If you’re taking a scenic drive up the California coast, Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay is a must visit. Diners can watch pelicans dive into the ocean for their dinner, take in endless ocean views from the patio, and enjoy local seafood caught fresh that day. Did I mention they have one of the best lobster rolls in the entire country?!
Why Is Sam’s Chowder House a Must Visit Restaurant?
Sam’s Chowder House has old school coastal charm that blends classic, comforting New England seafood with relaxed California vibes. The restaurant sits right on the water, so just about every table has a view of the Pacific Ocean – even the high tops in the bar!
The atmosphere is relaxed, but buzzy (wow, does it get busy!), the service is great, and the energy is welcoming, rather than stuffy. It reminds me of a bigger version of Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay (also great, by the way).
Locals will tell you that this Half Moon Bay restaurant is a must visit, which is why tourists (and day trippers throughout the Bay Area) have been coming here for decades.
The Location: How to Get There
If you’re traveling from Santa Cruz, the drive to Sam’s Chowder House is about an hour. Keep in mind that the drive from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay is one of the most scenic stretches of the California coast, so that hour will fly by. Stop and take some photos of the dramatic ocean cliffs along the way, and selfies with waves rolling in the background.
Traveling from San Francisco? Sam’s Chowder House is just 35 minutes from the city.
The Lobster Roll: The Dish Everyone Orders
Let’s talk about the lobster roll—because if you’re going to Sam’s, this is the must order dish. Reddit dubbed this sammy ‘the perfect lobster roll’, and it’s frequently called, ‘one of the best sandwiches in America’. Trust me when I say, you’ve never seen so much lobster on a lobster roll in your life.
There are two versions of the Sam’s Chowder House Lobster Roll – a Naked Lobster Roll that’s served warm “Connecticut-style”, or the Dressed Lobster Roll that’s chilled and served Maine-style with a lemon aioli, celery and chives.
I sweat they stuff an entire lobster on these things; they’re absolutely huge!
Pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a glass of rosé: it doesn’t get much better than that!
Sam’s Chowder House Menu: Options for Everyone
Sam’s Chowder House is a seafood lover’s dream, but the menu has something for everyone – even those who don’t gravitate towards seafood. Alongside the famed lobster roll, you’ll find an array of fresh options that are caught daily in the waters right off the restaurant. Try the local petrale sole, halibut, king salmon, or oysters (Sam’s has a full oyster bar, too).
Other noteworthy dishes include the creamy clam chowder, tangy Manhattan clam chowder, crispy fried fish platters, the blue crab & shrimp Louie salad, warm and comforting bowls of cioppino, and shrimp scampi linguine.
Not in the mood for seafood? Go for Sam’s juicy burger or roasted half-chicken.
Insider Tip: Go Early for the Views
When it comes to snagging a table at Sam’s Chowder House, don’t leave anything to chance: make a reservation. While you can only make reservations for tables inside, take that table. If you decide you want to sit outside when you get to the restaurant, just ask if they have tables available outside. And, if they don’t, you’ve still got that inside table waiting for you.
Tips
- Plan Ahead: If the sun is shining in the Bay Area, you can bet Sam’s will be busy. Arrive early or be prepared for a wait. The restaurant is pretty big and there are tons of tables, so the wait is never very long—and it’s so worth it!
- It’s Chilly by the Ocean: Ask for a table outside, but don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweater. This isn’t Southern California; even on sunny days, that northern coastal breeze bites.
- Make a Day of It: This part of the coast is one of the most scenic drives in California. After lunch, cruise up Highway 1 to Davenport and stop at Swanton Berry Farm just outside of Santa Cruz. Grab a piece of their famous pie or pick strawberries from the patch.
- Ocean Dining with a Sunset View in Half Moon Bay: For the best experience, try to grab a seat on the outdoor patio just before sunset. There’s nothing like a Californai sunset on the coast.
- Try Happy Hour: Monday – Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm Sam’s offers happy hour with drink and snack specials, as if you need another reason to visit!
- Bring Your Dog: Traveling with your pup? The patio at Sam’s Chowder House is dog-friendly!
Order Take Out
Don’t have time to dine in the restaurant? Sam’s Chowder House also does takeout in Half Moon Bay.
Order from the to go menu here.
Location
4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Hours
Mon-Thurs 11:30am-8:30pm
Friday 11:30am-9:00pm
Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-8:30pm
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