Located on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay, Sam's Chowder House is a top destination for seafood lovers in the San Francisco Bay Area. This iconic establishment offers a unique dining experience with true oceanfront outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy stunning sunsets while savoring a variety of sustainable, ocean-fresh seafood dishes. Inspired by East Coast seafood houses, Sam’s Chowder House provides a casual and authentic atmosphere that perfectly complements its menu of New England-style favorites. The menu features live Maine lobster, fresh local Dungeness crab in season, classic fish and chips, fried calamari, rich clam chowder, farm-fresh salads, hearty cioppino, and their famous lobster rolls — which were featured on NBC’s The TODAY Show and named one of the top five best sandwiches in America.
Sam’s Chowder House also warmly welcomes dogs, making it one of the most popular dog-friendly restaurants on the San Mateo County coast. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the back patio, weather permitting, where the staff is known for bringing out water bowls and greeting dogs with genuine enthusiasm. Dining al fresco with your dog at your feet, the sound of crashing waves in the background, and a plate of fresh seafood in front of you is one of those quintessential coastal California experiences that dog owners treasure. The outdoor patio is first-come, first-served — reservations apply to indoor seating only — so arriving a bit early is a good strategy, especially on sunny weekends.
Sam’s Chowder House caters to both locals and visitors alike, from a relaxing lunch with your dog after a morning walk on the beach, a romantic dinner with a view, to a casual family outing where the dog can come along. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch through dinner, offering indoor and outdoor dining as well as takeout. The combination of excellent seafood, spectacular ocean views, and a genuinely welcoming attitude toward dogs makes Sam’s Chowder House a standout destination on the Half Moon Bay coastline. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website at samschowderhouse.com or contact them directly at (650) 712-0245.
