Yes it is true, the best chowder around. I know seems like a tourist trap, but it is not. The Splash Cafe is just flat out good! You must stop in and partake. I had the bread bowl and chowder, a simple classic. I recommend the splash cafe carrot pepper sauce - Raucous Daucus!! My Bride ordered the clam strips and chips, fried perfectly! Thank you Splash Cafe, keep doing what you do! We'll be back every time we are in town. read more

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One of the most popular places in Pismo for sure! There was a line out the door every single time we came by the restaurant over the course of several days. Now we see why! Their claim to their award winning chowder is marked by the numerous awards on their walls. A charming little restaurant just up from the beach, very casual with lots of seating inside two large dining rooms. They also offer take-out and you pick it up on the side street. Their chowder is good and I felt very buttery in flavor but loaded with clams and potatoes. Just the right thickness to not be gummy but flavorful. I also had the fish sandwich and so glad I did! This was by far the best fish sandwich I've had! The large fillet of wild caught cod was fried perfectly with a light batter and the fish inside was moist and flaky. Served on a bun with lettuce, tomato and a caper dijon dressing that was to die for! Oh my gosh...I'll dream of this sandwich till I have it again, LOL! Wife had the Egg Sandwich which she chose on sourdough. Added bacon to top the sandwich off and she loved it...the remoulade they use was tasty and tangy. We also shared an order of tots, which were you typical tater tots, fried to perfection. They have a large menu with so many different offerings and they are known for the bread bowl with chowder. Really great place and highly recommend! Sorry no photos! read more

Customer service when ordering at the counter was great. The guy at pick-up not so much. Was in town with my mom and had to find out what the hype was all about so I ordered a cup of the "famous" chowder. I LOVE chowder and since I live between both Santa Cruz and San Francisco, I've enjoyed plenty. Sadly, the chowder at Slash was pretty disappointing. My cup had very few clams and potatoes and an overwhelming amount of cream. The place was packed even at 3pm so clearly tons of folks like it but not me unfortunatly. The vibe is old school diner. I won't be returning any time soon. read more

Splash Cafe - Nothin but cream - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Been here numerous times and I can't believe I haven't written a review. After trying so many clam chowders, Splash Cafe has the best in my opinion and hits the spot every single time. My go-to is either the chowder in a bread bowl or ordering bread on the side both ways are delish and you have to get it fully loaded with all the toppers! The clam chowder is creamy, thick, well seasoned, has generous portions of clam that's prepared well and the additional seafood toppings, bacon, and cheese elevates it even more. I've even tried their frozen chowder and after heating it in the microwave it's still tasty and delicious. The bread is soft, warm, toasted, and pairs well with the chowder. When in Pismo, this is definitely a spot to try! read more

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While searching for restaurants in SLO County, Splash Cafe came up repeatedly as having some of the best clam chowder in California, so it quickly became a priority stop on my trip. When I arrived on a Monday evening, I was surprised by how long the line was to order. What impressed me even more was how quickly the staff moved everyone through and got food out. They clearly know what they're doing. The clam chowder absolutely lived up to the hype. It was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Honestly, just writing this review makes me crave another bowl. My mom ordered the lobster roll, and we were impressed by how generous they were with the lobster. Another nice bonus is that they offer daily specials, giving you even more reasons to come back and try something new. Overall, I highly recommend Splash Cafe and would consider it a must-visit spot when exploring SLO County. read more

Splash Cafe - Lobster Roll - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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The best clam chowder I've had outside of Seattle (it even tops SF)! This spot absolutely lives up to the hype. The chowder was rich, creamy, thick, and comforting with heavenly flavor. They have several other menu items, but I stuck with their famous chowder with a sourdough slice and an order of seafood topping (bits of crab and shrimp)... YUM. I only wish I wasn't still kinda full from snacking on the beach so that I could eat more. I personally wanted to taste the chowder itself and let it shine on its own, so I only put a bit of the seafood topping and their complimentary oyster crackers; turns out, I'd say you genuinely don't need any toppings because the chowder is just that good as a standalone, but to each their own! The sourdough on the other hand is a non-negotiable for me. I'd say prices and portion sizes were fair. Splash Cafe was just a short walk from the pier and we got lucky with no line when we arrived around 7pm on a weekday. It was still pretty busy and seats fill up fast, but we were able to secure some barstool seating. After ordering the register, we thankfully didn't have to wait longer than 10-15 minutes for our food, despite a bustling evening. The casual surfy vibes inside were charming and very fitting. Service was relatively quick as mentioned and the staff were pleasant. Please do yourself a favor and try this spot! read more

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Still is The Best Clam Chowder in the West! I will come here again and again until I taste otherwise. I am sad the SLO location is no longer there, now the pismo line is always wrapped around the block. But you can always phone in and order ahead and take it to the beach to enjoy the sunset. Get the clam chowder and whatever toppings you like or have it alone by itself. It's so good! the Staff are always friendly here. Small location so be patient! read more

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What can I say about splash, it's a classic. I've been coming here for 35 years and when I come back to the Central Coast, I always stop by for a clam chowder bread bowl with seafood topping. Yes, during the peak tourist season it's packed, with lines going around the building. Yes, there is a line to get to the 2 non-gendered restrooms. Yes, the tourists make it a pain for the locals to grab a bite, but it's worth the wait. I used to have several family members and friends who worked here. It's not made from scratch, but it's one of the best clam chowder bread bowls I've had all up and down the coast of California. Stop by, relax, grab a drink and chowder and enjoy the coast. Love Splash! read more

Splash Cafe - Chowder Bread Bowl with Seafood Topping - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Located next to pismo beach. Theres paid parking lot or paid street parking nearby. Or you go a block away theres free 3 hour street parking. Process: - Line up - Order - Grab a table If you order to dine in, they will call your name when its ready. Just raise your hand to let them know where you are so they can bring it out for you. If you do to go, your food is called out at the back of the store. This place is pretty poppin. We arrived around 5 PM. All the tables were full but we got luckily and got 2 seats. I would not recommend bringing a large party here to dine in. They have 2 genderless restrooms located all the way in the back. It's clean and well kept. Order: - Clam chowder (9/10): the clam chowder is amazing. They have actual clam inside. You can get it in a bread bowl or container. The container size range from cup to pint. - Fish & Chip (3/10): This was also recommended on the menu but it was subpar. Lacked a lot of flavor. The chips looked season but it tasted like nothing. The tartar sauce and lemon helped out a lot. I would definitely come back for the clam chowder tho! read more

Splash Cafe - Fish and Chip (3/10): lack seasoning and flavor - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Splash is a solid place for a quick bite. We visited the one in SLO before it closed a couple of years ago so this is the first time we tried this location. Very busy in downtown but the line does move pretty quickly. Once we ordered our food we got our food in about 10 mins. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder and lobster roll. The lobster roll was okay, it was a lobster salad which we expected and it was loaded with filling. We should've ordered the clam chowder in a bread bowl. It would've been perfect. The clam chowder is a must there. It was so creamy, flavorful, and packed with clams and potatoes. We enjoyed it very much and would come back just for the chowder. read more

Splash Cafe - Clam Chowder BOWL - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Get the loaded chowder! It's definitely worth it! Last time we came to Pismo, I think we just ordered the clam chowder bread bowl without the extra toppings and we thought it was ok. This time, we got it loaded and inhaled it! My hubby asked for it to go, but we didn't hear his name called so I think our soup was sitting there for a while. Make sure you check the to go area if you ask for it to go! It's always super crowded here, so hopefully you can get lucky, and find a spot for you to sit. It's not the fanciest place, but a great, easy lunch, super close to the beach! We will definitely come back! read more

Best clam chowder in California? I saw a claim saying that Splash Cafe was the best clam chowder in ALL of California and I had to go try it myself. I came on a Thursday when it was raining and there was still a line out the door. We also struggled to find a parking spot regardless of the weather being rain or shine. Majority of the parking spots are metered and it was $5 for 1 hour which is crazy. Since we came on a Thursday, the loaded clam chowder bread bowl had a $2 discount! The total came out to be $18.35 after tax. Obviously, we ordered that and shared it between two people! It took about 5 minutes after ordering for us to receive our order. Food: Loaded Clam Chowder Bread Bowl (9/10): Oh WOW! We decided to take it to-go and their packaging was so convenient. Everything was packaged separately and deconstructed so the bread bowl wouldn't be all soggy and the bisque would be non-existent by the time we got home. In the loaded bread bowl, they cut out the hole so we can place the bisque in and they toast the top with butter! The loaded clam chowder comes with cheese, clam, crab(?), bacon, and green onion! The clam chowder was SO creamy! Every bite was LOADED with all the toppings. read more

Splash Cafe - Deconstructed LOADED Clam Chowder Bread Bowl - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Expensive however that's expected at this tourist hotspot. Clam chowder was epic!!! Fish n chips were good but way too small. Better down the street. Still a good place with fun vibes. Perfect for the tourist read more

Splash Cafe - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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I get the hype! The clam chowder actually contained chunks of seafood (even without the extra clams we added). Other clam chowders I've had are usually just the soup with barely any chunks. It came out pipping out and they hollow out the bread bowl and toast it for. I found that to be a really nice addition and you get more soup! The calamari & chips were good. There was a mix of rings and tentacles which we prefer! Great service. It does get a little crowded and might be difficult to snag a seat. If you get it to go you can sit closer to the pier. read more

Splash Cafe - Clam Chowder BREAD BOWL w/ extra clam Calamari & chips - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

My family and I stopped into Pismo Beach to sightsee while on the way to Solvang on Friday! We did some research beforehand on where to stop in for a quick bite and came across Splash Cafe! When we arrived, the line was pretty short and we noticed that we had just beat the rush! The inside was pretty small and they request that you do not sit at a table or the bar area until after you have ordered at the counter which I like. We got a seat in front of one of their windows with a nice view of the area. We ordered the Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl with Loaded Toppings to share since we were still a little full from breakfast. It was so good - I loved the added toppings of green onions, seafood, cheese and even bacon! They also offer Fish and Chips, Chicken Strips, burgers and specialty sandwiches like their Lobster Roll and Shrimp SLO Boy. I also saw a entire case of fresh baked goods! Staff weren't overly friendly at the counter, but the employee who brought us our order was lovely. Overall, I'm glad we had the chance to stop in and check out their award winning Clam Chowder - I can see why there is always a line out the door! We will definitely stop in again next time we are visiting Pismo Beach! Check them out! read more

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Stopped by for lunch on a weekday. The line wasn't too long, so ordering was quick, and the food came out a few minutes after I sat down. There was also more open seating than I expected. I ordered the lobster roll and a cup of clam chowder. The lobster roll is pretty filling and comes packed with meat -- probably enough to share if you want to try other items. The clam chowder was good, creamy and straightforward. The place has a casual, hole-in-the-wall beach town feel that fits Pismo well. It's within walking distance of the beach, and there's nearby parking for about $5 an hour. Overall, a solid option for a quick, casual lunch. read more

Splash Cafe - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

We came here on a whim on our way down from Pismo, and we loved it! We heard a rumor that Splash won the best clam chowder nationally, so we had to give it a try. I thought clam chowder pretty much tasted the same everywhere but it was probably the best clam chowder we've ever had! We finished the whole bowl (which, we're never usually able to do.) The eggs brekkie was okay! The eggs were very moist, so that was a plus! :) Service was good. We ordered in the front and found some seats. The space is a little small. It's a long restaurant, so you could find some round tables in the back, but expect to sit at the bar. read more

Splash Cafe - Inside Seating - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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I had a lovely, memorable experience at Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach). I ordered the Clam Chowder Bread Bowl ($12.95). WOW! That immediate familiar clean salty flavor bubbles through. It's creamy and very fresh. Surprisingly, its buttery, fluffy bread brought a bright crunch. I couldn't stop myself from smiling as I continued to feast. I arrived at Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach) on Wednesday (around 8:50AM - 10 Minutes Before Opening Time). A line had already formed!! POPULAR spot! It's a brief two minute walk from Pismo Beach's Pier. Parking is challenging; nearby parking spots contain parking meters. Staff is very professional, welcoming, and efficient. Staff is very experienced and accustomed to the long line of customers. Staff quickly helped me. My food arrived within two minutes. Fast! As mentioned, I ordered the Clam Chowder Bread Bowl ($12.95). It's one of the best! Fresh food, thoughtfully prepared chowder, and delightful service is very apparent. This location has won multiple awards for their Clam Chowder, and the high quality truly shows. As I bit into those thick clams, I smiled. On ambiance, Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach) feels a little claustrophobic due to its narrow dining area and many customers. However, there's a couple large tables in the rear, and there's small tables & counters near the front. Muffled diner music plays, but the main noise are the chatting customers. Overall, I found a blissful experience at Splash Cafe (Pismo Beach). The long lines are well-deserved! It's one of the best clam chowders that I've tasted in a long time. If you love clam chowders, this is an easy recommendation. 5 out of 5. Go! read more

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Perfect comfort food for an overcast day! We ordered the bowl of clam chowder, a pint of clam chowder to go, a lobster roll, and fries. The clam chowder was rich and flavorful, and I appreciated that they were generous with the extra toppings. The only downside was that the toppings were served cold, which cooled down the chowder a bit. I wish the chowder had been served piping hot, as it would have made it even more satisfying. The lobster roll and fries made for a great quick meal, and overall it's a solid spot when you're craving comforting seafood. Nothing too fancy just a decent place for a quick, satisfying bite. read more

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One of the best clam chowders I've ever had was that splash!! We ordered two bread bread bowl clam chowders loaded with seafood on top. So good. We also ordered fish and chips. My husband wasn't a fan of the breading on the fish. But I did not mind it. You order at the counter and wait for your number to be called. You are not allowed to sit down until your number has been called. We found seats right away. They have a self-serve drink station. Seating is a little crammed... Outdoor seating would be ideal. Splash Cafe is a must stop when coming to Pismo Beach. read more

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I am so sorry I forgot to post this review for splash Café. I had a lobster roll. It was beyond wonderful. So wonderful that I didn't even take a picture. Sorry guys next time I'm in Pima. I'll give you a better review and take better pictures or at least take pictures when I'm in town. read more

What a cute place in Pismo Beach!!!! I ordered a bowl of chowder with a side of sourdough. The chowder was full of clams and potato. It was thick snd chunky. I know the bread bowl is famous but I wasn't that hungry. I am including a pic of the loaded bowl. I tried some of the toppings and it was pretty good. I don't think I'd like all of that stuff on it though. I did try the carrot based hot sauce. I could only do a tiny drop at a time but it was really flavorful. I think you can taste the carrot. This was very unique. It could overpower the chowder if you use too much. Adds a nice kick though. You order at the counter and hope to find a seat in the busy restaurant. We lucked out and got a table. The food came out quickly considering how busy they were. read more

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Absolutely delicious! I was so excited to try their "famous" clam chowder bread bowl, and it did not disappoint. I am very picky and so many clam chowders are watery, full of potatoes, and very little clams. This one has the perfect consistency, great ratio of potatoes and clams, and nice and hot and hearty. I just wish I had some pepper because I felt like it needed a little bit of a kick. I am definitely going to buy some to go and take home and plan on going there again for lunch today. I also had their calamari and chips. They were pretty standard and tasted how calamari and fries should taste. They had friendly staff and they seem to deliver all the orders efficiently. They didn't make a mistake with my to go order and everything was packed neatly! The line moved fast as well. I wasn't a fan of the inside, but that's just my preference. It is just too packed and messy and it feels like everyone are just sitting on top of other parties. However, it's a quick order place and it's meant to be a "eat quickly and go" place. I just wish the tables were a bit more spaced. Again, that's my preference and doesn't warrant removing a star. Just an FYI for people because the pictures on here make it seem like there's lots of space. read more

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I would recommend this restaurant strictly for the clam chowder. We tried the lobster roll., but it Almost tasted like cold chicken salad but with lobster. The clam chowder though specifically the fully loaded was amazingly delicious. The line goes fast and your food comes out fairly fast as well. So in that sense it's good. The staff taking your order seem grumpy, they could fake being friendly. When you work upfront you must have good costumer service! It's part of the position. The restaurant has eat in or take out. It's bigger than expected as it goes down to the back. The ambience is like fish market decor. If you're in town or passing by stop by and try it. You won't be disappointed. Wish I would've taken pictures :/ read more

Always the best place to get clam chowder! Yes, the lines are usually long. Especially on a three day weekend. They do have indoor seating but it's small and first time first served. It's small and loud. Get the fully loaded clam chowder with bacon bits on top. In the sourdough bread bowl, amazing. It's a must when you are in pismo! read more

Best claw chowder in a bread bowl I have ever had. Great service and no wait at all. The place was very clean with employees coaching tables the minute you got up. read more

Splash Cafe - Love those Clam Chowder BREAD BOWL - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Clam chowder was amazing. 5/5 no notes Perfect!!! Clams 4.5/5 Flavor on point. Calamari 5/5 Perfect size, and I love the tentacles. Lobster Roll- 2/5 - Langoustines and seafood salad is not lobster. It tasted good but it's not a lobster roll. Carrot Hot Sauce! Delicious!! I bought 2 to take home! read more

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Worth the wait! Best clam chowder in Pismo Beach! We always make a stop while walking around town. read more

Splash Cafe - Cup of Clam Chowder with Seafood Topping - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

I heard this cafe had the reputation for serving the best clam chowder so my expectations were high going in. I came in on a Friday around 1pm. There was a long line, but it moved briskly. Once I ordered I received my food within 5 minutes. I ordered a pint of clam chowder and onion rings. The chowder lived up to the billing. The chowder was creamy, thick, just the right amount of clams to potatoes. Perfection!!Probably the best I've ever had. The onion rings were great as well. Nicely seasoned. All in all a great place that lives up to the hype. read more

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This is a must try over in Pismo Beach! The seating inside is pretty crowded because so many people are here, and I can see why. The clam chowder bread bowl is a must get -- one of the best clam chowders I've ever had. I also really enjoyed the fish and chips (the chips are curly fries!), and my friend enjoyed the fried fish tacos that are loaded with toppings. Overall, a great vacation lunch spot! read more

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As much as I like to try other places in Pismo, this place is just too dependable. If you see a long line, don't fret, it goes by pretty quick. This place is solid and never changes. They got the formula going and they don't need to change it. Of course we got the specialties. A chowder, Lobster Roll, Shrimp SLO Boy, Ahi Sandwich, and all the fries. Chowder: Get the bread bowl. Sweep it up, soak all that chowder and just let it move you. Lobster Roll: Great cook, proper texture on the lobster. Can't complain, although oddly feels more crawfish than lobster. Shrimp SLO Boy: This is the winner. This is the best thing we got. I could have this all day. Guaranteed to order again when I come back. Food might take a while but it's pleasantly worth it. Nothing's blowing anything out of the water, but it's all solid and dependable. read more

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My husband said this is the creamiest clam chowder he has had in years. The fish and chips were very good. They were breaded and not greasy. I did not like the onion rings at all unfortunately. There is usually a long line but it moves fast and we had no problem getting seats. It's right by the pier so very convenient location. This place definitely lives up to the hype! read more

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It's a tradition for us every time we visit Pismo Beach to stop by here at Splash Cafe. My kids enjoy having the usual clam chowder and calamari fries. We were here right when it opened and there was no line yet. We got our food fast and hot so pretty happy with that. It wasn't crowded inside at that time but we're happy to enjoy the breeze and sun while eating. It's best to just order the large sizes and share, we will see yall soon again! read more

Splash Cafe - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Had to try this iconic place out during our trip. We ordered the loaded clam chowder bread bowl, fish and chips, lobster roll, and onion rings. The clam chowder was absolutely the star of the meal. There is a reason it is what they're known for. Fish and chips were just okay. Fish was dry and harder than we expected. Onion rings were crispy and fresh. Lobster roll was good and we would get it again. Food came out fast and the workers were all nice. You can tell it's a local favorite in addition to being a tourist destination. Love the family vibes and closeness to the water. read more

Splash Cafe - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Love the clam chowder and curly fries. The chowder is not your normal chowder your use to, it seem like it's much more creamier. Really really good and comforting. Now the lobster roll was cold, not sure if the meat inside was suppose to be cold, but it looks like minced lobster bits not chunks of lobster BTW. Fish and chips, love the chips but the fish had parts that was hard and not good. I just ate around it. Service was fast. read more

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I ordered the lobster roll, fries, and a cheeseburger meal! $50 for all 3 items. Service , pretty busy although very welcoming and friendly ! Place is nice and clean needs more fans though as it is hotter inside than outside! And what a cool place to be at! Pismo pier is near by and ....of course next is drinks ar read more

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Used to love making a trip up to splash cafe with friends when I went to ucsb 20 years ago... recently stopped back while passing through with my family and splash cafe was just as delicious as it was 20 years ago. So happy to get the chowder and it was as good as I'd remembered. We got the clam chowder, fish and chips, and a lobster roll. All were fantastic. Didn't remember ever trying the lobster roll in the past and was pleasantly surprised. Staff was also awesome and helpful. Worth making a trip if you are in town. read more

Splash Cafe - Lonster Roll and Clam Chowder BREAD BOWL - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Splash Cafe is a seaside restaurant that opened in 1989 and is one of the longest standing restaurants in the Central Coast. It's located in Pismo Beach by the beach and the pier. It has a casual and beach-town vibe with its decor and interior. We were driving from Paso Robles and made a stop by Splash Cafe because we were told the clam chowder was really good. When we arrived there was a decent sized line that moved quickly. Other than clam chowder they also offer sandwiches, burgers, and have daily specials. They have different sizes and you can get it in a bread bowl as well. We ordered the cup ($7.95) and it came out really hot and stayed hot. It was creamy, delicious, and flavorful. We liked it so much we got the bowl size ($11.95) to go. It was definitely one of the best clam chowders I've had and I can see why it has all those awards hanging on the wall and why it's an absolute staple in the area. read more

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Splash Cafe is a California must! It's where the valley and locals go for some good chowder! read more

Splash Cafe - Bacon Cheeseburger - American Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Heavy Cream, lots of potatoes... plus nonlocal small clams... plus a whole bunch of chemicals = 1 "Trillion" Calories of Heavy mostly saturated fat. If you can imagine how you could take a melted bar of butter, heavy cream, some chemicals/flavors, and small chewy clams & then freeze it....then wait....and wait... take it to Pismo & have some teenagers defrost this concoction, then you can Imagine how this turns out. In general, the service ranges from OK to good, but due to the long lines, it can be a wait to get in. The ambiance is rather basic, and while it is not too far from the beach or the Pier, it is hard to view from inside. In the past, a frozen version was sold at the local Costco where you can read the ingredients & how most of it is saturated fat. Once in awhile, someone brings it to us as a gift...and it is consistently the same. Ref: Splash Café Clam Chowder Nutritional Breakdown Selected Highlights (ref: Fatsecret website): 1 cup serving: 560 Calories 440 Calories from fat 49 grams Total Fat= 75% of daily value 30 gram SATURATED Fat= 150% of DV 1080 mg of Sodium= 45% of DV read more