The Sandpiper is a popular Bodega Bay restaurant that's been serving locals and visitors for more than 50 years. It has been through several incarnations but through the decades many menu items have stayed the same, from the famous clam chowder (one of our favorites in the Clam Chowder Contest) to the open face crab and shrimp sandwich, or the beer battered fish and chips.
We stopped by for lunch recently. I ordered their clam chowder (delicious, creamy and herby) and my husband had the grilled chicken sandwich with sun-dried tomato pesto and roasted red peppers, which came with fries and cole slaw. The employees wear t-shirts that say "Please don't eat the chowder." Since we went there specifically for that dish, I asked about the warning. Our waitress replied that they want you to "savor it."
The service is very friendly and attentive (I was thrilled when they refilled my ice tea several times without having to ask) and the atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-fashioned, no-frills, comfortable family restaurant.
It's located down by the water, across a narrow wooden bridge, near the Porto Bodega Marina, with beautiful views over the water toward Spud Point Marina on the other side of the harbor.
The Sandpiper owners are in a battle with a developer who purchased the 15 acre, harbor-front strip known as Porto Bodega, including the restaurant, two years ago. The developer has been threatening to evict them and the community has rallied to their defense. They're getting amazing support and now have Save the Sandpiper t-shirts, pins, a petition, and a website. They ask supporters to help protect small business in Sonoma County and keep 25 local jobs. If not an official landmark, the Sandpiper is certainly a significant part of Bodega Bay's history and community.
Sandpiper Restaurant
1410 Bay Flat Rd.
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-2278
Open Daily
For breakfast, lunch and dinner
This google map isn't very accurate. Click "view larger map," zoom in, then scroll over to the intersection of Eastshore and Bay Flat roads for the Sandpiper's true location.
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Wow...I had no idea it was in so much trouble. My family and I used to go there EVERY time we went to the beach on the weekends. It'd be tragic to see it go. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteWe love the Sandpiper and stop by whenever we're in the area. The fried cod sandwich is delicious. Nice wine list too.
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