Sam's Chowder House

Name: Sam's Chowder House
Address: 4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA, United States, 94019
Telephone: (650) 712-0245 ext. 1
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (5508)

$30 and under

Seafood

4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

About this restaurant

Great for scenic views
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sam's is open for indoor & outdoor dining, and takeout. Serving lunch through dinner seven days a week. Award-winning, fresh New England style seafood, in a casual setting overlooking the ocean. Live Maine lobster, fresh local crab (in season), fish and chips, fried calamari, delicious clam chowder, award-winning lobster rolls, farm fresh salads, Cioppino and more! Gluten-free, kids menu, and vegetarian available.

Reservations are for inside the restaurant - please note that we can't hold tables in the bar area or outside patio. Walk-ins are also welcome! Featured on NBC’s The Today Show, named “Best Outdoor Dining in the Bay Area” by SF Magazine, and “Best Seafood Restaurant in San Mateo County” by San Jose Magazine.

We look forward to seeing you!

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–8:30 pm Fri 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–8:30 pm
Phone number
(650) 712-0245 ext. 1
Website
http://www.samschowderhouse.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Lewis Rossman
Catering
Already found the perfect spot for your corporate event, graduation party or family reunion? Sam's ChowderMobile will bring its award-winning seafood to the location of your choice! Order Sam's famous Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Fried Calamari and more, off the traditional menu — or have the ChowderMobile arrive fully equipped to prepare an authentic Lobster Clambake for your special event. For more information, contact Sam's Catering Manager: (650) 712-1766 or events@samschowderhouse.com
Private party facilities
Amazing sunsets, award-winning seafood and spectacular oceanfront dining. Perfect for family gatherings, business events, weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. Oceanfront private & semi-private spots for your special event. Oceanfront beach weddings. Full restaurant buyout available.
Private party contact
Mary Ratkovic: (650) 712-0245 ext. 4

Location
4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Neighborhood
Half Moon Bay
Parking details
There are two lots available, and there is also parking on the street and in the harbor.
Entertainment
Enjoy live music from blues to jazz! May - October: Every Friday night from 5:30-8:30pm (inside bar) and Saturdays & Sundays from 1-4pm (outside bar, weather permitting). November - April: Every Friday & Saturday night from 5:30-8:30pm (inside bar)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

What 5,508 people are saying

Sam's Chowder House reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Great for scenic views
Peninsula
Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Sam's Chowder House offers "outstanding chowder," "incomparable seafood," and the "best lobster roll in SF" with breathtaking ocean views. The service is "courteous and attentive," and the atmosphere is "relaxed and welcoming." While it can get crowded, reservations ensure a "pleasant, relaxing experience." Enjoy live music and "friendly staff."

5,508 Reviews

D
Don VIP
San Francisco Bay Area10 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Our first visit to Sam's was not very good (food was mediocre), but after speaking to a manager about our experience, she convinced us to come back and give it another try. We had a much better experience the second time, the food was much better.
Is this helpful?
M
Mae
Seattle / Eastern Washington5 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Visited Half Moon Bay for a few days last week with friends while on vacation. We searched for seafood in the area and found Sam's with good reviews. Apparently we didn't read enough reviews. The food itself was great. Poor service made it drop down to 3 star. We had made reservations a few weeks ago so we were able to be seated promptly. After that, we had to wait 10 mins before our server even acknowledged that we were there, ran off and then came back to get our drink order. Then it seemed to be another 10 mins before the drinks came to us, at which point we ordered an appetizer, calamari and a couple cups of chowder. The appetizer came out within a reasonable time, dropped off by a runner. The server came back a few mins later and took our order. We had Caesar salad, seafood spaghetti, gumbo, dressed lobster roll and shrimp scampi with linguini. While waiting for our entrees, a server brought us another bowl of chowder and order of calamari....It wasn't our order, we had already had ours. She was confused and took it back to figure out where it was to go. I mean, we gladly would have accepted it seeing as how we had been sitting there waiting for our food. Dinner was taking so long, about 40 mins, (I think other tables who ordered after us got their meals before ours) that we were about to ask how much longer when the runner brought out 2 of the dishes as the server arrived at our table. The runner asked if it was for us, the server appeared confused and I could see her shake her head no.....but yes, I can tell, that was our food! another runner at that point came out with the rest of the food and we were served. By which time we were all hungry. (They did however serve bread and butter beforehand, but we didn't want to fill up on bread) With the exception of the calamari, we all seemed to enjoy all our other dishes. The calamari was lacking a little salt/seasoning in their batter. It was just plain.
Is this helpful?
A
Anthony
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service was great from the moment we walked in the door
1 person found this helpful
s
susan
San Francisco Bay Area14 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
knowledgable, courteous wait staff, incomparable seafood and spectacular view..what else could one ask?
1 person found this helpful
B
Bryant VIP
San Antonio18 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Chowder was outstanding. Appetizer was barely warm. Place was packed on a Saturday- service was good, but slow. Music was very loud. Probably would be a five star on a weeknight.
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J
Jane
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
4.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We love Sam’s. Popular so make sure to have a reservation.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer VIP
San Francisco Bay Area20 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve been coming here for over 20 years and Sam’s is our go to place. We love the view and food and service is awesome. Although for all the years the Lobster Roll has been raised in price a lot! I could remember it’s maybe $20-22 now it’s up $30 something 😔. Believe me it’s the best Lobster Roll in SF, but sometimes you have to justify eating it 😝, should not complain but it’s so good!
Is this helpful?
L
Linda VIP
San Francisco Bay Area173 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We haven’t been in a while! What great food! We had oysters which were so fresh and delicious. We split the beet salad! Plenty of beets, strawberries, and pistachios. Next time leave out the frisée. We ordered the salmon with artichoke, onion, and cauliflower purée! So good! Cannot wait to go back.
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E
Eva VIP
San Francisco Bay Area46 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I recently had lunch here. We love this restaurant. We ordered their Clam Chowder and split their Lobster Roll. The food here is good. This is our go-to-restaurant. The service was good too, and the view is excellent! We will be back.
Is this helpful?
A
Allen
Orange County5 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We both had a cup of New England Chowder. It was OK. We like our chowder thicker . The calamari really good. We has both lobster rolls. They were plentiful and delicious. The service was great and the view is outstanding.
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FAQs

Sam's Chowder House offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 712-0245 ext. 1.

Sam's Chowder House is rated 4.6 stars by 5508 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Additional information

Neighborhood
Half Moon Bay
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–8:30 pm Fri 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–8:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
There are two lots available, and there is also parking on the street and in the harbor.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Lewis Rossman
Entertainment
Enjoy live music from blues to jazz! May - October: Every Friday night from 5:30-8:30pm (inside bar) and Saturdays & Sundays from 1-4pm (outside bar, weather permitting). November - April: Every Friday & Saturday night from 5:30-8:30pm (inside bar)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.samschowderhouse.com/
Phone number
(650) 712-0245 ext. 1
Catering
Already found the perfect spot for your corporate event, graduation party or family reunion? Sam's ChowderMobile will bring its award-winning seafood to the location of your choice! Order Sam's famous Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Fried Calamari and more, off the traditional menu — or have the ChowderMobile arrive fully equipped to prepare an authentic Lobster Clambake for your special event. For more information, contact Sam's Catering Manager: (650) 712-1766 or events@samschowderhouse.com
Private party facilities
Amazing sunsets, award-winning seafood and spectacular oceanfront dining. Perfect for family gatherings, business events, weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. Oceanfront private & semi-private spots for your special event. Oceanfront beach weddings. Full restaurant buyout available.
Private party contact
Mary Ratkovic: (650) 712-0245 ext. 4

Sam's Chowder House

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Private dining

Harbor View Room

Mavericks Room

Oceanview Terrace Room

South Beach Bar

Beachfront Lawn

Custom inquiry

Menu

What 5,508 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Sam's Chowder House offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sam's Chowder House restaurant rated?

Is Sam's Chowder House currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information