "Top-5 Sandwiches in America." It's high praise, and places with this kind of media attention always seem to disappoint in reality. But in Sam's case, it is quite the opposite. They always hit with good food, great service, and, of course, a location that can't be beat. The Good: *Great service by Celene *The location is as amazing as all the accolades. *Dog-friendly outdoor dining *Full bar and beers on-tap *Complimentary Sourdough bread was exceptional. Ask for a few refill on the bread. *Their eponymous Clam Chowder is really, really good. Not the best, as that title still belongs to The Fish Hopper in Monterey. *Blue Crab Cake was excellent, as well. Full of fresh crab and a nice crisp coating. *I've had their Lobster Roll before and it's good but not Maine good. *Cioppino was good and filled with tons of seafood. I just wish the broth had a touch more sweetness and a little more depth, but otherwise it was a very good Cioppino. The Meh: *Strawberry Crumble was just OK. The strawberies needed more cooking down as the filling was just too watery. *Definitely tourist-trap pricing in effect The Ugly: *This place is almost always busy--at least during holidays and weekends. I don't know how we lucked out that day, as we arrived shortly after opening on a Sunday. *Parking lot is a fuster-cluck of epic proportions. There is some street parking on the side of the highway if you're lucky. *Restrooms are tiny and always have a line. So if your SO goes to pee and they disappear for a long time don't worry. They're most likely not hiding somewhere texting Sancho, as they're most likely just waiting in line. In which case they'd have plenty of time to text Sancho, but I digress... Conclusion: Good food, great location, and amazing service--but be prepared to pay in both time and money. But, it's still worth it. read more

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Came in for hubby's birthday and we're so glad we did! Everything was delicious! KC our host was so amazing!! We truly enjoyed the scenery, the food and the service. The tres leches cake was delightful Definitely will be back! read more

Sam's Chowder House - Tres Leches Cake - Seafood Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I've really been looking forward to trying Sam's Chowder House, but unfortunately the chowder really didn't hit the mark for me! It seems everyone points to Half Moon Bay and Sam's Chowder House for excellent chowder, but I thought the bowl lacked flavor and it didn't feel like there were actually any clams! I'm hoping this was just an unlucky scoop from the pot. However, I thought the oysters were good, and the lobster roll was fantastic. The oysters were decently big (and briny, which I like), and they did not skimp on the pieces of lobster in the lobster roll. I would come back here specifically for a lobster roll! The view of the bay was great, and it was nice sitting outside even on a cloudy / cold day, as there are heaters on the patio. I'd come back for the essence of Half Moon Bay and to try some of the other food, as they have an expansive menu. read more

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