Ada’s Fish House – Pismo Beach

Ada’s Fish House 2026 | Seafood Restaurant | Pismo Beach
Ada's Fish House - seafood dining in Pismo Beach, CA 93449

๐Ÿฆž Ada’s Fish House

Coastal seafood in Downtown Pismo

๐Ÿ’ฐ $$ ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Upscale ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Seafood

โœ“ Verified Information โ€ข Last Updated January 2026 โ€ข 4.5โ˜… Across Platforms

๐Ÿ“Œ At a Glance

๐Ÿ“ Location
Downtown Pismo
5 min walk
โฐ Opens
11:30am
Most days
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Group Size
2โ€“20+
Tables available
๐Ÿ“… Best For
Lunch/Dinner
fresh
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† 4.5 / 5.0
1,000+ reviews across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor track the pattern. Seafood quality never disappoints; happy hour (3-6pm) draws crowds for good reason. Start with the East Coast crab cakes. Timing: Reservations strongly recommended for dinner, especially Friday-Saturday evenings; happy hour (3-6pm) is first-come, first-served.
Last verified: January 2026 by the PurelyPismo editorial team

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Restaurant Overview

Ada’s Fish House in Downtown Pismo draws locals who don’t need a menu. Walk in and the lighting sits between cozy and functional, tables fill with repeat faces, the kitchen sends out familiar smells. Chatter runs steady, punctuated by the occasional cheer when the game tilts.

East Coast seafood traditions meet Pacific bounty across a menu where fresh-caught fish and buttery lobster rolls share space with Chef Doug’s rotating daily specials. Portions don’t apologize. The kitchen doesn’t chase trends.

Weeknights at 5:30, families claim boothsโ€”kids armed with crayons, parents ordering beers before the food arrives. Friday and Saturday after 6pm, the energy shifts: bar stools fill with regulars watching the game, waitlists stretch to 20 minutes, conversation volume climbs with every pitcher.

The place works for families who don’t want to whisper, weeknight regulars, anyone chasing comfort over fuss. In downtown Pismo Beach on Price Street, a short walk from shops and the pier. No reservationsโ€”first-come seating, Friday waits run 15-25 minutes after 6pm.

Perfect for: families, special occasions, casual dining

๐Ÿช‘ Dining Options & Pricing

Meal TypeAvg. Price/PersonDurationBest For
Lunch (Dine-In)$14-$2145-60 minFastest service, lighter crowds, lower price point
Dinner (Dine-In)$23-$2860-90 min20โ€“30 min waits Fri/Sat after 6pm; arrive by 5:30pm to skip lines
Takeout/To-Go$16-$2315-20 min15โ€“20 min prep time, call ahead to skip wait
Private Events/CateringQuote-basedContactCall for quote and availability
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Reservations Recommended: Call (805) 556-3077 or book online to secure your table.

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๐ŸŒฎ Must-Try Menu Highlights

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๐Ÿ• Hours, Location & Access

๐Ÿ“ Address

558 Price St
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Situated in Downtown Pismo, 5 min walk

โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact

(805) 556-3077

adasfishhouse.com

๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking

Street parking in Downtown Pismo.

Operating Hours

HoursMon-Thu 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9:30pm

Accessibility & Amenities

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โ™ฟ ADA Access

Wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms.

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๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Family Friendly

Kids menu available. High chairs provided.

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๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Dietary Options

Vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.

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๐Ÿท Full Bar

Wine and beer available.

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๐Ÿ’ก Tips for the Best Experience

โฐ Timing Strategy

Fridays fill by 6:15pm โ€” add your name, then grab a pint at the bar while you wait. Waitlists run 15-25 minutes. Weekday dinners seat immediately most nights.

๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking

Street parking on Dolliver and nearby blocks. Bring quarters for meters (2-hour limit). Public lot at Pomeroy/Hinds is a 3-minute walk.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Portion Tip

Portions don’t skimp. Split an appetizer first to gauge hunger. Sandwiches come with friesโ€”upgrade to salad if you prefer.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Family Seating

Request booth seating for familiesโ€”more space for kids, easier to corral crayons and sippy cups. High chairs available, just ask the host.

๐Ÿ‘ถ With Kids

Kids menu keeps it simple: chicken tenders, grilled cheese, burgers. Crayons at the table. Casual noise level means nobody side-eyes a toddler meltdown.

๐ŸŒŠ Combo Move

Walk to the pier (5 min) before dinner for sunset, then head back for food. Or reverse it: eat first, stroll after to walk it off.

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Getting There

The address is 558 Price St. Street parking is available throughout Downtown Pismo. Walk to Pismo Beach Pier (5 minutes) for sunset views, or explore the nearby shops along Pomeroy Avenue.

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What Diners Are Saying

Guests love the fresh seafood and waterfront location with beautiful bay views. The friendly service, outdoor patio seating, and quality fish preparations earn high marks from seafood enthusiasts.

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Top Review Mentions

consistently excellent fresh daily seafood happy hour 3-6pm dog-friendly patio
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๐Ÿ’ก Local’s Tip

The daily catch board features better value than menu staples, and the kitchen will prepare it any style you request. Sunset reservations (6-6:30pm) require booking days in advance, but 4:30pm early bird seatings are easier to snag and still offer golden hour views.

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โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ada’s Fish House unique on the Central Coast?
Ada’s Fish House brings together ‘East Coast meets West Coast’ with Chef Douglas MacMillan blending his family’s Boston heritage with Pacific Coast freshness. The restaurant serves New England classics like lobster rolls and crab cakes alongside fresh West Coast catches like Pacific halibut and local rockfish, creating a unique menu you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
Why is the lobster roll so popular at Ada’s?
Ada’s lobster roll pays homage to owner Bill MacMillan’s Bostonian heritage and is made with authentic East Coast preparation methods. Despite being located on the West Coast, the restaurant flies in fresh Maine lobster every few days to ensure the highest quality. It’s become the most favored dish among the restaurant’s loyal following and is considered one of the best lobster rolls on the Central Coast.
What is Chef Doug MacMillan’s cooking philosophy?
Award-winning Chef Doug MacMillan focuses on simplicity and freshness, using only the finest quality ingredients. His approach emphasizes California innovations while honoring traditional East Coast seafood preparations. He constantly introduces new and exciting dishes based on what’s fresh and in season, always keeping the focus on simple, honest preparation that lets the quality ingredients shine.
Are the crab cakes really East Coast style?
Yes! Ada’s serves authentic New England-style crab cakes made with lots of fresh crabmeat and minimal breadcrumbs, unlike the heavily breaded versions found at many restaurants. They’re made from the best local ingredients and follow traditional East Coast recipes, resulting in crab cakes that showcase the sweet, delicate flavor of the crabmeat.
How often does the seafood menu change at Ada’s?
While signature items like the lobster roll and crab cakes are always available, Chef Doug offers rotating daily specials based on what’s fresh from local fishermen and seasonal catches. The seafood is sourced fresh daily, and the menu evolves with the seasons to showcase the best available Pacific and Atlantic seafood.
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