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Sea Chest Oyster Bar


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
4 of 5 stars 45 ratings
45 ratings
5.0 of 5 stars
19
4.0 of 5 stars
8
3.0 of 5 stars
8
2.0 of 5 stars
5
1.0 of 5 stars
5
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveler satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#13 of 37 restaurants in Cambria
  • Cuisines: Seafood
  • Price range*: $23-$30
Traveler Description: The Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Restaurant is located on Moonstone Drive in Cambria.  This is the place to go for fresh, fresh seafood.  The restaurant... more »

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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1 of 5 stars
69rich 8 contributions
Arlington, VA
Jun 7, 2009

Dinner, Saturday, May 30. The Seachest has to rank in the bottom 10% of restaurants I have experienced in my 63 years. We arrived early and got the last available table before a line started forming. There are very few seats with any view -- we were stuck in a small crowded room in the back of this "converted" frame... more

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5 of 5 stars
jacksondlz 9 contributions
Wilton, CA
May 19, 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

Start standing in line at 5:00 p.m. The calamari is the best we have EVER had. The garlic bread is devine. The view is to die for. Sit at the bar for some fun. DO NOT MISS THIS RESTAURANT!!! more

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5 of 5 stars
Desertgoddess09 1 contribution
Santa Fe
May 5, 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

Years ago I ate at the Sea Chest. I like seafood, and had seen lines outside of the restaurant many times on day trips to that part of the coast. My dining partner and I sat at the bar and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. I had Oysters Rockerfeller - I have been trying to find ones I liked as much... more

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3 of 5 stars
ACALIFNative 23 contributions
San Francisco Bay Area
Apr 22, 2009

The atmosphere is quaint. Try to snag a chair at the bar and watch the chefs. If you get there right at opening you can get a table with an oceanview which is spectacular. The food was definitely Fresh and the catches of the day gave ample choices and a choice of how you wanted your dish prepared. We chose... more

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4 of 5 stars
giggi 5 contributions
Seal Beach
Apr 19, 2009

My husband and I have eaten here several times when visiting Cambria. There is always a wait, but the little waiting area allows you to drink while you wait, and play some complimentary board games. We find sitting at the bar/grill fun, cool to talk with other visitors, and the cooks. The fish is fresh, but tends to be heavily... more

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2 of 5 stars
Hpmicks 27 contributions
Chicago
Apr 16, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

We recently went on a short trip with friends to visit the Hearst Castle and spent the night in Cambria. We decided to have dinner at the Sea Chest Oyster Bar. The best part of this restaurant is the view, unfortunately we did not have a table near a window and thus the restaurant just became an out of date,... more

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3 of 5 stars
TwinkleB 3 contributions
Maine
Mar 10, 2009

I can't say I'd wait again, but the food was okay. Others must have really liked it as some drove from Monterey to eat there. Every one has different opinions so try it if you like seafood. I live in Maine and get really good seafood -expecially lobsters so I am spoiled. more

overrated
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3 of 5 stars
blrssp 1 contribution
new york
Oct 14, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Not at all sure why this place is so popular. At the ravings of our hotel concierge, we canceled dinner reservations at another restaurant and waited for almost an hour with the rest of the idiots so that we could eat here before we left. It's a decent enough place, but hardly worth waiting in line for. The Calamari is... more

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5 of 5 stars
skilancat 3 contributions
Ohio
Oct 7, 2008
0/1 found this review helpful

While visiting Carmel-By-the-Sea, a couple from Monterey suggested we stop by the Sea Chest in Cambria for a memorable meal. We arrived around 4:30pm. A line had formed, it was a breezey, chilly, late afternoon, but, the line insisted that if we didn't stay, we would find the line huge when we returned at opening. I found the decor comfortable.... more

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1 of 5 stars
ali_hope 1 contribution
long beach, ca
Sep 5, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

For a restaurant that's located so close to the ocean, you would expect for the fish to have not been previously frozen. The staff is apathetic and a little surly, the food is bland and extremely over-priced. Skip this one and head to the black cat. more

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Sea Chest Oyster Bar Address

6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428-1804
Tel: (805) 927-4514
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.