Food

The Best Sandwiches Half Moon Bay, California

Today, I am going to introduce you to a cherished dining hotspot from my culinary adventures. Nestled in the heart of Half Moon Bay, there’s a place that, in my experience, has whipped up some of the most fantastic sandwiches you could ever have.

This local joint is none other than the San Benito House.

The Charm of San Benito House

San Benito House resides in a historic building situated conveniently in downtown Half Moon Bay, the epitome of a quaint little town. The place is a burst of character right from the moment you step in, thanks to its captivating old architecture. But it’s not just the setting that makes this place extraordinary, it’s the food too.

San Benito House architecture
San Benito House architecture

This eatery is so beloved locally that you are almost guaranteed to see a line coming out the door. But trust me, it’s worth the wait. And as for the interior, don’t let the ambiguous definition of the space as a ‘small place’ or ‘kind of hole in the wall’ deter you. It embraces a different kind of chic – unpretentious and authentic.

Don’t be surprised if you need to shout your sandwich order at the guy behind the counter. This informal, high-energy approach may be the secret to the quality of the sandwiches they serve.

San Benito House interior
San Benito House interior

Simple but Unbeatable Sandwiches

The menu is simple but timeless, featuring crowd favorites like turkey, ham, and roast beef. But simplicity doesn’t compromise the tastiness – these are outrageously delicious sandwiches.

One of my personal favourites is the pastrami sandwich. Every bite is a testament to the brilliance of the flavorsome beef paired with excellent quality bread. This bread, I believe, is made in-house, elevating the taste to a whole new level.

Pastrami sandwich at San Benito House
Pastrami sandwich at San Benito House

Contrarily, San Benito House is not about gourmet fancy dinings; it’s about quality ingredients, meticulously prepared, which results in really delectable sandwiches. And the best part? The prices are pretty reasonable too!

A Charming Patio and Live Music

San Benito House also offers an inviting patio area, adorned with interesting sculptures and furnished with a pleasant little table area. You can choose to sit at some picnic tables and often enjoy live music, making the dining experience even more delightful.

San Benito House patio
San Benito House patio

I still remember my last visit when they had a band playing Irish sea shanties, complementing the Half Moon Bay vibe perfectly. The ambience is kid-friendly and welcoming, making it an ideal spot to take your family out for a leisurely meal or to enjoy a tranquil afternoon.

After enjoying the delicious sandwiches, you have the option to take a short ten-minute drive to the scenic Half Moon Bay State Beach for a picnic. Or you could just relax and dine on the wonderful patio itself.

Come and Explore

In a nutshell, if you’re ever nearby or planning a trip to Half Moon Bay, San Benito House is a must-visit.

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Key Takeaways

  • San Benito House is a local hidden gem located in downtown Half Moon Bay.
  • They offer basic sandwiches with high quality ingredients that are reasonably priced.
  • The restaurant has a cool patio with live music and is family-friendly.
  • The State Beach is a 10 minute drive away and a great spot for a picnic.
  • Visit the Bay Area Telegraph for more local tips about Half Moon Bay.

Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith is a food and travel photographer and writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His photographic work routinely appears in publications including Food and Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, and the New York Times and his writing appears in IEEE Spectrum, SFGate, the Bold Italic and more. Smith holds a degree in Cognitive Science (Neuroscience) and Anthropology from the Johns Hopkins University.
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