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    The Birds Cafe

    4.3 (736 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    The Birds Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    THE BIRDS CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Birds Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos - The Birds Cafe

    Drinks in cans or plastic cups (Lemonade, tea etc)
    Rachelle L.

    The menu has a good assortment for a multitude of palettes. Wish they had crab cakes but the items we chose were good except the oysters. They were tiny not worth price. The calamari was also a little over cooked. The spinach salad was fresh and plentiful. The Gorgonzola was definitely the star. Service was quick and food was hot. Ambiance was cozy outdoor seating with lots of family and groups. Parking was not very plentiful but we lucked out and got a spot as someone was leaving. I recommend not ordering the oysters or calamari.

    Puff pastry
    Oliver L.

    Location is great, peaceful, kinda quiet tucked in the corner. The staff members were nice and accommodating! The food, I'm a fan of breakfast items. The sausage breakfast sandwich was delicious! The cheese was perfect, the bun was nicely toasted and just a perfect ratio! The French toast sticks were good, the puff pastry was even better. I took a bite and instantly regretted my decision but the sandwich was good lol We come up and down the coast a few times a year and this is probably going to be a guaranteed stop over. I capped it off with a white mocha and that was probably one of the best white mochas I've had to date.

    Ruth C.

    Love this place. The location is superb, and food was equally incredible. Staff were very friendly as well. When in Bodega bay, one must check out Birds Cafe! Coastal vibe is strong. We went for lunch in a Friday, and the wait was not long at all. We had the grilled prawns salad, BBQ oysters, and lobster roll. Oh my goodness! Those BBQ oysters with the sauce were so tasty! The salad was super fresh as well. I think my husband also enjoyed the lobster roll. We will return again for sure.

    Lunch for 3 $120.
    Heather W.

    Lobster and crab rolls were good. The bun was fabulous. Onion rings a must. Just unfortunately the rolls were very small portions for $30. I needed two! Great food and outdoor dinning. Clean and they do well with compostable trays and recycling. Just portions are surprisingly small for $30. Lunches for three $120

    Crab roll
    John D.

    Ive had the lobster roll and the crab roll. Both equally delicious. The bread is toasted and both rolls come buttery and with a lemon wedge. Definitely use the lemon. Very fresh, very very good. You order at a window like a snack bar and we sat outside every time. I don't even know if there is inside dinning. Lots of outside seating and dog friendly. The service is nice and quick. These items are pricey and it leaves you wanting more. 30$ each.

    Heidi D.

    I usually find myself eating at the same spot when I visit bodega Bay but today we tried something new and I'm so glad we did! It was a fried food fest, and I was there for it! Everything was battered perfectly, not greasy, flavorful and hit the spot. I especially loved the fish and shrimp tacos. Pair all of that with nice seismic logger plus a view that I love even when it's overcast... Excellent experience!

    Shannon J.

    We came here on a gloomy Monday. To order, you go up and order at the window, pay and you are given a buzzer. Any drinks are picked up at the window. The patio is all open seating and dog friendly. Lots of chairs and tables with umbrellas. We ordered the prawns and fries and I had their two fish tacos. My husband said the prawns were some of the best he had and the coating was amazing. I was also pleasantly surprised with my fish tacos as they had the right amount of coleslaw, pico de gallo and avocado sauce. This was a very tasty seafood spot. Parking can be a little bit of a challenge, so you may end up parking on the street.

    Michael C.

    So good I had to come back the next day just for the warm nuts!! Oysters might actually be better than fisherterian! Employees are super nice and friendly!

    Drink options
    Gina S.

    Good seafood with lovely views. So you place your order at a walk up window and pick up at a different window when your hand buzzer goes off, easy peasy. The Seafood combo dish came with the freshest beer battered fish I've ever had. The fish was so flaky and delicious. The batter was on point! The prawns also had the same beer batter and were also very good! The clam chowder was also very good- I saw a lot of complaints that it was too thin and I understand because that is what we are used to here. And while it was on the thinner side, it was still super flavorful and it was generously cooked with lots of clams. Lovely views from the patio as well. A different building sells coffee and bakery items (the brownie was divine!). There is also a gift shop but it was closed by the time we got there. Good food and I don't think you can go wrong whatever you order!

    Paul W.

    Came here two years ago and was blown away at the fresh quality of the fish and chips. We stopped here again on our way home and sat outside (no inside seating) where we can look out at the Bodega Harbor. Staff is always friendly and take great care of their customers. My fish and chips was fresh and delicious just like the last time. We also shared some calamari and artichoke fritters which were really good. If you love beer, I recommend the Bodega Head IPA.

    Calamari
    Sabrina H.

    The location was right by the cliff side, so the view was a great sight. They have a small parking lot that fill up quickly. They have seating on their patio and is dog friendly. The food came out at a reasonable time, and the service was nice. We ordered their calamari, clam chowder, bbq oysters, and the seafood combo. The calamari was alright, on the thinner side and quite chewy (probably because it was on the thinner side). The clam chowder was delicious and also had some bacon. It was very flavorful and slightly thick (in a good way)! Would get it again! The BBQ oysters were great. We got it with the herb butter, although I expected the oysters to be a little bit more cooked. It was an in between of raw and cooked. Other than that, the flavor of it was delicious! The seafood combo came with fries, 1 piece of fish, and 2 prawns. The prawns were incredibly delicious! Juicy, snappy, and fresh. The breading on it was perfect, and the cocktail sauce that came with it was immaculate. The fish was also very fresh and soft, paired well with the breading. I would come back again! Specifically for the prawn and chips if I'm ever in the area!

    Table outside
    Toni L.

    Great seafood option for highway 1 Bodega Bay, outdoor seating perching on the deck/bluff with Bayview. Fresh air, sunshine, waterview, can't beat the charming laid-back vibe. Menu Options are the usual coastal seafood, oysters, clams chowder, fish taco, crab and lobster roll, but they also have hot dog. You order at the window like lots of the places along highway 1. It take about 10-15min for the food to come out. Delicious oysters, both raw and BBQ. Good clams chowder too. The crabroll was good but a bit rich in butter for those of.you that love a very buttery roll this one is for you. Overall, a delicious meal. We even stopped by the little coffee shop next to it for a delicious cookie and a spicy pickle :) for the road. We just glad we tried it and not listening to our cousins who were not a fan of this place. Perhaps they are carnivores and not pescatatian like us.

    Delicious lobster roll and onion rings!

    Anytime I come to bodega Bay I have to come to the birds Café. No matter who I'm with. I have the lobster roll with onion rings every time I go! The outdoor dining has a nice view of the bay, and the food is always delicious!

    French fries, fish tacos and shrimp and toasted brioche sandwich with lemon slices

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    14 days ago

    Stopped in for a glass of wine and oysters. Everything was delicious. We will be back again.

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    Perfect place for a quick bite with your dog. We love this place. Thank you for awesome service.

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    Page 1 of 19

    Ask the Community - The Birds Cafe

    Do they take reservations?

    I don't think so. It's a walk-up counter, first come, first serve. The line moves very quickly and the food is amazing!

    Hi. Are dogs allowed in the outside seating area? Thanks in advance!

    Most likely yes if they're on a leash and next to you.

    View All 4 Questions

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    4.2
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    0.7 mi
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    Locally sourced ingredients
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    This was hands down the best beer battered gluten free fish and chips I've ever had. My husband…read moresaid it was delicious too and he couldn't even tell it was gf. They have gf churros with Carmel sauce...delicious! It's been 10 years since I've had a churro. Sweet potato fries were great. Customer service was excellent. They brought our pups water while we were eating on the deck. Incredible view of the bay from the deck with a nice atmosphere. If this place was in San Diego I would be a frequent diner! Thanks for the wonderful gluten free menu!!!

    A classic stop for fresh seafood in Bodega Bay…read more You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The beer battered fish and chips and the calamari are my favorites. They recently renovated and opened up the back building/patio area. It was my first time seeing the new space and I was impressed with how much additional seating was added. We were there pretty early around 11:30 after a round of golf at the links and managed to snag the last available table outside. There is a self serve sauce bar that has all the options you could want- tartar, ketchup, maui sweet sauce, cocktail sauce, chipotle mayo and more. The tartar sauce is my favorite and I always find myself going back for extra. The cocktail sauce is also amazing, with just the amount of horseradish in it. Whether you're looking for a place to eat or grabbing food to take to the beach, Fishetarian is always a good stop.

    Photos
    Raw Oysters
    Raw Oysters
    Crab Salad Sandwich
    Crab Salad Sandwich
    Chowder bowl!

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    Chowder bowl!
    Anello Family Crab & Seafood

    Anello Family Crab & Seafood

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    My wife and I stopped by yesterday and ordered a dozen oysters, clam chowder, garlic fries with…read morecrab and a fish sandwhich. Everything was very very good but the fish sandwich was one of the best that I have had. The fish was cooked and seasoned perfectly and served on a very fresh and soft roll. Oysters were very fresh, clam chowder was very good and the garlic fries with fresh crab are definitely worth a try. The owners were very friendly and helpful and the prices are very reasonable. We plan on heading back here to eat before we leave and getting some crab to bring home. If you are in or near Bodega Bay I would definitely check out Anello Family Crab & Seafood!

    The BEST CLAM CHOWDER I have EVER had! The chunkiest clams and plentiful! A meal in itself. The…read morechowda is perfectly seasoned. I'm a clamchowda-holic and always on the lookout for the best chowders from west-to-east coast: LA to SD to the famous Fisherman's Wharf in SF to Boston to NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) to Houston to Seattle. I would rate it Michelin Star if I could! Amazing staff, service, and chill coastal ambiance ....where the locals go. So which means, it's the best in town obviously. I have met the entire family working together at the restaurant every time I go. I am honestly bummed to announce this publically, because now that everyone knows, I will have to wait in-line for hours. However, as a registered nurse for more than a decade, I believe in positive recognition for exceptional work wholeheartedly - to inspire and establish a great team and community with positive energy driving to success with fiery passion head-on!

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    Menu 8.20.22
    Menu 8.20.22
    Fish and Chips
    Fish and Chips
    Anello Family Crab & Seafood

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    Ginochio's Kitchen

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    You MUST try their amazing BBQ options!! Pulled pork perfection, brisket and ribs are all no joke!…read moreThese folks know what they're doing and they do it with love and bomb BBQ sauce! Clam and scallop chowder in a bead bowl makes for a great day at Bodega Bay. Owner Alicia is a local gem of a human and takes pride serving up family recipes to indulge in. More locals should patronize as they truly depend on tourists but when is midweek and not a slamming weekend, come support this awesome delicious casual dining with your dog on the chill patios. Great place great people. During restaurant week they topped over 100 crab sandos to very happy folks! With no shortage of clam chowder around, the offerings at Ginochio's stand out and truly deserve more than 5 stars!!!! You're welcome in advance! This place effin rocks my palate and will impress yours. All meats can be sold by the pound as well so bring some home or to your hotel, everything packs well for a picnic at the beach or a late night when everything is closed!! Sorry no photos this time- we ate too fast ;)

    Stopped in for lunch at one of our faves and ordered the nachos, fish tacos and monkey bread…read more(to-go). Of course, EVERYTHING was fantastic!! Also, service was amazing and very down to earth. Dog friendly and great views. Worth the stop. Mimosa's are also on point.

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    Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024
    Monkey bread with bacon
    Monkey bread with bacon
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    Cider at Ginochio's Kitchen on April 13, 2024
    Rocker Oysterfeller's

    Rocker Oysterfeller's

    4.0
    (270 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    My husband wanted some oysters so we gave this place a try, and I'm so glad we did since we went…read moreback the next day for more! We had a tasty lunch with raw oysters and a jalapeño mignonette sauce, smoked trout dip, and a bowl of the chowder. The smoked trout dip was pretty good with the chip and pickled onion (my least favorite dish). The raw oysters with the mignonette sauce were fantastic...we went for two rounds! My favorite chowder in Bodega Bay was Spud's, but I think this one knocked it out. I enjoyed the smoky flavor to it! Our kids aren't seafood fans so I really appreciated their kids menu that had butter & cheese pasta. Their Bloody Mary was solid as well! The following day, we had the Wedge Salad and calamari along with a bowl of chowder. The salad was crisp and the combination of ingredients was perfect with all the textures and flavors of the bacon, cherry tomatoes, shoe string onion rings, and blue cheese dressing...the best wedge salad I've ever had! I loved the lightness of the calamari batter as well! This is a nicely decorated and clean restaurant. It was romantic with the view of the bay. I felt the customer service was a little off, but eventually our servers were nicer as both lunches went on. There was a Hispanic man that was very friendly and kept our water filled. We enjoyed talking to him. The customers sure were friendly with lots of smiles towards our kids. This is my favorite Bodega Bay restaurant. I look forward to bringing family and friends.

    I've been coming to Bodega Bay since moving to California when I was 8 years old -- so technically,…read moreI've been visiting for a few years!! I'm not telling you my age!! Let's say I'm a woman of a certain age!!! Whenever I visit a coastal town, I usually try to avoid the overly touristy spots because, while the views are often amazing, the food can sometimes be underwhelming. We found this place because of their extensive happy hour menu, and they absolutely did not disappoint! The customer service was straightforward and friendly. They weren't overly attentive or constantly checking on you, which I actually appreciate. There were a couple of times I had to wait a bit to order another cocktail, but honestly, it was completely understandable. The bartender was right there working hard, making cocktail after cocktail. It looked like they were extremely busy and possibly a little understaffed -- she definitely wasn't standing around ignoring customers. The happy hour food was fantastic! The fish tacos were delicious, the steak bites were full of flavor, and the shrimp served on top of bread with that sauce... oh my goodness. That sauce was the kind that makes your eyes roll back -- absolutely incredible! It's refreshing to find a place in a beautiful tourist destination that delivers both great food and a great experience. We will definitely be coming back!

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    BBQ Shrimp
    BBQ Shrimp
    Rocker Oysterfeller's

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    The Birds Cafe - seafood - Updated July 2026

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