Duarte's Tavern — Restaurant in Half Moon Bay

Yes it is charming. The steak was good. But when they bring the bill, and you see 17% for MANDATORY GRATUITY (NOPE WON'T PAY IT!!) "1st NOTE." Was it on the front door, or brought to your attention while your being seated to decide, weather to stay or go!? Let them call the Sheriff or police. As long as you pay for what you've ordered, the TIP IS YOUR CHOICE, BASED ON THE SERVICE AND FOOD!! (Take cash if you go, so you can pay what you choose to leave, as the tip if you decide!??) They can't wrestle you to the ground or stop you from leaving, that is considered kidnapping yes! Being held against your will, yes!! They don't want a law suit! I wasn't informed, prior to being seated, once I was seated, not on the mention before I ordered!! ALWAYS TAKE CASH, NO CARDS FOR THIS PLACE! THEY CANT MAKE YOU LEAVE AN IOU, OR A CHECK. SO BE VERY CAREFUL WITH TAKING CASH. THE SAME WAY THEY DONT THINK OF BRINGING IT TO YOUR UTMOST ATTENTION UPON ENTERING, AND NOT A POSTED SIGN EITHER!! NOR VERBALLY LETTING YOU KNOW, SO THAT YOU DECIDE TO STAY OR GO?? SHOULD BE YOUR DECISION! The 1st and only time, was not ok. But I went back once this time a steak sandwich with steak fries "TO GO" THEY STILL HAD THE NERVE TO ADD THE 17% GRATUITY, AND I WAS TAKING IT TO GO!!!!! NOPE I ASKED FOR THE MANAGER (I WAS TOLD POINT BLANK, OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE, THIS IS HOW THEY AFFORD IT) YES I OBVIOUSLY DONT MISS A BEAT! (1ST THATS DUARTE'S ESRABLISHMS RESPONSIBILITY TO OSY TGEUR EMPLOYEE MEDICAL INSURANCE IF THEY CHOSE TO HAVE IT!!? But don't tell me your employee needs insurance we all do, but you all are aware, your trying to get it somewhere. If you increase the ALREADY OVER PRICED MEAL, YOUR GOING TO START, LOOSING MORE CUSTOMERS THAN YOU ALREADY HAVE! (LOOK ITS A LITTLE DRICE 15 MIN MAYBE TO THE VARIOUS RESTAURANTS IN HALF MOON BAY, IR THE HIGHWAY BUT YOUR PAYING FOR THE FOOD, AND SERVICE YOU FEEL THEY PROVIDED. (THERE ARE MANY STEAK AND SEA FOUD RESTAURANTS NEAR THE BEACHES, YOU CAN ENJOY AND NOT GET GAUGED 17% OF YOUR ENTIRE BILL!!!! (I REFUSE TO PAY THAT, ILL ARGUE AND PAY THE CASH IN MY PURSE , AND MAYBE BE PREPARED. HAVE A A VISA GIFT CARD WITH A PARTICULAR AMOUNT SO THAT THEY CANT GET THERE 17% IF YOU MUST TRY ONCE!?? (ITS DOWN RIGHT A CRIME TO CHARGE 17% OF YOUR ENTIRE BILL. BUT WHEN I WAS ORDERING TO GO, AND THEY STILL ADDED, IT. (HELL NO) I CANCELLED MY ORDER AND DROVE ON DOWN TO 1 OF THE STEAK & SEA FOOD RESTAURANTS, DOWN THE COAST 15 MINUTES AWAY. BEAUTIFUL DRIVE, ALONGSIDE THE BEACHES! I enjoyed a steak sandwich there. Another time, they their fish & chips. Very good!! Actually not greasy, a good size portion. ! Without 17% added on. (AND IM SURE THEY WONT LIKE MY POST, OR THE ADVICE I GIVE, OF ALL CASH OR A CREDIT CARD WITH A PARTICULAR AMOUNT) WHAT EVER THEIR RESPONSE, "BOTTOM LINE" STOP OVER CHARGING YOUR CUSTOMERS!! (SO you can pay their insurance, taxes, whatever else you make in THOUSANDS A MONTH!!) I feel many won't speak up, speak up, however this is a DISGUSTING ACT to PRACTICE ON CUSTOMER'S! It should be verbally communicated, upon your entering so you know weather to stay or go?? ( I challenge you look at their menu, very appealing!! But begin adding up a lunch/dinner for 2 or more?! Rough estimate. Now add their MANDATED 17% TO YOUR BILL $50, $75, $100 no that's ridiculous!; I decided I would look over the reviews to see if anyone else was repulsed by their MANDATED 17% GRATUITY and service fee?? ESPECIALLY I JUST HAPPENED TO READ, A REVIEW AND HE SAID OUR WAITRESS (WAS VERY UNINTERESTED IN OUR BUSINESS!) Again repulsive!; you want 17% but your employees are not engaged, or uninterested, no, no, no. For that amount they better!! (id say again. Go try 1 of the other restaurants) show some interest in my being a patron to your...

We read about this place on several websites. Apparently it's won a bunch of awards.

On our trip back from Big Sur we decide to hit it. First experience of the place is ok. We get seated and realize the place is kind of a dumpy locals restaurant.

It takes 15min. for our server to even show up. He greats a table of 5 by saying "you all are on one check, right? Good." Before we can even say anything. We ignore it. The menu looks decent and a little on the pricey side. With the reviews we saw we figured the food must be great.

Drinks take another 10 min to come out and the guy doesn't even think to take our order while serving our drinks. He rushes away before we can even ask him a question about the menu... meanwhile we are sitting there watching him sit behind the bar and have a 10 min conversation with some locals. He finally takes our orders.

Food came out in a reasonable time. But we were immediately disappointed on all of our first bites. The food was dry, overcooked and flat out disgusting. I felt like I was eating high school cafeteria food. And at $18 minimum for an entree it's absolutely rediculous. Our server never even stops by to ask how everything is. Meanwhile he is chatting away with more locals.

We have never been so infuriated at a restaurant. For a check of $150 and awful service we did what none of us have ever done. We tipped less than 20%. We didn't even tip 15%. It was that bad.

Save yourself the money and the hassle. This place is absolutely terrible. I have never felt so strongly about a restaurant...

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...