Pier 23 Cafe

Name: Pier 23 Cafe
Address: Pier 23, On The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94111
Telephone: (415) 362-5125
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1281 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar, a historic wharf restaurant and bar, continues to serves fresh seafood and good drinks to locals and visitors alike.

Family owned for nearly 35 years, Pier 23 Cafe takes an innovative approach to San Francisco’s traditional seafood dishes. It’s a tried and true establishment that captures the essence of the City and its waterfront history in food, service, and picturesque waterside setting.

Soak up the California sun and the beautiful San Francisco Bay views from our Beer Garden & Waterside patio or city views of Telegraph Hill and the Embarcadero from our sidewalk tables.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, American
Hours of operation
Mon 11:30 am–4:00 pm Wed–Sun 11:30 am–6:00 pm Bar Wed–Sun 11:30 am–7:00 pm
Phone number
(415) 362-5125
Website
http://www.pier23cafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
For events off site, pickup a party platter! Choose from a selection of some of our favorite dishes: • Mini Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado Crema • Caesar Salad • Jumbo Prawns with Traditional Cocktail Sauce • Baby Back Ribs with Ginger Hoisin BBQ • Deviled Eggs with Salmon Caviar • Beef + Pulled Pork Sliders
Private party facilities
Pier 23 Cafe located right on the waterfront is a perfect place for hosting a work Happy Hour, birthday party, family or business dinner. Our excellent service, fresh delicious food, and dedication to sustaining San Francisco's rich waterfront history, provide a memorable experience for every guest.
Private party contact
Private Dining Team: (415) 362-5125

Location
Pier 23, On The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood
Financial District / Embarcadero
Cross street
Greenwhich
Parking details
There are several public lots within walking distance of the restaurant. Some public parking lots close early so check the signs.
Public transit
The Muni F-Line light rail service that stops directly in front of Pier 23 Cafe is currently suspended. We are a ten minute walk from the Ferry Building and ten minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf
Entertainment
Live Music Nightly
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Oyster on the Half Shell
- each$3.50
Baked Oysters
chili butter, lemon, crispy shallot
- (4)$16.00
Seafood Cocktails
with cocktail sauce & louie dressing
- Bay Shrimp$17.00
- Prawn (6)$20.00
Shrimp & Octopus Ceviche$20.00
grilled tomato, avocado, tortilla chips
Smoked Fish Rillette$11.00
with garlic crostini
Grilled Chicken Wings$17.00
buffalo sauce, bleu cheese, shaved vegetables
Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower$12.00
crispy peas & preserved lemon
Grilled Broccoli$11.00
with roasted hazelnuts & XO sauce
Housemade Tortilla Chips$8.00
roasted tomato salsa & guacamole
Garlic Fries$9.00
Clam & Fish Chowder
celery, carrot, fennel, onion, potato, heavy cream
- Cup$7.00
- Bowl$10.00
Vegetable Miso
carrot, broccoli, spinach, sweet potato miso
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$9.00

Main Dishes

Fried Fish Tacos$18.00
avocado, black bean, miso aioli, cucumber jalapeno salsa, flour tortilla
Fish & Chips$25.00
served with garlic fries, jalapeño ranch & ketchup
Baked Cheese Gnocchi$23.00
carrot, jimmy nardello peppers, kale, ricotta, pesto
Dungeness Crab Cakes$30.00
with mustard crema & mixed greens
Cheese Quesadilla$15.00
jack & cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa
Bayside Breakfast$16.00
roasted portobello & maitake mushrooms, sunny side up eggs, toast
Steak & Eggs$20.00
grilled flatiron steak, salsa verde, sunnyside up eggs, garlic fries

Sandwiches

sandwiches add side salad or fries $3

Shrimp Melt$24.00
griddled sourdough, cheddar cheese, lemon anchovy aioli
Cheeseburger$18.00
shredded lettuce, onion, pickle, burger sauce, cheddar cheese
Pulled Pork Sandwich$17.00
kimchi, pepper jack, house bbq, garlic aioli on a brioche bun
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich$11.00
with garlic aioli on a brioche bun

Salads

Shrimp Louie Salad$27.00
bay shrimp, avocado, hard boiled egg, cherry tomatoes
Caesar Salad$14.00
hearts of romaine, kale, garlic croutons, whole white anchovy & parmesan cheese
Grilled Radicchio Salad$15.00
sea island red peas, pistachio, mt. tam cheese, strawberry, beets, balsamic dressing
House Salad$13.00
local lettuces, radish, pepitas, fennel, cherry tomatoes, champagne vinaigrette

Salads - Add-Ons

Herbed Grilled Chicken Thigh$5.00
Flatiron Steak$8.00
Grilled Prawns$8.00
Bay Shrimp$7.00
Blackened Fish$9.00

Sweet & Savory Breads

Cornflake Crusted French Toast$14.00
plum jam, maple bourbon syrup, honey butter
Housemade Focaccia$8.00
with Sciabica olive oil & 7 yr balsamic vinegar
Housemade Banana Bread$8.00
with butter & seasonal jam

What 1,281 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Great for outdoor dining
San Francisco
Great for brunch
San Francisco
Great for outdoor dining

1,281 Reviews

L
Louis
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
I really love Pier 23 Cafe and have been eating there for more than 15-years. The wait staff is always friendly and the food is always well prepared. The open air patio is wonderful as I prefer dining outside (even prior to COVID-19). On this occasion, unfortunately, I had to wave down the wait staff to get small plates (to share) and hot sauce for my oysters. Not a big deal, but in the past the wait staff always asked me if I wanted these things when delivering the oysters to the table. I still strongly recommend this restaurant; besides the great food, their drinks are spectacular and their prices are very reasonable for any Bay Area restaurant.
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LL
LouiseL
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and drink. We all had a wonderful time. Service was attentive but not overbearing
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S
Savvy
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sat outside by the water and had a lovely meal. Staff was super attentive to make sure we had shade and also pointed out options not on the menu to satisfy my friend’s dietary needs. Ample portions of delicious fresh food. And of course yummy cocktails. They have Aperol spritz on tap. Also great quality tees and hoodies for super reasonable prices. Remember to take the souvenir postcard that comes with your bill. And a restaurant that still had branded matches! A delicious fun place to dine on the Bay whether sunny or not. Check schedule for live music.
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BH
BeatH
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service and food, beautiful location. Always a pleasure to pass by!
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BS
BrianS
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The cheeseburger is huge and delicious. The shrimp melt is even bigger on a delicious sourdough bread. Very nice selection of craft beers and beautiful views of the bay.
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SH
SherylH
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
Fried calamari was excellent! Tender calamari, the fried coating was light and crispy- just perfect. Food was very very good!
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RT
RosilindT
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Was late for my reservation and the manager and his staff was more than accommodating and the views and the food was amazing. Higky recommend
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BH
BeatH
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding service by Tatiana. Always a pleasure going to Pier 23!
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e
elionthebeach
Palm Springs
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the location where we had lunch, then returned the next afternoon to watch some football. The food was delicious and our service delightful. Beautifully located over the water. It was out first time in and we will be back, again.
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AM
AmyM
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place -- great food and views and excellent warm, casual service. It is also great value here in San Francisco.
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BH
BeatH
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food quality and efficient and friendly service. Always a pleasure to pass by for lunch.
Is this helpful?
L
Lovestodine
San Francisco
102 reviews
vip
5.0
102 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as always!! Food excellent and service better!!
Is this helpful?
AB
AliB
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Nice meal, nice atmosphere. Would definitely return.
Is this helpful?
j
josephm
Exclusive
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Will return.
Is this helpful?
BH
BeatH
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent service,good quality food. Enjoyed it very much!
Is this helpful?
KL
KevinL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were first rate. We had a great time and the weather was perfect as well.
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EK
EmmyK
San Francisco
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
Being on the waterfront is the big draw at Pier 23, including excellent drinks. The oysters were just mediocre - not very much flavor - but the crab cakes were excellent. The trout rillette is excellent, but the quesadilla also mediocre. Need a better salsa, too. It was fairly flavorless. Still, I'd go again, just explore the menu a little more.
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SM
SharonM
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Their crab cakes are wonderful! I love the fact that there’s so much crab in them. Great clam chowder. Fish and chips are fantastic too.
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P
Particular
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a fun place to meet and eat with friends. Good food, perfect ambiance and friendly service. Like everywhere, it has gotten quite spendy.
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CS
ChrisS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall3food1service4ambience5
Had out of state visitors & food was unacceptable. A seafood place should be able to do fish & chips. Two of us ordered that & french fries were soggy & fish cooked too long with batter too dark. One person ordered fish taco & it was only acceptable. The only order that was really satisfactory was the seafood salad. I've actually had better fish & chips at the chain restaurant, Long John Silver's! I would go again because l like the setting but only order a salad or burger. I had been before & had a burger that was fine. Sorry, but you asked.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible service, kind staff, great ambience. Perfect casual spot.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, fast and courteous service. Delightful seafood options as well as American foods
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C
Csquared
Atlanta Metro
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great breakfast/brunch food. Excellent fish tacos, smash cheeseburger, BLT on a brioche bun and Cheese casa dias. Good brunch cocktails and beautiful weather with lots of sun outdoor. Friendly staff throughout.
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W
Watchking
Sacramento
88 reviews
vip
4.0
88 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I have wanted to try this place ever since it was on DDD. It's a friend's of Guy. He had their restaurant on twice. Well I was able to book a spot this past Saturday and we were not disappointed. It's on the wharf so parking is pricey. We parked in a meter a block away. There is so much to do down here it was fine. We arrived and said I wanted inside but the guy said I will put you under the tent . So inside but still with a view of the bay. Great no wind. I had an idea of what were were going to order but they the waitress said there were some specials. So I changed my mind and got the caramelized banana French toast. OMG it was fabulous. Loved it . So flavorful . They torched the banana like crème brelle. Oh I had to try the crab cakes and they were good to. Nice and moist. My wife got the shrimp melt. SO yummy. I know they had crab with the shrimp before. I wish they brought that back . It was really good. We had a great time and loved the food. Hopefully we will be back.
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s
selectivediner
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Great food and service. Great location and view. The interior is very casual.
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PM
PamellaM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Myself and friend both enjoyed our meals and drinks. However when I friend asked for a coffee refill our waiter said sorry we don't have any more and we were directed not to make anymore. Me and my friend both found that hard to believe because restaurant was still open and had other guests.
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B
barbaraB
San Francisco
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and views, delicious beer on tap, good food and excellent service
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LM
LesM
San Francisco
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Had a good time with friends/co-workers. I can say that everyone would come back again.
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K
Kathy
San Francisco
36 reviews
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Always nice to eat by the water:) The food is good, but our server was outstanding. Very attentive, but not overbearing. Friendly and offered recommendations when asked. Have eaten there before and probably will again
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Wanted to find an iconic place for lunch. Had a great walk around the area before. Great drink menu. Delicious meal.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Edinburgh
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and atmosphere were delightful! The service was great! I highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Palm Springs
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful setting! Efficient and kind staff. A great local place.
Is this helpful?
Y
Yves
Montreal
20 reviews
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
There was availability and we were very welcome. The service is personalized and friendlly. The food was very good. The building is old, but clean. We would go back for sure. Thanks to the staff.
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KM
KristiM
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Black cod was a special this day prepared perfectly with small vegetables underneath, very delicious. Servers were very attentive. We sat on the patio semi enclosed by the plastic sheeting. Those seated outside the plastic had wonderful views, but I'm not sure there were heat lamps out there. They were open on New Year's Day! I'm looking forward to going back again and again as the weather warms to sit on their deck.
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D
Debduende
San Francisco
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We haven’t been to this restaurant before we chose it because we continue with outdoor dining due to Covid. From the first moment we arrived, everyone and everything was just wonderful. We had a wonderful table on the patio, and there was just great energy from other people that were dining and the staff were great . Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
NA
NotATennisPlayer
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
Food was great - but it was 40 minutes before we received our order
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was excellent and service was too. Loved it!!
Is this helpful?
KC
KevinC
San Francisco
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Fun to sit by the bay for an afternoon lunch!
Is this helpful?
SF
SFlongtimer
San Francisco
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pier 23's setting is likely unique, many of its tables being either outside under a canopy shielded from the breeze, or on a sliver of the pier with a nice view of the Bay. On a warm day when the wind's gentle, it's hard to beat. The menu features interesting versions of familiar fare, and some innovations. The beer and wine list is nicely chosen, and the waitstaff are always pleasant and polite.
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TC
TinaC
Sacramento
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such an iconic location and restaurant. My pulled pork sandwich was so delish! It had crispy bits and a great kimchi relish. The drinks were great as well. I had a Paloma and the Mai Tai. I highly recommend Pier 23.
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FAQs

Pier 23 Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 362-5125.

Pier 23 Cafe is rated 4.7 stars by 1281 OpenTable diners.

Pier 23 Cafe does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 28, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Pier 23, On The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

Additional information

Cross street
Greenwhich
Neighborhood
Financial District / Embarcadero
Hours of operation
Mon 11:30 am–4:00 pm Wed–Sun 11:30 am–6:00 pm Bar Wed–Sun 11:30 am–7:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There are several public lots within walking distance of the restaurant. Some public parking lots close early so check the signs.
Public transit
The Muni F-Line light rail service that stops directly in front of Pier 23 Cafe is currently suspended. We are a ten minute walk from the Ferry Building and ten minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Live Music Nightly
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.pier23cafe.com/
Phone number
(415) 362-5125
Catering
For events off site, pickup a party platter! Choose from a selection of some of our favorite dishes: • Mini Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado Crema • Caesar Salad • Jumbo Prawns with Traditional Cocktail Sauce • Baby Back Ribs with Ginger Hoisin BBQ • Deviled Eggs with Salmon Caviar • Beef + Pulled Pork Sliders
Private party facilities
Pier 23 Cafe located right on the waterfront is a perfect place for hosting a work Happy Hour, birthday party, family or business dinner. Our excellent service, fresh delicious food, and dedication to sustaining San Francisco's rich waterfront history, provide a memorable experience for every guest.
Private party contact
Private Dining Team: (415) 362-5125

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Pier 23 Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Small Plates

Oyster on the Half Shell

Baked Oysters

Seafood Cocktails

Shrimp & Octopus Ceviche$20.00

Smoked Fish Rillette$11.00

Grilled Chicken Wings$17.00

Jamaican Jerk Roasted Cauliflower$12.00

Grilled Broccoli$11.00

Housemade Tortilla Chips$8.00

Garlic Fries$9.00

Clam & Fish Chowder

Vegetable Miso

Main Dishes

Fried Fish Tacos$18.00

Fish & Chips$25.00

Baked Cheese Gnocchi$23.00

Dungeness Crab Cakes$30.00

Cheese Quesadilla$15.00

Bayside Breakfast$16.00

Steak & Eggs$20.00

Sandwiches

Shrimp Melt$24.00

Cheeseburger$18.00

Pulled Pork Sandwich$17.00

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich$11.00

Salads

Shrimp Louie Salad$27.00

Caesar Salad$14.00

Grilled Radicchio Salad$15.00

House Salad$13.00

Salads - Add-Ons

Herbed Grilled Chicken Thigh$5.00

Flatiron Steak$8.00

Grilled Prawns$8.00

Bay Shrimp$7.00

Blackened Fish$9.00

Sweet & Savory Breads

Cornflake Crusted French Toast$14.00

Housemade Focaccia$8.00

Housemade Banana Bread$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Pier 23 Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Pier 23 Cafe restaurant rated?

Does Pier 23 Cafe offer gift cards?

Is Pier 23 Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card