🦞 Splash Cafe
Coastal seafood in Downtown Pismo pier
✓ Verified Information • Last Updated January 2026 • 4.5★ Across Platforms
📌 At a Glance
🍽️ Restaurant Overview
Splash Cafe in Downtown Pismo pier 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.
Classic beach cafe menu starring that famous chowder served in crispy bread bowls, plus hearty seafood plates and generous sandwiches built for hungry beachgoers. Portions don’t apologize. The kitchen doesn’t chase trends.
Weeknights at 5:30, families claim booths—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. Steps from Pismo Pier, perfect to grab chowder before a beach walk or pier stroll. No reservations—first-come seating, Friday waits run 15-25 minutes after 6pm.
Perfect for: families, sunset dinners, casual dining
🪑 Dining Options & Pricing
| Meal Type | Avg. Price/Person | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch (Dine-In) | $8-$13 | 45-60 min | Fastest service, lighter crowds, lower price point |
| Dinner (Dine-In) | $14-$18 | 60-90 min | 20–30 min waits Fri/Sat after 6pm; arrive by 5:30pm to skip lines |
| Takeout/To-Go | $9-$13 | 15-20 min | 15–20 min prep time, call ahead to skip wait |
| Private Events/Catering | Quote-based | Contact | Call for quote and availability |
🌮 Must-Try Menu Highlights
{{#if restaurant.portion_warning}}Portions are generous for the price
🕐 Hours, Location & Access
📍 Address
197 Pomeroy Ave
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Found in Downtown Pismo pier, steps from the pier
🅿️ Parking
Street parking in Downtown Pismo pier.
Operating Hours
| Hours | Mon-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-9pm |
Accessibility & Amenities
♿ ADA Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Kids menu available. High chairs provided.
🍽️ Dietary Options
Vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request.
🍷 Full Bar
Wine and beer available.
💡 Tips for the Best Experience
⏰ Timing Strategy
Fridays fill by 6:15pm — add your name, then grab a pint at the bar while you wait. Waitlists run 15-25 minutes. Weekday dinners seat immediately most nights.
🅿️ 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.
🍽️ Portion Tip
Portions don’t skimp. Split an appetizer first to gauge hunger. Sandwiches come with fries—upgrade to salad if you prefer.
👨👩👧 Family Seating
Request booth seating for families—more space for kids, easier to corral crayons and sippy cups. High chairs available, just ask the host.
👶 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.
🌊 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.
Getting There
The address is 197 Pomeroy Ave. Street parking is available throughout Downtown Pismo pier. Walk to Pismo Beach Pier (5 minutes) for sunset views, or explore the nearby shops along Pomeroy Avenue.
{{/if}}What Diners Are Saying
Visitors consistently rave about the award-winning clam chowder and call it a must-try Pismo Beach classic. While wait times can be long on weekends, guests agree the generous portions and casual beachside atmosphere make it worth the wait.
Top Review Mentions
💡 Local’s Tip
Order the clam chowder ‘fully loaded’ with bacon, cheese, and green onions for an elevated version most tourists miss. Weekday visits between 2-4pm avoid the notorious lines, and parking is easier in the public lot south of the pier rather than hunting for street spots.