Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill

460 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
+1 650-728-7096
$$$ American restaurant
(840 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering through the picturesque coastal town of Half Moon Bay, make a note to visit Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill, a gem that beautifully encapsulates American fare with a vibrant, local twist. Tucked away on Capistrano Road, this inviting establishment has transformed from a humble dive into a lively hotspot thanks to its recent renovations and an upgraded menu that showcases the freshest ingredients sourced from the ocean and local farms.

The atmosphere at Old Princeton Landing is a delightful blend of casual and energetic, with spacious indoor seating and a charming back patio that's perfect for soaking in the coastal breeze. Whether you're kicking back with friends or enjoying a relaxed family dinner, the vibe here is warm and inviting. With friendly service reported by patrons, you’ll feel right at home as you explore their mouthwatering offerings.

When it comes to the menu, seafood lovers are in for a treat. Start off with the legendary Mr. Morgan Fish Tacos, featuring expertly grilled rock cod, pico de gallo, purple cabbage, luxurious lime crema, and cilantro, all lovingly enveloped in fresh corn tortillas—a steal at just $19.95. Or dive into the El Granada Fish N Chips, where lightly battered local cod meets the robust flavor of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, ensuring a crispy, golden delight for $20.95. If you're eager to spice things up, the Cod Thai Curry is a must-try, offering a rich coconut milk base infused with bold flavors of garlic and red curry paste.

Families will appreciate the Kiddos or Snack With Fries section, featuring dishes catered to younger palates, including the fun Captain Fitz Fish Sticks for $11.00 and the delicious Coastside Kid Burger for $10.00. And don't forget to indulge your sweet tooth with a nostalgic Rootbeer Float for just $5.00—perfect to round off your meal.

Old Princeton Landing isn’t just about food; it’s about creating memorable experiences. Local customers have praised the lively atmosphere, with reviews highlighting live music and even line dancing nights that amp up the fun factor. “Super kind people and awesome food," raved Abigail Ferrell, reflecting the welcoming spirit of the staff. Dave Reed reminisced about how the place has "really come alive" since its upgrades—emphasizing the friendliness of the bar staff who are always eager to suggest the perfect drink to pair with your meal. Meanwhile, Vick C was blown away by the clam chowder, calling it "one of the best" he’s ever had, showing that the kitchen truly cares about every dish they produce.

In a nutshell, Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill is a place where delicious food, friendly service, and a supportive community come together to create a dining experience that feels just right on the California coast. It's no surprise that this local favorite has garnered rave reviews—once you visit, you'll likely find yourself as a recurring guest who can't wait to return for more. Don’t miss out on this fantastic culinary stop!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 08:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 08:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 08:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 08:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 09:00 PM

840 Reviews
Dave Reed

19 Sep 2025

OPL used to be kind of a dive bar years ago, but since they've upgraded the facilities to include a great back patio / event space, and upgraded the menu from the 'let's-just-fry-everything' approach, this place has really come alive again. Although on a busy night, it will take some time to get your food, the menu is improved. The folks at the bar are friendly and happy to pour whatever floats your boat. Lots of TVs with sports events from all over going on. But my favorite is the back area and the event/performance space. It's just the right size, the stage is well-constructed, the sound is great no matter where you're sitting or standing, the fence keeps the ocean breezes at bay, there's a nice, but smaller, bar out there as well. The only thing that can be a challenge, especially on a busy night, is the bathroom situation - just one for guys and one for gals and they are both small, so there is a wait there in the hallway pretty much at all times. These days, though, I'm a big fan and recommend seeing a show there!

Abigail Ferrell

15 Sep 2025

Super kind people and awesome food. Great night food for after half moon bay!

iVoRy T

01 Sep 2025

OPL is an awesome local spot with great drinks, tasty food, and a fun vibe. The outdoor seating is spacious and perfect for any weather. I love the slushies, açaí bowls, smoothies, tacos, and fish and chips—can’t wait to try the fish curry! Friendly service, live music, and even line dancing make this place a go-to. Highly recommend!

CV G (cveeg)

17 Aug 2025

Made a stop here on Mother's Day. It was busy, but there was seating in the bar, and service was good. Food was hot and very tasty. Ordered Calamari and fish tacos. Calamari was well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Fish tacos were good (should have doubled the shells to keep them from falling apart so quickly). The fish was tender and hot. Well worth a stop.

Raider0618

26 Jul 2025

Went to a concert there the other night and the atmosphere was awesome. I also had a burger and fries which was also delicious. It had a nice back patio area and front patio area. They had a nice selection of beer. They are also dog friendly.

Lisa-Marie Moon

20 Jul 2025

The tacos here are outstanding. A locals favorite and I see why.

Vick C

20 Jun 2025

Hands down one of the best clam chowders I’ve ever had! The food overall was great, but the chowder stole the show—creamy, full of flavor, and just perfect. Even my 9-year-old, who’s usually picky, couldn’t get enough of it. Big shoutout to Houston for the amazing service—super friendly and on point. Definitely coming back!

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