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Fog Harbor Fish House
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Fog Harbor Fish House
7.7
Pier 39 mainstay with bay views that also serves a proper NY steak with peppercorn sauce alongside seafood classics. Efficient service and validations make it practical when you need waterfront atmosphere without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Clam Chowder (cup)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Waterfront business-lunch option offering a legit steak amid seafood.
Who should go: Clients who want views without fine-dining formality
When to visit: Before 12:15 or after 1:30 to miss tour rush
What to order: NY steak; chowder cup; market greens
Insider tip: Validate parking for the Pier 39 garage with your receipt.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Pier 39 garage offers validated parking up to 1 hour; additional paid hours apply. Street spots nearby are limited and metered.
Dress code: Smart casual; collared shirts or blouses fit in fine. Jeans are acceptable but avoid beachwear or flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from the wharf crowd and open windows, but still manageable for business talk if seated indoors.
Weekend wait: 40–60 minutes without a reservation during peak tourist hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes before noon or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options—Caesar, beet salad, and pasta primavera are reliable.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for vegetable sides or modify salads to omit cheese and dressing.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrees and salads can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a scenic, low-pressure lunch or sunset dinner. The waterfront setting and steady service keep it relaxed rather than overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common. For bay-view seats, show up early or request inside tables for shorter waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs, kids’ menu, and casual pacing make it fine for families, though it’s better suited for older kids comfortable in a sit-down setting.
Best For
Better for: Quick, scenic business lunches or casual client meetings where view and speed matter equally.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet power-lunch spot or a serious steakhouse experience—Original Joe’s or Harris’ fit that niche better.
Fog Harbor Fish House
8.3
Waterfront dining on PIER 39 focused on sustainably sourced seafood with bridge-and-bay views. Crowd-pleasing standards—chowder, crab, grilled local fish—arrive polished and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Clam Chowder in Sourdough, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Grilled Pacific Halibut
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Bay-view room serving 100% sustainable seafood classics.
Who should go: Visitors seeking views with reliable seafood
When to visit: Mid-afternoon 2–4 pm for shortest waits
What to order: Sourdough chowder; halibut; crab cakes
Insider tip: Ask for window seating at check-in—there’s a separate queue.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid parking garages at PIER 39 and nearby lots; validation available for short stays. Street parking is scarce, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—tourist attire fine, but collared shirts or sundresses fit the atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation possible but expect background chatter and music during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without reservation, longer during sunset hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes outside peak tourist season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pasta, and vegetable sides are available though limited.
Vegan options: Limited—can request modifications on salads or sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes—marked on the menu, including chowder and select seafood plates.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a classic San Francisco setting with bay views and polished service. It’s lively but not intimate—best for a relaxed, scenic date rather than a quiet one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted, but expect a wait at peak times. Join the Yelp Waitlist or arrive mid-afternoon for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, kids’ menu offered, and outdoor seating lets families enjoy the view without feeling rushed.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, sustainable seafood and panoramic views unmatched by most Wharf spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, locals-only seafood experience—try Sotto Mare or Bar Crudo instead.