Splash Café

First time here, super yummy loaded chowder and discounted on Thursday! Love that they toast the center that gets cored out of the bread bowl. Friendly and quick service! Took a second to find seating but most people eat and leave quickly. Will definitely come back!

Splash Café absolutely lives up to the hype. I ordered the Fish Combo with calamari and cod, along with their famous clam chowder in a bread bowl, and everything was exceptional. The calamari was perfectly fried, tender, and seasoned just right. The cod was flaky inside with a crisp, golden coating that wasn’t greasy at all. The fries were fresh and everything came out hot. The clam chowder deserves its reputation. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, and the bread bowl was toasted perfectly with that buttery, crispy top. Easily one of the best chowders I’ve had on the Central Coast. Service was friendly, the food came out quickly, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a beach town staple. If you’re anywhere near Pismo Beach, Splash Café is a must. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Splash Cafe absolutely does offer some of the best Clam Chowder in the west coast! The Clam Chowder in a bread bowl is 12ounces but I upgraded mine to 16ounce in a cup with curly fries on the side. Very delicious meal, no long lines during the winter season. Staff is very friendly, restaurant is kept clean. I will be a returning customer.

The bread bowl lives up to its name, the bread itself AND the chowder were amazing. The lobster roll could be better but otherwise not bad. Clam strips and fries were good but not as impressionable. Otherwise overall service and atmosphere was amazing.

We finally made the stop at Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach and there was no question what we were ordering. We came for the clam chowder and it totally lived up to the hype. It was rich and creamy with the perfect thickness that made every bite feel hearty and satisfying. The flavor was spot on too with a great balance of cream, herbs, and just enough clam without being too overpowering. We did not get it in the bread bowl this time, just a regular cup with a side of their bread, but that was more than enough to hit the spot. The bread had a soft inside with a slight crust on the outside and dunking it into the chowder was just so good. Every dip soaked up the chowder perfectly and gave it a satisfying bite that kept us going back for more. My wife and I finished it quickly and looked at each other like yep, that was worth it. The place itself has a fun beachy vibe with surf-themed decor and a laid back energy. It gets a bit crowded but the line moved pretty fast and the staff kept things moving. Definitely worth stopping in if you are in Pismo. Next time we are getting the fully loaded bread bowl for sure.

Yes it gets very crowded on wknds & holidays. Yes there's a wait to order, and again for your order to be ready. But all of it really isn't that bad... because this is the absolute best clam chowder on the West Coast - and anything west of the Mississippi. (For anything east of the Mighty Miss, you have to go to Massachusetts or Delaware!) Been here twice (Apr2025(2) & July2025 (5 of us)), line out the door & around the corner but it moved quickly and our order was taken 15 minutes later in both visits. The chowders,, calamari, and fish & chips arrived 15-20 minutes later and by then we already had a choice among 3 tables or counter seats opening up! Get the chowder loaded or not; scoop it up w/sourdough or not... any which way, it's way way beyond any chowder you'll ever have (except for a few very comparable venues on the East Coast). Fish & Chips were also exceptional! FYI - there are many along the Central CA Coast who also serve clam chowder... after sampling nearly 3 others hoping to find similar top-notch chowder, no one comes close to Splash!

Located near the pier in Pismo Beach. The clam chowder did have many clams, seems there were more porato chunks than clams. There was line to get in, so I was expecting amazing clam chowder, so I was disappointed to find it to be mediocre at best. The seafood salad was huge with lots of shrimp and crabmeat(surimi?). The staff are very efficient and got people their food quickly, so the line does move quickly. I was there on a Saturday in October and the place was packed, making it hard to find an open table. I can't imagine what it's like in July!

Dude. The best clam chowder bread bowl I've had. Hands down. It's an award winning clamp chowder 18 years running. This is a must here. The lobster roll was also legit. It's a cold roll with mayo and celery. So damn good. I can eat that every day. I have to come back to try the fish and chips. It was worth the 3 hour drive from LA.

Food is awesome service great and staff very nice can't say enough about their loaded clam chowder bowls

I came on a busy day around 4:20 with the line around the corner. I also ordered a huge meal for four people ($90) and was surprised how accurate and fast it was delivered. (Food received at 4:45 after entering the line.) I am a huge fan of their chowder and fish. To me, there fish and chips is the best dish on the menu! It's so juicy and flakey. The clam chowder is second with the soft bread bowl. I always recommend these two dishes! The service is fast as well as the restaurant busy. You can order online which is what I usually do, however, my little cousin was with me and wanted to make sure her burger was plain! Which to my delight they served hot and fresh. Splash cafe is a staple to pismo and always meets my expectations.

Locating in a corner by the beach this place has the best creamy Clam Chowder soooo GOOD!!!! Just thinking about it I'm drooling, definitely worth the drive !!! It's serve on a toasty sourdough, they serve you fast, the restaurant can't be deceiving it looks small and crowded, however if you keep walking there's plenty seating on the back , they also have a restroom. Customer service was great too, hard working young people , serving fast , they seemed to have a great team everyone working & they looked like they like their job! (Yes I notice ñd those things) Parking is outside, make sure to pay the meter because there's officers checking constantly, YES EVEN ON SUNDAYS!!! I hope you get a chance to try and agree with my review! They do have other options like tacos they were good too !!!

Splash Cafe is a staple spot in Pismo Beach and for good reason. The absolute BEST Boston clam chowder I've ever had, hands down! They are so generous with their clams and the flavor is insanely delicious. I also got their fish tacos which were buy one get one free. I appreciated the crispy batter and the fresh fish, but overall they were lacking in salt and flavor. Adding some malt vinegar helped, but overall the tacos were just okay. However, I cannot express how delicious the clam chowder is. I would come back here a million times for this soup.

My husband always raves about the Splash Cafe! The first time I went here was because my husband wanted me to try the famous chowder. It's super busy and can get really crowded inside. It takes time for a seat to open up but people usually eat pretty quickly and the tables have a quick turnaround. We went a few times while in the area! My husband got the clam chowder bread bowl of course! Definitely recommend trying this if you haven't already. I got the lobster roll to change things up. The thing with the lobster roll is, it's good but it's not like a traditional lobster roll you'd find on the east coast. It's more of a "lobster salad" roll served cold. It was still good but not what I was expecting. Very good and would definitely come back next time we are in the area.

Finally got to eat inside and got the front window seat on a Wednesday. Got our food within 5 minutes after ordering. THE FOOD: Delicious as always just wish I ordered some Clam Chow to go !

It's been almost a decade since I last went to splash cafe in pismo & OMG it's still gosh dang delicious as I remembered it!! As ALWAYS & as anyone that steps in this place would order the clam chowder bread bowl because it's toasted with goodness & perfect to shred to dip into the flavorful chowder loaded with just enough clams to not feel you're gypped for your buck. I love a little spice so before I would add Tabasco sauce but I see now they replaced it with house made sauces called the carrot pepper sauce.. I was skeptical at first but Jesus it wasn't bad! Service is quick and fast in and out as expected. Fresh hot soup to enjoy right away. You can get them to-go too! Which I recommend because you're going to want more. Sitting was just enough indoors with stool and high top tables and some lower bigger tables in the back. Self-serve fountain drinks and bathrooms.

No line, oh yeah! Ordered the usual clam chowder bowl with a side of the seafood topping. To go, and ate across the street in my 'secret spot.' Been coming here since the 80's. Best chowdah of my life and possibly yours. Please don't ask me to try your fav, cuz this one is better.

Checked out of our hotel and of course, had to hit up Splash Cafe-- early enough so that it wasn't super busy yet. We ordered quickly, and got these perfect seats by the window, looking out towards the street/beach with the sun beaming down, warming us up! It felt great! Though we ordered quickly-- this was the one time I had to wait quite a while and honestly, I think they must've skipped us somehow because multiple people who came after us kept getting their names called until I finally got up to ask about our order. Normally, my order is done before I even take a seat! We got the Famous Bread Bowl, of course, and tried their Lobster Roll for the first time. The bread bowl has yet to disappoint me. I've gotten toppings before but it gets to be too much sometimes, plain and simple is perfect for me! If you refer to my Wooly's review, my boyfriend said "all chowders taste the same"... he definitely changed his tune once he ate Splash's. The flavor is everything! Compared to Splash Cafe, Wooly's chowder was very bland. But anyways, moving on... the Lobster Roll. I've read someone else's review and I believe I do agree with their assessment that this was like a Lobster salad in a roll but-- I didn't hate it. I'm sure they make it differently in the east coast (Maine is on my bucket list) but this held up on its own as well. A very good portion, enough for he and I to share. There are shredded pieces of probably crab in there, but the chunks of the lobster were great. Especially after each bite, some would fall back down into the basket-- I just squeezed some lemon juice over it and enjoyed it just like that! No Lobster left behind. Some people think it's "hyped" but it's hyped for a reason. I'll never miss an opportunity to stop at Splash Cafe if we're in the area! The Clam Chowder is a must to sooth my soul (it's all I ever order) but now I know I love the Lobster roll as well. Very refreshing! P.S.- Though they had the order mishap, I did not dock any points because the food was delicious and they've never let me down before prior to this visit. I'll let it slide..... today.

We got luck and found street parking a few blocks away. Busy casual spot with bar seating and some tables as well. This place had a line out the door, with friendly and efficient employees. This might be the best clam chowder I've ever had. Granted, it's super creamy and buttery, which I know isn't everyone's preference. However, for me, it's creamy clam chowder perfection. The bread bowl comes with the top toasted (and buttered) perfectly. We also tried the fried fish tacos which were delicious. Fish was well seasoned and the toppings were fresh! Excellent food that was well worth the wait!

I came here a couple days ago, it wasn't busy at all, it was probably 30 mins after sunset, I ordered the clam chowder fully loaded and it was soooo good. My mom ordered the chili bowl and it was also good. We walked to the back to find a seat and there was a lot available. As we finished dinner the place that packed! I will be back!

A pretty good spot, worth the hype. The common issue with all the food is that the carbs suck. The ahi tacos were pretty good besides the tortilla. The ingredients were fresh and the fish was cooked perfectly, it had an amazing char flavor. The lobster roll was pretty forgettable to be honest. I tasted the mayo more than the lobster, and the roll itself also sucked. The fires had a good crisp and I liked the seasoning. The clam chowder was also really good.

this place exceeded my expectations! idk if i was just super hungry or what but the chowder fries was one of the best things ive ever eaten. it was my favorite item by far. the salmon BLAT was a great healthy choice! the dressing had some sour notes but overall it was a good blend of flavors. i loveeeeed the chowder! so many clams in it and also the little toasted bread top was so crispy and delish my friends got the fish and chips. they said it was alright, very standard, didn't stand out (get the other stuff!) it's an order at the counter type of place and there are plenty of seats (whether it be tables or counter space)! the inside has super beachy decor too and overall the place has so much charm

Crowded, not too many comfy places to sit, but the service was quick and the chowder was good. I really liked the option to add extra clams, as well as other toppings being available. The Carrot Pepper hot sauce was a hit, so we bought a couple bottles to take with us.

The famous Splash Cafe in Pismo is a must if you have never came by. I've been here numerous times and this place is a solid spot for seafood. Just beware, if your here on a weekend, this place will have a line out the door. Luckily, I was here on a Thursday night and when I got here for dinner, there was only party in line ahead of me. My lucky day. Stopped by for a bread bowl of clam chowder and some fish and chips. After ordering, our food was out within 5 min. Fish n chips were very good, a solid 8 out of 10. The clam chowder was loaded with toppings and the toppings were cold which brought the tempeteaure of the clam chowder down which was a bit disappointing. The clam chowder had great flavor, again just barely warm enough to eat. Would have to rate this dish a 6.5 out of 10 this time but normally it is a solid 8 out of 10. Overall, the nostalgia of this place will have me come back up again but I was a bit disappointing with my clam chowder this time. Just be warned and maybe stay clear of the loaded bread bowl. Aside from that, don't sleep on this place. Thanks Splash Cafe for all the great memories.

A Splash it is too...this is "the beach diner" line out the door mostly always. Crowded as heck good luck finding a spot, hopeless if a stroller or wheelchair is in play. Loud, typically you need to clear a spot if you found one. And above it all is great mediocre fish and chips, clam chowder and other stuff too. But its the bomb man, totally rad with the kind food dude. Its just plain fun to be in the middle of kaos, full blast dam the torpedoes. The atmosphere is great but its not for everybody either. My friend M got a kick out of it all and she enjoyed her clam chowder very much. Mission accomplished with a story on the side, thank you. foodguy-martin

Had to visit this place as many on yelp deem it the "best clam chowder they have ever had", but I was sadly disappointed by my eating experience. The service was fast and friendly! The line was long but it goes by pretty quickly, and there were multiple counter spots to eat inside. We got one cup of clam chowder, one bowl of clam chowder loaded with bacon and cheese, a shrimp SLO boy and the calamari and chips. Our total came out to $65 which is quite pricy for the portions. The loaded chowder was super salty. I was also disappointed by the regular clam chowder and feel that I have had better in San Francisco and Monterey. The calamari and chips were okay, with a small portion of calamari and a huge amount of fries. Everything was decent, but did not blow me away.

THE CLAM CHOWDER HERE IS TO DIE FOR. BEST I'VE EVER HAD, NO CAP. Don't let the line intimidate you! It actually moves pretty quickly and you can order takeout from a different window if you don't want to fight for a seat to dine-in. We were here during July 4th weekend so it was very busy, but the food is 100% Worth It. You can definitely tell that everything is fresh, and the quantities are quite generous ($16 for a massive lobster roll that could feed 2 people. Crazy). This is definitely The Spot to hit when you're in Pismo Beach, especially after a day at the beach or the sand dunes B)

This review is for their frozen clam chowder!! I have never been to Splash Cade but always heard good things about them, especially their clam chowder. Every time my friends go to Pismo Beach, I have them pick up some frozen claw chowder for me. I've been having them do that for over 15 years now. The clam chowder is so good, it is the BEST I ever had. Rich creamy and lots of clams. There's no added bacon, unlike most of them out there. This is purely made with clams. If you in the area or have a friend going there, have them pick some up for you, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!!!

Food is so good! The BLAT (bacon lettuce avocado tomato) sandwich was so well made. The bread was super crispy and light, and the fries portion was HUGE for the $1.50 to make it a combo. Service was great and they have runners bringing food to you wherever youre sitting. Super friendly shop. The ambiance is casual and comfortable, I think its in a touristy part so theres a lot of people. The tables were not the cleanest and the bathrooms were okay as well.

Came for the chowder of course, but we tried it loaded! Oh my goodness, it was heavenly. Now I'll always want it that way. We bought some frozen to recreate it at home. Shared a fish and chips as well, everything was great. Next time I want to try the tacos. Get here early as it gets so busy. The low tables are the first to fill up and hard to get one.

I wanted to try the chowder since everyone raved about it. Sadly, it was way too buttery for us. I rarely cook with butter so I can tell when excessive butter is used on a dish. I do highly recommend the lobster roll and steamed clams. Come early because it gets crowded

Splash cafe is just as good as I remember it! So glad to have gotten the chance to visit again after a few years. The clam chowder is delicious as always, just the right amount of pepper, and I appreciate the generous amount of clams. My husband tried the fish taco which was ok, it looked like it should've been flavorful but really wasn't. And my sister tried a cheeseburger which also was just ok, could've been salted a bit more. But please remember that this place is a CHOWDER spot known for their chowder. I'm not too surprised that some of their other dishes are not up to par. But the workers are very kind. They're quick when taking everyone's orders and when the order is ready and they call out your name they're nice enough to walk your order to you once they spot you in the back so you don't always have to get up. The restaurant is fairly long, a lot bigger inside than it looks from the outside. And seating is first come first serve. There's both bar seating and table seating too.

I usually have a hard time finding clam chowder without bacon in it, so I was really excited to learn that Splash Cafe's chowder is bacon free! The line was somewhat long when I came by, but it moved quickly. I ordered a big bowl of chowder to-go and it was love at first bite. It was super creamy with a rich clam flavor that wasn't overpowering at all. I recently discovered they ship nationwide so I might have to place an order to hold me over until I can come back in person!

Awesome team!! Every single one of them are awesome !! Made me the first ever cheesy bread secret menu item! Hope they add it to their menu! It's so delicious!! Thanks to the cool gentlemen who cooked it up for me!!

Splash Cafe is family owned for 40 years! It's best known for their Clam Chowder! Back in the day you can take a bucket and shovel and dig up clams everywhere around the pier area! Now you can't!! The food is great order at the counter and wait till your name is called and find a place to sit. If you can!! The place takes you back in time nothing fancy! If you drive up or down the 101 fwy stop by you will always remember it as long as you live!

Not even the best Clam Chowder in Pismo Beach, let alone the world. A pure tourist trap with a line out the door that doesn't live up to the hype.

The clam chowder really is that good. We skipped a visit on a Sunday afternoon because the line was pretty long, and came back Monday for lunch. The line was still long, but about half the length as the day before. It moves pretty fast, though. We came for the clam chowder but also ordered a lobster roll to share as well since it was the special of the day. Even at full price, it was priced pretty cheap. The inside is a bit small so we decided to get ours to go. We waited outside in the alley and they call your name from a window. It took longer than expected, especially since we didn't get anything made to order. Sadly, the lobster roll wasn't very good. It was more minced than chunks (explains the low price) and had quite a bit of celery and Mayo in it. But the clam chowder in a bread bowl was great!it didn't contain that grittiness you often get in chowder and was velvety and satisfying. I wish I'd just gotten that. I didn't eat much of the bread because of the lobster roll, but what I ate was fresh and tasty. I really appreciated that the clam chowder was not made with bacon or meat stock so pescatarians can enjoy. If I'm in the area again I'd definitely go back for the clam chowder. They had a good-looking menu so I'd also like to try other options.

CLAM CHOWDER. Ohh myyy goodness I saw the lines out the door for this before and knew this had to be amazing if THAT MANY PEOPLE are in line for it. And it soooo did not disappoint! Soooo creamy! Sooo rich! I got the actual breadbowl, and the buttery-ness of the chowder and bread bowl was so good! It was outrageous! From all the times I've eaten lobster, this tastes exactly like when you dip lobster into drawn butter. Yes, THAT GOOD! I think that's how it gets it's supreme buttery-ness taste. Soooo good! The bread was warmed, the inner core was already cut out and butter toasted as well as the "cap." I am so glad I tried it! It'll be on my list of "to-do's" whenever I'm in Pismo! Yummy!

The chowder was creamy, briny, and was served in a bread bowl. Love that the top of the bread was nicely browned to give it a crunch. We also had the ahi sandwich which was tasty. The staff was courteous and service prompt. This is a casual atmosphere with reasonably priced food.

Stopped by Pismo Beach and some locals recommended this spot. Walked in and the vibes were amazing, mainly young college/highschool kids working the kitchen. Everyone was friendly and seemed to be having fun. The food was delicious. The bread bowl was the best chowder I've had. The fish and chips were decent, but the fish taco was really the most impressive. Would love to come back again! Solid prices and definitely worth it.

Always a SLO must-eat and an nostalgic favorite. Some tips: - Order ahead of time online if you don't want to wait in line - Get the bread on the side and share it - If you're all planning on getting chowder, order up a size and share it! - Bring some extra chairs or a towel to enjoy your chowder on the beach or on the pier since sometimes seating can be hit or miss.

Is Splash cafe ever not busy? Haha! I went in the middle of a work day & there was still a mini line out the door. This place is amazing & everyone knows it's. I stopped by while visiting my hometown since I crave splash chowder every time I come home. It's the first thing I think of when I land. lol! Today this place was packed as usual, there was no where to sit so I had to get my order to go, but since it was a quick bread bowl the wait was less than 5 minutes and I was out the door to enjoy this right by the ocean on the pier bench. The chowder is the best quality chowder & beyond delicious. There's nothing else like it, trust me I've looked! Splash cafe has friendly staff & the best food. 10/10! Always & forever!

Located right on the main drag in Pismo Beach, on Pomeroy Ave, is Splash Cafe. I've been going to this since '95 and it's my favorite clam chowder. Usually, the line wraps around the corner, but we were lucky and got right up there and ordered. I received a free meal for my birthday! The clam chowder is super creamy, silky, and not super thick, like lesser chowders. They use the right amount of clams. I love how they toast and butter the inner piece of bread. The first dipping bite is the best! The bowl itself is lightly toasted, fresh, soft, and delicious! Well worth any wait time. *One of the best things is getting it to go and walking a little down the street and having it on the beach*

Splash Cafe was the highlight meal of our trip! We visited on a Friday evening and ordered onion rings, a bowl of clam chowder, fish tacos, ahi tacos, and fish and chips. The clam chowder was delicious--creamy and packed with flavor. The fish taco was tasty, though not particularly special; it came with an interesting slaw that might be unique to the Pismo area. The ahi taco had a similar setup, but the fish was perfectly charred, adding a nice smoky flavor. My boyfriend enjoyed his fish and chips, but for me, the onion rings were the standout. They were perfectly crispy with just the right amount of batter. The waiter was quick to take our order and mentioned that people tend to eat quickly, so we should keep an eye out for open tables. The cafe has true beach bum vibes, which added to the experience. It's small, but with the beach just a few steps away, you can easily enjoy your meal with a view.

This is easily one of my favorite restaurants of all time. My mom and I visited Pismo for three days and came everyday. The clam chowder is hands down the best I've ever had. The salmon burger was so fresh and not heavy at all, the salmon tacos also blew me away, and had a really yummy sauce to go on top, I also love that you can order just a slice of their toasted bread with the clam chowder if you don't want the whole bread bowl. This place is so adorable and I love the mural in the back of the restaurant. The staff were also so nice and all seemed like they really enjoyed working there.

This is a classic staple for clam chowder and I always stop here while road tripping around central California! While the bread bowl is the fan favorite, I preferred the chowder fries, as the sourdough bowl is difficult to eat at the end. The salmon BLAT wrap was also a great alternative if you want something more light and not fried. You can order food at the front cashier, and your food will be called out quickly. The interior was giving classic surfer beach vibes, with cute blue decor and a sticker wall. There are a few free parking lots if you don't mind a short 5-10 minute walk, or there is also a few metered parking spots right outside. It's also a short walk away from the Pismo Beach sign, I would highly recommend getting it to go and eating it on the beach!

The best clam chowder there is. CA famously known. There is a wait but it is worth it. Outdoor or indoor seating is fine but outdoor is my personal preference! Great views and the ocean is so close!

Clam chowder is the highlight of splash cafe. It is delicious. We also tried the fried fish and fried calamari. Nothing was special about these dishes The steamers weren't my favorite. The place is busy, and there is a line, but the line moves fast. I believe the only item that makes that cafe special is their clam crowder.

I hadn't had clam chowder in years so when I was visiting my family and they offered to take me here, I wasn't going to say no. We went on a Wednesday evening and wanted to walk around before heading in. Note: if you see a short line, do yourself a favor and get in line. After walking around and coming back, the line had more than quadrupled and was wrapped around the building. Luckily, the line goes relatively quickly. It's a fun vibe given it's on the beach and the employees are kind and patients given how chaotic it looked like it could be. Tough to find seating so there was a good amount of time spent waiting for folks to get up. I ordered the classic bread bowl in a clam chowder and the Shrimp SLO Boy. It's a lot food and the chowder is really dense and filling, but tastes great. The bread was delicious but there was no way I was ever going to be able to finish it (and sadly sad many others tossing their bread bowls too). If I ever go back, I'd just do a regular bowl with maybe a slice of bread on the side. The sandwich was also really good albeit a little bit messy to eat. If you like clam chowder, I'd definitely recommend coming here.

Splash Café in Pismo Beach, established in 1989, has rightfully earned its legendary status. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of clam chowder, I can confidently say this place serves some of the best I've ever had in my 50 years. The chowder is rich, flavorful, and loaded with tender clams--a true testament to their award-winning reputation. One of the highlights is their use of locally made San Luis Obispo sourdough bread for their bread bowls. This local touch adds an extra layer of authenticity and flavor, making the chowder experience even more special. Beyond the incredible chowder, the café boasts a fun and whimsical mural that transports you back in time, adding a delightful touch of nostalgia to your dining experience. While the place is always bustling and finding a table can be a challenge, it's worth it for the chance to sit down, get off your feet, and escape the sun for a bit while enjoying your meal. Despite its popularity and the often long lines wrapping around the building, the wait is undeniably worth it. Splash Café is a must-visit when in Pismo Beach, and once you've tried their clam chowder, you'll understand why it has maintained its stellar reputation since 1989.

I was recently a tourist in Pismo Beach. Such a pretty beach town. Saw a line for Splash Cafe so I knew we had to check out the hype! I'll keep this short. BEST CLAM CHOWDER I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!!! I would drive all the way to Pismo again just to have it one more time! Oh man, the bread bowl is also so good that you have the option to get it in. Definitely worth the wait! It's a must visit if you're ever in Pismo.

When you're in Pismo Beach- this place is a must! Best thing to get here are loaded clam chowder and the lobster roll. The clam chowder is super duper cheesy, creamy and pack full of flavors and the lobster roll really is light with the celery inside! Lobster roll was buttery but light so I was able to finish an entire sandwich on my own! I see why tourists love to come here, everything is delicious! The line goes by really quick, and it's pretty loud inside, small space but more room in the back with a bathroom!

It was some good clam chowder. For me, it just wasn't the amazing clam chowder as promoted so heavily. For me it's too heavy on the butter and the clams were chopped up too fine. The result was small pieces that didn't square up with the incredibly rich and creamy base. I know I'm in the minority and I appreciate the large number of five star reviews. It all but buries my three stars. I had a straight pint with no toppings. For me, great chowder doesn't need fixings. Our other tub of goodness came in a bread bowl. The bowl was a French bread that did the job. I don't believe it was sourdough. No tang or pull at all. Again, it was good but not great. Prices were very fair. Came in on a Wednesday in early April and the frequently mentioned line was not there and seating was readily available. I would certainly go again if others wanted to. It's just not something I would seek out. Obviously I'm in the minority here.

We visited during Spring Break and of course, the place was packed. We tried to go a little after lunch to avoid the rush and there was still a line. But don't be discouraged, gentle reader. The speedy staff taking and assembling orders did a great job of keeping the line moving. Once Inside, read the menu on the wall - get the chowder and the toppings for a start. That was enough for us, and it was delicious. Their other food looked great too but we still had dinner to look forward to and couldn't stuff ourselves. It's a bustling place with counter seating, seating for small and large groups, and near the drinks dispenser, award plaques recognizing their clam chowder, adorned with Pismo Clam shells.

The chowder from the splash cafe speaks for itself, the clam chowder was amazing and memorable. That's the main reason for my 4 stars. We got a pint fully loaded to share with the whole family. I probably could've had a pint on my own it was that good. We also tried the comb (fish/shrimp) and chips were pretty good. The lobster roll wasn't bad, but it was mainly filled with imitation crab meat. The line for the cafe can be fairly long especially during lunch time, but it does keep moving so getting your order in isn't too bad, but then waiting for the food takes a bit of time since there are so many orders. For clarification, the dining area doesn't allow dogs. Even though older reviews mentioned dogs allowed, I'm guessing this policy has changed because there is a lobster clip anchor just outside the pick up window that you can clip your dog to if you wanted you eat inside. This clip is near the back door so there's a lot of people walking in and out. There is no outdoor dining area for the cafe, but if you get your food to go and take it to the concrete seating area just a block from the cafe, which is nice to be able to eat and enjoy the ocean with your pup. All in all, I'd come back to the splash cafe for their chowder again! It was definitely worth the wait.

Solid Bread Bowl of Clam Chowder spot. Expect a line out the door, and expect no seating. But take the chowder to the beach! Delicious soup, delicious bread, and with all the toppings.

Food: Tried the highly raved bread bowl clam chowder without any extra toppings, which came out to be $12.95 + tax = $14.89 total. I love that it came out with the part of the bread bowl they cut out for the chowder, which was BUTTERED & TOASTED yummmmmm! The chowder itself was delicious, but I do wish it was way hotter because it cooled down so fast. The bread bowl tasted like French bread; it was good, though I do think it would have been way better if it were sourdough instead. All in all, it was delicious, but not sure if it truly lives up to the hype especially since it's supposed to be famous for its clam chowder. Service: Our food came out pretty quickly! We came on a weekday so there was no line and plenty of seating space indoors. Ambiance: Very casual. Bathroom was clean and had soap/toilet paper.

There was about a 20 min wait on a Friday afternoon. It's very packed in the front but there is additional seating in the back. During the lunch rush, all the seats are fully occupied unless you wait for someone to leave or get lucky. There are also tables to eat if you walk down closer towards the pier. We got the clam chowder bread bowl, lobster roll, and a side of curly fries. They have daily specials and the lobster roll was part of Friday's special so it was cheaper than the original price. The clam chowder was one of the best we've had. It's very creamy, flavorful, and had a good amount of clams. The lobster roll was a bit disappointing. It's definitely different than your typical lobster roll. The lobster pieces were chopped up and combined with imitation crab and celery. It was very wet so it makes your bread all soggy. The curly fries weren't seasoned very well. Personally, I would skip the lobster roll and fries and just go for the clam chowder as a must try item.