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Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Mon
11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Reserve a table
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Details
About
Sam's Chowder House serves New England style seafood overlooking the Pacific ocean. We are open daily for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout. Outdoor dining is on a first come, first-served basis, weather permitting. Enjoy our fresh catch of the day, award-winning lobster rolls, fresh Maine lobster, fried calamari, fish and chips, delicious chowders, shrimp scampi, farm fresh salads, ahi tuna poke, and other seafood specialties. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are also available, as well as a kids menu for 12 and under. Music on weekends and dog-friendly patio. Thank you for choosing Sam's Chowder House - we look forward to serving you!
CUISINES
Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: Sam's Chowder House
1. Fresh delicious seafood
"An excellent place to eat fresh fish "
Paul M
2. Outdoor, oceanfront dining
"great sea food, incredible weather, ocean view"
FoothillWoman51
3. Best Lobster Rolls!
"Lobster rolls that were absolutely amazing"
RobN385
Contribute
4.0
2,104 reviews
Excellent
896
Very good
757
Average
307
Poor
96
Terrible
48
Ben C
90 contributions
Favorite Review
Dec 2022 • family
We drove to Half Moon Bay for dinner at Sam’s Chowder House. It was a bit of a drive from where we were staying at The Fairmont but it was worth it.
On entry we were greeted by two polite ladies, we didn’t have a reservation but they got us a table. There was 3 gentleman playing live music which was nice and set the atmosphere. From start to finish all the staff were very polite and professional.
As this was our last night before heading back to the UK I wanted to try everything. We ordered Oysters, Lobster Roll, Calamari, Prawns and Clam Chowder. OMG each and every dish was beautiful, the taste was perfect very delicious. Children loved their meals, not one fault everything was on point. The portions are huge you get a lot of food and you will enjoy every bit of it.
Seriously if you want a brilliant meal where you will not be disappointed you have to visit Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travel_eat_drink
Indiana199 contributions
Sep 2019 • none
Stopped for a late dinner on the way to San Francisco. I think this place would have been so great to see during the day but it was dark and we couldn't appreciate the location. We split a normal size bowl of chowder that they called a cup - regular size bowl was gigantic. The entree we ordered was ok, we split a combo platter that was a little skimpy according to what the waitress had explained but to us.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAS
23 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
Tips on Sam’s. Don’t try to actually eat there because they don’t take reservations and you will wait forever. However, do order Lobster rolls (check your bank balance first), and popcorn Shrimp online for easy on-time pickup and eat in your hotel, car or on the nearby beach. Although Maine Lobster is not indigenous to Northern California, it’s much better than the local crustacean, so don’t ask questions and just chow down on this casual seafood masterpiece.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KCNORL
32 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
After eating countless Lobstah Rolls in New England, from fine dining to roadside shack, from hot and cold, I’ve never found a lobster roll I didn’t love. Sure, they were all made a bit differently, and I liked some more than others. One time, I ate Lobstah Roll in my car and it smelled like Lobstahhhh for a week! Bottom line, I love lobster rolls!
But the “naked” lobster roll was inedible at Sams. The meat in the “warmed” roll smelled and tasted like a salty gym sock, or at least what I would imagine a sock would taste like. I then tried the “dressed” or “chilled” roll that did little to mask the awful odor and taste of the lobster meat.
Despite my concerns, no manager or chef visited the table and the server almost seemed offended that I disliked the famous lobster roll. The portion of meat was generous which contradicts the penny-pinching store bought potato chips served with the meal. For a sit down restaurant and $27 Sams should be embarrassed serving their prized sandwich with all of the fanfare of a $5 footlong at Subway. At least make your own chips and pretend to care.
I also had the clam chowder with should be renamed celery soup because of the ratio of celery to clam. It was watery, bland and not much like chowder at all.
In summary, the entire place wreaked of a tourist trap, a one and done restaurant that doesn’t care about repeat business despite the fact we live in the area. Case in point, the restaurant has a gift shop which is like a neon Vegas sign flashing “Bad Food Here”.
I really wish it was better and really wanted to find a great lobster roll. Instead, I found a gas station level imitation with apathetic management.
It’s not like the place is easy to visit either. Far too little parking which requires you to park 1/4 of a mile away on the side of the road and all the fun that goes with fighting bumper to bumper traffic to claim a spot.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Packer220
San Francisco108 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
The good news is there is a patio with lots of space heaters that is dog friendly. The bad news is they don't take reservations for the patio. We were at Sam's on a Friday evening in late December. The place was packed at 6:00. Fortunately we were seated right away. We were told if you come after sunset in the winter it's usually not a problem getting an outdoor table.
We had the gumbo, an ahi appetizer, and the seafood pasta. Everything was great and very fresh tasting. The bar service was a little slow because of the crowd inside (a jazz trio was also playing) but our waiter kept us informed and was very apologetic. All in all a top notch experience.
I had called around looking for a dog friendly restaurant, there were many of them in the area. But Sam's was one of the few that had space heaters. This may not be an issue in the warmer months (it's the Bay Area so that may be September and October) but was certainly a consideration for us.
We returned the next night at the same time but the indoor restaurant was even more packed and the patio required a one hour wait so we passed. But the popularity of Sam's was evident and with the tasty seafood and friendly help we can see why.
Next time we will plan better and get to Sam's at sunset.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
662jamesf
Salinas33 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Well our first time here and we were not disappointed. Wowwwww Sams came highly recommended and
Now we are highly impressed with the food and service and ambiance. We will be regulars even though it is a two hour drive from Monterey. We sat out side the weather was great and we had an 180 degree view of the ocean. How can it be bad😱😱♥️♥️♥️
Butch .
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
San Jose1144 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
We visited this restaurant during Covid-19. It was open for take-out only. They did a pretty good job in marking the position for queuing for the order. Placing the order took some time since the line was 10 deep and there were only two servers. But the order was filled relatively quickly afterwards. We ordered a lobster sandwich, a crab sandwich and Boston clam chowder. The chowder was steaming hot and tasteful. The lobster meat came in a good size container and it was very good. The crab sandwich was very good too. The price was on the high side especially considering the fact that we ate it inside our car.
Written July 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Route80NJ2Cali
50 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
After staying at the Ritz Carlton in Half Bay and eating their New England Clam Chowder (unequivocally the Best I’ve ever had), we ventured to the “famous Sam’s Chowder House”. Now I’m from the NY Metropolitan Area and spent many years in New England, I know Chowder. Well I had a bowl of Manhattan Clam Chowder and immediately sent it back as it was watery, lacking flavor and mostly potatoes. I thought I was in the former Soviet Union eating potato soup because all other foods were destroyed in an early frost. Not 1 clam was seen. I sent it back and the waitress brought me a much more hearty bowl of potatoes, still without a clam in it??? I was wishing for a can of Progresso Soup that is at least tasty and decent. I give Sam’s a 2 out of 100 on the Padla restaurant rating scale. A restaurant’s namesake I.e. Chowder, should be outstanding. Enough said it was the WORST.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela3950
Eureka1507 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
Sam’s Chowder House was recommended to me twice when telling people we were going to Half Moon Bay. If you want to give it a try, I highly recommend calling ahead or going online, for a reservation. We went on a Monday night and the only time we could reserve was an 8:30 seating! Once confirmed, get ready for a good meal in a great atmosphere-the ocean is visible at almost every table.
The menu is not kitschy but straightforward in names & descriptions of the dishes. I really wanted to try the lobster roll but just felt like $30 for a sandwich, even if it IS lobster, is too much. The clam chowder was really good but not outstanding-that’s not a criticism, it wasn’t unique.
I loved the pollock fish & chips. The breading on the fish and the way it is fried, exceptional. The fries rival McDonald’s and that’s a huge compliment.
Lastly, our server, Liam, was really nice and checked in on us several times. Seemed genuinely interested in our attempts at humor-we apologized for the dad jokes.
Anyway, 4 stars food & pricing. 5 stars for server, reservation system and staff.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShazChris
Mount Cotton42 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
If you’re travelling down Highway 101 I totally recommend this seafood house on the ocean.
Be pre warned that you need to book ahead otherwise there is a 30-60 minute wait.
The food was well worth the waiting as we got to experience the clam chowder and lobster rolls.
Great stop off.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanelle
Santa Monica8184 contributions
Nov 2021 • friends
Seafood focused restaurant by Half Moon Bay beach. Came here on a Sunday around 12:30 and there were a lot of people who were seated in the outdoor patio just chilling. Indoor seating is available as well. We got seated immediately (a group of three) outdoors. They do have their own private parking lot, or you can park along the highway.
The New England chowder was very rich and creamy. There wasn’t a lot of seafood, but we ordered a large bowl, so there was enough for three people to split. We also split an order of the fish and chips, which came with three small pieces and a bunch of fries. They provided tartar sauce as well as vinegar. My friend also got a lobster roll which she enjoyed, and came with coleslaw and potato chips. The prices are a bit higher but the serving sizes are generous and it’s in a prime location. You can walk down the stairs to the beach, and it was nice to be able to look out at the ocean while eating.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sven_of_Seattle
64 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Perhaps with all the hype my expectations were too high. i saw all the fishing fleet in the harbor, knew they had been out, and figured I'd get some good fresh fish. I ordered the "local fresh" sea bass and my wife the king salmon. The sea bass was good, but thin fillets and a bit fishy. The salmon was very fishy, indicating that it wasn't particularly fresh. As an ex commercial salmon fisherman (purse seiner) I might be more picky than most, but I do know when fish is a few days old.
On a better note, we asked for all the fish on the rare side and it was cooked as we liked. The wine by the glass offered good selection.
Portion size was average, maybe a bit on the smaller side.
I had the new England chowder, which I'd judge to be adequate, average.
Service was good except I had to ask for bread. As we were leaving we noticed bread on every other table.
View was very nice and the place had a nice ambience. We sat outside, it was a little chilly but after asking the heat lamp was fired up and life was good. Beautiful sunset.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile603435
San Carlos9 contributions
Jun 2020 • solo
I am staying at the hotel next door to Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay. Thought I would walk over for some food. I stood out front and waited in line so I could walk into the bar and order. There were a few people in front of me . I walked in and was told to go the the far X and I would be helped next. Both bar tenders were helping other customers. When station 2 opened up the bar tender made eye contact with me and motioned me forward at that same time someone else walked in behind me. When the bartender saw him he put up his hand and said no and motioned for the person who had entered behind me forward to help him first. It might have been a regular, local or friend. I get that.. all the bartender had to say is “ I know this guy , do you mind if I help him first ?” But he put his hand on my face said NO and waved the man that was behind me first. I waited patiently for the next bartender to become available, ordered my food , left him a nice tip for taking my order and left to wait outside for my food. The owner needs to train the employees regarding discrimination. It comes on all forms. I won’t be back to a place where I was treated rudely and unfairly, ever!
Written June 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kip F
Sacramento1260 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We really had a nice lunch here. The server was really friendly and helpful. He brought me a soup and let us enjoy it without having our main meal come to quickly. He gave us the space and time to enjoy our meal and then wait for dessert. The Manhattan clam chowder was good. Then I had a salad with salmon, a 3 ounce piece with delicious nuts etc in the salad, not just lettuce, and very filling. My spouse shared my soup and then had a large entree, which he was stuffed afterwards but really enjoyed. The entree was the bacon wrapped shrimp and mashed potatoes. Really filling but good. We then ordered the Peach Cobbler with caramel, looked great, tasted wonderful!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G2555MIxavierc
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Lobster roll was average, expensive and comes with potato chips. To get fries instead of chips you pay a surcharge. The restaurant has a souvenir shop at the entrance and it sets the tone for what is to come. You are paying for mediocre food with a view.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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