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Sam's Chowder House

4210 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-5221
650-712-0245
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Price range: $30 - $30
Cuisines: Seafood
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Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Romance, Bar scene, Large groups, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, Delivery, Late Night, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Dining
Description: Enjoy amazing sunsets by the cozy fire, a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, and fresh, award-winning New England style seafood in a casual, coastside setting. Watch the crashing surf, dine outside under a cozy heat lamp, or settle into an Adirondack chair near a toasty fire pit on Sam's dog-friendly patio, complete with wind protection and heat lamps. Featured on NBC’s The Today Show, and “Best of the Bay TV”, and named “Best Outdoor Dining in the Bay Area” by San Francisco Magazine, and “Best Seafood Restaurant in San Mateo County” by San Jose Magazine readers.
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378 reviews from our community

75% Recommend
    136
    149
    62
    19
    12
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Orangevale, California
Top Contributor
109 reviews 109 reviews
45 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
60 helpful votes 60 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

We happened to be driving Highway 1 on Saturday and came upon Sam's at lunch time. We saw all the crowds outside the restaurant and cars parked up and down the street and decided to wait until our way back down highway 1. We arrived about 2:30pm and were told it would be a 25 minute wait. Not more that... More

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California
Top Contributor
81 reviews 81 reviews
54 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

Sam's is good seafood! Period. Because we had the 4 month old puppy with us, we sat on the deck away from everyone in a corner...which was perfect. (But she ran and ran on the beach earlier and slept through the whole meal anyway.) We both ordered the chowder...and if people would read the description, it clearly says they do... More

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Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
20 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

When visiting HMB we always stop at Sam's. The parking lot has always been packed but the wait has been very manageable. We have always found the staff to be friendly and efficient. This time we were traveling with our dog and we were seated on the upper level of the outdoor patio. They asked if we would like the... More

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San Francisco, California
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
35 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

A Sunday afternoon drive south to Half Moon Bay stimulated our appetites for fish and led us to Sam’s Chowder House, a first time for me. The parking lot was packed as was the restaurant but we had a brief wait before being seated. Our waitress was a “California Girl” of a certain age and most accommodating. I opted for... More

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See 3 more reviews by LDGM for Half Moon Bay
Antioch, California
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 via mobile

Stopped in for lunch on a busy Saturday and the wait wasn't as long as we anticipated. There were 3 of us we each had a cup of soup (2 chowders and 1 gumbo) and we split an order of the crab cakes and an order of fish and chips. Chowder was great, gumbo, not so great. Fish and chips... More

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Campbell, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

We decided to try this place, the reviews were good. We arrived, were seated immediately, and offered drinks. The special that the waiter recommended did not disappoint. The fish was fresh, and cooked to perfection. Even my husband, who is not a seafood fan, loved it. We brought the whole family back for my Birthday!

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monterey california
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

I am growing tired of the $25.00 fish entree on california coastline restaurants. Even the fish & chips chewed hell out of a twenty dollar bill. So if you and the honey are looking for a tasty retreat for lunch, don't forget your credit card. For sure, if you order two drinks and two entrees you are going to chew... More

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San Ramon, California
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

Always enjoy stopping in and eating here. Usually very packed, especially on weekend nights. Friday nights has music. Saturday afternoon long reservations. Discovered fastest way to enjoy their food is to order take out from the gift shop. Worked out well this visit.

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Elk Grove, CA
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

Even though the fog rolled in when we were there, the outdoor seating was cozy with patio heaters and great views of the bay. Loved the lobster roll - it was fresh and succulent. However, I was disappointed with their New England chowder- it was watery and flavorless.

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Rancho Mirage, California
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
40 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Sam's is well known and always busy but with a reservation there is no problem getting in. Try the Paella for two....outrageous and shouldn't be overlooked when dining here.

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