By Susan McDonald

The Sea Chest in Cambria

If you’re looking for the classic California coastal dinner, the Sea Chest Oyster Bar is one of your best bets. Sitting tall above the sea, the Sea Chest (6216 Moonstone Beach Dr.) offers spectacular views along with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere.

The atmosphere inside this weathered old sea shanty is lively, funky and fun - the perfect choice for dinner after a long walk along Moonstone Beach. Get there early if you’re really hungry.

The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. and doesn’t take reservations, so it’s common to see folks lined up outside before 5 p.m. If you arrive later, no problem: the waiting area out front is a fun place to hang out. Enjoy a beer or glass of wine over a game of cards or checkers. The wine list boasts 75 wines, mostly local labels.

The Sea Chest is closed on Tuesdays. And it traditionally takes a break, closing between Thanksgiving and Christmas to give its staff time to enjoy the holidays - small town spirit and all that, you know. This year (2000) the Sea Chest will shut down Dec. 3 and reopen Dec. 26.

Definitely the most entertaining place to sit at the Sea Chest is at the oyster bar at the front of the restaurant. Here diners can watch the chefs chop, toss, filet, scoop, toast, roast, broil and slather the fare while delivering a steady stream of surf tales and political pearls of wisdom.

It’s fun to watch a guy throw together a plate of Clams Casino, slice a hunk of toasty garlic bread and broil a huge salmon filet, while at the same time and without taking a breath give his opinions about the foibles of the local school board. The Sea Chest oyster bar is dinner theater at its best.

For a more romantic and relaxing dining experience, choose one of the many nooks tucked away in the corners of the Sea Chest dining room, or enjoy one of the window tables with sunset views.

Since the Sea Chest is a bona fide oyster bar, it’s logical to start with the shellfish this restaurant is known for. The Bluepoint oysters on the half-shell ($8.95) or Oysters Rockefeller ($9.95) are delicious choices. They also serve Clams Italiano ($10.95), chopped clams in marinara and Steamers ($12.95), a bowl of steamed clams with garlic and broth, and many other appetizers.

The Sea Chest fish is fresh, succulent and served in large portions. Broiled halibut, salmon, swordfish and sea bass (about $18.95 per dinner) are almost always on the menu. Dinners come with a choice of clam chowder or green salad, broiled potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Desserts are locally made and fabulous. “There’s always something chocolate,” says restaurant manager Gina Taylor. And you’ll find crème Brule, cheesecakes, ice cream truffles and seasonal fruit crisp. Save room.

Sea Chest, 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria, 927-4514.

Susan McDonald is a freelance writer based in Cambria.

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