7 Best Crab and Lobster Rolls in the Bay Area

Being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, one would assume that it’d be a walk in the park to find decent crab and lobster sandwiches in San Francisco. While there is a plethora of seafood restaurants in the City, there actually aren’t too many that offer crab and lobster rolls.

You could go try your luck at the tourist-riddled Pier 39, or perhaps head down to Pacifica and try to weed out which establishment has the best self-proclaimed “Best Crab Sandwich” in the City. But why risk the possibility of disappointment or worse…?

After continual tests of trial and error, we’ve decided to help all you seafood lovers compile a list of the 7 best and freshest seafood restaurants in the Bay Area, from the City to Half Moon Bay. These fine establishments have proven themselves worthy of the $20+ you’re about to fork over for some sweet, tasty, crab and lobster rolls, guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

The search is finally over.

Crazy Crab'z Crab Sandwich. Photo: John Pastor, Flickr, Creative Commons.
Crazy Crab’z Crab Sandwich. Photo: John Pastor, Flickr, Creative Commons.

Crazy Crab’z
$$ | AT&T Park: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA
Now that baseball season is well underway, it’s time to disclose some valuable information. Every ballpark has a signature dish they’re known for. Chase Field has their Churro Dog 2.0. Angel Stadium has their Chronic Tacos, and Rogers Centre has their Dessert Churro Poutine. Here in the City, we have Crazy Crab’z Crab Sandwich: fresh crab meat tucked in between two slices of buttery, authentic SF sourdough. For the full Giants experience, pair this frantastic sandwich with a side of garlic fries from Gilroy Garlic Fries and a cold one from Anchor Steam.
Order: Crab Sandwich
Hours: During Giants Games
Website: Facebook

Lobster Roll from Woodhouse Fish Company. Photo: Neil Conway, Flickr, Creative Commons.
Lobster Roll from Woodhouse Fish Company. Photo: Neil Conway, Flickr, Creative Commons.

Woodhouse Fish Company
$$ | 1914 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA
Though Woodhouse Fish Company isn’t located by the waterfront, it’s one of the City’s premier American seafood restaurants. With ocean themed décor, and all your favorite seafood dishes from their infamous clam chowder to daily fish specials, Woodhouse Fish Company is perfect for lunch or dinner. They also have another equally appetizing location on Market Street in Duboce Triangle.
Order: Split-top Maine Lobster Roll, Toasted-buttered Dungeness Crab Roll
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 10PM, Friday – Saturday: 11:30AM – 10:30PM
Website: www.woodhousefish.com

Inside Anchor & Hope. Photo: karinckarinc, Flickr, Creative Commons.
Inside Anchor & Hope. Photo: karinckarinc, Flickr, Creative Commons.

Anchor & Hope
$$$ | 83 Minna Street, San Francisco, CA
Housed in a spacious repurposed mechanic’s garage, Anchor & Hope is an oyster bar & fish house serving fresh classic American and seafood cuisine. Anchor & Hope is one of the few restaurants in the City where you’re able to try and compare East and West Coast oysters under one roof. And with a fantastic weekday happy hour entailing oyster & stout pairings, it’s also a great place for an after work snack. Reservations for lunch & dinner are highly recommended.
Order: Anchor & Hope Lobster Roll, Seafood Plateaux
Hours:  Monday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 2PM & 5:30PM – 10PM, Friday: 11:30AM – 2PM & 5:30PM – 10PM, Saturday: 5:30PM – 11PM, Sunday: 5:30PM – 10PM
Website: www.anchorandhopesf.com

Photo: New England Lobster Market & Eatery, Facebook.
Photo: New England Lobster Market & Eatery, Facebook.

New England Lobster Market & Eatery
$$ | 824 Cowan Road, Burlingame, CA
Tucked away behind SFO in Burlingame, New England Lobster Market & Eatery started off as a wholesaler in 1986, supplying the Bay Area with delicious Maine lobsters, Dungeness crab and shellfish since 1986. In 2011 the New England Lobster decided to start their “We’re On a Roll” food truck in South San Francisco. After much success, they decided to open the East Coast eatery and market that we love in Burlingame. Hundreds of hungry guests flock to New England Lobster every day for their famous lobster rolls. With a spacious interior and outdoor seating area riddled with picnic tables, order from their fantastic menu or take home live lobsters.
Order: Lobster Roll, Dungeness Melt, Crab Nachos
Hours: Daily: 11AM – 9PM
Website: www.newenglandlobster.net

Nick's Seashore Restaurant Neon Sign. Photo: IK's World Trip, Flickr, Creative Commons.
Nick’s Seashore Restaurant Neon Sign. Photo: IK’s World Trip, Flickr, Creative Commons.

Nick’s Seashore Restaurant
$$ | 100 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica, CA
Located down along the scenic Highway 1, sitting on the calm waterfront of Rockaway Beach, is Nick’s Seashore Restaurant. This family operated restaurant was opened in 1927 by native of Greece, Stalios Karagianis, who started the business selling sandwiches and snacks to fishermen and beach bums. Featuring a full bar, live music, a small dance floor, and spacious dining area, Nick’s Seashore Restaurant offers one of the most enjoyable dining experiences along the Pacific Coast. Large portion seafood and American fare is what you’ll find upon your visit. You’ll fall in love with the coastal views, but their grilled crab sandwich will keep you coming back.
Order: Grilled Crab Sandwich
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11AM – ??, Saturday – Sunday: 9AM – ??
Website: www.nicksrestaurant.net

Lobster Roll. Photo: Sam's Chowder House, Facebook.
Lobster Roll. Photo: Sam’s Chowder House, Facebook.

Sam’s Chowder House
$$ | 4210 N Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay, CA
Perched atop a cliff, boasting breathtaking coastal views of Half Moon Bay, Sam’s Chowder House has accrued numerous awards for their eco-friendly menus, excellent service, and outdoor dining patio since 2006. Their famous lobster roll was featured on NBC’s The Today Show and selected in 2007 as one of the 5 “Best Sandwiches in America” as well. With every dish rich in flavor, this charming restaurant is perfect for lunch and sunset dinners. If you’re seeking to dine on their beautiful outdoor patio, be sure to check out their SamCams, displaying live weather feed for an optimal dining experience.
Order: Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Half Moon Bay Petrale Sole
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 9PM, Friday: 11:30AM – 9:30PM, Saturday: 11AM – 9:30PM, Sunday: 11AM – 9PM
Website: www.samschowderhouse.com

Crab Sandwich. Photo: Barbara’s Fishtrap, Facebook.
Crab Sandwich. Photo: Barbara’s Fishtrap, Facebook.

Barbara’s Fishtrap
$$ | 281 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay, CA
Don’t let the crowded parking lot and long lines deter you from making your way to Barbara’s Fishtrap. An all-star lineup including their award winning clam chowder, delicious Dungeness crab sandwich, and fresh daily specials make the wait totally worth it. The restaurant is also conveniently located just steps away from the beach, so if you really can’t wait, you can order from their take out window and enjoy a leisurely beach picnic. Barbara’s is CASH ONLY, so hit the ATM before making your trip down to Half Moon Bay.
Order: Dungeness Crab Sandwich, Clam Chowder, Oysters
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11AM – 8:30PM, Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 9PM
Website: www.barbarasfishtrap.com

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