More Santa Barbara, this time it’s for our family vacation. It’s those times when you treat your parents for the fresh local seafood or that bowl of amazing clam chowder at the wharf or pier. We lined up at this very crowded (usually a sure sign?) Shellfish Company at the Stearns Wharf. We waited for almost 20 minutes at 2:30pm and the line never stopped. We got a table outside, not the most comfortable arrangement because of the wind and paranoia of seagull attacks (there were lots of them surrounded us), but we couldn’t wait any longer.
Lobster Bisque (a bit too sour) and Oysters on the Half Shell $8.75 (divine!)
Cioppino fresh local mussels, clams, shrimp,
scallops and crab served in a bread bowl. The sauce is so flavorful and delicious, it complimented the freshness of seafood well. The entire table nibbled on the soak bread.
Steamed Local Crab $15 Perfectly steamed, just the right timing, very fresh~~
Steamed Clams. Served in white wine and garlic broth with French Bread, huge bowl~ Shrimp Ceviche is a bit of a let down, too limey and the cooked shrimps are harden by coldness.
Despite the crowd, the service was pretty attentive. Other than the chill wind, it is a very satisfying meal.
Shellfish Company
230 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California
(805) 966-6676
The bread bowl is almost scary…like a sea monster!!
Did you take pictures with your parents?? Amazing that they are willing to wait – my dad would have thrown a fit and cursed me to hell waiting for so long and eating in the cold. ^^;;
My mom is very high maintenance too, it’d ruin it for her if there’s slight bit of wind or table still a bit ‘wet’ (from mopping), such bone-in-egg details would overtaken her mind and she’d complain and complain. ^^;; But the food is so good that she seems to forget the unpleasantness, thank goodness. ^^;;
Actually from my research there’s a famous clam chowder place at the next harbor. My parents actually agree to go there afterward, but then…man that place was too crazily crowded that even I gave up. It can’t be thaaaatt good to worth the wait. ^^;;