Sams is a must go in HMB. I love the garlic prawns w linguini... or just in the cast iron skillet with bread. So good. Great lobster roll, burgers, mussels, ceviche ...I've never had a bad meal here. We go every time we visit. Its crowded and loud, and the prices have gone up a lot in the past couple years. But still a favorite when we pass through. Always a great time, and the local staff will always recomend fun and unique places to visit.

Amazing place to eat! High quality food. The only issue I had was the Ceasars Salad did not mention anchovies which seemed to be in the dressing. It was addressed appropriately. The coffee is fantastic! Will definitely return)))

Every time I visit HMB, I stop by Sam’s. This time I didn’t have my dog so I sat inside. The food was wonderful, as usual. The chowder is a bit celery-heavy for my taste, but delicious nonetheless.

Great location on the water with heated outdoor seating available. Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get. The largest bowl of clam chowder was 2x bigger than I expected, and the lobster roll was heaped with lobster meat. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.

Quite simply one of the best seafood places I've been to. I went alone and had the dressed lobster roll, an oyster and the key lime pie. Safe to say all of them blew me away. Looking forward to bringing family next time. The only reason I (almost) gave 4 stars to service was that I had to wait quite a but hope thats just one time issue since the place was pretty packed.

Truly an incredible experience here. Sam’s Chowder House gives vibes of a small town, homey, safe environment combined with the vibrance of elegant open bars, open kitchen, massive amounts of seating filled to the brim with large parties of friends and families beaming with smiles and laughter. The views outside on the patio are incredible as well, and the service was fantastic. Now the food itself…equally amazing. The Chowder wasn’t anything special to be fair, but the Oysters Rockefeller were delicious and the lobster roll was immaculate, best I’ve ever had! I would love to come here again more regularly, feels like one of those restaurants I would want to visit regularly to celebrate life events with friends and family. And the price for everything is totally reasonable as well.

Lobster is better than the rolls. Garlic mash was fire. Potatoes sides are done pretty well.

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. 😄

+2

We had the gnocchi for a starter. It was really good. The peas were the freshest peas we had ever eaten. I had the clam chowder. They have a cup, small bowl, and large bowl for sizes. I would say it's either the best, or possibly second best, behind Sinbads in San Francisco. It's a really close call. My wife had the portobello mushroom sandwich (not on the dinner menu but will make it for dinner). I tried a bite of the sandwich and thought it was really good. I wondered if they would throw a burger patty on it. That would be an awesome burger. I had the "naked" lobster roll. Second time I've had it, it was amazing again. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for some good seafood. We also got the chocolate mousse cake. Had a raspberry sauce drizzle. Im not a raspberry fan but I picked around the sauce. Minus the sauce, it was really good.

First time in Half Moon Bay and we loved this restaurant’s relaxed, natural vibe. The crab cake was amazing — pure crab meat with no fillers, rich and flavorful. The calamari was light, crisp, and perfectly fried. Definitely will come back for the crab cake!!

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.

Came in to a live band setting up just next to the bar. Great cover songs. We were seated after about a 10 minute wait. Everything we had was excellent and our service was fast and kind. I would definitely come back to try more of their extensive menu. Naked lobster roll was the highlight. The burger my friend had was surprisingly tasty and well built.

+6

We ordered take out from delivery window. No fuss. Took about 15-20 min, but waiting near the sea? Nothing to complain about!! Went inside to use the restroom and it was busy and bustling. So fun. Crab cake and lobster rolls (assemble on your own, if take out) were the bomb.

Being seated outside, weather and view are awesome. Nobody helped order after 30mins waiting. Pretty bad order experiences. Maybe because of short of people on Sunday afternoon. After a while, I took menu and walked back to the front counter, described the situation with the manager, she immediately placed order for me. And the 30-min delay was due to miscommunication of front desk and back waiter group. I ordered the-one lobster roll and a small cup of traditional clam chowder. I could only say the long wait is worthy, and I will definitely try them again. At the every end, another general manager showed up and told me that the dinner would be on the house. I could clearly tell that this famous restaurant is treating its client well. Please come visit while you are in Half Moon Bay.

We have been going to for a long time and I definitely recommend it. It is close to the city but you can enjoy your meal with the scent and peace of the ocean. It gets very crowded on weekends so we usually go on weekdays and enjoy both the food and the tranquility. I have tried almost every dish and they are all amazing, 10 out of 10. The service and staff are very kind. I really love this place. I have taken all my friends here and they were all satisfied. Definitely recommend it.

Great place for a casual lunch or dinner. Great views of Half Moon Bay, right on the water. You'd expect a line or wait to be seated but it's a large place with sitting inside and outside. Heaters, dog friendly, excellent service, friendly and pro.

Such a beautiful beach front restaurant with a wide variety of cooked seafood. I'd honestly come back again for the sunset views. Don't forget to order their clam chowder appetizer. Their lobster roll could've caused a bit more sauce, but the seafood pasta made up for it with a load of seafood on top.

+1

Sam's is one of our regular stops coastside when we want to enjoy a lovely water & beach view with consistently good service and food. Lobster rolls are always great as are the chowders. Salads are usually a bit overdressed, but tasty. Wait time for a table can be long if you arrive at a busy time, but we always plan our arrival time carefully or are prepared for a walk on the beach while we wait. Love the heated outdoor patio! I can't think of a time when we haven't been pleased with the meal and service.

This place was AMAZING!!!! Nice view, sitting on the coast. AMAZING food! Great staff. Busy, but efficient. We weren’t looking for a place to eat really, but we drove by this place earlier and cars were overflowing the lot parking on the road (that is a good sign normally). We were passing again later and had some timing for a spot that was too good to pass up. They were busy but we got seated in 2 minutes. EVERYTHING we ate was INCREDIBLE!!

+6

Love Sam's, and make a pilgrimage every couple of years on trips to the Bay Area! The food was outstanding, as always -- a couple of us had lobster rolls, there was an order of shrimp scampi, and I had the crab and shrimp Louie. The atmosphere at Sam's is excellent, smerchandise. Was terrific, and the views of the shore are nice!

Very beautiful location, good food, and as important, very good service, constantly asking if we're good, and agreed to split the bill since it was a big table. Very recommended!

CHOWDER HOUSE HAS FALLEN NO BREAD BOWLS!!!!!!!! Disappointing!!!!!!!! experience with a to-go order. The restaurant was not busy, yet I was ignored at the bar while trying to pick up my food. The bartender continued setting glasses and told me to “wait a minute,” even though my order was already prepared and sitting on the counter. After leaving, I realized there were no utensils in the bag. Poor service and lack of attention to detail made this a frustrating visit.

Crazy addicting sourdough bread just like crack. Not literally! Stay healthy and happy, Half Moon Bay. And Clam chowder isn't evil as I heard it is, just had a weird cardboard aftertaste. Creators of the soup, the Pioneers, didn't believe in seasoning, but this restaurant did. Good!

Great food and great views in the back. I got one of the lobster rolls and my buddy got the other so I got to try both styles! Also did the chowder. The rolls are great! Sue Lim was our waitress and did a great job!

+3

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.

+2

Arrive early. We got there 15 minutes after they opened and there was a line. We were quickly seated outside as requested. Having driven all the way from North Carolina to check this experience off the “to-do” list we weren’t disappointed. The homemade apricot lemonade was refreshing and the “dressed” lobster roll didn’t disappoint. We opted for an upgrade and had fries instead of chips. A lot of fries, great tasting coleslaw, and an amazing portion of lobster! They were crowded on a Thursday so service was a little slow, but we were okay with the relaxed and casual pace. Wish that we had saved room for one of the homemade desserts. The man next to us kept raving about the key lime pie! Highly recommend this experience. 2025, almost a year later and we are back on the coast. Didn’t have time to dine-in so we grabbed our takeout naked lobsters and headed to the beach to watch whales. Once again, we weren’t disappointed!

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!!

+4

Wonderful dining experience on the bay! Service outside was a little slow on a beautiful day. Not a big deal because we were taking our time, but several tables around us were annoyed. The table bread had a pleasant sourdough profile. The oysters were delicious. The calamari appetizer was one of the best versions I’ve had. The chowder was noteworthy. The cup isn’t enough…but the large bowl is too much…stick to the regular bowl if you want to eat more than chowder. The lobster roll is good-sized for the price. The drink pricing is reasonable except for the allocated bourbon.

+6

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.

+6

Popular Restaurant in Half Moon Bay. Legit seafood, cool bartenders + a lovely view outside. I went with the lobster roll, which wasn't too pricey.. it came with fries + coleslaw. Also got the artichoke appetizer. Hadn't been there for quite some time... didn't disappoint!

First time coming here and loved everything ❤ 💕 😍 wish the weather was better so,I could sit outside. The food ,and drinks were very good 👍 my server Kennedy was extremely friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be back for a date night!!

What a great lunch. Oysters were perfect. Stuffed shrimp was amazing. Wonderful location and views.

+6

Visiting from Quebec for a family reunion and we were greeted with open arms. We showed up as a group of 14 and the whole team managed to make it work. Our server Joe, was the highlight of our experience— he was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and simply went above and beyond!! Thanks for the warm welcome and delicious food. Cheers from Montreal!

We had the dressed lobster roll and the local halibut and they were both incredible! The halibut dish had a beautiful mushroom cream sauce, and the fish was delectable. I highly recommend this restaurant!!

Nicole

It was a beautiful day and a wonderful meal. The lobster roll was stuffed to the brim, which is rare on the West Coast. The crabcake was crispy and meaty. Our server was very busy, but he made sure to check on us frequently. The view from the restaurant was fantastic. Worth the wait, which was long, but understandable on a perfect day.

Lance Moore

Honest seafood at its best. We had the whole Dungeness crab, fried shrimp and crab and shrimp Louis salad. All were great. Service wss friendly and outstanding, ambience is spot on for bayside seafood with awesome views. Seating inside and out. Iced tea was perfect. Wines are reasonably priced.

The food was great and my server was delightful and attentive. It was pretty crowded but that’s to be expected on a weekend. Overall great experience

Sergei Nossoff

We visited Sam’s Chowder House with a group of colleagues and had an absolutely great time. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with that perfect coastal vibe that makes the whole experience feel authentic and fun. The seafood boil was outstanding - fresh lobster, mussels, clams, sausage, corn, potatoes, and plenty of melted butter. Everything tasted wonderful, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. The portions were generous, and the presentation made it even more enjoyable to share as a group. We also really enjoyed the energy of the place. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can laugh, talk, and enjoy great food without feeling rushed. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the evening. A fantastic spot for seafood lovers, team outings, or anyone wanting a memorable meal by the coast. Highly recommended - we’ll definitely be back.

Ninh Le

I have lived in the Bay area for 30 years and have never once made it to Sam's. Well this weekend my wife and I took the opportunity to getaway, and we made it a point to stop by. The wait-list was insanely long as we were told it would be 1.5 to 2 hour wait. To be fair we arrived at around 4:45pm and we didn't think ahead to make reservations. We decided to check into our hotel in the meantime while waiting. You receive a text message and you can track how many parties are in front of you. Overall it took us about 1.25 hours from wait-list to being seated. Parking is a situation in itself but you can find street parking along the highway. My wife ordered the (fried) seafood combination plate, and I got half dozen raw oysters (not pictured), cup of New England clam chowder (not pictured), the seafood paella, and lastly the key lime pie. First off the oyster were phenomenal. I know it's just raw oysters but you can definitely taste the freshness in them. The clam chowder was okay; certainly not the best I've had but far from the worst. The chowder was a little runny for my taste, as I prefer something a little thicker and creamier. It also could use some more seasoning but that's what salt and pepper are for. My wife thoroughly enjoy the seafood platter. The shrimps were extra crispy, the fish was tender and flaky, and the lump crab cake was star of the show; it was just succulent crab meat throughout. The fries were also reminiscent of McDonald's but with old bay seasoning. My seafood paella good. I liked the flavor profile with the spices. But it was too watery as true paella should be a dry-ish rice texture and not like a watery risotto. The assorted shellfish with the paella were good though. I was amazed at how tender the scallops were. We finished off the meal with a slice of key lime pie. While I'm not normally a key lime person, I decided to give it a go based on the recommendation of our waiter. Let me just say it was divine. The graham cracker crust was thick, the key lime filling wasn't as tart as I assumed it would be, and the merengue was nice and fluffy. And they drizzle it down with a lime(?) simple syrup. Overall I think Sam's is a little over hyped but it's still good food nonetheless. There are probably better choices for seafood restaurants in Halfmoon Bay, but I'm glad I got to try it regardless.

Michelle Shao

We went on a Friday morning, 15min before they open there was already a long queue. We got seated very quickly after they opened. We ordered lobster rolls, grilled oysters, fried calamari and seafood pasta. The lobster roll was the best I’ve ever had, the meat was overflowing! Everything else was very decent too! The view from the restaurant was definitely a plus. Will 100% back again.

+1

Incredible. Best shrimp poboy I ever had. Best ahi I've ever had. Everything was loaded with drippy butter. The view was incredible obviously. We showed up with no reservation then. We're seated in 15 minutes at lunch time on a Saturday. The service was friendly. My only qualm is there was no coverage on the patio from the sun. Everyone was asking to move inside. On the upper level you can switch to put your back to the sun so it was pretty uncomfortable but ... 10/10 would to back again. Our waitress with the lifeguard hat was pretty great too. Oh p.s. my seafood hating partner was enamored with that burger and fries. Update - we also inquired about renting out their facility for a wedding! It was super easy from the second we met the staff at the front door. Mary Ratkovic is the venue rental person. She answered all our questions up front and questions we didn't think to ask too. Very helpful and even followed up with holiday well wishes. A very warm experience for our special day even though we decided to go for a destination wedding instead!

+3

Brenda Q

Always a great experience at Sam's Chowder House! Shared a few plates, the clam chowder was the right consistency, not too thick. Fish and chips with coleslaw were perfect with the, crab louie and bay shrimp salad both had generous portion of seafood. Octopus appetizer was delicious! Sorry for shadow on photos we were enjoying the outside.

Sam's was greet, my Naked Loster roll was fantastic. Coleslaw and Clam Chower was one of the best I've every had. Both so creamy. Whoever prepares the ingredients really knows how to combine the flavors. Its worth the wait. Plan to come, enjoy the scenic view and relax. Its was more than an awesome experience. Thank you Sam's Chowder House. When I'm back in CA I diffently will come to enjoy your restaurant. Almost forgot, wait till u try the desserts!

Absolutely amazing location with everything- awesome food, great service and beautiful views anytime. I’ve been coming here for 20 years anytime I’m able while in the SFO area. I’ve brought family and work mates. No one has ever been disappointed. Everyone adds it to their “go to” list.

Gabby Gonzalez

A beautiful restaurant right on the water! We got the oysters rockerfeller & shared a naked crab sandwich. The lump crab dipped in butter atop the crunchy but soft thick garlic loaf was perfect! Both were very delicious & left you wanting a little more. So we finished with the key lime pie & omg was that to die for! There’s a path to the left of the patio that lets you down to a nice seating area & walkway closer to the water. Perfect for a little after meal stroll. Don’t skip out on this California gem!

+2

We're stopped by on our way home from a vacation in Pacific up North 15 minutes via Highway 1. We were there when they opened and got the Dungeness Crab Cakes and large clam coffee to bring home after a stop by to pick up sourdough bread bowls because they do not offer them anymore. Good was just as delicious and my pops described, will be back, and you can't beat the location. There was a line forming before they opened. Enjoy!

Lobster meat from claws and tails. Chowder done right. Old bay fries. Do it and you'll thank yourself later. Food was instantaneously presented after ordering at 5pm. My mind was blown. I thought about eating the plate.

Hana !

took my parents here to decompress after the holidays and sam's did not disappoint. sign in the front of the store is a bit misleading as reservations aren't really a thing, but waitlisting is! restaurant is seated by the coast and near a walkable trail, so waiting (during the day) is no issue! restaurant's ambiance is excellent—there are many huge windows to watch the sunset. supposedly there is live music on weekends, which wasn't followed thru with during our visit but it may have been a one time thing. this location was bustling! service was peak—thank u for running this location alex :)) would tip a million bajillion if we could! all of the food was excellent; seafood was fresh, bread was tasty and toasted, coleslaw wasn't sopping, chowder was not flour-y slop, chips were crisp etc etc etc. the olive oil + sea salt soft serve is something to try at least once! price is reasonable for being in the bay area + being in an isolated area + near the ocean :))

+3

Y&N

10.25.25 Super busy and full of customers, even at 4pm. Wait time was 20 min. Our meals of Cioppino, Swordfish & Dressed Lobster Roll were excellent. And not overly salty, you can add salt & pepper to adjust to your taste. New England Clam Chowder was good also. Everything was fresh and cooked just right. Bread, while fresh, was cold due to them not heating it prior to serving as they "don't have oven capacity to accomodate for bread" we were told very apologetically. Our server Jesus A., was great, he made us feel very welcome, our first time dining here. Thank you to him!

+6

Tanya Bee

We had the half and half chowder and gumbo. The gumbo had a good amount of crab in it. Nice and chunky. The chowder could have been thicker. The scallops were amazing. The fennel salad or sauce it comes with is good. You get 3 scallops for $17 which was ki d of expensive but worth is if you love scallops. We also had the fish and chips and we added a crab cake. The crab cake was really good. Packed with crab. The fish and chips were good but lacked seasoning but the malt vinegar helped. Overall a good meal. About $80 for everything. We picked up our order and ate at the patio below. It was dog friendly and had a couple of chair and a nice view of the ocean.

Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay absolutely delivered from start to finish. The clam chowder was amazing — rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Easily one of the best I’ve had. The fish and chips were just as impressive: perfectly crispy on the outside, light and flaky on the inside, and clearly made with fresh fish. Everything tasted high quality and well-prepared. The location makes it even better. With beach access right nearby, you can enjoy beautiful ocean views and take a walk along the coast before or after your meal. The atmosphere feels relaxed yet polished, making it a great spot whether you’re visiting or local. Definitely worth the stop if you’re in Half Moon Bay.

Marisol Arnold

We visited Sam’s Chowder House on a Tuesday at 12 PM and it was the perfect time to go. On weekends, this place can be difficult to walk into without a wait, so I highly recommend coming during the week if you can. If you do visit on a weekend, just expect there may be a long wait. We came specifically for their famous Naked Lobster Roll, but we started with oysters and a bowl of clam chowder. Everything was delicious and exactly what you want from a classic seafood spot. The service was truly on point. The staff was friendly, attentive, and didn’t skip a beat. It was a great example of how to run a high energy restaurant smoothly while still making guests feel taken care of. If the weather permits, I definitely recommend sitting on the patio for a gorgeous ocean view. Overall, it’s an excellent lunch stop if you are craving great, all American seafood dishes.

Wesley

The clam chowder here are always pretty good. Sometimes the calamari is over cooked and taste rubbery but they’re really great at remaking the dish. Wait time sometimes is 45 minutes to an hour on busy weekends but there’s a nice walk path nearby. Parking lot is small but lots of street parking.

+9

Our dining experience was a tale of two halves, with the cuisine shining brightly but logistical challenges dimming our enjoyment somewhat. Let's start with the positives: the food was undeniably superb. every dish boasted freshness and flavor that delighted our taste buds. The menu, rich with seafood options, catered excellently to our cravings. However, we faced a significant wait for seating. The restaurant, bustling and popular, seemed to be operating at full capacity without much leeway. Additionally, the limited restroom facilities led to lengthy queues, which were frustratingly slow-moving. The outdoor patio, while offering a pleasant ambiance, lacked sufficient shading. With the sun beating down, it made the experience uncomfortable during peak hours. This oversight detracted from what could have been a more relaxed dining environment.

Had the large bowl chowder--definitely filling. Would have much preferred it in a sourdough bread bowl, but there's always Boudin for that. Fried calamari was average, usually the batter adds flavor and/or spice, but there wasn't much there. Service was excellent though, and of course the views out the windows are awesome.

Food just tastes better outdoors. Add the ocean, a sunshiny day and live music and you’re headed toward ecstasy. No reservations on a sunny Sunday. The 30 min wait for an outdoor patio table flew right by as we waited at the outdoor bar and listened to live music. Beachside cocktails were ok; the winners came from the indoor bar. I liked the guava Paloma and Schramsberg Brut was a table favorite. Once seated outside we took in the ocean view and fresh air. There were heaters available but we didn’t need em this day. I’d bring a hoodie and blanket tho cause you never know when the fog or cool ocean breeze will show up. Clams and clam chowder apps were delicious. A good heaping serving of clams with broth and seasonings. So good. Chowder comes in three sizes and the small bowl was shared amongst the table. It was good. Lobster roll, fish n chips and portobello mushroom sandwich were tasty and well presented. The old bay fries were seasoned well- salty and not over seasoned. We ordered the naked lobster roll. The bun was soft sweet and filled with the mix of lightly buttered lobster meat. Two pieces of white fish coated in a crispy fried batter made for a delicious fish n chips platter. The Cole slaw was a little too oniony for me. I didn’t have a bite of the portobellos mushroom sando but was told it tasted good. It sure looked good and the seasonal side salad was impressive. We had a change in servers mid way through the experience. We had to frequently ask for things like-Tabasco, malt vinegar, water, a bowl for the shells, plates to be removed etc. the server response was good but being aware of customer desires for accompaniments is part of the experience. Overall it was a solid visit and pleasant experience. Restrooms were clean and stocked. Parking lot was packed, parking available alongside the highway. Dogs allowed on patio. Cheers!!

+2

Very popular restaurant on Sunday. At 11 AM, there was a long line of people waiting to be seated at the front door. Nice scenery of the marina. Hostesses were well organized and professional. Service staff was rushed, cold, and a bit unprofessional. We (2 people) ordered 1/2 dozen oysters, Boston lobster ceviche, grilled octopus, and steamed clams. We asked our waiter to not serving food all at once after we ordered. But I was told the kitchen received around 800 tickets a day, and it's difficult. The runner brought cold food and hot food all at almost the same time. The fresh Main lobster was the most price value for $23.99. It was very tasty, soft, and moisture Our waiter came by to apologize for rushing our order and checked on our table a few times. He offered a complimentary dessert, but we refused.

+2

Live music was playing in the background and it wasn’t overtly loud where you couldn’t hear your dinner conversation! We sat at the bar at first and the service was great! The bartenders were really helpful when we asked about appetizers and they were really friendly and joked around with us. After the bar, our seats were ready and we sat outside and enjoyed the sun set. The waitress was not as friendly and only checked on us once. Never refilled our drinks. But the food was amazing.

+1

Great atmosphere , water front . Great food and friendly staff. Making 4 not 5 as was underwhelmed by the chowder and the bay fried came cold. The shrimp however were fantastic hot fried and non fried. Keep up the great work and dining experience. The artichokes are a must have !

Food was ok. Not bad, but the shrimp was sweet and I didn't love the halibut. Might be because of personal preference though. The service was great, however, and there was excellent music playing live. The sourdough bread they brought out for us was fantastic, as usual, typical of california. Don't be discouraged from going here, everything else was great other than the shrimp and grouper.

+2

Previous 1 star for service, Tima R is our server today, and we are not interested into the salad or lemonade that she recommended, she changed her attitude, and then during the whole meals she didn’t show up at all to ask if everything is good like we always experienced here at Sam’s chowder’s house. I used to always give 22% tips to server here because their excellent service, but not this time, only tipped 15%, when she brings back our receipt, her faces changed dramatically, ask yourself why you cannot get 22% tips. The answer is because of your service. Updates: After checked out, I talked to the manager, and manager handled this issue well. Like I mentioned earlier, 99% of staff at Sam’s are friendly and nice.

I tried a bunch of different dishes, including a lobster roll plus grilled petrale sole, chowder, calamari, blue crab sandwich . What a meal and what a way to start off this ultimate HMB food tour. Among their list of dishes, no one goes to SCH without ordering their New England chowder soup. It’s the signature dish of San Francisco Bay Area, and you can’t visit without trying it.

+4

This place is right on the water and it's beautiful, the staff was excellent and very friendly. The burger i orders was average but still tasty, the fish and fries I was told was very good and got a thumbs up. Outside seating is abundant and clean and offer very clear views of the beach. Next time I will try another dish and update my review

+1

Mostly an expensive tourist trap with amazing views! Service was excellent...food was not! $325 for 4 people at lunch! (Had a couple of cocktails but still...)

The view is wonderful. We had great weather as well - which is not always the case in Half Moon Bay. Oysters were great. My salad was good. Fantastic lobster roll. We had someone with a shellfish allergy and the kitchen seemed to get it (good practices to deal with cross contamination) but the servers didn't. Lots of dripping shellfish plates being served over the plate of the person with the allergies. I probably wouldn't go here if I wanted to be safe with allergies even if you call ahead to ask about their safety practices. They did get a 4 on service because they really tried with dessert.

+1

Sam’s Chowder House is a fantastic choice if you’re after ocean views and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. The setting is gorgeous, and the portions are very generous, you’ll leave full for sure! The team was friendly and attentive, which made the visit really enjoyable. While the food was fresh and nicely prepared, I found some dishes could use a bit more seasoning. The clam chowder was rich and creamy, but it leaned heavily on potatoes rather than clams, which wasn’t quite what I expected. The surprise standout was the soft serve ice cream; smooth, flavorful, and the perfect way to wrap up the meal. If you’re looking for a spot with big servings, great service, and a scenic backdrop, Sam’s is worth a stop. And definitely save room for dessert!

As a chef, I was pleasantly surprised by Sam's Chowder House. This bustling spot manages to deliver quality seafood despite its high-volume kitchen and touristy appeal. Pros: - Local, sustainable seafood (major plus!) - Stunning ocean views from the dog-friendly back patio - Fresh, delicious raw oysters and calamari - Impressive desserts (don't miss the strawberry shortcake!) - Attentive service even during peak hours Cons: - Steep prices - Some fish dishes were merely average The clam chowder, while good, didn't quite reach extraordinary heights. However, the calamari and raw oysters were standout appetizers. The real showstopper was the strawberry shortcake - a dessert that left a lasting impression. While the prices might make you hesitate, the overall experience - from the ocean breeze to the quality of most dishes - makes Sam's Chowder House worth a visit if you're in the area. It's not perfect, but it's certainly a cut above your typical tourist trap. Tip: Opt for the patio seating to fully appreciate the restaurant's coastal charm. Your four-legged friends are welcome too!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

+1

This could be (and it sometimes is) the perfect seaside restaurant. Occasionally, the quality of the food tends to be lacking. As a local, I expect a great experience every time I walk into Sam’s. After a meh dinner a few weeks ago I’m happy to report that on this occasion, everything was perfect. Not sure why my food was better, but please keep an eye on what you put on the plate. Excellent quality leads to return visits.

I sat outside and watched pelicans play! It was absolutely magical! Their wine list is extensive. The food was good, but maybe a little pricey for what it was. The place is pretty casual in general. I love that you can sit outside right on the beach! My only complaint was the bread.. it's served cold and with packets of butter.

+2

A very popular seafood restaurant, with an ocean view. Difficult to find available parking. Our first visit to the restaurant. We shared a large bowl of clam chowder, a lobster roll, shrimp po'boy and fish & chips. Clam chowder was our favorite. It was chock full of clams, the consistency was perfect and had lots of flavor. The lobster roll did not stand out. Perhaps it may have needed some salt, and something else. The Shrimp Po'Boy had tomato base sauce, which seemed out of place and disappointing. Fish & Chips was executed poorly. The fish was not crispy. The fries were similar to fast-food, but seasoned nicely. The service was pleasant and efficient. The ambiance was casual and unassuming. All in all, we were glad to have checked it out, but still can't figure out what all the hype was about? We had a pleasant experience, but won't be going back.

+3

Excellent meaty chowder and nice fresh oysters. Delicious clams, though the petrale sole was just ok. The service is a hit or miss. Weekends may be worse. Came on a Saturday and it took 15 minutes just to get water, and that was after asking. The meal came before the drinks. Server apologized and said bartender was backed up. Then came on a Monday and received more attentive and friendly service.

+2

We have come several times to this restaurant. We love the view and food is delicious. Somehow they reduce the menu items and change the grilled octopus recipe. Portions are smaller and prices are higher. Drinks were better last time we were here.

+3

獅

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits during busy hours. Outdoor seating is especially enjoyable when the weather is nice. The food is solid and pairs well with the beautiful surroundings, making for a pleasant dining experience overall. One small area for improvement would be service attentiveness, as the staff appeared very busy and our requests were unfortunately missed.

YipeeKaYay

Kennedy was awesome! Seafood is great. Wait times are long but they tell you. Went on a Saturday around 2pm, wait times was 45 mins. Plenty to do, walk down to the beach and kill some time. Lots of parkinf

+6

Youlonda V.

Sam’s Chowder House lobster rolls was the best I have ever had. There was a lot of lobster and it was slightly seasoned. We ordered the Naked Lobster Roll which means it is a little warm. I have only had cold lobster rolls so I really enjoyed the warm lobster roll. The bread was SO GOOD. It looks like a pretzel roll but it is not. It was a buttery toasted soft bread. I enjoyed the bread just as much as the lobster. Their clam chowder was so-so😑. It tastes more like celery soup than clam chowder. There is inside and outside seating. We enjoyed the outside seating overlooking the harbor. We dined at night and the temperature was chilly but the heating lamps made the area nice and warm.

+1

Christina Muirhead

August 16, 2025: About 45 minute wait, but once seated, great service, salmon was amazing!! The chowder was delicious! The shrimp sandwich could’ve been split by two people especially if you get chowder. Cute little gift shop in the side. We went during rainy day, but I could only imagine how beautiful it would’ve been on a sunny day! We would definitely go back! They also had a live band which was cool!

+4

Esther Dang

We sat outside and it was the perfect sunny day out with the amazing view of the bay. The service and staff were friendly and helpful. Food: The clam chowder is what they’re known for and my husband enjoyed the seasonal pumpkin bisque. The scallops were well cooked and the garnish underneath helps add a kick of flavor. The fried seafood combo was really good and even though the seafood was fried, the meat inside was still juicy. The only letdown of the meal was the lobster roll. At first glance we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of lobster meat, but the meat was chewy and dry. Also, the roll was dry and hard to chew through as well. It seemed like an off day, so it may be better for other people on another day.

Weekday line, but it moves—operational efficiency on point. The space is large with indoor and outdoor seating, and they accommodated our window request for that ocean-view upgrade. Nice touch: cold bread and butter while waiting. New England chowder and New Orleans gumbo were fine, nothing headline-worthy; chowder edged out the gumbo. Appetizers, though? Baked Rockefeller oysters and calamares absolutely delivered. Seafood paella didn’t align with traditional expectations, so that was a miss. Service was attentive, parking was easy.

+2

Lydia

Food: the food tastes great! Definitely one of the best chowder I’ve had in Bay Area. Shrimp scampi is also good but the shrimp shells are not removed well. Service: staff is nice and attentive. It’s a pity that the tableware chipped, and it’s dangerous when dining with that. Ambiance: cozy and chill. A good place to enjoy warm food near Halfmoon Bay.

Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. The best thing we had was the lobster roll, I would definitely recommend that. The paella was pretty good too. I had the fresh juice vodka special and if I wasn't driving, I would've had another.

+1

Sam’s is a pretty big, dog friendly restaurant in Half Moon Bay. 4 of us and 2 dogs sat pretty quickly and we were served quickly, too. The outside has plenty of space heaters and they brought water out for the dogs. The parking looked a bit hectic but we were able to find parking easy enough but we showed up around 11:30a and when we left, there seemed to be people hunting for spots. I thought the lobster roll was okay; the bread wasn’t soft enough and there seemed to be too much of it, which made it harder to get to/enjoy the lobster. The service and atmosphere were good, though.

Not impressed with their clam chowder or the service. If you consider yourself a clam chowder connoisseur, try a bowl from BJ's Brewery, thank me later. The crab n shrimp Louie salad was very good. Comes with a gracious amount of crab n shrimp, though the dressing is more on the bottled thousand island side rather than a housemade Louie dressing. The calamari was fresh and delicious. Ordered a slice of Key Lime pie: the presentation was gorgeous, but the pie is topped with 4"of meringue and only 1" of key lime, disappointing. Service was blah: No refills on drinks or coffee, no extra napkins, not very tentative.

I want to start by saying they have no dogs allowed sign; with an elderly patron walking back and forth along the patio with her dog. Even walking up to random people's tables; It was really off-putting. The service was pretty good, the food was ehh; okay. Spicy popcorn shrimp and clam chowder(The shrimp could use a dash of lemon pepper or some light seasoning), my friend wasn't impressed at all. He said his fish was bland, the shoe string fries were overcooked chips, and his salad was okay. Me on the other hand; I think I'm going to return to try the lobster roll, although my popcorn shrimp were put in the fryer too early. I say that because I cook, and when you put seafood into grease before the grease is hot and ready. The food absorbs the grease so when you put it on the plate you have a plate of grease instead of the food you purchased. It could simply be that they weren't drained very well. I took a to-go box, and the whole box was full of grease when I went back to eat the shrimp last night. We were the only brown couple in a restaurant full of caucasian people, the great thing about it was the staff did not treat us any different than anyone else. What's alarming is after writing my review I've read some of the reviews and the ones where the customers are in satisfied the restaurant doesn't even care to apologize that is a red flag. What brought me here was not being able to try the lobster roll when I went to Oracle Park, because the line was so long.

Jerry Clark

So it was our first experience at Sam's chowder House, had heard a lot of good things about it. So gave it a shot. Overall the food was just pretty good, but we had a naked lobster roll that came out a little too cool and a little too fishy, and a bloody Mary that did not taste like a bloody Mary. The swordfish was really good, we also had the pumpkin gnocchi and calamari appetizers which were both delicious, the clam chowder is really good. Our server was great. Understood our problems with a couple of the items and didn't have any problem taking them off the ticket. So overall a good experience.

Large parking lot and a beautiful ocean view, service is generally fast, but the restaurant itself is pretty worn out. The food is average: the clam chowder is disappointing – seafood pieces are so tiny that it feels like eating a thick and potato only, bland mass with no real chunks, and the bread isn’t tasty. Fish and chips are just okay, but the oysters are fresh and really good. Next time I’ll probably try another place in the area, or only come back here for the crab sandwich – it was good on my previous visit.

SC

Place has a great location and SOME menu highlights, but overall it’s due for an update. The decor feels outdated, and if you choose to sit outside, make sure it’s not windy - it can literally blow your appetite away. The ladies’ restroom line was endless, which definitely took away from the experience. Most of the menu leans on deep-fried items that come out oily, and the fish was soaked in grease. The fries was way overdried and felt like spice lid broke loose over it. On the positive side, the New England clam chowder stood out!, large portion easily feeds two and had solid, rich flavor. Beverage selection was decent with a fair range of draft beers. Overall, the place still has potential, but it’s calling for a refresh in both design and dish selection to match its view and reputation.

Fish and chips were good. The service on the other hand. Terrible. I had to ask the busser if we had a server because we were seated for a while without water even. The server finally came and thanked us for waiting. Ordered. Food came. She NEVER came back to see if we needed anything or to ask how the food was. I had to even ask for the check by stopping her after she left another table. She walked past our table 4 times without a word. I think this is a tourist spot. I won't be back.

It is actually… not that good. The atmosphere & views are great but the food is pretty bad compared to other places in the area. The lobster role (naked) was kinda fishy & dry; clam chowder was too watery and the calamari had waaaay too much breading. Definitely expected a lot more. It just feels overhyped at this point.

Yesterday was my second time eating at Sam’s Chowder House. I was very disappointed with the food quality and taste. The lobster dinner for 2 , the lobster was not fresh, it was old. Also the spicy shrimp, breaded were not fresh either. They were cold and looks like it from the freezer. Clam Chowder was tasty but mostly potatoes. The location, view and customer service is good. But the food is not fresh and not tasty. Sadly 😞 very disappointed.

I recently visited this restaurant based on its high ranking, but I was quite disappointed with the quality of the food. We ordered four different dishes, and unfortunately, all of them were tasteless and mediocre. The soups were bland, and even the calamari, which was the best among the dishes, lacked flavor. We had to use a lot of hot sauce and other condiments just to make the food palatable. To make matters worse, one of the seashells in my seafood pasta was full of mud, which was quite disgusting. Overall, the experience was far below expectations, and I hope the restaurant improves its food quality in the future.

+1