Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery
+1 707-677-3777+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Mon
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Seafood, Soups, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Is this an American restaurant?
Details
About
The Trinidad Bay Eatery is located in the heart of Trinidad, California, just above Trinidad Bay. We specialize in American Cuisine and are especially known for our fresh local seafood dishes, New England style Clam Chowder, Fresh on-premise-homemade Fudge and Blackberry Cobbler. We are open year-round for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and feature coffee drinks made with Vanelis Craft Roasted Coffee.
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $37.00
CUISINES
American, Seafood, Soups
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
688 reviews
Excellent
357
Very good
218
Average
66
Poor
25
Terrible
22
LBinTX
Fort Worth403 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Our first night on vacation, a Saturday, we decided to eat here for dinner based on the online menu. I checked online first and saw that no reservations are available, but when we walked up around 6pm, I was asked if we were "on the list". I said "I didn't think we could be" and so we were added to the wait list and told maybe a 45 minute wait. There were plenty of open tables, so I assumed they are short-staffed, like so many restaurants are. We were offered a cash raw oyster bar that was set up outside or shopping inside. We instead wandered the area a bit, swinging by the winery across the street since it was the only other shop open. We returned about 30 minutes later and checked in again so they knew we were back and, though it was the same lady, she asked if we were on the list again. We explained we were. Anyway, we were asked if we'd be okay to be seated outside (it was starting to get cool) and we agreed, so were seated within our 45 minute quoted time. Another gal came over and explained the specials and that our waitress would be with us soon. Our waitress was very nice and provided good service, though we never did get a price on the specials we were told about. Regardless, we ordered one of the specials, along with the Crabby Fries appetizer, the Cioppino and a bowl of oyster soup. Unlike some other reviews, we didn't have a long wait for food. Everything was very good, minus maybe the very plain rice served alongside the fish special, though the veggies with it were fantastic. Prices were high for the serving sizes, but we somewhat expected that. We watched as more people waited for tables and tables sat empty or groups lingered at tables with no food. Eventually, they started turning people away because it was approaching closing time, offering "to go" soups and some other items. They did turn two or three groups away, but then, interestingly, took one more. One table outside asked to be relocated inside because of the chill, and eventually they were accommodated. So be sure to call and make sure they are still seating and get there early to wait for a table. Our total, with tax and tip was $176. Good food at a nicer spot in town, but be prepared for a wait and a hefty bill.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Thank you for taking a minute to let folks in our TA community know about how we did. We appreciate your patience as we choreograph our kitchen and dining room. We do our best to not rush guests out the door to make room for more; however, we will always do our best to make any wait worth the investment of time.
In today's world of rising prices, we do our best to keep our prices down without sacrificing the quality of the food we serve. Fresh seafood is a premium these days, but our entrees are so popular, guests would be disappointed if they were removed. Thank you for your understanding, and we'd love to have you back again next time you visit our little coastal community.
Written September 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shelly M
Boulder100 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Not only does The Eatery have great food, it’s a good experience too! We had about a 45 minute wait so we grabbed some drinks and a small order of oysters gallery/gift shop/bar area. The staff was super nice and fun and we had a good time while we waited for our table. We were flexible with in or out door seating so we were seated in about 15 minutes vs 45. We had the clam chowder (lives up to its name of best chowder of Humboldt county, with good flavor and good size pieces of clam and potato), the Cajun Alfredo (flavorful and large portion), the Trinidad bay Caesar salad with crab (also very good, great flavor and healthy), the portobello sandwich (amazing flavor, the charred veggies with the combo of balsamic glaze and goat cheese was on point), and the blackberry cobbler (we took it to go and it was the perfect treat for later - so delish)!
Trinidad is a smaller, very nice town and they don’t have a ton of food options open later so a wait isn’t out of the question. Be patient and enjoy!
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Many thanks for your business and the great review!
We're stoked to add yet another guest to our ever-growing cache of clam chowder raving fans. We look forward to having you back with us again next time you're in our area!
Written September 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pam L
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
Delicious food, wine, and beer — beautifully presented. Casual gourmet. I had a spicy cioppino — just the thing on a drizzly afternoon. My husband had perfectly prepared fish and chips — moist white fish with a light crispy batter — served with malted vinegar, tartar sauce, fries, and Cole slaw. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt. Fabulous wine and beer selection. Looking forward to returning on our next visit to Trinidad.
Written November 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy W
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • family
My wife and I ordered simple burgers and they were honestly inedible. I called the Eatery as a local of Trinidad to get a refund or replacement burgers and was told neither would happen because management only really cares about the summer tourist season. I will never go back nor will I ever suggest the Eatery to anyone that asks.
Written April 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Hi, Randy. It appears you ordered and carried out to your residence. There is no way for us to comment except to say we stand behind our food product and continually receive rave reviews about all our entrees.
It's unfortunate you didn't eat at the time of preparation at our restaurant - where we enjoy the support or our wonderful local community from Trinidad to Fortuna on a daily basis.
We regret we won't be adding your name to our ever growing list of raving fans, but wish you only culinary success wherever you go in the future.
Written April 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John M
Vigo87 contributions
Nov 2022 • family
I have eaten here a number of times with my family when I am up here visiting my son. In general the food is quite good. I highly recommend the clam chowder in the chowder bowl. I have also had fish and chips which was really good. My son Loved his hamburger. The staff is always really friendly and the fudge on the way out is always really tempting. That being said, I have one gripe, and that has to do with the cost of eating there. In general it’s a fairly affordable place, on the slightly pricey end of things, But be careful of anything that says “ market price“, because that can end up being quite expensive. I ordered a Caesar salad with shrimp and it came with four cooked shrimp and a decent sized bowl of lettuce and A decent Caesar dressing, but when the check came at the end it was $32! I’m sorry but there was absolutely nothing about that salad that was even remotely close to $32. Four small cooked shrimp at eight dollars a pop and maybe a dollars worth of lettuce is not a $32 main course. The entire lunch for three of us, with tip, was over $150 and we weren’t drinking any alcohol. Again it’s a nice place in a beautiful location so just be careful what you order and look at the pricing carefully.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cybercme
Hi John,
Thank you for taking a moment to share your feedback with us in the TripAdvisor community. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed our delicious food and appreciate your kind comments. We are sorry however to hear that you were disappointed with our prices. Our seafood is priced at market value, and is well below the price of other establishments in our area. We do work hard to provide the freshest local ingredients for all of our dishes, and our guest satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us. We hope you'll join us again some other time, we look forward to serving you again!
Written November 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tb911
1027 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
We had a party of six - special salmon, fish and chips, clam chowder, clams, oysters, portabello sandwich, beet salad
Fresh oysters were good, fish and chips good. Otherwise average food.
Very busy and crowded with long wait times, but staff handled it well, everybody friendly and efficient. They were able to squeeze us in, so we where happy.
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Howdy, TB.
We appreciate you giving us a go with your group of six. Large groups can be a challenge with our intimate restaurant. Thank you for your patience as worked to satisfy your experience with us.
We're sorry to learn we didn't impress, but hope you might give us another try in the future.
Written September 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MamaSita65
Redwood Valley100 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
The food looks great but my eggs Benedict was awful. The Hollandaise sauce is not real—probably from a mix. It is sweet—probably contains sugar which makes no sense. It does not taste like lemon or butter. I doubt it’s gluten-free (and I did order my meal gluten-free). Also the poached eggs are sweet. It’s normal to poach eggs in vinegar water but adding sugar to the water is just weird and tastes wrong. I tasted a piece of the poached egg “tail” that had no sauce on it, so I know it was poached in both vinegar and sugar water. The hashbrowns were undercooked—crispy in a few places but most white and mushy. My son got the same thing but not gluten-free. He didn’t like his either. My husband got an omelette and said is was okay but not great. He distant like the ground sausage in it—said it was like hamburger.
The oat latté was fantastic! I really appreciate that the coffee is organic and roasted on site.
The service is nice but our server never came back after serving our meal. We had to ask busser for our check and eventually someone other than our server brought it.
The space is cute and a couple leaving as we were arriving said their meal was wonderful, so maybe our experience was unique.
Written July 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
We're saddened to have not heard about your displeasure until now. As you experienced, by the comment from our guest who was leaving, we are known for a wonderful breakfast dining experience.
If a guest is served food not to their liking, alerting staff of this will allow us to demonstrate our commitment to guest-satisfaction. Sadly, we were not given that opportunity in your case.
We're sad we didn't meet your standards, but hold no animus toward you and invite you to give us another try in the future.
Written August 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ragsdad aka Dusty Katz
627 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
We hit the restaurant at a bad time between breakfast and lunch setup. Waited probably 20 minutes, then an additional 30 after being seated. All the food passing our table looked awesome, so I wasn't about to leave. Our waitress finally arrived, and she was a rockstar named Eva. Seriously, one of the best servers I've ever had. She could recite every ingredient in every offering on the menu, amazing. Anyway, we ordered the two specials, Stuffed French Toast for my sidekick and Halibut Cake Eggs Benedict for me. It was truly one of the best meals on this trip. While I was eating, a fellow patron walked by and asked "it WAS worth waiting for, wasn't it"? Yes, it was.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Thank you for taking a minute to let folks in our TA community know about how we did. We appreciate your patience as we choreograph our kitchen and dining room. We do our best to not rush guests out the door to make room for more; however, we will always do our best to make any wait worth the investment of time.
We'd love to have you back again soon, and often. Peace be yours till then,
Written September 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LizB
Ohio639 contributions
May 2023 • couples
We had a good lunch here - fish and chips, and a broiled fish (mahi-mahi) sandwich and the blackberry cobbler. Everything was well prepared and very good. HOwever, after we were seated it was 10 minutes before a server appeared (staff apologized for "forgetting" us) . After we ordered, we waited 40 minutes before our lunch was served. The server said that the broiled fish always takes a long time (??!!). It would have been nice if she had told us this when we ordered.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles Edwards
Thanks for sharing your experience with us in the TripAdvisor community! We appreciate your rating and hope to serve you again!
Written June 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zeppgirl
417 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Nice location and friendly staff. We came here for lunch and enjoyed our meal. The hot tea drink was great. My only complaint was my Caesar salad with the fish of the day, sturgeon. $36 and was half filled with red cabbage, which I didn’t think went well for a Caesar salad. I know I’m not the only one who didn’t like this, as the waitress mentioning I wasn’t the only customer that day who didn’t eat the cabbage in the salad. Because it doesn’t go!
Menu states it’s a Caesar with fresh veggies and no mention of cabbage specifically. Also had apples and nuts, with no mention of those. Could fall under the “fresh veggies”, but they aren’t. Not sure what veggies were supposed to be there. I guess the cab age is a veggie. Bummer.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Hi, Zeppgirl.
We apologize our slant on a Cesar Salad didn't appeal to you. Please know, if any entree we serve is not to your liking, we'll gladly exchange is or take it off your ticket. Just let your server know so we can demonstrate our commitment to your complete dining pleasure.
Thank you for dining with us. We hope you'll give us another try in the future.
Written February 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda R
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • family
The food was excellent, but the service and management was poor. Took 1 hour to get our food and then more waiting for dessert, which we ended up getting to go. Manager lady was focused on getting the tables (patrons) moved thru quickly but she explained to us that a new person in the kitchen was holding things up. I could see 11 tables seated and no one was served for an hour. Waitress and busboy were not doing much! Manager lady was just explaining the menu instead of helping the kitchen process order. There’s other really good restaurants to go to in Trinidad. Skip this one and go somewhere else.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles Edwards
It's unfortunate that you had to wait - as we do our best to balance time between our dining room and kitchen. Everything we serve is cooked fresh to order, using the best and local (when we can) ingredients.
As for the manager cooking to facilitate a faster turn-a-round, that would only complicate and stall the work flow, not to mention crowd an already fully staffed kitchen.
It unfortunate we won't be adding your name to our cache of guests who regularly dine with us from as far as Redding; however, we do wish you well in all your culinary pursuits.
Written July 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LoveToTravelBoston
Boston533 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
We went on a Monday night when The Eatery was one of few open restaurants in Trinidad - the wait w as long. But it was worth it.
Once we were seated, the hostess stayed to share some specials, and I bought in. A surf & turf burger with oysters, pickled veggies, cheese and more was a vibrant, satisfying mess. The oyster stout with it was perfect. The upswell onion rings were the best I’ve ever had.
My wife’s meal wasn’t as exciting, but she enjoyed her curry.
Overall, relaxing, great food and good service. Shame about the wait…
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles Edwards
Thanks for sharing your experience with us in the TripAdvisor community! We're pleased to know that you enjoyed our food and service as well as quality. We're sorry for the wait but appreciate your rating and hope to serve you again!
Written July 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MoxieGirl1997
105 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
We visit Trinidad often when we are in Humboldt county, California. We have been to the seascape many times but no longer will go there. They were rude and the food was barely mediocre. You get a great view but that’s all.
We now go to Trinidad Bay Eatery and we love it. They have the best clam chowder. We also got the fish and chips which did not disappoint us and taste or serving size. We can’t wait to go back and try the crab fries and get another bowl of chowder. We hope it will be soon.
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles Edwards
Thanks for sharing your experience with us in the TripAdvisor community! We're pleased to know that you enjoyed our food and service as well as quality. We appreciate your five-star rating and hope to serve you again!
Written June 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Verna C
Murfreesboro1 contribution
Oct 2023 • solo
Traveling from Tennessee. Coming into town to experience the Redwoods and the beautiful coastline, I made the rounds of the local eateries to find my spot. I usually will stick with one spot for breakfast. The very first day I came to this restaurant and immediately knew it was my jam! The only thing I would've liked better is if it would open earlier but that was no problem. The food was DELICIOUS, the staff warm and friendly, the decor was homey and the music was right up my alley. Sang to every single song. I don't know my server's name (because I'm old and have trouble remembering details sometimes) but she was wonderful, attentive and knowledgeable about the food and the area. I also went for lunch one day and that was so very good. I sat at the counter that day because the place was so full. That's how good this place is. I met a fellow solo traveler and conversation was fun, our server joined in. Love this place. Will certainly come back in the future when I am out this way. Lovely town. Lovely people.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHARLES EDWARDS
Thank you, Vernac!
What a joy to know you stopped by during your travels and enjoyed your dining experience with us. We appreciate you taking a minute to let our online community know about us and hope we'll have the pleasure of seeing you again in the future.
Written February 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aaron K
Manhattan Beach39 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
I have been going to this restaurant for nearly 20 years and stopped by twice on this trip. The first time I ordered clam chowder. It took nearly 20 minutes to get a to-go cup of it but tasted good. The second time I asked over the phone for advice on which appetizer to try (takeout as well) and the guy recommended crabby fries. I said sure and he said it would take 10 minutes (ended up taking 30 minutes). But when he rang me up, it was $41!! For a plate of crabby fries! I almost didn't get them but decided that would be rude so I paid the $41 and will not be returning. Very disappointed.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cybercme
Hi Aaron,
We're sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your experience dining with us. Your feedback is certainly not our typical guest feedback and we'd like to help appease your concerns.
While we are glad to hear you enjoyed our clam chowder, we're sorry to know that you were not happy with our Crabby Fries. Our crab is priced at market value, and the current market value at our restaurant is $33 for 4oz. This is well below the price of other establishments in our area. Our prices are listed and available, but we're sorry to know you were surprised by them.
We appreciate your concerns and do hope this clarification was helpful. We wish you all the best.
Written October 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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