2009 Best of the BayList
Best Waterfront Dining in the Bay Area

Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sam’s offers stunning sunsets, true oceanfront outdoor dining, and a casual and authentic seafood experience reminiscent of an East Coast style seafood house. Watch the crashing surf inside by the fireplace, dine outside under a cozy heat lamp, or settle into an Adirondack chair near a toasty fire pit on Sam’s dog-friendly patio and enjoy the crisp, salty ocean air.

Avg. Reader Rating: 4.8 out of 5

5 out of 5
by ChopChopSF

At the edge of the western world

I totally love this place. My guy & I go almost once a week for the wonderful chowder. The view can't be beat with a stick and the service is pleasantly attentive without being overbearing. I love our romantic walks on the beach before the winding ride back to the City. See you there!

3/19/2009

5 out of 5
by allancsiky

New England with a California flair

The promise of a Maine lobster roll was the lure to visit Sam's in Half Moon Bay for lunch on a February day. My wife and I lived outside Boston for many years and would take a vacation day now and then to travel to Ogunquit, Maine. Our sentimental journey was no disappointment at Sam's where they take the classic New England seafood house and give it some signature California touches like a decadent cocktail menu and an in-house pastry chef. The old favorite Key Lime Pie tastes homemade down to the perfect meringue and thin slices of candied lime as garnish. The lobster roll was more like a lobster pie, sauteed in butter with diced celery and cooked not a second too long for a perfect texture without being tough or stringy. Served with potato chips instead of fries kept the mean light and the flavenoids concentrated on the lobster. Coleslaw was not floating in white glop and tastes like they actually use a recipe instead of dumping dressing over shredded cabbage. The New England clam chowder is some of the best I've tasted west of the Piscataqua--not white and thick, but off-white from the generous amount of clams and a diced potatoes and vegetables. It's 20 bucks for a lobster roll, but it's a Maine lobster, after all, and this is California. Figure at least 5 bucks for the plane ticket. All in all, it was a great experiences evocative of pleasant memories Downeast.

3/1/2009

5 out of 5
by angrymonkey99

Best by far....

This place is wonderful! Hardly anything on the menu I wouldn't try over and over. And as far as Waterfront dining...Well, I could practically stick my toes in the sand from my seat.Fun, casual and lively during the day & Beautiful during sunset. The staff has always been friendly and helpful and I just love it here!

2/25/2009

5 out of 5
by montarakid

Doesn't Get Much Better

Can be a spectacular view, weather permitting. Great outdoor areas as well. Service and food much improved with a little age. First visit have the cup of chowder and the Lobster Roll! It gets my vote as the best dining on the coastside. Owner created Cetrella. Now he's here.

2/15/2009

5 out of 5
by greatguy

A++++

By far the best view of a Beautiful Harbor. Perfect at Sunset!

2/15/2009

5 out of 5
by kylezmom

Best of the Best!!

Great food, Fun & Friendly staff! Who wouldn't want to enjoy lunch or dinner here?!? Dog friendly patio over looking the Half Moon Bay Harbor, Great drink specials and delicious Lobster sandwich and Oysters shucked to order! Yum!

2/8/2009

5 out of 5
by joycekean

sam's chowder house

By far the best waterfront seafood restaurant. Food is fabulous and service great. we had a great time on our visit!!
Joyce Kean

2/3/2009

5 out of 5
by batrock

A great evening!!!

We enjoyed a warm relaxing evening by the fireplace while viewing a beautiful sunset...last evening...clam chowder was excellent and service likewise...in other parts of the US we have traveled for miles looking for such a place on the coast (both east and west) and this can hardly be "topped". Prices are reasonable and the view cannot be "bought". It was just great!!!!

3/11/2009

5 out of 5
by pschraub

Best Restaraunt in Half Moon Bay!

The Spouse and I read the review of Sam's in the S.F. Chronicle and gave it a try after checking out Sam's Website. The food was perfect, the service excellent, and the ambience was perfect inside, and outstanding outside. We met the head chef, and were impressed by how cool this guy is! I would highly recommend Sam's Chowder House to any seafood lover, and anyone who loves waterfront dining. Phil Schraub

3/1/2009

5 out of 5
by sjmeola

Best seafood and ocean view!

We live in Miramar, only 1 miles from Sam's and we are very lucky to have such a great restaurant within walking distance. We have known Paul for over 16 years and his detail and attention to this restaurant and his previous ones are fantastic. The food is always fresh, delicious, and the waitstaff are very friendly. We love the 25% off local eating on Wednesdays and the all you can eat shrimp on Tuesdays.
We also have an Old English Sheepdog and enjoy eating outside where pets are welcome.

Mille grazie, Paul, for always being a warm host and remembering your local customers.

Deirdre and Sal

2/17/2009

5 out of 5
by tyler25

Yum Yum!

Sam’s Chowder House is more than just a spectacular view! The service is the BEST and the food is to die for! The moment you walk in the door a hostess is there to greet you with a smile. I suggest a reservation if you are EXPECTING a window seat! However, no seat in the house has a bad view. Even if you’re just off the window, you can still gaze out into the ocean. The bar tables have the best view in my opinion, you’re up high over looking everyone else’s head…all you can see are the views and the ocean.

The service is the BEST. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve asked what they suggest and have never been unhappy. My favorite is the Hawaiian Escolar. So yummy and buttery! I am treated like royalty the minute I step inside and feel like king while enjoying the view! Service should get 10 stars!!

Sam’s Chowder House has THE best view in the Bay Area. When it is warm out, and you can sit on the patio, the view is to die for! I can’t wait for Summer!

2/16/2009

5 out of 5
by brstoakes

wait staff

Love the smiles we get from your servers....They are the best...food is delicious as well.......

Barbara

2/14/2009

5 out of 5
by jeffbrock190

Best Lobster roll

Yummy!! :)

2/4/2009