Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, California: A Restaurant Review

Located just north of Half Moon Bay on California Route 1, Sam's Chowder House is a great place to grab a quick bite or to hang out. Open since 2006, Sam's is fast becoming a popular seafood destination, what with gorgeous ocean side views, outdoor dining and beachfront access. Just a quick trip from downtown San Francisco, Sam's enjoys hosting day-tripping customers from the Bay Area and Silicon Valley who wander into Half Moon Bay.

A throw back to the seafood houses on the East Coast, the menu at Sam's is extensive with items sure to please even the fussiest diner. Besides fish and seafood, there are hamburgers, chicken, short ribs and spaghetti and meatballs. But let's face it; Sam's is primarily known for its seafood prepared with a California touch. Sam's strives to be eco-friendly, from the rooftop solar panels, biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly lighting to the use of sustainable seafood.

The seafood standbys take on a distinctive flavor at Sam's. Starters include favorites like regional raw oysters, baked oysters Rockefeller, calamari, Dungeness crab and house smoked salmon, but don't be afraid to venture into the unknown. There's a killer white anchovy dish (who'd have thought?), Ahi tuna poke, and roasted chili prawns to name a few of the outstanding appetizers. Soups include both clam chowders - Manhattan and New England - and salads include a seaweed offering in addition to Caesar, wedge and crab Louis.

The much touted lobster roll, described by NBC's Today Show as "One of the Five Best Sandwiches in America," is constructed of chunks of lobster meat lightly dressed in butter - definitely different from its Maine cousin, but delicious nonetheless. Instead of a bun, it comes wrapped in a thick slab of toasted bread. Butter, butter, everywhere!

Entrees change daily with the arrival of fresh fish in season. Fish selections could range from sea bass, albacore, Hawaiian escolar, sole, swordfish and California halibut, all prepared with ingenious sides. Almonds and eggplant couscous? Golden raisin tapenades? Giusti artichokes and Tuscan kale? The accompaniments alone are spectacular and worth careful consideration.

Of course, if the craving is for seafood, go all out and get the lobster clam bake. With a one and a half pound lobster, clams, mussels, Andouille sausage, fresh corn, redskins and accompanied by cole slaw and clam chowder, this meal is great for a hearty eater or can be split between two.

Sam's is kid-friendly with an extensive menu of children's favorites: hot dog, chicken tenders, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.

The entire Sam's menu is available for take out to be taken home, or take a stroll down the beach for a picnic. Private event catering, ocean side weddings and corporate off-sites can be arranged. There's also a gift shop at Sam's, where one can purchase Sam's paraphernalia as souvenirs.

Now Sam's is employing the use of a "Chowdermobile." The Chowdermobile makes scheduled stops at Bay Area events, such as county fairs and jazz festivals. Follow the Chowdermobile at www.samschowdermobile.com.

You can also hook up with Sam's and the Chowdermobile on Twitter (@samschowder and @chowdermobile).

Sam's Chowder House
4210 N. Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.712.0245
www.samschowderhouse.com