August/September 2017 71
GAMMA NINE PHOTOGRAPHY
SUMMERTIME…
THE CROW’S NEST For more than 45 years, surfers and beach babes have packed this
casual and colorful coastal spot. Exposed beams frame the breathtaking
panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, lighthouse and
wharf, setting the scene and for down-to-earth comfort cuisine,
generously priced cocktails and toe-tapping live entertainment.
Locals flock to the flagship eatery to cut loose on “Ridiculous
Wednesdays,” when happy hour lasts from 3:30 p.m. until closing.
For those who crave more than a liquid dinner, The Crow’s Nest
favorites include seafood standards such as crab cakes and broiled
lobster tail, but carnivores will be delighted with stick-to-yourbones
options that range from Mocha-Rubbed Filet Mignon to New
Zealand Rack of Lamb. Dual decks offer a friendly, casual alfresco
atmosphere while the interior is where rich woods, luminous works
of glass art, and a unique collection of vintage surfboards and surfing
photographs complete the singular Santa Cruz ambiance. 2218
E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831/476-4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
SAM’S CHOWDER HOUSE Head to this East Coast-style seafood eatery, which lays claim to
sweeping views of the harbor, and food that meets the expectations
of even the most discerning of West Coast foodies. As the
restaurant’s name would suggest, the chowder is the rightful claim
to fame, but so are the ahi tuna poke and oysters Rockefeller, along
with the award-winning, stuffed-to-the-brim lobster roll sandwich.
For a communal cookout, book your very own New England clambake.
The feast is steamed outside in the ocean air using a large
wooden steamer box that is placed on a bed of hot coals and carefully
loaded with fresh whole Maine lobster, clams, mussels, red
potatoes, fresh corn on the cob and savory Andouille sausage, and
layered with special Maine lobster seaweed. 4210 Cabrillo Hwy N,
Half Moon Bay, 650/712-0245, samschowderhouse.com
CLIFF HOUSE With jaw-dropping views of the craggy, coast-caressing Land’s
End and the wide strip of Ocean Beach framing the vast, azure
expanse of the wild Pacific, and the haunting remains of the Sutro
Baths, the Cliff House is an all-day old school eatery for an elegant
brunch, hearty lunch or intimate dinner. The restaurant, now part
of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has had five major
incarnations since its beginnings as a reclaimed building formed
from salvaged shipwreck lumber in 1858.
New England
clambake at Sam’s
Chowder House
The Bistro serves more casual fare, while the restaurant focuses
on fine dining. Find a picturesque perch by the window and
watch the pelicans swoop into position on Seal Rock as you enjoy
a signature popover dinner roll with a soul-warming bowl of clam
chowder. 1090 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco, 415/386-3330,
cliffhouse.com
MOSS BEACH DISTILLERY This historical landmark and prohibition-era whiskey smuggling
hotbed, Moss Beach Distillery is known today for its carefully
sourced seafood and craft beverages, seaside dining and dogfriendly
patio. Grab a seat and marvel at the view of the wild Pacific
as the sun dips below the horizon. A bowl of clam steamers takes
the chill off the coastal breezes, while hearty sharable plates laden
with unique snacks such as Anchor Steam beer battered artichoke
hearts or buttermilk battered onion rings keep hunger at bay after
a long day of beachy activities.
The back of the restaurant, overlooking the ocean, holds a dogfriendly
patio and large fire pits to warm patrons on fog-laden
summer days and evenings. The doggie menu—featuring mini
burgers and grilled hot dogs—is specifically designed to cater to
canine cravings. Along with the spectacular views, visitors are
drawn to the historic property with hopes of glimpsing one very
special guest, the resident ghost, “the Blue Lady,” strolling along
the seashore. 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, 650/728-5595, moss
beachdistillery.com
BEACHY WHERE THE DINING
IS
What would a day of fun in the sun be without an
outstanding meal to cap it all off? Satisfy seaside
cravings at these iconic shore-lining restaurants.
