I adore California’s San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach region. In addition to being charming beach towns, they also have a relaxed atmosphere, a great community of people, and exciting activities that will make you eager to wake up every morning while you are there. However, no trip to this region would be complete without indulging in a bread bowl from Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach, home to my favorite clam chowder (with seafood topping) in all of California. Here is all the information.
Joanne and Ross Currie bought Pismo Beach’s Splash Café in 1991, just in time for the clam festival that takes place every October. The Curries improved the clam chowder recipe over the course of more than 20 years, leading to its current award-winning and international fame. Additionally, they have opened a gourmet catering division, distributed their products in Costco stores and other restaurants, and opened a second location in San Luis Obispo. Chowder sales at the two Splash Café locations have increased from 5,000 gallons annually in 1991 to 30,000 gallons annually today thanks to their loyal customer base and insistence on using the best ingredients.
Now, it never fails that there is a line outside the door and around the side of this tiny cafe whenever I happen to stop by. This is the first indication that it’s a good thing. After getting in line, you will frequently overhear the regulars discussing how frequently they visit this location, as well as out-of-towners who came to Splash after hearing that the 50-mile drive was worthwhile. After trying their chowder, you will gladly stand in line the next time you visit, regardless of how long you have to wait.
Although there are many options available, if it is your first time, you must order the clam chowder bread bowl. They must be doing something right if they sell more than 30,000 gallons nationwide each year, right?
I prefer mine with the seafood topping, which costs about a dollar more and tops the already fantastic soup with a mixture of crab and shrimp.
Even if that isn’t your thing, a classic bread bowl won’t let you down. The bread has been toasted when it reaches your table and has been lightly grilled on top with butter to give you the ideal roll to dip into your bowl. The creamy and flavorful clam chowder always fills me up. That doesn’t stop me from attempting to consume the bowl as well (I haven’t completely succeeded, but I can come close).
After filling up on the clam chowder, there is usually someone else waiting for a seat in this cafe because there never seems to be enough seating. That is ok though. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be sufficiently satisfied and content after your recent culinary adventure, and you’ll be eager to share it with someone else.
The cafe’s exterior is also entertaining because it features a clam that runs around, peers into the windows, surfs, and engages in other activities. It is like an unofficial mascot.
The Splash Cafe in San Luis Obispo is also fantastic, but for the full Pismo Beach experience, you must at least try it once. I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I do, but I have little reason to doubt that since everyone I know who has visited here has had a good time. If you know of a better clam chowder restaurant, let me know in a comment, or use the directions below to go there yourself.
Create the Perfect Day with Splash Café
1989 saw the initial opening of the renowned Splash Café, which is located close to the Pismo Beach Pier. Joanne and Ross Currie have been running Splash since 1991, and they have turned it into a recognized local landmark. Making the Splash Café Experience a must-try on your next trip to the Central Coast means stopping at Splash Café for a taste of our legendary clam chowder, which is so good that it consistently wins first place in the Pismo Beach Annual Clam Festival and inspired the opening of our second location in San Luis Obispo as well as nationwide shipping.
One of the Central Coast’s most enduring restaurants is Splash Café in Pismo Beach. Our Pismo Beach location is a certified landmark and the place that truly represents Classic California; it has been a popular destination since 1989 and is one of the busiest restaurants on the coast; we serve more Clam Chowder at this location in one year than other seafood restaurants serve in their lifetime-OVER 40,000 gallons per year.
By blending red Serranos and Bulgarian Carrot Peppers, Splash Café created a truly distinctive sauce. Its vibrant orange hue and fruity flavor profile go well with any dish you serve it with. It is a medium hot sauce that loves food. On eggs, salmon, steak, tri-tip, and pork, it tastes great. Catch the wave of flavor with our Carrot Pepper Hot Sauce, Raucous Daucus! Killer on any type of taco and amazing on Clam Chowder!
We use only fresh California cream and three types of clams, along with fresh celery, potatoes, and other vegetables, to make Splash Café’s legendary Clam Chowder, which is delivered to your dinner table from Pismo Beach. This chowder has a hint of the sea and is creamy, sweet, and rich. It is a California beach classic and truly an award-winning experience when served in freshly baked sourdough bread bowls from our bakery.
Even if that isn’t your thing, a classic bread bowl won’t let you down. The bread has been toasted when it reaches your table and has been lightly grilled on top with butter to give you the ideal roll to dip into your bowl. The creamy and flavorful clam chowder always fills me up. That doesn’t stop me from attempting to consume the bowl as well (I haven’t completely succeeded, but I can come close).
Although there are many options available, if it is your first time, you must order the clam chowder bread bowl. They must be doing something right if they sell more than 30,000 gallons nationwide each year, right?
I adore California’s San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach region. In addition to being charming beach towns, they also have a relaxed atmosphere, a great community of people, and exciting activities that will make you eager to wake up every morning while you are there. However, no trip to this region would be complete without indulging in a bread bowl from Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach, home to my favorite clam chowder (with seafood topping) in all of California. Here is all the information.
Joanne and Ross Currie bought Pismo Beach’s Splash Café in 1991, just in time for the clam festival that takes place every October. The Curries improved the clam chowder recipe over the course of more than 20 years, leading to its current award-winning and international fame. Additionally, they have opened a gourmet catering division, distributed their products in Costco stores and other restaurants, and opened a second location in San Luis Obispo. Chowder sales at the two Splash Café locations have increased from 5,000 gallons annually in 1991 to 30,000 gallons annually today thanks to their loyal customer base and insistence on using the best ingredients.
The cafe’s exterior is also entertaining because it features a clam that runs around, peers into the windows, surfs, and engages in other activities. It is like an unofficial mascot.
FAQ
Does Costco sell Splash clam chowder?
Remember that our Splash Cafe Clam Chowder is available at Costco if you’re going there to get supplies.
Does Splash Cafe ship clam chowder?
In both of our crowded cafes, we freshly prepare our clam chowder every day. You can order our chowder to be shipped anywhere in the contiguous United States and delivered right to your door if you’re craving it but don’t live close to the Central Coast.
Who owns Splash Cafe?
How do you heat up Splash Cafe clam chowder?
Thaw clam chowder pouches in the refrigerator until soft. Place unopened thawed pouch in a pot of water. On a stovetop, heat water with the pouch over medium heat until the chowder reaches 160°F (do not boil the chowder). When pouring the hot chowder into bowls, carefully open the pouch.