Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Naked Lobster Roll
Dressed Lobster Roll
Albacore Tuna Melt
Blackened Fish Sandwich
About
Sam's Chowder House
If you find yourself along the stunning California coastline, a visit to Sam's Chowder House is a must. Nestled at 4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, this coastal gem offers an exceptional culinary experience that perfectly captures the essence of waterfront dining. With panoramic views of Half Moon Bay and the serenity of the harbor, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience for all your senses.
The menu is a delightful homage to classic seafood fare, with highlights that make it a beacon for chowder lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike. Among the standout offerings is the Naked Lobster Roll—a Connecticut-style lobster roll that allows the fresh flavor of the warm lobster meat to shine through, lightly tossed with butter and brightened with celery on a toasted bun. It’s an indulgent treat for just US$28.95, perfectly complemented by crispy potato chips and coleslaw.
No visit is complete without trying the New England Clam Chowder. Reviewers rave about its rich, comforting depth, making it a standout favorite that you simply can’t skip. One customer noted it was “hands-down the must-order,” a sentiment echoed by many who find warmth in every spoonful, especially on those crisp coastal days.
For those craving a unique twist, the Prawns stuffed with lump blue crab wrapped in smoky bacon deliver a mouthwatering balance of flavors. Coupled with an assorted oyster platter featuring Steamboat and Kumamoto varieties, it creates a delightful tasting experience. As one guest expressed, these oysters were an absolute highlight, perfect for sharing as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond the remarkable food, the service at Sam's Chowder House receives high praise. Visitors describe the staff as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall ambiance. Whether you choose to dine inside or on the scenic deck, warming heaters make outdoor dining pleasant even on cool evenings. Live music adds to the coastal charm, making it easy to relax and enjoy your meal.
In summary, Sam's Chowder House is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination that promises an unforgettable dining experience. With its fresh seafood, welcoming environment, and stunning views, it’s certainly a place worth visiting time and time again. Trust me—if you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll leave with a smile and a satisfied palate.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We had a fantastic time at Sam’s Chowder House. The lobster roll was a buttery delight—well worth it! The New England chowder was rich, comforting, and hands-down the must-order (skip the gumbo and go straight for this!!). We sampled an assorted oyster platter with Steamboat (my personal favorite), Marin Miyagi, Kumamoto, Blue Soleil, and Steamboat which was my favorite. The prawns stuffed with lump blue crab, wrapped in smoky bacon, were another hit—flavorful and well-balanced. Washed it all down with a smooth, creamy draft Guinness while soaking in the spectacular panoramic view of Half Moon Bay and the harbor while listening to live country music. Friendly, attentive staff and relaxed coastal vibes made the whole experience top-notch. ”
“ We ended up in the bar though there were tables that were empty the whole time we were there. We arrived an hour before closing. I don’t understand why we were not seated in proper table. The food came in fast. The service staff at the bar were very friendly and attentive. Clam chowder did not disappoint. Naked lobster was superb. ”
“ It was our first time visiting Sam's Chowder House.Of course, I had to have the chowder.It was delicious!! We sat outside and had great views and service. Such a beautiful spot. We got there right when they opened and were seated quickly even though there was a long line waiting to get in. Definitely worth trying again. ”
“ 9/10 A perfect pit stop on a Pacific Highway road trip! We got there around 1115am and took a quick walk around the pier, was surprised to come back to a line. Thankfully it moved quickly We had a cup of New England clam chowder - SOOOO good, warm and fragrant on a chilly spring morning. With a naked lobster roll - good quantity of lobster meat but felt it a bit lacking in flavor. ”
“ Great experience. Sat outside on a cool evening and each seat on the deck had a warmer. Menu items are reasonably priced. Clam chowder had loads of clam and potatoes, would recommend. Prawns were big and cocktail sauce had great flavor. Cioppino was hearty, lots of seafood. As you can see, I didn’t waste a thing. Homemade ice cream for dessert was the cherry on top. Service was excellent. Can’t say anything bad about this place because everything was a wonderful experience. Will definitely take the trip back. ”
“ It is always a good choice to come to Sam’s Chowder House. I brought family for their first time and even though we sat outside the service and food and views were great! The lobster sandwich is my go to. We also had clam chowder, fish and chips, the octopus and oyster Rockefeller. All was full of flavor and made with love. It was packed but we were seated quickly. Tasty tasty!! We will be back of course. Thank you for always being so good!! ”
“ Well, let me tell you that this restaurant is busy! It's always a good sign when a place has people lined out the door! You may need to take a couple laps to find a parking spot. My wife and I had about a 45-minute wait before we got a phone text to be seated. The view of the harbor and beach made the time pass quickly. We were lucky to have some beautiful weather for sitting on the outdoor patio. ( which I was glad about because inside the dining room is very loud )The food here is pretty good. We ordered the Oyster Rockefeller appetizer, which was very good and hot. I would definitely order these again. My wife ordered a large chowder, but she said it was just OK. We have been a a road trip and sampled other seafood all week prior, and may be a little biased. I had a Naked Lobster roll sandwich that tasted awesome! I just wished the bread was toasted a bit more because the sandwich bread got soggy and I needed to finish eating it with my fork. I would still be happy ordering this every time! It came with a side of slaw that was also very good and complemented the sandwich. The only part we didn't enjoy was the iced tea. It didn't taste fresh ( or maybe it was just the brand ) The servers did a great job checking on us. I'm sure they are extremely busy going back and forth. We hope to return here the next time we pass by. And just a tip....if you're dining outside, don't leave your table unattended. The little birds are always watching! Haha. ”
“ The food was exceptional. Their specialty is the Naked Lobster Roll and Dressed Lobster Roll. Our waitress. Chandra was very attentive and provided great service. They also served clam chowder that met expectations. Overall I would highly recommend this place. ”