Splash Café

197 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, United States
+1 805-773-4653
$$$ Cafe
(6979 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're craving a quintessential beachside dining experience in Pismo Beach, look no further than Splash Café. Nestled at 197 Pomeroy Ave, this café captures the essence of coastal cuisine with a menu that resonates with locals and visitors alike. Known for its casual ambiance and friendly service, Splash Café has carved a niche for itself, making it a must-visit culinary destination.

The café is particularly famous for its award-winning clam chowder, served in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl. Patrons rave about its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavor, making it the hallmark of the menu. As one enthusiastic customer, Joon K, declared, “It's an award-winning clam chowder 18 years running. This is a must here.” This rich clam chowder is just the tip of the iceberg—options like the lobster roll and fish and chips are equally compelling, receiving high marks for their freshness and taste.

For those wanting to start their day right, the breakfast menu features delightful items such as the Egg Sandwich and the hearty Breakfast Burrito. Each dish is prepared with care, delivering flavors that signify the café's commitment to quality ingredients. The Morning Munchie Bowl, a crowd favorite, is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of everything in one meal.

However, it's not just the food that keeps visitors coming back. The atmosphere is inviting, with a friendly vibe that welcomes diners of all backgrounds. Although it can get quite busy during peak hours, the wait is made easier by the swift service and the buzz of excitement from fellow patrons eagerly anticipating their meals. As commenter Alan King noted, “Table service is super helpful… Well worth the wait!”

To top off your experience, consider taking a piece of Splash Café home with you. Their retail section offers unique merchandise like the Long Sleeve Neon Sign T-shirt and collectible coffee mugs, perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.

In summary, whether you’re a devoted fan returning for your favorite clam chowder or a first-time visitor excited to explore the menu, Splash Café offers a delightful culinary experience that ensures every visit will be memorable. Don’t just take our word for it; this beloved café is a staple in the Pismo Beach community and promises to deliver smiles with every comforting spoonful.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

6979 Reviews
Joon K

19 Sep 2025

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.

Alan King

16 Sep 2025

We came here based on a last minute recommendation and it was so good! The clam chowder was fantastic! We also enjoyed the lobster roll and the shrimp SLO boy. Seating is limited because it is so popular but most people move through quite quickly. Table service is super helpful and means customers aren't standing around. There was a short queue to get in but again, moved quite quickly. Well worth the visit!

Blossom McCoy

03 Sep 2025

I love visiting Pismo Beach, and every trip includes a few must-stop spots—Splash Café is always at the top of that list. It’s usually busy (as expected!), but for years I’ve been coming here for their loaded clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and it never disappoints. On this visit, it was my friend’s first time. They weren’t feeling too hungry, so I went in solo to grab my usual. After getting my food, I joined them outside to eat—plenty of counter seating was available, but I wanted them to try a bite. Well… let’s just say they ended up eating most of it and absolutely loved it! The toasted sourdough, the clean, rich flavor of the chowder—it’s just unbeatable. And don’t skip their hot sauce—it’s made from carrots and adds the perfect kick. I’ve tried clam chowder in plenty of places, but nothing compares to Splash’s. Please never change—so I always know where to find the best clam chowder on the west coast!

Michael Ross

02 Sep 2025

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!

Simon Lau

30 Aug 2025

Everyone comes to Splash Cafe for their award winning clam chowder. I thought it was good but a bit heavy on the cream for me. What was really a surprise win for me was the chili cheese fries. They have a bean chili and it wasn't too heavy but was very filling. Parking is available as street parking adjacent to the restaurant but during the Saturday afternoon those spots were filled and I had to circle around the neighborhood given how busy the beach was. There's a line as patrons order outside and pick up their food on the other side of the building.

Mitchell Neller

24 Jun 2025

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.

Angie Balladares

23 Jun 2025

My favorite place in Pismo for clam chowder soup and best onion rings! My daughter ordered a chicken sandwich and loved it! The ahí tuna tacos are amazing! So close to the beach! Small place had to wait for a table but not bad the wait time. The ambiance is enjoyable!

Nancy Rios

08 Jun 2025

I’ve been coming here for years, and they have hands down the best clam chowder in the area. I’ve tried other things on the menu, but the chowder is what keeps me coming back—always creamy, flavorful, and consistent. Definitely my go-to spot when I’m craving a comforting bowl. Best in the area, no question. Chef’s kiss! Pictured is the fully loaded chowder and their fish in chips .

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