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Sam's Seafood Platter - Sam's Chowder House, Half Moon Bay, CA

Sam's Chowder House

4.6 (5518)
$30 and under
Seafood
4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 34 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
  • 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
  • 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

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What 5,518 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

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 "spectacular views" and a "delightful dining experience" with its fresh seafood dishes. Known for the "best lobster roll in SF," patrons also enjoy their attentive service and relaxed atmosphere. A favorite in Half Moon Bay, it's recommended to "make reservations" to avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
5,518 Reviews
  1. Roark

    San Francisco Bay Area8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The place has a wonderful setting and great service. We just thought the food was bland. The chowder was okay, but certainly not the best we've had. The same thing with the crab sandwich, it didn't have much flavor, and the brioche bun was a little day-old tasting.

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  2. Glenn Ann

    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I try to spend my birthday here every year. It’s my excuse to insulting their great lobster roll and gave a nice drink! My husband had fish & chips (typically not on the dinner menu but Julio, our waiter, made it happen. Thanks so much Julio! You were awesome. Also had free desert, bread pudding (my fav), free of charge! We love Sam’s Chowder House and have never had anything that didn’t taste great! Keep up the great work!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lourdes VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area23 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The clam chowder bowl did not disappoint. It was delicious; however, the lobster did not have much meat. We had to request that they bring us a new order of fries, because they were cold. I expected more of this popular restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sharon

    Hawaii17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My lobster roll was amazing, and my husband’s halibut was delicious! I highly recommend Sam’s for a great, fresh seafood dinner!

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  5. Karen VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This is our must stop in half moon bay. Our waiter was excellent and you can’t beat the view. I forget it can be “touristy” because we live close and it was a little noisy with young children running around (all fair- it was the weekend during summer) I would recommend anything that is fresh! The Cioppino was really good and the crab cake fat and full of crab.

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  6. glenn VIP

    Hawaii39 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A beautiful place overlooking the ocean our favorite restaurant in half Moon Bay without a doubt 

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  7. Gary

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had 11:30 reservation. Got there just before and there was a long line, they open at 11:30. We were at end of line wondering what to do and a host walked by asking who has reservations…..he rushed us to front and in, got the “rock star” treatment!”

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  8. Lalaine

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything were perfect! Food, service, ambiance, pricing! Highly recommended and will definitely go back!

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  9. Paul

    San Francisco Bay Area18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was pleasant and professional. Food exceeded expectations. Fried shrimp we’re delicious, my wife had here salmon prepared perfectly. Ahi poke was better than Hawaii

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  10. Wanda

    San Francisco Bay Area29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My friend had the naked lobster roll gluten free (no bun but lettuce wrap) which she loved. Lots of lobster in it. I had the Po Boy Shrimp. Delicious. Our server Paco was attentive, funny and just really great. We used OpenTable and were the first ones in and got a table with spectacular views.

    Is this helpful?

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 5518 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Half Moon Bay

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 34 times today
Google Map for Sam's Chowder House

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
  • 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
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