Nick's Lighthouse — Restaurant in San Francisco

Ahhhh!!😓 I hate to write such a review especially since I would frequent this stop regularly pre covid but the last 2 times I visited have been nothing like before!!!!😩 Where do I start… So acouple days ago I decided to take a trip with some family and figured I’d invite them to diner and since we where by the piers where better then fishermen’s wharf. I decided to stop here since I would have great food and service back in the day! Plus they would validate your parking about 1:30-2:00 hours not exactly sure since it was awhile since I’ve been. (Now only 1 hour) Once Inside we took our seats and began ordering our food. Once we ordered we waited a bit and just talked amongst ourselves. 20 mins past and they brought my food and I didn’t think much of it till I looked around the table and seen some disgruntled faces. Asked what’s the mater and one said her clam chowder tasted watered down. I then took a bite of my food and seen what she ment. My fettuccine Alfredo was also way too watered down. The noodles had no taste since it was all in this now Alfredo“soup”!!🙄 I looked at another face and she had let me know that her shrimps still hadn’t arrived. We asked the server and said sorry they’ll get on it. While waiting she looked at her vegetable plate and found noodles mixed in with them! Once she got her shrimps they tasted like WAY too much garlic and couldn’t even stomach them. She let the waiter know and they offered to redo them but by this time most the table had just about finished and her vegetables had gone cold now . She just simply asked to remove them. She ate her vegetables and figured ahh it’s okay will just have a quick bit on our way home since no one was actually satisfied with the poor food. As I went to pay (150 or so) I had eyes just standing over me on both ends one side to make sure we pay and my side to see if I’d tip that horrible food and service!🤣 As I began to sign the server looked at everything and just as I started to write down the tip amount he said ahh tips already included….. wait what?!?!🤯 Now I have two VERY disgruntled ladies just completely ticked off because if they hadn’t been keeping a close eye I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have said a word if I double tipped them at all!!😓 Ahh nick’s!!!! How you have fallen!!! If it was only once I’d say they just had a bad day but twice and some time between yeaaa no it’s time to do something about it! Hopefully they do better for themselves but unfortunately they have lost a long time customer! The spot right next door is still great luckily so I’ll just try them next time I decide...

Having visited and eaten in this area for decades, it was quite disappointing to see how things have gone downhill.

We ordered a Dungeness crab sandwich and a Maine lobster roll. The crab salad looked like a finely flaked tuna fish when it arrived (the sandwiches use to have chunks of crab). It was completely unrecognizable in appearance and taste. I KNOW Dungeness when I taste it and that sandwich was unrecognizable. My husband had the lobster roll and picked several large pieces of shell out of it. It had small chunks, you could tell it was (mostly) lobster but if you want a real NE Lobster roll, do not order this. The salad dressing was vinegary and disgusting. I first (hesitantly) tried ranch but that was gross so I tried the thousand island cause you can’t go wrong with that… unless you get it here. The fries were skinny, crispy and actually pretty good.

The menu states that they “include” an 18% gratuity so they can provide outstanding service. They also charge an extra 4% service charge for credit/debit card use. I would not have a big issue with the automatic gratuity except that it was our server’s first day and he had obviously not been trained. He didn’t know the first thing about the menu, he had to go ask simple questions of his co-worker and then still returned unsure of his answers. He didn’t check on us after someone else dropped our food off or ask if we needed anything. I had to flag other people down to get a different dressing, more water and our bill. It’s one thing to charge a gratuity for excellent service; it’s another to say you’re charging it for excellent service and then give you a server who hasn’t even been trained… the server was nice but this was poor management and a money grab. Oh…and the menu says it’s “included” but it is not… it is added to the bill at the end (I figured as much but that’s not what the menu says).

We had a window table however we were very uncomfortable. The table was so narrow that while sitting across from each other, my husband and I had our feet on top of one another’s. Also, the back rests were so erect, it actually felt like you were being pushed forward.

They accidentally added a drink to our bill and then gave us the wrong change…

All of this: sub-par food, poor service, poor seating, misleading wording on the menu and an $80 lunch bill…...

During a recent vacation to the beautiful coastal city, my son and I were on our way to the aquarium, soaking in the local sights and sounds. It was during this leisurely stroll that we stumbled upon this hidden gem of a restaurant, and let me tell you—it was the best decision of our trip!

Coming all the way from Texas, where clam chowder isn’t exactly a staple, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But from the moment we walked in, I could sense there was something special about this place. The aroma of fresh seafood, the cozy ambiance, and the friendly staff all combined to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

When the clam chowder arrived at our table, I was instantly captivated by the rich, creamy texture and the perfectly seasoned broth. The first spoonful was an absolute revelation. The chowder was filled with tender clams, chunks of perfectly cooked potatoes, and just the right amount of herbs to elevate the flavors without overpowering them. It was evident that this dish was prepared with a lot of love and attention to detail.

I can honestly say that this was the best clam chowder I have ever tasted—an experience I didn’t think was possible until I tried it here. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant; it felt like the ocean was brought directly to our table. Every bite was a delightful blend of creamy goodness and savory satisfaction. As someone who came from Texas, where clam chowder like this is unheard of, I can wholeheartedly declare that this chowder was a culinary masterpiece.

If there were a way to give this place a hundred-star rating, or even a million stars, I wouldn’t hesitate. Five stars just don’t do it justice! The clam chowder alone is worth the trip, and I highly recommend anyone visiting the area to stop by and experience it for themselves. It’s a must-visit for seafood lovers and anyone who appreciates great food. You will leave with your heart full, your taste buds singing, and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, whether you’re a local or a traveler like us, do yourself a favor and make your way to this extraordinary restaurant. It’s not just a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience that will have you dreaming about clam chowder long after your bowl is empty. We can’t wait to come back and enjoy it...