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Sam’s Chowder House Menu, View & 5 Must-Try Dishes With Pictures

Introduction: Coastline Comfort & Culinary Excellence

Perched right on the edge of the Pacific in Half Moon Bay, Sam’s Chowder House offers more than a meal; it provides an experience. Picture sinking your teeth into an award‑winning lobster roll or savoring creamy New England clam chowder while gazing at crashing waves. 

With breathtaking ocean views, fresh sustainable seafood, and a relaxed yet polished vibe, this restaurant is a coastal gem perfect for families, couples, and anyone craving real seafood on California’s mesmerizing coast.

A Coastal Culinary Landmark Since 2006

Since opening in 2006, Sam’s Chowder House has earned a place in local food lore and on national stages. Highlighted on the Food Network’s list of “Top Five Sandwiches in America,” this Half Moon Bay destination continues drawing crowds for its fresh‑off‑the‑boat seafood, stellar service, and oceanfront charm

Over the years, the restaurant has become synonymous with local flavor and quality, a testament to its roots and enduring popularity.

Sam’s Chowder House Menu With Prices

⭐ Featured Items

Item Description Price
New England Chowder Little Neck clams, Yukon Gold potatoes, smoked bacon, cream, bay leaf (not GF) $6.95
Naked Lobster Roll Traditional Connecticut style, warmed lobster meat served naked with butter and celery. Note: deconstructed for takeout. $33.95
New England Chowder Little Neck clams, Yukon Gold potatoes, smoked bacon, cream, bay leaf (not GF) $6.95

Sam’s Chowder House Lunch Menu

🥗 Starter Salads

Item Description Price
Mixed Field Greens (GF) County Line field lettuces, fennel, citrus, quinoa and red wine vinaigrette $14.50
Beet Salad (GF) Wild arugula, frisée, strawberries, toasted pistachios, feta cheese, lemon vinaigrette $15.95
Caesar Salad House-made Caesar dressing, garlic-toasted croutons, Parmigiano cheese $15.50

🦪 Oyster Bar

Item Description Price
Prawn Cocktail (GF) With house-made cocktail sauce $16.95
Maine Lobster Ceviche In a tortilla shell with pineapple and passion fruit vinaigrette $26.95
Ceviche Mixto (GF) Ahi tuna, lobster, shrimp, citrus juice, coconut milk, cilantro, jalapeno, red onion $18.00
Love Shuck Out of Stock $4.50

🍤 Appetizers

Item Description Price
Cold Smoked Salmon Pickled cucumber, herbed cream cheese, toast points $14.95
Fried Calamari With cocktail and tartar sauces $17.95
Crispy Lump Blue Crab Cake Shaved fennel, frisée, rémoulade sauce $15.25
Baked Oysters Rockefeller Parmigiano, spinach, bread crumbs in the traditional style $19.95
Dayboat Scallops (GF) Melted leeks and fennel with kumquats, crispy shallots, Meyer lemon butter sauce (Out of Stock) $17.95
Garlic Chili Prawns (GF) Feta, cherry tomatoes, chili flake, basil pesto (Add linguini +$6.00) $17.50
Spicy Popcorn Shrimp With cocktail sauce $16.50
Grilled Spanish Octopus (GF) Fingerling potatoes, Castelvetrano olive, preserved lemon, arugula $18.50
Grandma Flora’s Meatballs Tomato sauce, Parmigiano, grilled sourdough $12.95
Steamed Mussels (GF) In house-made marinara sauce (Add linguini +$6.00) (Out of Stock) $22.95
Steamed Manila Clams (GF) Pancetta, leeks, chili flakes, fresh thyme (Add linguini +$6.00) $24.95
Gnocchi Pumpkin gnocchi, brown butter cream sauce, amaretti cookie, sage (Allergies: gluten, dairy, nuts) $17.95

🍽️ Savory Sides

Item Description Price
Old Bay Fries $8.00
Polenta Fries $8.00
Coleslaw (GF) $6.00
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (GF) $8.00
Sauteed Spinach (GF) With almonds and golden raisins $9.00
Grilled Asparagus With parmigiano and lemon $10.00
Grilled Broccoli di Ciccio With calabrian chili and garlic (Out of Stock) $10.00

🍲 Chowders & Gumbo

Item Description Price
Half & Half Chowder $6.95
Manhattan Chowder (GF) Tomato-based Little Neck clam chowder with herbs, potatoes, vegetables $6.95
New England Chowder Little Neck clams, Yukon Gold potatoes, smoked bacon, cream, bay leaf (not GF) $6.95
New Orleans Style Gumbo Blue crab, shrimp, Andouille sausage, green onion, rice $6.95
Red Cold Chowder Quart (GF) $15.00
White Cold Chowder Quart $15.00

🥗 Entrée Salads

Item Description Price
House-Smoked King Salmon Salad (GF) House smoked salmon, cherry tomato, cucumber, avocado, little gem lettuce, creamy crème fraiche herb dressing $22.00
Grilled Prawn Salad (GF) Baby kale, grilled pineapple, jicama, piquillo pepper, pumpkin seed, honey mustard vinaigrette $20.95
Sam’s Combo Louis (GF) Blue crab, shrimp, Fuji apple, butter lettuce, cucumber, hard-cooked egg, house-made Louis dressing $26.95
Sam’s Shrimp Louis (GF) Shrimp, Fuji apple, butter lettuce, cucumber, hard-cooked egg, house-made Louis dressing $21.95
Sam’s Crab Louis (GF) Blue crab, Fuji apple, butter lettuce, cucumber, hard-cooked egg, house-made Louis dressing $30.95
Sam’s Lobster Louis (GF) Maine lobster, Fuji apple, butter lettuce, cucumber, hard-cooked egg, house-made Louis dressing $39.95

🥪 Sandwiches

Item Description Price
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich Roasted balsamic onions, wild arugula, basil aioli, house-made tomato jam $15.95
Blackened Fish Sandwich Pepperonata, baby spinach, remoulade on a brioche bun $16.95
Salmon Burger Caramelized onions, baby field greens, spicy rémoulade on a brioche bun $17.95
Blue Crab Sandwich Fresh blue crab, tomato cucumber salsa, spicy rémoulade on a brioche bun (Out of Stock) $22.95
Naked Lobster Roll Connecticut style, warm lobster meat with butter and celery (deconstructed for takeout) $33.95
Dressed Lobster Roll Maine style, chilled lobster mixed with lemon aioli, celery, chives (deconstructed for takeout) $33.95
Shrimp Po Boy $18.95

🐟 Daily Fresh Catch

Item Description Price
Petrale Sole (GF) Brown butter fingerling potatoes, green garlic, asparagus, Meyer lemon butter sauce $33.00
Local Halibut (GF) Creamy wild mushrooms and leeks, baby spinach, black truffle butter (contains garlic, dairy) $37.00
King Salmon (GF) Cauliflower purée, spring onions, local artichokes, preserved lemon salsa $37.00
Maine Lobster, 1 ¼ lb. (GF) Served with drawn butter and choice of two sides $59.95
Swordfish Grilled with tomato-braised cranberry beans, broccoli di ciccio, salsa verde $36.00

🍤 Fried Platters

Item Description Price
Fish & Chips Lagunitas pilsner beer batter, served with Old Bay fries and coleslaw $21.95
Fried Shrimp Lagunitas pilsner beer batter, served with Old Bay fries and coleslaw $26.50
Fried Seafood Combination Prawns, crab cake, calamari, pollock, Old Bay fries and coleslaw $42.95
Maryland Style Crab Cakes Crispy fried lump crab cakes, served with coleslaw, Old Bay fries, and remoulade sauce $31.95

🥦 Vegetarian Options

Item Description Price
Mixed Field Greens (GF) Field lettuces, fennel, citrus, quinoa, red wine vinaigrette $14.50
Beet Salad (GF) Arugula, frisée, strawberries, pistachios, feta cheese, lemon vinaigrette $15.95
Gnocchi Potato gnocchi with English peas, snap peas, basil pesto, parmigiano cheese $17.95
Old Bay Fries $8.00
Polenta Fries $8.00
Coleslaw (GF) $6.00
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (GF) $8.00
Sauteed Spinach (GF) With almonds and golden raisins $9.00
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich Roasted onions, arugula, basil aioli, house-made tomato jam $15.95
Veggie Plate Choice of three items from Savory Sides $18.00
Veggie Pasta Seasonal vegetables, ingredients vary by availability $18.00
Veggie Risotto (GF) Seasonal vegetables, ingredients vary by availability $21.00

🥩 From the Land

Item Description Price
Spaghetti & Meatballs Grandma Flora’s house-made meatballs with Parmigiano cheese $19.50
Roasted Half Chicken (GF) Herb and lemon roasted half chicken with wild rice, spring onion, and asparagus $24.50
½ lb. Grilled Hamburger On an artisan bun with Old Bay fries

Cheese optional +$1.00

$17.95
Veggie Plate Your choice of three items from Savory Sides $18.00
Veggie Pasta Seasonal vegetables. Ingredients vary depending on freshness $18.00
Veggie Risotto (GF) Seasonal vegetables. Ingredients vary depending on freshness $21.00

👶 Kids Menu

Item Description Price
Grilled Cheese Sandwich $8.95
Schwarz All Beef Hot Dog Served on a bun with French fries $9.95
Chicken Tenders Served with French fries $12.95
Spaghetti Choice of tomato sauce or butter $9.95
Kid’s Grilled Salmon $17.95
Fish & Chips (1pc) One piece kids fish and chips $10.95
Mac n Cheese $9.50
Fruit Bowl $7.50

Sam’s Chowder House Dinner Menu

🥗 Salads

Item Description Price
Mixed Field Greens (GF) County Line field lettuces, fennel, citrus, quinoa, red wine vinaigrette $14.50
Beet Salad (GF) Arugula, frisée, strawberries, pistachios, feta, lemon vinaigrette $15.95
Caesar Salad House-made Caesar, garlic croutons, Parmigiano $15.50
Sam’s Combo Louis (GF) Crab, shrimp, apple, lettuce, cucumber, egg, Louis dressing $26.95
Sam’s Shrimp Louis (GF) Shrimp, apple, lettuce, cucumber, egg, Louis dressing $21.95
Sam’s Crab Louis (GF) Crab, apple, lettuce, cucumber, egg, Louis dressing $30.95
Sam’s Lobster Louis (GF) Lobster, apple, lettuce, cucumber, egg, Louis dressing $39.95

🦪 Oyster Bar

Item Description Price
Prawn Cocktail (GF) With house-made cocktail sauce $16.95
Maine Lobster Ceviche Pineapple and passion fruit vinaigrette in tortilla shell $26.95
Ceviche Mixto (GF) Shrimp, scallops, citrus, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro $18.00
Love Shuck $4.50

🍤 Appetizers

Item Description Price
Cold Smoked Salmon Pickled cucumber, herbed cream cheese, toast points $14.95
Fried Calamari Cocktail and tartar sauces $17.95
Crispy Lump Blue Crab Cake Shaved fennel, frisée, rémoulade $15.25
Baked Oysters Rockefeller Parmigiano, spinach, bread crumbs $19.95
Dayboat Scallops (GF) Leeks, fennel, kumquats, crispy shallots, Meyer lemon butter $17.95
Garlic Chili Prawns (GF) Feta, tomatoes, chili flake, basil pesto

Add linguini +$6.00

$17.50
Spicy Popcorn Shrimp With cocktail sauce $16.50
Grilled Spanish Octopus (GF) Potatoes, olives, preserved lemon, arugula $18.50
Grandma Flora’s Meatballs Tomato sauce, Parmigiano, grilled sourdough $12.95
Steamed Mussels (GF) House-made marinara

Add linguini +$6.00

$22.95
Steamed Manila Clams (GF) Pancetta, leeks, chili flakes, thyme

Add linguini +$6.00

$24.95
Gnocchi $17.95

🍽️ Savory Sides

Item Description Price
Old Bay Fries $8.00
Polenta Fries $8.00
Coleslaw (GF) $6.00
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (GF) $8.00
Sauteed Spinach (GF) With almonds and golden raisins $9.00
Grilled Asparagus With Parmigiano and lemon $10.00
Grilled Broccoli Di Ciccio With Calabrian chili and garlic $10.00

🥣 Chowders & Gumbo

Item Description Price
New England Chowder Clams, potatoes, bacon, cream, bay leaf (not GF) $6.95
Manhattan Chowder (GF) Tomato-based clam chowder with herbs and vegetables $6.95
Half & Half Chowder $6.95
New Orleans Style Gumbo Crab, shrimp, sausage, green onion, rice $6.95
Special Soup $14.00
White Cold Chowder Quart $15.00
Red Cold Chowder Quart (GF) $15.00

🐟 Daily Fresh Catch

Item Description Price
Petrale Sole (GF) Potatoes, green garlic, asparagus, Meyer lemon butter $33.00
Local Halibut (GF) Mushrooms, leeks, spinach, truffle butter (contains garlic, dairy) $37.00
King Salmon (GF) Cauliflower puree, onions, artichokes, preserved lemon salsa $37.00
Maine Lobster, 1¼ lb (GF) With drawn butter and two sides $59.95
Swordfish $36.00

🍝 House Specialties

Item Description Price
Seafood Spaghetti Prawns, mussels, clams, fish, octopus, spicy tomato sauce $28.95
Shrimp Scampi and Linguini White wine, garlic, butter, herbs over linguine $27.95
Prawns Stuffed with Crab Bacon-wrapped, with chard, garlic potato purée, horseradish cream $36.95
Cioppino Shellfish stew with crab, prawns, mussels, clams, rock fish $38.95
Naked Lobster Roll Warm lobster with butter and celery (deconstructed for takeout) $33.95
Dressed Lobster Roll Chilled lobster with lemon aioli, celery, chives (deconstructed for takeout) $33.95
Shrimp Po Boy $18.95

🍖 From the Land

Item Description Price
½ lb. Grilled Hamburger Artisan bun, Old Bay fries

Add cheese +$1.00

$17.95
Spaghetti & Meatballs Grandma Flora’s meatballs with Parmigiano $19.50
Roasted Half Chicken (GF) Herb-lemon roasted, with rice, spring onion, asparagus $24.50
Slow Braised Beef Short Rib (GF) Tomato-braised cranberry beans, Swiss chard, herb gremolata $27.95
Veggie Plate Choose 3 Savory Sides $18.00
Veggie Pasta Seasonal vegetables (ingredients vary) $18.00
Veggie Risotto (GF) Seasonal vegetables (ingredients vary) $21.00

🍤 Fried Platters

Item Description Price
Fried Shrimp Pilsner beer batter, with Old Bay fries and coleslaw $26.50
Fried Seafood Combination Prawns, crab cake, calamari, pollock, with Old Bay fries and coleslaw $42.95
Maryland Style Crab Cakes Crispy crab cakes, coleslaw, Old Bay fries, remoulade $31.95
Fish and Chips Pilsner beer battered, with Old Bay fries and coleslaw $21.95

🥦 Vegetarian

Item Description Price
Mixed Field Greens (GF) Lettuce, fennel, citrus, quinoa, red wine vinaigrette $14.50
Beet Salad (GF) Arugula, frisée, strawberries, pistachios, feta, lemon vinaigrette $15.95
Gnocchi Potato gnocchi, English peas, snap peas, pesto, Parmigiano $17.95
Old Bay Fries $8.00
Polenta Fries $8.00
Coleslaw (GF) $6.00
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (GF) $8.00
Sauteed Spinach (GF) With almonds and golden raisins $9.00
Portobello Mushroom Sandwich Balsamic onions, arugula, basil aioli, tomato jam $15.95
Veggie Plate Choose 3 Savory Sides $18.00
Veggie Pasta Seasonal vegetables (ingredients vary) $18.00
Veggie Risotto (GF) Seasonal vegetables (ingredients vary) $21.00

👶 Kids Menu

Item Description Price
Grilled Cheese Sandwich $8.95
All Beef Hot Dog Served with French fries $9.95
Chicken Tenders Served with French fries $12.95
Spaghetti With tomato sauce or butter $9.95
Kid’s Grilled Salmon $17.95
Fish & Chips (1 pc) One piece, with fries $10.95
Mac n Cheese $9.50
Fruit Bowl $7.50

🍰 Desserts

Item Description Price
Straus Organic Soft Serve $6.95
Soft Serve w/ Sea Salt & Olive Oil Tastes like caramel! $6.95
Soft-Serve Swirl Sundae Caramel sauce, chocolate chips, almonds, whipped cream, cherry $9.50
Key Lime Pie Lime custard with toasted meringue $10.00
Crumble (GF) Vanilla ice cream, almonds, caramel (gluten-free) $11.00
Gelato Ice Cream $5.00
Cheesecake $11.00
Chocolate Mousse Cake $12.00
Poached Peach Tartlet $11.00
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding $11.00

👪 Family Packs To Go

Item Description Price
6 Chilled Blue Crab Cakes Lump crab cakes only (no fries), ready to reheat $48.00
12 Chilled Blue Crab Cakes Lump crab cakes only (no fries), ready to reheat $96.00
6 Grandma Flora’s Meatballs $12.00
12 Grandma Flora’s Meatballs $24.00
Red Cold Chowder Quart (GF) Gluten-free $15.00
White Cold Chowder Quart $15.00

5 Best Recommended Dishes You Must Try

When it comes to choosing what to eat at the Sam’s Chowder House Menu Half Moon Bay, in my observations, these five dishes stand out as absolute favorites among locals and visitors alike. Each dish is crafted with care, bursting with flavors that keep guests coming back. Here are five must-try dishes based on customer favorites and my personal experience

1. Lobster Roll

A warm, butter-soaked bun cradles tender lobster meat, simple, decadent, and endlessly popular.

Lobster-Roll
sfgate.com

2. New England Clam Chowder

Velvety broth filled with tender clams, soft potatoes, and a hint of smoke—it’s a comforting classic.

New-England-Clam-Chowder
vittlemonster.com

3. Cioppino

A hearty seafood stew brimming with fish, clams, mussels, and shrimp in a tangy tomato broth.

Cioppino
Tripadvisor.com

4. Fish & Chips

Flaky white fish encased in crisp golden batter, paired with thick‑cut fries—fried seafood perfection.

Fish & Chips
Tripadvisor.com

5. Oysters on the Half Shell

Served fresh on ice, bursting with briny ocean flavor—ideal for purists.

Oysters-on-the-Half-Shell
visithalfmoonbay.org

Each dish highlights fresh, high-quality seafood sourced from sustainable partners, without compromise.

Quick Guide About Sam’s Chowder House

Type Seafood restaurant
Google Rating 4.4 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆) out of 8,335 reviews
Price Range $30–$50 per person
Known For Clam chowder, lobster rolls, patio with ocean view
Services ✅ Dine-in  ✅ Takeout ❌ No delivery
Location 4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone (650) 712-0245
Website/Order For the Sam’s Chowder House menu with Prices, visit the official website here.
Reservations Find a table
Extras 🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly

Sam’s ChowderMobile & Catering

Their ChowderMobile food truck brings chowder and rolls to local events, and their catering services are perfect for weddings, private parties, and corporate functions. Custom menus and a professional team ensure your guests enjoy Sam’s famous flavors, wherever you are.

While You’re in Half Moon Bay: 5 Nearby Seafood Favorites

While Sam’s Chowder House is a must, these nearby spots also offer memorable seafood:

1. Barterra Winery & Kitchen

Google Reviews: 4.2 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)
191 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay
Upscale and stylish, Barterra offers fine seafood dishes and local wines in a modern, welcoming setting.

2. Moss Beach Distillery

Google Reviews: 4.0 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)
217 12th St, Moss Beach
Historic, slightly mysterious, and scenic, this spot serves classic coastal cuisine with ocean views.

3. Cameron’s Restaurant & Inn

Google Reviews: 4.1 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)
604 Miramontes St, Half Moon Bay
A mix of comfort food and seafood with quirky decor and a British pub vibe.

4. Navio at The Ritz-Carlton

Google Reviews: 4.3 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)
1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay
Luxury coastal dining with exquisite presentation and an unforgettable view.

5. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

Google Reviews: 4.2 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)
390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay
Casual and fun, this place serves fresh seafood and local brews with live music and harbor views.

Each of these was chosen after 2 to 3 hours of research and reading reviews, ensuring personal, high-quality recommendations.

How to Get There: Sam’s Chowder House Location, Hours & Parking

📍 Address: 4210 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Sam’s Chowder House – Hours of Operation

Day Opening Hours
Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Monday 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Location on Map:

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There is ample parking, though sunset hours get crowded. Reservations are strongly recommended during weekends.

Sam’s Chowder House Reviews

Overall Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐☆) Based on 8,335 reviews. Google Reviews

“The lobster roll here is the best in California.”
“Consistently delicious with a view you can’t beat.”
“Great staff, seafood, and atmosphere—every visit is worth it.”

FAQs

Is Sam’s Chowder House kid‑ or dog‑friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome, and dogs are allowed on the patio.

Do they take reservations?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are suggested for sunset dining.

Is the ChowderMobile schedule available online?
Yes, check the official website.

Are there vegetarian or gluten‑free options?
Yes. Salads, sides, and gluten‑free bread are available.

Can Sam’s cater private events?
Absolutely. Contact their catering team for details.

Can I walk in without a reservation?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome, but there might be a wait during busy times.

How far is Sam’s Chowder House from Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF)?
It’s just a short drive, about 5–10 minutes from the airport.

Who owns Sam’s Chowder House?
Sam’s Chowder House is locally owned and run by a team of people who love seafood and great service.

Conclusion: A Seafood Ritual Worth Repeating

From the lobster rolls to the sea breeze, Sam’s Chowder House defines coastal California dining. Whether you’re visiting or a local, it’s the kind of place that becomes a beloved tradition. For an unforgettable seafood experience, Sam’s is the place to be.

Please also read articles about the following seafood restaurants:

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Website |  + posts

Taqi Anjum is a seasoned culinary and travel expert with deep knowledge of America’s restaurant and travel landscapes. Specializing in menu pricing, dining trends, cost-saving strategies, and insider travel tips, he crafts authoritative guides that empower food lovers and travelers to explore the USA with confidence.

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