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Kitschy, nautical-themed eatery with game-filled lounge known for its oysters & other fresh seafood.
Hours
| Friday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Monday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
Phone: (805) 927-4514
Website: https://seachestoysterbar.com/
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Reviews
R&C
A veritable dining institution in Cambria, you simply must make time to wait in line and dine at one of the best sea food restaurants in the state. And wait in line you certainly will, there is an incredible line outside of this restaurant every single night, show up 1-2 hours early and get in line, the best experience is sitting at the Oyster bar, chatting with the chefs and watching them work their culinary magic. The food is outstanding both in seasoning and cooked to perfection. We had the fried calamari as an appetizer, the petrole sole and the halibut, everything tasted great and was well apportioned. There is a reason that people are willing to wait 2+ hours for this dining experience. Staff are universally friendly and charasmatic. I cannot recommend enough that you take the time to enjoy this dining destination.
… moreAsuka Langley Soryu
We arrived around 7 p.m. on a Saturday night and had about a 10-minute wait, which was reasonable. We ordered the Oyster Rockefeller—the sauce was very good, though the oyster itself didn’t taste quite as fresh as we expected. We also tried the scampi. It had a noticeable tomato-forward flavor, but the seasoning didn’t fully penetrate the seafood, even though the seafood itself was fresh.
Service was very good overall, and despite a few minor notes on the food, we enjoyed the meal and had a pleasant experience.
… moreService was very good overall, and despite a few minor notes on the food, we enjoyed the meal and had a pleasant experience.
Amrita Diol
We spent a night at an inn. They recommended. And told us to go wait. I went ( sister and mum came later ) and got in line. Weather was fine. Chatted. The restaurant opens at 5:30. Some people knew, had brought lawn chairs and started the line, and some had refreshments with them. By sunset the doors opened. It was quite a line. Everyone fitted in. Service very polite, professional. We didn’t get drinks. Mum only takes warm water and it was provided. We shared the two dishes. It was good. We are not connoisseurs of the cooking, everything worked for us. Salad side was fine, and mum had the chowder. Rolls were warm and fresh. We carried away what we couldn’t finish. When we left there were folks waiting by the fire outside. Inside decor is sea theme.
… moreMat Fend
Not everything is fresh.
We work in restaurants so getting to spend a Friday night together is rare. We arrived during busy hours and were told we could wait with some wine, packed like sardines in the bar. We almost finished the bottle in the hour it took to seat the wait list ahead of us. It’s fine.
Server was nice, and brought out steamers, garlic bread, and beautiful salads. My date got some oysters, they didn’t look too impressive with large strips of petrified bacon on them. I ordered the dijon glazed salmon special since there was no crab available -At the start of crab season? OK…
The salmon presented like a hot dog with a mustard line poured lengthwise, and I was OK with that. Cooked perfectly – tender inside. Took my first bite and realized the fish was old. I could taste ammonia. I have worked as a chef for 35+ years so I’m very aware and critical of freshness. But it was late and I could see the kitchen cleaning up, the owner schmoozing tables, there was no way I would send it back. Probably the last cut pulled from the bottom of a 6th pan that hadn’t been changed over all week, but I’m speculating based on flavor.
I ate as much as I could, tipped the guy %30 and left.
When I got home I vomited until I felt better around 1:30 am.
I felt betrayed. I felt robbed.
I’m just so disappointed when I encounter this. Whoever sent out the salmon simply does not care or was too lazy or was told to sell out the old salmon or was too many shift beers deep to notice the foul smell. I’ll probably never go back. I know it’s tough to staff kitchens around here but the management really needs to tighten the reins before someone gets sick. (besides me)
*Heavily edited to retract numerous curse words*
… moreWe work in restaurants so getting to spend a Friday night together is rare. We arrived during busy hours and were told we could wait with some wine, packed like sardines in the bar. We almost finished the bottle in the hour it took to seat the wait list ahead of us. It’s fine.
Server was nice, and brought out steamers, garlic bread, and beautiful salads. My date got some oysters, they didn’t look too impressive with large strips of petrified bacon on them. I ordered the dijon glazed salmon special since there was no crab available -At the start of crab season? OK…
The salmon presented like a hot dog with a mustard line poured lengthwise, and I was OK with that. Cooked perfectly – tender inside. Took my first bite and realized the fish was old. I could taste ammonia. I have worked as a chef for 35+ years so I’m very aware and critical of freshness. But it was late and I could see the kitchen cleaning up, the owner schmoozing tables, there was no way I would send it back. Probably the last cut pulled from the bottom of a 6th pan that hadn’t been changed over all week, but I’m speculating based on flavor.
I ate as much as I could, tipped the guy %30 and left.
When I got home I vomited until I felt better around 1:30 am.
I felt betrayed. I felt robbed.
I’m just so disappointed when I encounter this. Whoever sent out the salmon simply does not care or was too lazy or was told to sell out the old salmon or was too many shift beers deep to notice the foul smell. I’ll probably never go back. I know it’s tough to staff kitchens around here but the management really needs to tighten the reins before someone gets sick. (besides me)
*Heavily edited to retract numerous curse words*
Mike Morris
⭐ 1 Star
The food here was absolutely phenomenal, but the service was one of the most uncomfortable experiences we’ve ever had dining out. We were seated right next to one of the staff’s family members — Kalia’s husband and daughter — and it was immediately clear they were receiving completely different treatment than us.
While they got her full attention, we were mostly ignored and made to feel like outsiders sitting beside a family gathering. What made things worse was how her husband and daughter kept watching us throughout the meal — it felt like they were monitoring our interaction with Kalia, which made the entire experience feel tense and intrusive.
We also couldn’t help but notice Kalia’s husband consuming several glasses of wine while seated with their daughter during our meal. It added to the uncomfortable atmosphere and made us question the professionalism of having family seated and drinking alongside guests in the dining area.
Kalia herself was dismissive toward us, which only added to the awkwardness and made what should have been a relaxing date night feel unpleasant. Thankfully, Izzy — who we initially thought was just another waitress — turned out to be our actual server. She was kind, attentive, and professional, and truly the only reason we didn’t walk out.
It’s such a shame that a restaurant with food this good allows this kind of dynamic to happen right in front of paying guests. Being treated differently than a staff member’s family, while feeling watched the entire time, made an otherwise special night feel awkward and unwelcoming.
… moreThe food here was absolutely phenomenal, but the service was one of the most uncomfortable experiences we’ve ever had dining out. We were seated right next to one of the staff’s family members — Kalia’s husband and daughter — and it was immediately clear they were receiving completely different treatment than us.
While they got her full attention, we were mostly ignored and made to feel like outsiders sitting beside a family gathering. What made things worse was how her husband and daughter kept watching us throughout the meal — it felt like they were monitoring our interaction with Kalia, which made the entire experience feel tense and intrusive.
We also couldn’t help but notice Kalia’s husband consuming several glasses of wine while seated with their daughter during our meal. It added to the uncomfortable atmosphere and made us question the professionalism of having family seated and drinking alongside guests in the dining area.
Kalia herself was dismissive toward us, which only added to the awkwardness and made what should have been a relaxing date night feel unpleasant. Thankfully, Izzy — who we initially thought was just another waitress — turned out to be our actual server. She was kind, attentive, and professional, and truly the only reason we didn’t walk out.
It’s such a shame that a restaurant with food this good allows this kind of dynamic to happen right in front of paying guests. Being treated differently than a staff member’s family, while feeling watched the entire time, made an otherwise special night feel awkward and unwelcoming.
Chandler Porterfield
We visited Cambria this weekend and decided to try Sea Chest since we were staying within walking distance. Oh man! This place is incredible. We loved it so much we decided to go for dinner both nights of our trip! The shrimp and scallop scampi was delicious and my husband enjoyed the fresh catches of the day each night. We arrived at opening time each night so it was about an hour wait but honestly it went by so quick. They have plenty of room to wait inside or outside with a glass of wine and on Saturday night they had live music in the outside waiting area. The service was great both nights as well. Make sure you order the chocolate torte and a nice cup of coffee for dessert – you will not regret it! Can’t wait to visit again soon!
… morey “Ari” r
Cool place for oyster Rockefeller. Great view of the ocean. No reservations. Cash only. Need to come an hour before opening time of 5:30 bring wine and folding chair and tailgate
… moreDCN
Worth the wait. The staff/service was as good as I’ve ever had. The food was fabulous. A must if you’re in Cambria.
… morefrank velasquez
Great food, great service. Be sure to bring cash, we came on a Thursday afternoon and there were people waiting in line before it open. We were able to get in quickly. Definitely worth the time and trip.
… moreLea Carranza
First time visiting the area and experiencing the food at this restaurant. The atmosphere is nice and cozy with a beautiful view of the ocean. Even the bar seems to be lively where you can view the kitchen making all their dishes from behind the counter. I enjoyed my food very much. I got the clams linguini and that was a 10/10. My mom got the scampi à la sea chest and she rated 10/10
This place takes only cash! Definitely have to come back again
… moreThis place takes only cash! Definitely have to come back again