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ocean view dining restaurant serving California coastal cuisine

Reservations

Award-winning California Coastal Cuisine restaurant on the San Francisco Peninsula offers a romantic ocean view dining experience.

*NOTE: This is NOT a distillery but is a restaurant and bar with a name developed by the owners 50+ years ago to connect with the restaurant’s history during prohibition.

RESERVATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED – CALL 650-728-5595

Indoor & Outdoor Dining
or Takeout

HOURS:
Open daily 12 noon – 8:30 pm
7:00 pm – last seating and last take out order

HAPPY HOUR
Monday through Friday, 5-7pm
Beer $4, Well Drinks $5, Glass of Wine $6

Gift Certificates are available!

OUTDOOR PATIO SEATING

Our Seal Cove Patio has changed from a drop-in, self-service lounge to a full-service dining area with servers at your table to take food and drink orders.

RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Walk-ins accepted based on availability. Since our patio fills up quickly, we recommend making reservations 5 days in advance.

The temperature on the Coastside is generally cool, so dress warmly. Should we encounter bad weather on the day of your reservation, there may not be a table inside since those will be reserved in advance. We recommend that you check the forecast a few days prior to your reservation and call us then to make any changes.

Feel free to bring your own blanket to our outdoor patio or we offer fleece blankets for sale for $15.

REVIEWS

  • “Sitting outside by fire pit with a glass of wine looking at and hearing the ocean. Doesn’t get better than that!”

    –Kathy S.
  • “Sip chilled champagne as you watch the sunlight dance on waves. Their Famous Sunday Brunch is a traditional with visitors and locals alike”

    –Coastal Dining Reviews
  • “The Premier seafood and steak restaurant in San Mateo County. Panoramic ocean views, fabulous food, historic site, romantic ambience, outdoor patio and famous ghost legend.”

    –San Jose Magazine
  • “We went here for the first time tonight. Had the prime rib -it was Excellent!!!! Love the dog friendly patio! She had the chicken and loved it! We met so many friendly people!!! Will be back soon!!!!”

    – A.J., SAN FRANCISCO, CA
  • “Definitely worth a 5 star rating! Their panko-crusted halibut with that delicious apricot couscous and that creamy sauce is absolutely to die for! Delicious food in perfect size portions, presented beautifully. Absolutely no complaints, would definitely recommend!”

    – Abbie S.
  • “Awesome! Ive been going here since I was young and always enjoy it. The distillery steamers are the way to go for food. Bottomless mimosas on Sundays. The view is incredible and if you have a dog bring them –the most dog friendly place ever!”

    – JOSEPH S., HALF MOON BAY, CA
  • “Thank you for the lovely evening we had at the Moss Beach Distillery. All the out of town guests thought the Distillery was fantastic and the meal was great. Thanks again for everything you did to make it a special night.”

    –Jackie C.
  • “Phenomenal service, delicious food, great views…what else do you need?!”

    – Steve
  • “LOVE this place! …. Awesome staff and food and cocktails. There isn’t a place ON the ocean like it! Worth the easy drive from SF down the 1 too! …. Dog friendly on the patio … even if it’s foggy they have a super cool fire pit. Support your LOCALS!”

    –Felicia F.
  • “Amazing food and beautiful scenery! Will be going back every week!”

    – AURA O., PACIFICA, CA
  • “Our entire family will never forget what a wonderful time they had overlooking the Pacific at Moss Beach.”

    – ADRIENNE L., HILLSBOROUGH, CA
  • “Tourists and couples on dates fill window-side tables, gawking at the stunning view of the rocky coast, while gracious servers deliver seared, sugar-crusted filet mignon, grilled wild Pacific salmon and more New American favorites. On pleasant days, the sun-drenched patio is the place to be for drinks and light bites….”

    –CitySearch.com Editorial Review
  • “GREAT service and food! We were there for Valentine’s Day and had a wonderful time. Our server was in black shirt with a purple tie (didn’t get her name!). She was fantastic!! She served us in July when we had a wedding rehearsal there and made the experience so lovely. Can’t wait to go back!”

    – Faye U.
  • “A cozy romantic eatery perched on a bluff with a spectacular view of the Pacific. Fine food with an upscale menu”

    –Pacifica Tribune, Pacifica, CA
  • “Excellent food in a most beautiful atmosphere. Seriously, what’s not to like?! Thank you, always lovely.”

    Laura K.
  • “The food and service were excellent… The foggy view, the elegant dinner, the fire pits – the evening was all we had hoped for.”

    –Lori E. and Steve W., Dublin, CA
  • “I love love this place it’s truly a GEM! Great food great service great views! I’ll never get tired of coming here, everyone I have brought here has had a great experience and has returned!! Keep doing what your doing.”

    Mary M.
  • “We sat outside with our lovely dog, Makena, with friends watching the tide roll in and out. We had delicious appetizers and drinks and it was so much fun to have new people sit with us around the firepit. We will definitely go back.”

    –Pam H.
  • “The place is great to get away. Service is excellent and the bartender will take care of you. There is a fireplace that you can relax after dinner.”

    –Willie W.
  • “Beautiful historic point of interest. Great food and service! Ocean views tucked away in Moss Beach area in Half Moon Bay. Will definitely return! Thank you to Susan for her wonderful service and great recommendations on the menu!”

    Lori W.
  • “The Distillery is a romantic restaurant with beautiful views….”

    –SF Travel Magazine
  • “A very magical place with a lot of history right on the edge of the beach! Excellent food, with friendly and attentive service staff with a view to die for! 5 out of 5 stars! Must Go! Experience the mystery for yourself and bring a friend ;)”

    – JEROMY H., PALO ALTO, CA
  • “There is no better place on the Coast to listen to the surf, watch the sunset, or simply enjoy people watching”

    –SF Independent, Dining Out With the Habits
  • My niece took me here….We had a great lunch! Best Crab cakes, calamari and clam chowder. Delicious! Heard all about the ghost of the Blue Lady, very interesting story.

  • “World class views, the chicken dish was to die for. Affordable. Did I mention the views? Reserve ahead for the best tables.”

    Eric W.
  • “My husband and I enjoyed a romantic and very memorable wedding anniversary – exquisite food & service”

    –Sage M., Citrus Heights, CA
  • “We bring all out of area guests to the Distillery.”

    – MICHELE M., HALF MOON BAY, CA