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Pier Cafe

Name: Pier Cafe
Address: 885 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 239-3968
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 3.9

3.9

572 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

San Diego Pier Cafe, established in Seaport Village in 1980, is a quaint New England-style full-service restaurant right on TOP of the water in Seaport Village. We offer fresh seafood, specialty cocktails, local craft beer, and the nicest views & atmosphere on the downtown San Diego bay front. Whether you're a guest in our beautiful city or a resident, we at the San Diego Pier Cafe look forward to serving you!

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Order delivery or takeout

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, American
Hours of operation
Lunch 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dinner 4:30 p.m. to close.
Phone number
(619) 239-3968
Website
http://instagram.com/sdpier/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have our Upstairs dining room available for private seat down dining, for groups up to 50 guests, Monday thru Friday, and some weekends during off seasons. Please call us for additional details.
Private party contact
John, Gerardo or Pim: (619) 239-3968

Location
885 W Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Cross street
Pacific Highway
Parking details
Validated parking at reduced rates with $10 purchase.
Public transit
There's a Seaport Village Trolley stop just two blocks away.
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Ceviche$18.00
Lime & herb marinated fresh catch, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado cilantro, tortilla chips
Crab Cakes$18.00
Seared blue crab, mango pineapple salsa, jalapeno remoulade, bed of greens
Calamari$18.00
Lightly battered morro bay calamari, artisan greens, marinara
Mussels$19.00
Simmered in a broth of roma tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and butter
Wings$19.00
Marinated and fried chicken wings with your choice of buffalo or pineapple bbq sauce
Prawn Cocktail$25.00
Six jumbo prawns, classic house-made cocktail sauce
Pulled Pork Sliders$19.00
Slow-cooked marinated pork, coleslaw, butter lettuce, butter rolls, bbq sauce
Chips, Salsa, & Guacamole$16.00
House salsa & guacamole gabrielle's tortilla chips
Cheesy Bread$14.00
Baguette topped with cheeses, herbs, minced garlic, baked & served with marinara sauce
Onion Rings$15.00
Thick freshly sliced and battered onion rings, served with ranch dressing

Classics

Served All Day on the Bay

Maine Lobster Roll$27.00
Chilled lobster, pier sauce, grilled split-top bun, lemon slice, french fries
Lobster Mac N' Cheese$25.00
Maine lobster, pasta, gruyere, sharp cheddar, toasted bread crumb topping
Pier Burger$18.50
1/2lb house-made patty, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, 1000 island sauce, brioche bun, french fries
Fish or Shrimp Tacos (2)$18.50
Choose: beer battered atlantic cod or seasoned grilled jumbo shrimp. Cotija cheese, serrano lime crema, pico de gallo, cilantro, cabbage, lime wedge, corn tortillas, served with french fries
Fried Shrimp$19.00
Golden crispy fried shrimp served with french fries
Fish & Chips$19.00
Beer battered atlantic cod, house tartar sauce, french fries
Chicken BLTA$18.00
Grilled chicken, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, chipotle aioli, brioche bun, french fries
Grilled Ribeye$36.00
12-oz grilled ribeye, gorgonzola butter, farm fresh vegetables
Seafood Pasta$26.00
Baby scallops, shrimp, pesto & white wine sauce, parmesan cheese
Salmon Coronado$28.00
Seared salmon filet over avocado-basil salsa served with saffron rice and vegetables
Seabass Veracruz$28.00
Seared local seabass filet topped with tomato bell pepper olive garlic sauce served with saffron rice and vegetables

Soups & Salads

Salad Add on: Grilled Chicken $6 | Salmon $12 | Jumbo Shrimp $9

New England Clam Chowder
House recipe: clams, bacon, corn, potatoes, garlic, cream, crackers
- Cup$9.00
- Bowl$11.00
- Bread Bowl$13.00
Mediterranean Salad$15.00
Mixed greens, red bell pepper, cucumber, garbanzo beans, red onion, kalamata olives, feta, balsamic ranch dressing
Ocean Beach Caesar Salad$14.00
Hearts of romaine, parmesan, black beans, grilled corn cherry tomatoes, avocado, tortilla strips, house creamy caesar dressing
Garden Salad$11.00
Mix greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, ranch dressing

Side Kicks

Garlic Parmesan Fries$8.00
Rice$4.00
Fries$5.50
Veggies$4.00
Grilled Sourdough$3.00

Drinks

Pier Strawberry Lemonade$15.00
Absolut citron, strawberry puree, lemonade
Aperol Spritz$15.00
Aperol, prosecco, splash of soda water
Cucumber Martini$16.00
Pinnacle cucumber infused vodka, triple sec, fresh squeezed lime
Fish Bowl$40.00
60-oz creation! Silver tequila, vodka, rum, triple sec, blue curacao
Pier Potted Pirate$17.00
Caribbean fusion of coconut rum, myers rums, orange, cranberry & pineapple juices
Spicy Margarita$15.50
Jimador silver tequila, triple sec, lime juice, orange juice, tajin rim, serrano on the rocks
Coyote Margarita$17.00
Sauza silver tequila, grand marnier, lime & orange juices, salted rim, on the rocks
Mango or Strawberry Margarita$17.50
Sauza blue tequila, mango or strawberry puree, triple sec, orange juice, rocks
Pomegranate Margarita$16.00
Jimador silver tequila, pomegranate & lime juices, rocks, salted rim
Raspberry Mojito$16.00
Cruzan rum, raspberry-pomegranate puree, mint, muddled lime, soda
Moscow Mule$15.00
Tito's vodka, ginger beer, lime juice
Hibiscus Blossom$15.50
Mezcal, hibiscus, lime juice, soda water, tajin rim

Beer

Local Draft Beers

16 oz $12, By the Pitcher $40

Stone, Delicious IPA
Karl Strauss, Red Trolley
Windansea, Wheat Ale
Refuge, Blond Ale

Local Bottled Beers

Ballast Point, Sculpin IPA$9.00
Stone, Buenanbeza Salt & lime Lager$8.50
Karl Strauss, Aurora Hoppualis IPA$8.50
Modern Times, Orderville Hazy IPA
- 16oz$12.00
Julian Cider$8.50

Bottled Beers

Michelob Ultra$7.00
Miller Lite$7.00
Bud Light$7.00
Heineken Zero$7.00
Coors Light$7.00
Pacifico$8.00
Heineken$8.00
Modelo$8.00
Corona$8.00
Corona Light$8.00
White Claw$8.00

Wine

Chardonnay

Round Hill Cellars, St Helena, CA
- Gl$12.00
- Btl$36.00
Kendall Jacksons, Santa Rosa, CA
- Gl$13.00
- Btl$39.00
La Crema, Sonoma, CA
- Gl$15.00
- Btl$45.00
Sonoma Cutrer, Sonoma, CA
- Gl$15.00
- Btl$45.00

Pinot Grigio

Mezzacorona, Trentino, Italy
- Gl$13.00
- Btl$39.00
Terra d'Oro, Clarksburg CA
- Gl$13.00
- Btl$39.00

Riesling

Wente, Arroyo Seco, CA
- Gl$14.00
- Btl$42.00

White Zinfandel

Round Hill, St Helena, CA
- Gl$13.00
- Btl$39.00

Cabrenet Sauvignon

Round Hill Cellars, St Helena, CA
- Gl$13.00
- Btl$39.00
Noble Vines 337 Napa, CA
- Gl$14.00
- Btl$42.00
St Francis, Sonoma, CA
- Gl$15.00
- Btl$45.00

Pinot Noir

Kendall Jackson, Santa Rosa, CA
- Gl$14.00
- Btl$42.00
Cambria, Santa Maria, CA
- Gl$14.00
- Btl$42.00

Merlot

Round Hill, St Helena , CA
- Gl$13.00
- Btl$39.00
Joel Gott, Napa, CA
- Gl$14.00
- Btl$42.00

Sparkling Wine

Roget Brut
- Gl$14.00
Prosecco
- Gl$14.00

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Coke
Diet Coke
Sprite
Rootbeer
Lemonade
Iced Tea
Milk
Dr Pepper
Coffee
Juices

What 572 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

4Food
3.9Service
4.2Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

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M
Michael
New Mexico
37 reviews
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience3
Would have preferred a better view l. Felt rushed, ribeye was good but small for a 16oz
CM
CarolynM
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food was very good and value for the money. Servers are attentive and you can't beat the view of the harbor!
CA
CABistro
San Diego
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Really cute spot! The menu is mostly seafood and has a great bar menu. No doubt this place has some of the greatest views of the SD bay and Coronado bridge.
KN
KathleenN
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Eating over the water couldn’t be more relaxing. Amazing location. Food is very good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
love tje fish and chips with a sourdough bowl with clam chowder
JS
JonathanS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a very pleasant lunch being able to eat basically right on the ocean. Kind of expensive but a nice splurge.
SS
SanjeeS
Sacramento
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall1food1service3ambience4
If you are about quality food, I'd say pass on this place. Even after adding extra lemon to the guacamole, it tasted flavorless. I don't think it was made fresh on that day. Plain bland food with no flavor. Average drinks for $15 each. Not worth it.
NL
NateL
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
We arrived early and were given choices of tables. Our drinks arrived quickly and our order was taken. It took 45 minutes to be served but there was activity on the bay and sunset to watch so it didn't seem too long. As we were overheard the two servers remark that they were the only servers that showed up that evening, they did a remarkable job.
JR
JennaR
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 22, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Absolutely horrid service. Food was meh. So many better places just in walking distance.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience4
Three of the four entrees we had were very good! Lobster roll was excellent with lots of lobster. Sea bass entree was not good, no seasoning. Service was not good. We never had anyone ask us if we wanted drink refills the entire meal. We had to flag someone down after our appetizers had been delivered for at least 5 minutes, to get us plates and silverware. Probably would not go back at the prices they’re charging.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2022
overall2food2service1ambience2
The service is good but definitely need more manpower to attend to all the guests needs. Ambiance and the sea is also good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience5
Poor service. Was seated for 1.5 hours. Never was offered any refills. Never came by to check how the food was. Will never return.
p
patriciap
San Diego
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
We ordered fish and chips. We got two pieces of fish and a good portion of fries. I was disappointed that we only got two pieces of fish ... shrinkflation? We did get a nice corner window table for two, which I loved the location. Service was a little slow but they only had two waiters and the restaurant was full. Our waiter was very nice and he did the best he could under the circumstances. Overall it was a nice experience for my first time there. Thank you. Patricia
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything about this restaurant! Literally right ON the water, food was great, waiter was nice- I would add this to my restaurant list!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Birmingham
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food and service in a great location.
J
Jason
Indiana
9 reviews
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall1food4service1ambience5
Good experience in the not too distant past at Pier cafe but the service this time was unacceptable. I’m fairly confident the waiter just forgot me as it got busier. I waited almost 30 minutes after completing my dinner but he was never even close to my table again. The bust boy even came by and cleaned my table except for an empty drink. I eventually added up the price of everything plus tip and left cash on the table. It told the hostess what I did on my way out. I don’t believe this was a staffing issue, to which I am generally sensitive in these times. Price is still good. The lobster roll was amazing. Just needed better service this time.
J
Jason
Indiana
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Nice view during sunset. Fish tacos and crab cakes were very good. Price is excellent. Would dine there again.
d
daccgs
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappoints. One of our favorite places for fish and chips. Their Pier Margarita is so delicious, and they are not stingy with their alcohol. Love the scenery and atmosphere. Definitely a repeat customer.
DM
DonnaM
Chicago
6 reviews
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Service was not good and food was below average. The crab cakes were very small and covered in breading... tasteless.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Last minute get together dinner with family visiting and we wanted to bring them to a place in the water with a nice meal. Pier Cafe was perfect! We sat towards the outer part of the entryway which was a little cold with the wind but a few minutes later the staff brought out the heat lamps and then it was absolutely perfect. I recommend the seafood pasta and fish and chips!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Four of us went for lunch. Two people ordered the lobster rolls. Highly recommend! One of us had crab cakes and enjoyed them. I loved the fish tacos. Their fries are good but the garlic fries were too mushy for our taste. Beautiful setting with a water view in Seaport Village.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cincinnati
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 21, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Was in San Diego to meet relatives in a very tough time. We got the worst service and food of
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
The food in the pictures does not match the food I ordered.
C
Coach
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful views in a great seaside location! Really enjoyed our experience. Good and service wonderful ! We will be back.
J
Jack
Miami
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was wonderful all around!great service,great food wonderful view…we truly enjoyed every minute!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience with the staff. Very attentive to detail and overall customer experience. I would highly recommend for a date night or simple dinner. Food was great and very well cooked and I would highly recommend making a reservation before hand.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience, one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego
T
Teammill
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 24, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
We were very disappointed with the quality of food and the service. We have dined here numerous times pre-pandemic in the past and have always enjoyed our experience. This was our first time dining here during the pandemic. Our entrees were about C to C+ and did not reflect the prices. Also, we didn’t receive water refills until we were already ready to leave and did not get things that were requested (e.g. lemon in my water, a water for my daughter). It was a cold night but we were not offered a heater. We had to request a heater from a few different staff before receiving this. Also the heater went out after about 15 mins but no one came to check on our table so the heater remained non-functional through the remainder of our dinner. The view is great but that’s about it. We unfortunately will not be dining here again.
SB
SueB
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food, loved the clam chowder and Lobster roll! Not quite like Boston, but still good.
G
Grandude
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
great location, lots of choices on the menu. Lobster roll was average.
LC
LinetteC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
If you’re looking to be right on the water it’s a great spot. The food is overall ok. Service was ok. Visiting from out of town so no plans to dine there again. The staff didn’t seem to love their jobs and it came through in the value of food and service. Hopefully the management will create a tastier menu and treat employees better so the energy improves.
B
Buckeye2020
Cincinnati
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved eating by the bay. Great views, great food, great service. Highly recommended.
CV
CharleneV
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2021
overall3food3service3ambience4
Great location and view. Family and kid friendly with large portions. Given the tourist area this is a good option but the service was average.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
The food was terrible!
BK
BillK
Indiana
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2021
overall2food2service3ambience5
Food is expensive and not good, but the view can't be beat
HN
HollyN
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. Gorgeous views. One of our favorite places to eat at in San Diego.
M
Megan
Las Vegas
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2021
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very cute restaurant, and we loved that it was on the water. We brought our dogs so we sat on the deck and it was a little chilly because the heater didn’t work properly. The food was delicious but the prices are too high. I did very much love the clam chowder, would absolutely get that again!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Savannah
17 reviews
vip
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2021
overall3food2service3ambience4
Food is average. Setting is good.
PB
PawelB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 23, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cozy place with a nice view. Great food and great service.
S
Samm
San Diego
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food and service were great. The noise level was off the chart! Difficult to have a conversation.

FAQs

Pier Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 239-3968.

Pier Cafe is rated 3.9 stars by 572 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout from OpenTableNew

This restaurant is currently not taking orders. Check back soon.

View takeout menu

Additional information

Cross street
Pacific Highway
Neighborhood
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of operation
Lunch 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dinner 4:30 p.m. to close.
Cuisines
Seafood, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Validated parking at reduced rates with $10 purchase.
Public transit
There's a Seaport Village Trolley stop just two blocks away.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://instagram.com/sdpier/
Phone number
(619) 239-3968
Private party facilities
We have our Upstairs dining room available for private seat down dining, for groups up to 50 guests, Monday thru Friday, and some weekends during off seasons. Please call us for additional details.
Private party contact
John, Gerardo or Pim: (619) 239-3968

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Pier Cafe

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout from OpenTableNew

Additional information

Maine Lobster Roll

Seafood Pasta

Crab Cakes

Appetizers

Ceviche$18.00

Crab Cakes$18.00

Calamari$18.00

Mussels$19.00

Wings$19.00

Prawn Cocktail$25.00

Pulled Pork Sliders$19.00

Chips, Salsa, & Guacamole$16.00

Cheesy Bread$14.00

Onion Rings$15.00

Classics

Maine Lobster Roll$27.00

Lobster Mac N' Cheese$25.00

Pier Burger$18.50

Fish or Shrimp Tacos (2)$18.50

Fried Shrimp$19.00

Fish & Chips$19.00

Chicken BLTA$18.00

Grilled Ribeye$36.00

Seafood Pasta$26.00

Salmon Coronado$28.00

Seabass Veracruz$28.00

Soups & Salads

New England Clam Chowder

Mediterranean Salad$15.00

Ocean Beach Caesar Salad$14.00

Garden Salad$11.00

Side Kicks

Garlic Parmesan Fries$8.00

Rice$4.00

Fries$5.50

Veggies$4.00

Grilled Sourdough$3.00

Drinks

Pier Strawberry Lemonade$15.00

Aperol Spritz$15.00

Cucumber Martini$16.00

Fish Bowl$40.00

Pier Potted Pirate$17.00

Spicy Margarita$15.50

Coyote Margarita$17.00

Mango or Strawberry Margarita$17.50

Pomegranate Margarita$16.00

Raspberry Mojito$16.00

Moscow Mule$15.00

Hibiscus Blossom$15.50

Beer

Local Draft Beers

Stone, Delicious IPA

Karl Strauss, Red Trolley

Windansea, Wheat Ale

Refuge, Blond Ale

Local Bottled Beers

Ballast Point, Sculpin IPA$9.00

Stone, Buenanbeza Salt & lime Lager$8.50

Karl Strauss, Aurora Hoppualis IPA$8.50

Modern Times, Orderville Hazy IPA

Julian Cider$8.50

Bottled Beers

Michelob Ultra$7.00

Miller Lite$7.00

Bud Light$7.00

Heineken Zero$7.00

Coors Light$7.00

Pacifico$8.00

Heineken$8.00

Modelo$8.00

Corona$8.00

Corona Light$8.00

White Claw$8.00