Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Scott’s Chowder House – San Francisco
Scott’s Chowder House - San Francisco
Photo from Scott’s Chowder House
Scott’s Chowder House at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 15 of the guests
#1874 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#35 Seafood Restaurant out of 48 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
108
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Good ambience
- Good service
Frequently criticized
- Portion value
- Chowder inconsistency
- Service hiccups
The restaurant Scott’s Chowder House, a popular seafood restaurant located in the vibrant South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco, invites you to experience its delightful offerings. You will find a casual and welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a sweet dessert, this spot has you covered with its diverse dining options and convenient service choices.
Overview: Introducting Scott’s Chowder House
Scott’s Chowder House offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many patrons praising the excellent food, particularly the lobster rolls. The atmosphere is often described as bright, clean, and welcoming, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some guests have noted concerns regarding portion sizes, finding certain dishes to be less substantial than expected. While some find the overall value appealing, others feel the pricing for specific items could be more competitive.
Good
6.7
out of 10
108
Reviews
60.2%
Satisfaction
30
negative
13
neutral
65
positive
Scott’s Chowder House achieves a respectable overall score of 6.7, indicating a good performance across various aspects. However, customer satisfaction stands at 60.2%, suggesting a mixed experience for some patrons.
This divergence highlights areas where consistency could be improved, based on 108 customer observations, with 65 positive and 30 negative remarks. Looking closer, Food leads with a strong (7.1), often praised for its quality.
Ambience also scores well (6.7), contributing to a pleasant setting. Service is rated (6.3), generally seen as attentive and friendly.
The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5.5), where opinions are more divided, reflecting concerns about pricing relative to portion sizes.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive service
What people don't like
- Small portions, high cost
- Inconsistent chowder quality
- Operational service issues
Scott’s Chowder House presents a mixed but generally positive picture. If you prioritize well-prepared seafood, especially lobster rolls, and appreciate a clean, inviting setting, it’s certainly worth considering.
The service is often noted as friendly and helpful. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in portion sizes and value for certain items.
With a recommendation score of 6.8, it suggests a place that satisfies many, but might not impress everyone equally. It’s a solid choice for a casual seafood meal.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Seafood Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
540
88.9%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8.4
out of 10
out of 10
604
83.9%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
532
83.8%
- $$
- Outer Richmond
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
692
80.8%
- $$
- Bayview District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
1071
79%
- $$
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Seafood Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
738
77.9%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Scott’s Chowder House
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Lets talk about the food here! Its a bit of a mixed bag, with a 7.1 score indicating its generally good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 59.6%, suggesting theres room for improvement. Based on 57 customer remarks, with 34 positive and 11 negative, many folks rave about the delicious lobster roll and chowder, often calling it a satisfying meal.
The sourdough bread also gets a special shout-out for its taste and quality. However, some diners have pointed out that portions can be quite small, which might leave you wanting more. There were also comments about the lobster bisque being tasteless and some disappointment with the clam chowder not always hitting the mark, or even crab rolls missing the crab.
It seems consistency and value for money on certain items could be better.
Food
57
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
11
negative
12
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious lobster rolls
- Tasty clam chowder
- Quality sourdough bread
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Tasteless lobster bisque
- Missing crab rolls
Often praised
- foodExcellent food in a great little bistro.
- lobster rollMy first lobster roll on the west coast and it was fantastic.
- chowderThe facility was clean with plenty of seating. I was impressed by the 4 sizes of chowder, with the $14 version being a full meal. The bathroom and tables were also clean.
- clam chowderThe clam Chowder could've been a big more creamy and thick but could not complain at all about flavor.
- Lobster Bisqueluxurious Lobster Bisque was excellent
- Boston Style Clam Chowderside of creamy Boston Style Clam Chowder
- Lobster Rollcome back for the Lobster Roll
- Lobster rollEverything tasted excellent. The Lobster roll
- Scott’s Connecticut Style Lobster RollScott’s Connecticut Style Lobster Roll was the perfect treat
- Scott’s Maine Lobster Roll ComboScott’s Maine Lobster Roll Combo. Another tasty recipe
Frequently criticized
- bag of chipsbag of chips ($4)
- bowl of clam chowderOrdered "bowl" of clam chowder, got what is medium sized cup instead
- breadI ordered a "bowl" of clam chowder, expecting a substantial meal, but received what felt like a medium-sized cup instead. This was certainly not enough for a meal, especially considering it came with only a single, small slice of bread. The cost for this meager offering was a staggering $17.
- bread bowl clam chowderBread Bowl clam chowder ($18)
- clam chowderThe clam chowder has nothing for you to come back for
- coleslawvery small side of coleslaw ($4)
- crab rollsThe crab rolls are missing the crab
- foodThe food not!
- lobster bisqueDon't get the lobster bisque it's not good at all tasteless!
- portionAnd the portion is quite small.
If youre craving a delicious lobster roll or a tasty chowder, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that portion sizes might be on the smaller side for some dishes, and perhaps steer clear of the lobster bisque if youre looking for flavor.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
You'll often hear praise for the friendly and welcoming staff and employees here, with many appreciating the quality service. While the service score sits at an average 6.3 and customer satisfaction is a mixed 60%, there are 12 positive remarks out of 20 total, indicating a good effort from the team. On the flip side, some experiences suggest the waitress can be overwhelmed, and there are concerns about the overall restaurant operation.
A few patrons noted slow order times and even an unfriendly boss, contributing to the 7 negative comments. It seems consistency and operational flow could use some attention.
Service
20
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quality service
- Welcoming employees
What people don't like
- Slow order
- Operational issues
- Unfriendly boss
Often praised
- serviceThe cost was quite reasonable. The place was clean, pleasant, and the service from the girl was exceptional.
- peoplenicest people you'll ever meet
- ServiceService:4
- employeesI can't wait to come back for the Lobster Roll, which the cashier brought to my attention. All of the employees this afternoon were very friendly, thank you!
- quality serviceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The staff are genuinely the nicest people you'll ever meet and provide top of the line quality service. The food is incredibly delicious, making me eager to return and try more of the tempting menu items.
- staffPersonnel gentil et à l’écoute
- waitressThe location is also great, right by Chinatown. It was a slow day, so the atmosphere was quiet and the waitress was pretty attentive. I definitely recommend giving it a try if you're in the area.
Frequently criticized
- waitressThe waitress looked like a deer in headlights, started talkin’ bout how she’s all alone, then bless her heart, she broke down cryin’
- bosspatron ne soit pas sympathique
- hours posted onlinedisappointed that the hours posted on line are incorrect
- orderIt did take awhile to get our order.
- restaurant operationy’all… that ain’t how a restaurant should run
- servicethat ain’t how a restaurant should run
Overall, the service here is a bit of a mixed bag. Youre likely to encounter genuinely friendly staff, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in speed or operational hiccups. If you value a warm welcome and dont mind a possible wait, it's worth a try.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience at Chowder House presents a somewhat mixed picture, with a score of 6.7 and customer satisfaction at 68.4%. However, many of the 13 positive remarks highlight a bright, clean and welcoming atmosphere, praising the decor, seating, and location for contributing to a pleasant dine-in experience. On the flip side, the 6 negative comments reveal some notable drawbacks.
Issues like space constraints and noticeable noise were mentioned, making the atmosphere feel less comfortable for some. The use of plastic containers/utensils also detracted from the overall vibe, suggesting areas for improvement.
Ambience
19
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bright, clean, welcoming
- Great location
- Pleasant decor
What people don't like
- Limited space
- Noticeable noise
- Plastic containers/utensils
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was pleasant
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Chowder Housewelcoming Chowder House
- bathroomClean bathroom
- bright, clean and welcomingMy first time trying the newest restaurant in the neighborhood, the Chowder House, was wonderful. I was greeted happily upon entering the bright, clean and welcoming atmosphere. My cup of luxurious Lobster Bisque with a perfectly gentle toasted slice of bread was excellent.
- decorbelle décoration
- facilityClean facility
- great dine-in experienceGreat dine-in experience
- locationgreat location right by chinatown
- placeThe cost was quite reasonable. The place was clean, pleasant, and the service from the girl was exceptional.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereHands down the strangest, most uncomfortable place we ever stepped foot in
- noisethe more the noise is heard
- plastic containers/utensilsplastic containers/utensils
- space constraintsGiven the space constraints
If youre seeking a bright, clean spot with a good location, Chowder House offers a decent, if not perfect, atmosphere. Just be mindful that some find it a bit cramped or noisy, and the plastic cutlery might not be for everyone. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations for the overall vibe.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction at 50%. However, 6 positive remarks celebrated the affordable meal and incredible price, with some raving about the $25 lobster roll and chowder as a great deal. Many felt the cost was quite reasonable for a satisfying experience.
On the flip side, an equal number of 6 negative comments expressed concerns about the prices and pricing, with some feeling it was absurd or a tourist trap. Several customers believed the cost was too high, suggesting prices were about 40% above what they should be, leading to an overall poor value'.
Value
12
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable special deals
- Good value found
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- High prices
- Absurd pricing
- Poor overall value
Often praised
- $25 lobster roll and chowderCan’t beat the $25 lobster roll and chowder!
- affordable mealaffordable and delicious meal
- costthe cost was quite reasonable
- incredible pricesatisfying meal at an incredible price
- pricevery good price
- valueA good value for 25 dollars
Frequently criticized
- pricesWhile the clam chowder itself was okay, the overall value was extremely poor. I believe the restaurant would be a much better spot if they were to cut their prices by 40%.
- costHow much did this cost? $17
- pricingthe pricing is absurd
- tourist trapFelt like I was eating at a cafeteria
If you're eyeing specific deals like the lobster roll, you might find good value here. However, be prepared that other items could feel overpriced, making it a hit-or-miss experience for your wallet.
How are the prices at Scott’s Chowder House?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 15 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners spend within this $21–$30 range, showing prices really cluster around the average rather than being spread across very cheap or premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 15 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Seafood Restaurant. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Scott’s Chowder House
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Excellent Lobster Roll & Chowder!
My experience at the restaurant was excellent! I had the $25 lunch special, which included a Lobster roll and chowder. Everything tasted excellent.
The service was very friendly and welcoming.
- Lobster roll10
- chowder10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Clam Chowder and Great Service
I ordered the clam chowder, and in terms of flavor, it was very delicious. They offer different portion sizes. To try it first, I ordered a cup, and it came with two slices of very tasty sourdough bread.
As a courtesy, they gave me a sample cup of another dish they have, which is like a soup with rice, shrimp, sausage, and spices; it was also very delicious. The cost was quite reasonable. The place was clean, pleasant, and the service from the girl was exceptional.
- clam chowder9
- sourdough bread9
- another dish9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fantastic Lobster Roll and Service
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I tried their lobster roll for the first time on the west coast, and it was truly fantastic. The clam chowder was also excellent.
The service was both friendly and quick. I will definitely come back.
- lobster roll10
- clam chowder9
- service9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Bizarre and Uncomfortable Experience
My experience at this restaurant was quite unusual. We stopped in with a party of 6, and the place was empty. We tried to order 4 lobster rolls and 2 fries, which didn't seem like a lot to ask.
However, the waitress appeared overwhelmed, stating she was all alone, and then she started crying. While we felt bad for her, we found the situation to be strange and uncomfortable, leading us to leave. It didn't feel like a restaurant that was running properly.
The staff's inability to handle a simple order and the resulting emotional distress created a very awkward atmosphere. I understand that cashiers are people too, and I aim to be honest and provide my best when I can, but this interaction was the single worst I've had in 7 months because they were MEAN. To leave a one-star review because you didn't get your way is petty.
I hope everyone is blessed and having a beautiful life, including Mr. Kudszus. I understand not everyone is kind and people like to make others feel bad. I love to make people happy with what I CAN do; if you are respectful to people, they usually don't cry.
Take care everyone, thank you for my first negative review! Some people wake up and spread pain. I spread joy and move on to a new day.
- lobster rolls6
- fries6
- waitress2
- restaurant operation2
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Bizarre and Uncomfortable Dining Experience
My family and I, a party of 6, visited this restaurant when it was empty. We tried to order 4 lobster rolls and 2 fries, which seemed like a reasonable request. However, the waitress appeared overwhelmed, stating she was alone.
To our surprise, she then broke down crying. While we felt sympathetic, this is not how a restaurant should operate. Consequently, we left.
It was undoubtedly the strangest and most uncomfortable place we have ever been to.
- lobster rolls5
- fries5
- waitress2
- service1
- atmosphere1
What Scott’s Chowder House offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Scott’s Chowder House?
At Scott’s Chowder House, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. You are welcome to visit for a delicious lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even to indulge in a sweet dessert. The restaurant provides flexible choices to suit your schedule.
Does Scott’s Chowder House offer accessible facilities?
Yes, Scott’s Chowder House is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all guests. You will find that the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring comfort and ease of access during your visit.
How does Scott’s Chowder House generally perform according to customer feedback?
Scott’s Chowder House holds an overall score of 6.7, indicating a good experience for many. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.1) and Ambience (6.7), while Service (6.3) is also well-regarded. Value (5.5) is an area with more divided opinions.
Are there any common concerns regarding the food and pricing at Scott’s Chowder House?
Yes, some customers have expressed concerns about portion sizes, noting that certain dishes, like the “bowl” of clam chowder, felt small for the price. There are also mentions of inconsistent quality for some chowder varieties and a perception of high cost for specific items.
What can I expect from the atmosphere and service at Scott’s Chowder House?
The atmosphere is frequently described as bright, clean, and welcoming, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. Service is generally seen as friendly and attentive, with staff often praised for their helpfulness, though some isolated operational issues have been noted.