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Half Moon Bay
Barbara’s Fish Trap: Established since 1971 (and from what i understand, used to have a bathroom floor with a view of the ocean below — yes, there was a hole in the floor, now fixed), Barbara’s Fish Trap is indeed a destination on the coast for fried seafood. There is usually a line, except for between 3PM and 4PM, as that is when the kitchen shuts down to change out the fry oil from their fryers (how many restaurants do this? my god!), and seating is limited but picnic tables set out up and down the street from Barbara’s (and clearly marked as for Barbara’s only) are a great place to eat your take-away orders. Give the Corn Fritters a try, lightly battered and corny sweet, it is a most pop-able snack! Their Garlic Cheese Crab Bread ($24.25) is so loaded with crab meat that you don’t feel so bad about paying the price for it. It is also freaking delicious and enough for a light meal. Be warned, all Barbara’s garlic toast items are designed to terminate any vampires within a 5 mile radius. Their fried fish (found in Fish & Chips, Mini Fishtrap Tempura, and the Fish & Calamari Combo is flaky, firm, and moist; the batter crisp and the entire thing delicious! The Mini Fishtrap Tempura is probably the best deal at $22.95. No, there is nothing close to tempura on that dish, only similarity is that, like tempura, the seafood is fried in batter; however, you do get a lot of food. Served on a bed of chips (fries) sits a fried fish fillet, 2 fried prawns (they are large, succulent, and yum!), 2 fried scallops (moist, sweet, delicious!), a handful their very very good fried calamari, and a few spears of battered and fried zucchini (yay! salad!). For the scallop and shrimp lovers, the Scallops & Prawn Combo is your friend. Six each of the delicious fried seafood and two wedge of lemons to make your day supreme! They also have non-fried pasta and seafood dishes, but, honestly, i’ve sadly never moved off the fryer to date. No reservation, no dress code, come hungry.
Pilot Light: Opened by the husband and wife team of the Peninsula’s All Spice restaurant, Pilot Light is located at the Half Moon Bay airport. The menu is decidedly brunch focused but deliciously prepared and served by a friendly and efficient staff. Their $100 Cheeseburger (actual price $16, +$4 for a dbl, +$2 for bacon or roasted mushroom and +$3 for avocado or a fried egg) is a juicy and flavorful meaty delight presented on grill toasted sesame seed bun and served with your typical burger accompaniments and a basket of very lovely fries. Their North African Shakshuka is got a spicy zip but, when they are busy, the eggs could be a bit hammered (still good, but i do miss the runny yolk enriching the lovely dish. They also have a Dutch Baby on the menu. Lets just say that i have seen smaller babies but the taste of this fluffy buttery creation is simply wonderful! No dress code, no reservations, sit outside and watch the private small planes take off and land!
Pescadero
Duarte’s Tavern: If you had heard of Pescadero, it may have been because someone was telling you about Duarte’s. Opened since 1894, this bar and restaurant has been a landmark of Pescadero’s main street for as long as i can remember. You can’t miss it. Long red building and the “Duarte’s” neon sign rather gives it away. The food at Duarte’s features the local bounty. Seafood and artichokes reigns supreme. Their Cioppino is a comforting bowl of crab, shellfish, white fish, and calamari. Deeply flavored, it is a great bowl of deliciousness to go with the crusty sourdough bread/sponge. The Artichoke Soup is a personal favorite, creamy, green, and deeply artichoke flavored, it is just the thing after the drive over the hill and down the coast. Their menu is not small, and i have not tried everything, but as i see dishes pass me, there is not one that i would say no to. A popular place with visitors (the restaurant) and locals (the bar), there often is a short wait. They are also well known for their pies, their Apple Pie is a constant temptation for me, as is their seasonal berry offerings. No reservation (can check wait time on line), no dress code.
Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos: Also a gas station, the only on in Pescadero in fact. As the name suggests, this corner market provides your sundry needs and satisfies your Mexican food cravings. One of the best Chili Relleno we have had shares the stage with fantastic Al Pastor and flavorful and delicious Carnitas. Get it in a taco or have a super burrito made with them for your sins. Their menu comprehensive and their clientele consists of locals, laborers, and occasional curious tourists. Picnic seating is available behind the market/taqueria, please don’t block the fuel pumps just to order your food — it is the only gas station in Pescadero after all. 1999 Pescadero Creek Road (look left as you drive into town from the coast or look right if you are coming in inland), Pescadero. Tel: (650) 879-0232. No reservations, no dress code.