Duarte's Tavern

Restaurant · Pescadero

Duarte's Tavern

Restaurant · Pescadero

5

202 Stage Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060

Photos

Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Frederick S/Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Infatuation - Reviews
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Google
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp
Duarte's Tavern by Yelp

Highlights

Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero serves up classic American comfort food amidst a cozy, historic setting, with must-try highlights like their olallieberry pie and crab sandwich.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater
Featured in Food & Wine

202 Stage Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060 Get directions

duartestavern.com
@duartestavern

$$$ · Menu

Information

Static Map

202 Stage Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060 Get directions

+1 650 879 0464
duartestavern.com
@duartestavern

$$$ · Menu

Features

dine in
takeout
delivery
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Nov 24, 2024

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2024 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@foodandwine

"Opened in 1894 by Frank Duarte, an immigrant from the Azores, Duarte's Tavern is a casual, old-fashioned seafood eatery of knotty-pine-paneled rooms. A steadfast beacon utterly unmoved by trends, winner of the 2003 James Beard Award for America's Classics, it’s famous for artichoke soup, green chile soup, cioppino, and olalliberry pie. They serve a crab melt sandwich, petrale sole sandwich, and an olalliberry Margarita. Called Guy Fieri's favorite restaurant in California, Duarte’s also serves cioppino, a seafood stew packed with Dungeness crab, shrimp, and clams in a cumin-accented tomato sauce bathed in white wine. Owner Timothy Duarte, Frank’s great-grandson, says Portuguese touches include the cumin in the cioppino, linguica at Sunday breakfast, and the mussels style." - Sharon McDonnell

Visit This Tiny California Town for the Goat Farm and Grocery
test
@travelleisure

"A few miles south, I watched the Surfers Beach crowd paddle out, which derailed my lunch plans at Duarte's Tavern (instead, I bought a heaping $5 bag of cherries from a roadside farmer)." - Travel + Leisure Editors

How to Plan the Perfect Solo Road Trip on California's Famed Highway 1
test
@eater

"Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour Why it’s worth it: Currently run by the fourth generation of the Duarte family, the tavern has been running steadily since 1894 (and it hasn’t changed much). Fresh fish, old favorites like fried sea scallops and shrimp cocktail, and Portuguese influences from the family’s recipes are part of why it was a James Beard Classics honoree in 2003. A very low-key lunch stop on the way to a beach day in Santa Cruz." - Eater Staff

Restaurants Worth the Drive from San Francisco - Eater SF
test
@infatuation

"Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero has a solid menu of things like soups, salads, sandwiches, and pork chops, but their olallieberry pie is what will always make us want to jump in a car and take the scenic route down Highway 1 when we have a free afternoon. Olallieberries are a type of blackberry hybrid, and the pie they make with them is so good that it could cause a full-blown argument if you don’t get a second piece for everyone at your table to share. If you want something to eat that’s not just dessert, go for the cream of artichoke soup." - Will Kamensky

Duarte’s Tavern Review - Pescadero - San Francisco - The Infatuation
test
@tripledfan
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - California
test

Yi Ling

Google
Came here for a quick mid-day snack around 4:00 PM, and was pleasantly surprised by the delightful experience. Our waitress suggested trying their 🍲 half-half green chilli and artichoke soup, which turned out to be a fantastic combination. While both were delicious, we personally preferred the artichoke soup for its mild, nutty flavour and thick texture. The complementary sourdough bread was a lovely touch. Warm, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, it was the perfect starter. I couldn't resist trying a slice of 🥧 Olallieberry Pie, which was a new experience for me. I was surprised by the abundance of tiny seeds but found the flavour and texture to be a delightful combination of sweet, tangy berry jam and two layers of flaky pastry. The tavern's warm, homey atmosphere was evident from the moment we walked in. We overheard the owner telling another table about the restaurant's long history, which added to the charming ambience. 😊

our life

Google
Great little place to eat close to the beach and away from the crowds of Half Moon Bay. I had the Linguini with clams but could not finish it because with the clams, the wine sauce, and the pieces of sausage it was so salty! I would not recommend it. My daughter had the fish and chips. The fish was very tender and the breading was perfectly crispy. The fries were also very good and crispy. My son had the French dip sandwich and really liked it as well. We, of course, had to try the pies. We got the olallieberry, strawberry and rhubarb, and peach pie a la mode. All very delicious and ranked in order of which was best was peach, olallieberry (like a tart raspberry), and then strawberry rhubarb. Our only complaint about the pie is that the crust end was very very thick so we feel like we got shorted on some filling.

Graciela Dias

Google
Exceptional mushroom toast! The olallieberry margarita was delicious. Great artichoke soup too. As main dish we had Crab cioppino, it was good, but the crab didn’t taste fresh, I’d guess it was previously frozen.

Santiago Espinoza

Google
Loved the spot! It encapsulated what a tavern vibe is, really enjoyed one of their craft beers! Would visit again to check out their food options

Parul Agarwal

Google
An Indian vegetarian delighted in a classic American tavern when I expected to find may be a salad or two. Beet salad 5*. Cold, perfectly streamed beets marinated in mint and some mild sauce. So fresh! Mushroom toast 5* is a must have. Easily one of the best things I have ever had. They grow mushrooms in their nearby farm. This dish is a large toasted bread piece, sitting on balsamic vinaigrette and loaded with a mound of finely chopped grilled mushrooms. I must visit pescadero just to have it again. The artichoke soup is meh for Indian tastes. I will try green chile soup next time. My partner ordered snapper and liked it but agreed that mushroom toast was the best. Finished it all with pumpkin pie. Love love love. Cute rustic appearance. Good and fast service although it was full.

Dave Lonkani

Google
Food was excellent, service seemed disinterested, an historic building and a beach town feel, but don't let a few dirty corners keep you away. Everything we had was exceptional, but make sure you mortgage is paid it ain't cheap. Also they don't try to hide it but a 17% gratuity is added to the already high prices.

Jo K

Google
An historic place and a staple of downtown Pescadero. Be sure to check the website for operating hours. They do not take reservations, so expect to wait up to an hour sometimes for a table on the weekends. Go for the Calamari Steak sandwich (stick to the original, not the cajun), and the half artichoke and half green chili soup. They also have a take away window which is a great option too.

John Houston (Ghost2Post)

Google
Duarte's Tavern is a charming and historic spot that's become quite the destination for anyone in the mood for a classic, hearty meal. Located in the small town of Pescadero, California, this family-run restaurant has been serving locals and travelers since 1894, and it has certainly built up a reputation. One of the standout items on the menu is the crab sandwich. It's generously filled with fresh, sweet crab meat, likely straight from the nearby coast. The sandwich is simple, allowing the quality of the crab to shine, but it’s incredibly satisfying. However, the price is notably high, which might make you think twice if you're on a budget. Yet, many find that the quality and taste justify the splurge, especially if you're treating yourself. Another must-try is their olallieberry pie. Lala berries are a local specialty, a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry, and Duarte’s has mastered the art of turning them into a delicious pie. The crust is flaky, the filling is perfectly sweet and tart, and it’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression. Even if you’re stuffed from the main course, the Lala berry pie is worth saving room for. Duarte’s Tavern has a cozy, old-school atmosphere with friendly service. The prices are definitely on the higher side, but considering the quality of the food—especially the fresh seafood and local specialties—it can be a worthwhile indulgence. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Duarte's Tavern offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of the coastal town it calls home.

Yi Ling

Google
Came here for a quick mid-day snack around 4:00 PM, and was pleasantly surprised by the delightful experience. Our waitress suggested trying their 🍲 half-half green chilli and artichoke soup, which turned out to be a fantastic combination. While both were delicious, we personally preferred the artichoke soup for its mild, nutty flavour and thick texture. The complementary sourdough bread was a lovely touch. Warm, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, it was the perfect starter. I couldn't resist trying a slice of 🥧 Olallieberry Pie, which was a new experience for me. I was surprised by the abundance of tiny seeds but found the flavour and texture to be a delightful combination of sweet, tangy berry jam and two layers of flaky pastry. The tavern's warm, homey atmosphere was evident from the moment we walked in. We overheard the owner telling another table about the restaurant's long history, which added to the charming ambience. 😊

our life

Google
Great little place to eat close to the beach and away from the crowds of Half Moon Bay. I had the Linguini with clams but could not finish it because with the clams, the wine sauce, and the pieces of sausage it was so salty! I would not recommend it. My daughter had the fish and chips. The fish was very tender and the breading was perfectly crispy. The fries were also very good and crispy. My son had the French dip sandwich and really liked it as well. We, of course, had to try the pies. We got the olallieberry, strawberry and rhubarb, and peach pie a la mode. All very delicious and ranked in order of which was best was peach, olallieberry (like a tart raspberry), and then strawberry rhubarb. Our only complaint about the pie is that the crust end was very very thick so we feel like we got shorted on some filling.

Graciela Dias

Google
Exceptional mushroom toast! The olallieberry margarita was delicious. Great artichoke soup too. As main dish we had Crab cioppino, it was good, but the crab didn’t taste fresh, I’d guess it was previously frozen.

Santiago Espinoza

Google
Loved the spot! It encapsulated what a tavern vibe is, really enjoyed one of their craft beers! Would visit again to check out their food options

Parul Agarwal

Google
An Indian vegetarian delighted in a classic American tavern when I expected to find may be a salad or two. Beet salad 5*. Cold, perfectly streamed beets marinated in mint and some mild sauce. So fresh! Mushroom toast 5* is a must have. Easily one of the best things I have ever had. They grow mushrooms in their nearby farm. This dish is a large toasted bread piece, sitting on balsamic vinaigrette and loaded with a mound of finely chopped grilled mushrooms. I must visit pescadero just to have it again. The artichoke soup is meh for Indian tastes. I will try green chile soup next time. My partner ordered snapper and liked it but agreed that mushroom toast was the best. Finished it all with pumpkin pie. Love love love. Cute rustic appearance. Good and fast service although it was full.

Dave Lonkani

Google
Food was excellent, service seemed disinterested, an historic building and a beach town feel, but don't let a few dirty corners keep you away. Everything we had was exceptional, but make sure you mortgage is paid it ain't cheap. Also they don't try to hide it but a 17% gratuity is added to the already high prices.

Jo K

Google
An historic place and a staple of downtown Pescadero. Be sure to check the website for operating hours. They do not take reservations, so expect to wait up to an hour sometimes for a table on the weekends. Go for the Calamari Steak sandwich (stick to the original, not the cajun), and the half artichoke and half green chili soup. They also have a take away window which is a great option too.

John Houston (Ghost2Post)

Google
Duarte's Tavern is a charming and historic spot that's become quite the destination for anyone in the mood for a classic, hearty meal. Located in the small town of Pescadero, California, this family-run restaurant has been serving locals and travelers since 1894, and it has certainly built up a reputation. One of the standout items on the menu is the crab sandwich. It's generously filled with fresh, sweet crab meat, likely straight from the nearby coast. The sandwich is simple, allowing the quality of the crab to shine, but it’s incredibly satisfying. However, the price is notably high, which might make you think twice if you're on a budget. Yet, many find that the quality and taste justify the splurge, especially if you're treating yourself. Another must-try is their olallieberry pie. Lala berries are a local specialty, a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry, and Duarte’s has mastered the art of turning them into a delicious pie. The crust is flaky, the filling is perfectly sweet and tart, and it’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression. Even if you’re stuffed from the main course, the Lala berry pie is worth saving room for. Duarte’s Tavern has a cozy, old-school atmosphere with friendly service. The prices are definitely on the higher side, but considering the quality of the food—especially the fresh seafood and local specialties—it can be a worthwhile indulgence. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Duarte's Tavern offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of the coastal town it calls home.

Parul A.

Yelp
An Indian vegetarian delighted in a classic American tavern when I expected to find may be a salad or two. Beet salad 5*. Cold, perfectly streamed beets marinated in mint and some mild sauce. So fresh! Mushroom toast 5* is a must have. Easily one of the best things I have ever had. They grow mushrooms in their nearby farm. This dish is a large toasted bread piece, sitting on balsamic vinaigrette and loaded with a mound of finely chopped grilled mushrooms. I must visit pescadero just to have it again. The artichoke soup is meh for Indian tastes. I will try green chile soup next time. My partner ordered snapper and liked it but agreed that mushroom toast was the best. Finished it all with pumpkin pie. Love love love. Cute rustic appearance. Good and fast service although it was full.

Lyee C.

Yelp
I was traveling through the area and this spot did not disappoint. Dim lighting and spacious interior make for a cozy atmosphere. This place has a full bar with sports TVs. I loved the olallieberry, which was a fun tart and refreshing drink. Portions are generous, and plenty of butter with the complimentary bread. Service was speedy and I couldn't help but be friendly with our server, even after a long drive. I got the artichoke soup, smelt, and mushroom toast. My wife and I agreed the toast was amazing. The soup was also great (artichokes are a local specialty, so definitely try some while in town). The smelt was mostly oily, but luckily there's a wedge of lemon and tartar to with it.

Pauline W.

Yelp
We stumbled upon this tiny gem hidden in a one-stop light downtown. We were served warm bread with butter shortly after we ordered, which was nice and fluffy on the inside and thin layer of crunch on the outside. We ordered the linguine with clams and the soup of the day-seafood chowder. The chowder is lite on consistency and nicely flavored with minced seafood and rice in a tomato broth. It is how I like it. The clam with linguine is seasoned with butter and lemon that also very lite in consistency. The freshness of clams is truly enhanced by this very simple culinary technique. I highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys a good place to eat with a unique ambiance.

Ed U.

Yelp
It had been well over a decade since the last time Jamie W and I had been back to Duarte's. When we decided to have a Costanoa weekender, I thought I could finally try their fabled artichoke soup since we had breakfast the last time. In my ancient Yelp review, I characterized the food as "Fine. Just fine." This time, we were here for lunch, and we sat in the more atmospheric pub area. Lunch was way better than what I remember of their breakfast plates. Their soups were awesome. Jamie had the $16 Soup of the Day, which was a light minestrone with huge chunks of fresh crabmeat mixed with chopped tomato, carrot, and onion (photo: https://yelp.to/wqnBRKccAP). However, mine was the genuine capper, a half-&-half mix of Artichoke and Green Chile Soup that provided creamy transcendence with a snap (photo: https://yelp.to/h0Wj6qWoe_). The mains were solid choices albeit not in quite the same flavor league as the soups. Jamie was completely satisfied by the $28 Snapper & Chips. There were plenty of fresh fish bites accompanied by fries, tartare sauce, and malt vinegar (photo: https://yelp.to/y9tGRNTRBg). It was a tasty choice of fish. I ordered the $24 Cajun Calamari Steak Sandwich which was a uniquely flavorful treatment of tenderized octopus. Accompanied by sautéed vegetables, it worked well (photo: https://yelp.to/GJt1NSuGGY). Jamie managed to sneak in a takeout order of the $11 Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler which we enjoyed back at the lodge (photo: https://yelp.to/c0uB_ay2Ei). FOOD - 4 stars...the artichoke and green chile soup stole the show AMBIANCE - 4 stars...still the same mid-century roadside vibe it always had SERVICE - 4.5 stars...pretty impressed with the staff TOTAL - 4 stars...glad we finally came back for that soup RELATED - Exploring the Pacific side of the SF peninsula? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3aiDR9I

Tim K.

Yelp
This has been a family favorite for generations and a must for visiting guests. Cioppino, fish n chips, half n half (artichoke and green chile soup mix), crusty French bread, and ollieberry pie are solid contenders.

Emily O.

Yelp
Love Duarte's Tavern! Came in for an early Father's Day lunch today and we had the best time. The food is amazing, and the service is outstanding. Our server was so nice, attentive, and recommended the best dishes. We had the shrimp and the half & half (artichoke and green chile) soup to start and both were great. The sourdough bread they bring by is some of the best sourdough bread I've ever had. For the entree we had the calamari sandwich and it was SO SO GOOD. Don't sleep on the pie! And definitely get ice cream with it! We loved it so much, we got a whole pie to take home:) Overall it was an amazing meal and atmosphere. It's so fun eating somewhere that feels like you've traveled back in time, and I'll definitely be back!

Eric B.

Yelp
I'll start by saying that I've been looking forward to eating here for quite a while and I suspect I built it up in my mind and was a bit disappointed as a result. I love places like this and think they should be around as long as possible. That said, here's what we thought: The staff are very friendly and we enjoyed our interactions with them. Service was a bit uneven but okay. The cocktails are definitely good. Great Manhattans and the olallieberry Margaritas were a refreshing change from the average. The fried smelt was great but we had to ask twice for tartar sauce. My halibut was overcooked but still edible. Fries are excellent. The cioppino was tasty but skimpy on fish other than the crab legs and claw. The sole sandwich was definitely decent. I think next time I'd likely try a crab melt. They looked good going by. It's such a cool old place but I do wish the food had been a bit better. We'll definitely come again next time we're in town but we probably won't make a special trip for the purpose like we did this past weekend.

David M.

Yelp
Family run and very well run. We always eat in the bar where it's first come first served. This strategy works well on the weekdays. This place gets packed and the wait can get very long. The vibe is very old style. It feels like a true step back in time to the late 1800's. The food is delicious. I highly suggest the higher priced items for a nice meal. During the holiday season they make a delicious eggnog that's exceptionally strong. Edit: established 1894

Cindy G.

Yelp
We couldn't miss a trip to this cool restaurant on our visit to Pescadero:) The delightful Annaliese took care of us this visit . We were so happy to have all our favorites ! Started with a tasty Bloody Mary :) We ordered the Artichoke Hearts w/ an amazing garlic aioli. Then of course the Cream of Artichoke Soup with some of the best French bread around . Our entrees were Snapper and Chips, perfect ! A great house made tartar as well . Olallieberry Soft Serve Ice Cream for desert . Also a slice of their Olallieberry pie to go for later . And picked up some Olallieberry Jam too. If you are going thru the area . This is a must stop in and enjoy the great staff and amazing food in a very historic site !

Lisa P.

Yelp
Such a fun experience! To start, we had zero issues with parking (street parking), we were immediately seated at the bar. The service was great. We ordered a cocktail and glass of wine, and cioppino! The bread and butter that came with it for free were to die for... maybe the best sourdough I've ever had!

Annie L.

Yelp
This tavern has been around since 1894! An old school feel when you walk in. We had to wait a bit since it was lunch hour. We ordered a fresh apple juice, two of the sea bass with fries, burger, sandwich and fried oysters. Everyone was in agreement that the food was excellent, fresh, friendly service. Dining in such a historic spot "where friends meet" is a must in Pescadero.

Teresa S.

Yelp
After waiting sooo many years to visit here, I finally visited last Saturday afternoon. We got behind a coastal storm and dropped in. I arrived before my party that was parking. The entire team was patient. Parking was sparse- restaurant was empty. I ordered the fried oysters waiting for my party. Really delicious! The Tartar sauce tasted like it was homemade. Artichoke soup was creamy with tiny artichoke pieces. The Crab melt with slaw and French Dip sandwich with chunks o' garlic fries were also good. Win here!

Jazzi E.

Yelp
My family has been going here for over 30 years. Since moving to San Diego it's always a treat to drive over to Pescadero when I'm in the Bay Area. This family owned, local favorite is a must visit while in the area. Food: I always order the green chili soup. It's always delicious and creamy. Another great soup is the artichoke, which my family members love. It's comes with fresh warm sourdough bread. This visit we ordered the zucchini cakes which come with a cilantro cream and they were very good. Drinks: the Olallieberry margarita is good, a little on the sweeter side, but these fruits are very popular in the area. Dessert: you can't go wrong with any of there pies!

Niccolos G.

Yelp
Not worth the drive... Overpriced and mediocre food. Embarrassingly small portions of fish that were barely warm. Customer service lacked, and there seemed to be disorganization amongst the staff. Water was never refilled even though it had been sitting on the table empty for over 20+ mins. Artichoke soup was okay but definitely overpriced. If you're considering driving over 30mins to eat here.. don't! Save yourself the time

Christopher P.

Yelp
Solid lunch, but as others have noted it is not cheap. I went in with the intention of getting a bowl of artichoke soup and a slice of their legendary pie, but switched it up a little. Upon the advice of fellow yelpers, I ordered the 50/50 soup which is half artichoke, half green chile, and they must have barista training because it arrives with cappuccino type art on it. I noticed them bringing out some zucchini cakes, which looked incredible so I ordered those also. They brought some complimentary sourdough which was warm and much appreciated. I noticed they had Olallieberry soft-serve ice cream on the menu. I love soft-serve, and have never had it in that flavor, so despite no pics of it here I went ahead and ordered it. The pie will have to wait for a future visit. I sat at the counter and service was efficient and friendly. The verdict: Bread: 5 stars - good, warm and free! Soup: 4 stars - pretty good but I would not drive out of my way for it. Loved the artwork though! Zucchini Cakes: 3 stars - they look awesome, and they appear crispy, but they are not at all crispy. The flavor was great, but they were quite soft. If you are like me and prefer hash browns extra crispy then I'd skip. If you like them soft, then the flavor and texture should satisfy you. Olallieberry Soft-serve: 5 stars! This was the highlight. So good that my niece ordered one to go from the front desk. It comes with a mini shortbread cookie. I will definitely get this every time I pass through Pescadero! The bill- $43 is a bit steep for a single lunch, but I am a tourist in a touristy town so not unexpected.

Travis B.

Yelp
Wow, so bad... overpriced and small orders.. and incredibly rude over the phone if you try and place an order to go. This is the third time I have tried to give this place a chance to redeem itself. Failed again. Will never go back... to bad because I'm a local.

Carolyn B.

Yelp
We started off with their delicious warm bread & their amazing & delicious Cream of Artichoke & Cream of Green Chile Soup. My husband had the Crab Cioppino & I had the Crab Melt (pictured). We end this glorious meal w/ their famous Olallibery Pie w/Olalliberry Ice Cream. Our Server was so delightful & very attentive. The ambiance reminds me of a old saloon. This place is a historical landmark & the drive to get here was nothing short of spectacular.

Caroline K.

Yelp
I love heading down to Pescadero for a little day trip . We have coffee at and Downtown Local and then walk to Duarte's for the famous soup which is always comforting. This trip they had a fabulous mushroom toast and I hope they keep it on the menu because it was delicious. We usually eat at the bar and the ambiance is not fussy and slightly run down but again, kinda comforting. Service is solid and depending on the server can be very transactional or friendly. I love the fried smelt but my fellow smelt eater didn't join this time so I couldn't order it as I wouldn't be able to eat the whole portion alone !

K I.

Yelp
I love their house made olallieberry soft serve. Service is always friendly and attentive.

Kris M.

Yelp
Friends and I stopped by the other day. There were signs that said restrooms in the back parking lot. The "restrooms" were port-a-potties. What?!?! Decided to go in anyway but decided to leave after the less than friendly greeting.

Christine C.

Yelp
We arrived around 2 pm on a Monday afternoon and was surprised to find the place was still quite busy. We didn't have to wait long for our table, however. There was just one party ahead of us, and we both got seated within 5 mins. The wait staff seemed to be quite busy. Long after we've already decided what to get, no one had approached us to take our order so after waiting some time, I flagged down the guy who looked like the manager and/or perhaps the bartender; he smiled and graciously took our order. After putting our order in, he let us know that this other wait staff would be taking care of our table. The food came quickly. I ordered the famed half-and-half soup with half green Chile and half artichoke soup. I first tasted the artichoke soup before mixing the two and that by itself was yummy. Mixing the two helps to cut the richness in the artichoke soup, also yummy! The warm sourdough bread they gave us worked well with the soup. For our entree, we had ordered the crab melt to share (a whopping $38 before taxes and tips) but unfortunately (or fortunately for our wallets), it was out. We tried to order the linguine and that was out too. We ended up sharing the snapper and chips with the garlic add-on. The snapper was just so-so (not much flavor and thick batter) but the garlic fries were very flavorful and we both enjoyed it. Given Duarte's and the Pescadero area is also famous for the olallieberries pie, we shared one. It was good! Overall, it was a chill lunch experience, albeit on the pricey side. Do stop by if you're in the area; I recommend getting one of the soups, the garlic fries, and the olallieberries pie. If you're in a hurry, however, you're better off elsewhere.

Geraldine D.

Yelp
The crab cioppino looks delicious! The service is nice. I can smell the tomatoes sauce from the crab cioppino. It tastes good!

Lisa B.

Yelp
Friendly service, meals arrived promptly, and food was excellent! I had the halibut with fries and fresh veggies followed by olallieberry pie and olallieberry swirl ice cream. Thanks!

Robert C.

Yelp
Giving this place a 2 star is generous. Let me start off with the most egregious infraction Duarte's did. The 17% gratituity. It's not included on any signage around the building, on the menu, or if it is it's done in a way you're not going to spot it. You're presented with 3 slips of paper. "Merchant Copy" "Customer Copy" and finally, an itemized bill. The Merchant and customer copy of the bill are placed on top of the itemized bill. You're presented with a subtotal with a tip line on it. My wife had a shrimp salad with "Oregon Bay Shrimp" which meant it was likely previously frozen. I had a French dip and a slice of pie. $77? I started to write out my standard 20% tip when I flipped through the 3 slips of paper, and noticed that the 17% automatic gratuity was included! Nope, not playing this game. I scratched it out on my bill. I don't have a problem paying a tip. I used to be a service worker myself that relied on tips, but when it's sneakily added to the bill and hidden from plain sight, that's pretty deceptive. How many people have left a 37% tip without knowing it? It's downright slimy. Food was meh and overpriced.

Jill M.

Yelp
This place is amazing. Every item we order was delicious. You must try the artichoke soup with piping hot sourdough bread and butter. It's their signature dish and did not disappoint. We also had a wonderful whole snapper which came with a great side of greens and broccoli plus excellent fries. We have not eaten dessert in months but splurged on the strawberry rhubarb pie a la mode. I am still thinking about it a week later. Had we stayed closer to Pescadero, we would have eaten at Duarte's every day. Plus, the history of the place is phenomenal and there are old photos to see.

Decipher S.

Yelp
If you want to pay a small fortune for mediocre food this is a great place for that. Fish lunch entres are $30 and up +$5 to have it cooked any other way than the menu (grilled vs fry) + $5 to substitute salad for vegies etc. Fish and chips- fish was small chunks that looked like leftover pieces rather than nice big pieces, no coleslaw or anything else. staff not friendly. They are capitalizing on nostolgia and the price gouging with minimal effort is embarassing. Yes I like the old time places but not at this price,

Andreas G.

Yelp
Went here for a lunch while visiting the coast and checking out this small town. Place was pretty busy on a Friday before a long weekend. Found a small table in a corner. Place is a bit dark inside, but it's a tavern and a bit older so that's not unexpected. Ordered the crab sandwich and the sautéed shrimp. Really like the sauce it came in and the bread was great. Crab sandwich was a bit disappointing, would have been better with different bread and more toasted. The crab was still good, but for that price they could have done a bit more with the sandwich. Fries were really crunchy. Like them a lot. Overall a bit pricey but worth a stop.

Amanda M.

Yelp
Came here for a quick lunch right when they opened. Was really excited to try this place since it's been around since 1984, feels almost historic to eat here! Upon arrival, the host let us choose anywhere to sit, and we sat in the cute little cove in the bar area. We were greeted immediately with waters. I had seen yelp reviews for what seems like a secret menu item: half and half soup -- which is half creamed artichoke and half green chile. This is the move! It was delicious and came with a side of sourdough bread, I couldn't stop eating it. I'm big on sourdough and this did not disappoint. My only regret is not trying the ollalieberry pie, which is supposed to be a top item there. I'll have to come back. :) Pro tip: their menu rotates so be sure to check out their Facebook or Instagram page for the latest.

Sandee L.

Yelp
Duarte's Tavern is an institution in Pescadero! It's been around since 1894! They've won a James Beard award, so that says something. And even though Guy Fieri has let me down with most of his recommendations on DDD, this one was legit. We started off with the olallieberry margarita and Manhattan. Both well balanced and presented nicely. Onto the food: - Beet salad ($8): delicious with the olallieberry vinaigrette. 4/5 - Half half soup ($15): I think this is a secret menu item. It's half artichoke, half cream of green chile. We tried them separately and then together and both soups really came through on their own and also were delicious mixed. MUST GET! 5/5 - Crab cioppino ($42): Only served on weekdays. I was impressed there was a whole crab in there (2 claws and 8 legs), and the meat was sweet and plentiful. Also came with a few shrimp, clams and a little filet of fish. The tomato base was a bit underwhelming though. We've had better elsewhere, tbh. 3/5 - Olallieberry pie a la mode ($11.50): A great, sweet end to our meal. The pie was warm and full of berries. 4/5 I loooooooved their warm complimentary sourdough. I dipped it in the soup as well as the cioppino, and then double downed and slathered butter on it. Super crunchy crust with a warm, fluffy inside. DT sources from local farms. We had to try everything that had olallieberry and artichoke in it. 17% auto gratuity, split between the staff. Coco was our server and she was so nice. Excellent service. No reservations and the hours of operation are a bit short (closes at 6pm on weekends). It's a sleepy seaside town, so that's understandable. I'd be back for the sourdough and half half soup in a second. So sad we didn't take any home with us.

Alexandra F.

Yelp
This landmark restaurant is a must stop if you happen to be in the Half Moon Bay/Pescadero area. Their famous artichoke soup and poblano chili soup are absolutely delicious on a chilly day, or any day for that matter! Get a swirl of the two for extra deliciousness! The generous portion comes with bread and butter to add to the gluttony. Pro Tip: On a nice day, order for take out and enjoy your meal at the picnic tables right outside. Everything from the menu is available, plus their famous olallieberry margaritas!

Kim W.

Yelp
Had a nice lunch of snapper and pie here. The pie was excellent. The artichoke soup was $18 which is the most I've ever seen for a casual restaurant. Service was good. They were packed by 1pm with a long waiting list on Saturday. Three stars because the price was quite high. I'd come back for the pie.

Danny O.

Yelp
I can't speak on behalf of the user that saw an automatic 17% gratuity added to their bill, but this place was unbelievably overpriced. The food was indeed, meh. And the ambiance... like eating inside of a green cave. You would never guess you were anywhere near the ocean inside of this establishment. The service was great for sure but never again.

Millie V.

Yelp
Love this place. Try the Elderberry Pie ! Locals place worth the short drive off Jwy 1

Debi S.

Yelp
We have heard about this place forever and I always wanted to go. Went with friends yesterday and I think I can check it off my list. First the good - the service was excellent. Our wait staff was friendly and everything was served very quickly. Kudos to the folks working there. The ambience is fine. It's a local place, very rustic and that's great. So the food.... Well, it just was not all that great. Our friends raved on and on about the artichoke soup so we felt compelled to get it. It is a large bowl of soup (all the portions are large) and it's very heavy. Taste wise, I just not blown away. However, they serve it with this amazing hot sourdough bread and that was yummy. I also had the bean salad which was over dressed and heavy. My hubby had the berry pie they are known for. It was ok. I had the soft serve ice cream in the same flavor and that was delicious. Prices were expensive. Lunch for two (splitting the bill with our friends) was 75.00. Yes, they auto tack on 17% gratuity. I understand why but if they had not done it we would have tipped more so I think this policy can sometimes hurt instead of help. So 5 stars for the service. 3 for the food - so I would rate it 3.5 stars.

Nicole R.

Yelp
Great artichoke soup! And the olllieberry margarita is amazing! Staff is always super friendly, and love the old style of the inside of the building with the history behind it.

Carole B.

Yelp
This is the main dining destination in Pescadero and it is definitely a classic. A well preserved time capsule of early to mid century architecture and design clues you in to the old school nature of the menu. I had the rich and creamy Boston chowder with plenty of freshly baked sourdough and heaps of butter - carb heaven! The scallops with linguine was the main course: perfectly cooked and fresh as could be, the portion was perfect for sharing. Took home a delicious piece of ollallieberry pie - perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. One star off because it's just a bit overpriced, but the quality is definitely there. Just be ready to drop some serious dough!

Anita T.

Yelp
This restaurant is right near some of the open farms for u-pick which is how we ended up here. The place looks like a classic saloon and has ample outdoor seating (however it's open and near a pretty fast road so we opted to sit indoors with our small children. ) There's a main dining room and a smaller room for big groups. The menu is average - I had the crab sandwich which wasn't that interesting (actually felt like a slightly elevated tuna sandwich that was totally not worth $30) and we also got side orders of fries and onion rings. Those were solid but this could have been easily good at a fast food place as well. The service was sub-par, for a large group, we got very little/ slow attention which dragged out the meal with restless kids and I had to flag down wait staff for what felt like everything. There is also a default 17% service charge regardless of party size so overall this was overpriced. Not an experience that was worth coming back to.

Dave B.

Yelp
I don't usually squawk about prices but lunch for 3 was nearly $300. -Bowl of artichoke soup 18.25. -Crab sandwich 36.00. -Calamari sandwich was too salty. 26.00. -Slice of pie 13.50. Nothing stands out as particularly memorable. Service was good.

Roberta D.

Yelp
One of the worst restaurant experiences I have had on the coast. In fact, it may be the worst. Worst, you walk into a small holding area where it's not clear what's happening and - some people are waiting for tables somewhere are waiting for takeout. When it turns out if you want to eat outside, you have to get it to go. Which is fine, but you have to carry it out yourself and wait at the window for the food which takes forever. But the worst part was all the signs say restroom and back restroom and parking lot restroom behind the building in the parking lot - and when you get there, it's the worst most disgusting porta potty. I've literally ever seen in my life and I've been to a lot of outdoor concerts. It was full of... Well full of all the stuff you would have in porta potty. And there was only water at one station and absolutely no So. When I went to try to get my hands washed, I was told there was a full bathroom inside the building. I've just spent $75 on my lunch and I'm not allowed to use the bathroom? You directed me initially to the parking lot? That's ridiculous. That said the food was very good. We had a Ruben and a burger. They were both excellent. But never again. And I'm calling the board of health on Monday. OMG I finally got my receipt after asking several times and there's a 17% service charge that is mandatory. There's nothing about that when you get the food at the counter because the counter food is all to go. You have to take it yourself to the parking lot. I will be challenging this charge on my credit card as well. who does Service charge for to go ? To be clear, you can only order food to go if you want to sit outside. You don't get any service or utensils or anything else you get it in a to go box and you can sit in the parking lot if you want. ADDITION: we both got serous stomach issues that night so will definitely be calling the board of health today!

SpaceDevil X.

Yelp
$10 Dollar Slice of Mediocrity. I used to come here for years until I had to move further away from the Bay Area. In 2023, t's been 8 years since my last visit and and this one will be my last at this place. I wanted to treat my family to a slice of pie since they had never been here before and when we ordered 3 slices at the front desk, we were charged $37 bucks! "WTF!?" I get that inflation has been an issue across the country lately, but not by this much. The pies are not necessarily to die for, but simply the fact that they come in flavors that are not typical. Olallieberry pie for example. Regardless, it's no excuse to charge these highway Robert rates. The young kid at the front who we placed the order with didn't even bother to suggest that we get a whole pie for $41 (we found out later), but rather let us pay $37 for the equivalent of a half a pie. Slices are about 1/6th by my estimate. Either way, I'd much rather get a slice of $5 pie down the highway at one of the many berry stands who aren't trying to leach some unjustified tax on their name because they appeared on T.V. once many years ago. Unless money is not an issue for you, my recommendation is to stay far away from the $10 slice of mediocrity that they are serving up at Duarte's Tavern. Personal Tip: If you want some of the best pie and in amazing flavor combinations like Blueberry Apple Peach pie, Visit the Pine Country Restaurant in Williams, AZ. Their prices won't take your wallet for a ride.

Jonathan H.

Yelp
Had to visit based on the recommendation from DDD and we enjoyed it. We've had better cioppino and better fish and chips though so not sure we'll be back unless we're driving through or past Pescadero.

WilliAm A.

Yelp
Drive 1-1/2 hrs just yo have artichoke/ chile soup snd the best sourdough bread in the bay area. Plus fresh snapper and chips was excellent. Topped by friendly efficient service This place is somewhere you need to visit. Often

Beth H.

Yelp
The food is always excellent. Been coming to this location for decades. The service sometimes can leave a little bit to be desired but that's not white folks come to this location. Pescadero and the food or white people come. Super old-fashioned dated place but if you have the opportunity you should not miss the half and half soup. It is a combination of the green chili and artichoke soups combined together. Pre-pandemic you were never allowed to take this to go but now they sell it to go which is amazing. The pies are absolutely a must and if it's olallieberry season Do not miss the signature margarita or the pie. The cioppino And fresh sourdough bread should also not be missed

Charles L.

Yelp
The best fresh bread and delicious soups (try a half and half!). The pie is no joke--we got a whole one to go!

Wendy T.

Yelp
Fish and chips are just okay but I love the fries, double fried half some texture. The famous artichoke soup was good, a bit pricey for a small bowl of $15. I would love to try the giovino next time and it's a small rustic classic place to dine in. Great customer service

Sammy T.

Yelp
Do not be fooled by my 3-stars. The pie was great (a 4-star worthy review) but the PRICE for that pie dropped it down to a 3-star. The famous Olallieberry Pie was hyped for me and I knew it was going to be overpriced but I had hoped that after eating a bite, I would go "ok, this is overpriced but it's so good it's worth it". Sadly, I can't say that was the case. The pie was good. It was tart (just how I like it), the crust was buttery, and the overall flavor was strong. However, the price just didn't cut it for me. With 17% gratuity tacked onto an already expensive pie, I don't know if it's worth feeding the curiosity of what a $12+ slice of pie tastes like..

Jacob V.

Yelp
COVID really put a number on this place. The owner/manager really tried his best to keep this place afloat and I could tell he was dispirited that he had to lay off half his staff and stop serving breakfast. The cost of living is so high these days a lot of regular folks left and he's been trying hard to get the moment this place had. He's getting there and I wish him the best. I really do. I'm glad it's back and running but I hope at some point things get a but more organized and the food quality get back up to par. As for now, we might try it again within the next few weeks and see where its at. We will always come back for the nostalgia...

Thalia F.

Yelp
I used to love this place, back in the day. I never come down to Pescadero anymore so I was VERY excited to have some artichoke soup. I walked in and waited for someone to greet me. And waited. Another couple came in and waited. At some point they asked if I'd been helped. Nope, haven't seen any staff up front yet. Finally a woman emerged from the dining room and took my order. I ordered a bowl of soup to go and I was told that "a 17% tip will be included on your bill" and it was explained to me that the tips were split with all staff including staff working in the back. I used to be in sales and THAT was a good sales pitch-hits you in the heart. I guess the hard sell of the 17% gratuity was necessary since scooping soup into a to-go container took all of 30 seconds and doesn't warrant a 17% gratuity (which according to reviewer Lo B. is the same tip for table service). I was assured that the order came with bread and butter (another good selling point). Fine. My artichoke soup was eaten the next day and the serving size was tiny. The soup was good, but bland-it was a bit gelatinous and translucent and it reminded me of a Cambell's soup. Yes, the rustic sourdough was good (and no butter was included, as it turns out), but the soup was missing any bits of artichoke it used to have back in the day. It looked premade or from a mix or something. It didn't look or taste homemade (see pics). Quite disappointing-the product has gone downhill, the serving size was small and with gratuity and tax, that little bitty bowl of soup almost $20. So I'll be generous and give the experience 2 stars. Ugh. With all of the good food in the Bay Area, I will never come back to Duarte's. And that is sad.

Dan B.

Yelp
I beautiful drive down the coast to Pescadero to enjoy a delightful well presented, and delicious meal at Duarte's a lot initially The mixed green salad is just chocked full of surprises with radishes, beans, cucumbers, beets, and just on and on topped with an amazing salad dressing. Followed up with the linguine and clams which was beyond my imagination. Mouthwatering, garlicky, and the pasta was perfectly al dente, the presentation was beautiful. We can't forget the fresh sourdough bread‼ enjoy this with a crisp glass of rosé the complemented the meal perfectly. The service is very welcoming, efficient, just couldn't ask for more. I'm really looking forward to lunch today, we took home the green chili soup and berry pie. I can hardly wait