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: 4.5

4.5 (5520)

$30 and under

Seafood

4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 14 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 5,520 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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Peninsula
Great for scenic views
Peninsula
Seafood

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.

5,520 Reviews

S
Steven
San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews
2.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The views are great. Staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. Food though is extremely subpar. Clam chowder is not thick (which i prefer). Bread is tasty but room temperature. Ordered the fried seafood platter, it was underwhelming, quality wasnt great. There was a hair in out food that was coated in fried batter. The waitress took it off the menu which was very kind of her. If the food quality improved I would go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Their food is always top quality. I look forward to the seasonal specials as they are so delicious.
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R
Roark
San Francisco Bay Area8 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
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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G
Glenn Ann
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley16 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
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!
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L
Lourdes VIP
San Francisco Bay Area23 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 25, 2025
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.
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S
Sharon
Hawaii17 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 25, 2025
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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K
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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g
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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G
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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L
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!
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 4.5 stars by 5520 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 14 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 5,520 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