Scott's Chowder House

Cool and spacious spot right next (or in) Chinatown! We found it as we walked SF. We stayed in SOMA and it was a quick walk in a nice area!The employees were very nice! Pointed us to the lunch specials and that's what we went with (any sandwich and any soup for $25).The regular clam chowder was yummy (the one in the tomato sauce was okay -- different).The crab cake sandwich was delicious -- wish it was larger, but the flavor was great -- the aioli was perfect and we also added Tabasco! This would be my order next time -- with the regular chowder.The lobster roll was mediocre though (the reason for the 4 stars). It tasted more like a homemade lobster sandwich with a bunch of slaw. Just not what I was expecting -- and it really lacked the butter taste. The restaurant was very inviting overall and we would check it out again in the future!

I first noticed this business in mid 2023 as I drive by daily weekdays as part of my work. When I saw the name, memories flashed in my mind of the old-time seafood chain restaurant Scott's Seafood and its flagship location on Lombard Street when I just got out of college. As with most SF places, parking is a big reason why it took me this long to dine here. Having a business meeting a few blocks away on a Friday around noon, I made a point to dine here afterwards. My friend who tried it numerous times gave me his thumbs up so I was looking forward to this. Walking up to the counter, I decided to try the soup and sandwich combo (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=m-H-zHJMQjP81JnafCd9IA&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) for $25, upgrading the soup to a bowl size (+$4.00). I ordered the Manhattan clam chowder (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=PxtmRFUzzmR64zzDHBCi1Q&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), which was tangy and served hot and came with a slice of bread; there was a good mix of carrots, potatoes, and chopped clams. For my sandwich, I tried the Scott's Connecticut style lobster roll (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NHdkJgFDGMEVTQE5E0Gucg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), described in the menu as being served warm, fresh lobster tossed with lemon and pepper melted butter and topped with fresh herbs and Special House spices. I enjoyed this especially because there is no mayonnaise and that there seemed to pieces of lobster tails and not just claw and knuckle pieces. The sandwich came with potato chips and a small container of cole slaw (sweet in flavor), both of which paired well with the roll. I finished everything except the bread that came with the soup.When I arrived, I was the only customer just before 1 pm. Maricella took my order and was very courteous and efficient in showing me the water station near the entrance. There were condiments and utensils next to it. Being more of a take and go operation at this time, please temper your expectations. I will be back and likely have the same.

One of my favorite places in SF for Boston clam chowder. As for the lobster roll I enjoy the Maine style. There's quite a bit of mayo in the sauce, so it makes it more like a lobster salad sandwich, and the mayo can overpower the lobster.

Food:Baked crab dip - 8/10Scott's Boston style clam chowder - 7/10Scott's manhattan style clam chowder - 6/10Daily special risotto - 5/10Right before we left SF we decided to stop by this chowder house and it was a good call. The weather was getting cold and the bowl of hot clam chowder definitely hit the spot. Out of the two styles, we preferred the Boston style better but definitely try both if you have the chance. The baked crab dip was super yummy! Restaurant was nice and clean, very nicely decorated.

I don't often write review other than for surprisingly good or bad experiences. Unfortunately this was the latter. I went here for lunch while attending a conference in San Francisco. Soup and salad sounded just right. The food isn't even mediocre. The Soup tasted like Campbell's from a can at $18 a bowl and the salad was something I could've got from a kiosk at the airport. They had almost no beverage options other than self serve water in a dispenser like in a hotel lobby. The self serve plastic utensils just added the cherry on top of a pretty underwhelming experience!! Would NOT, ever go back to this place or recommend it. Don't know who writes these 4 star reviews.

This restaurant should focus on their lobster rolls instead of chowder. I went with a friend and we both got the New England clam chowder which neither of us finished. The broth was watered down and had no flavor(even with bacon in it). My lobster roll on the other hand was flavorful.

This place is perfect for those rainy cold days. We stopped in for clam chowder in a warm bread bowl and it was just the ticket to warm the soul on a windy, otherwise miserable day. We'll definitely be back!

Fiancé and I were in the area and happen to find parking right infront of their store, and thought why not give it a try. They offer $25 soup and roll for lunch time which is a great deal. Comes with chips and coleslaw too.We tried the clam chowder and gumbo. Pretty good flavor wise - but not the best we ever had. It could be more creamier. Rolls were pretty solid. It could use more flavor or some melted butter on the side.Overall I wouldn't mind coming back if I was in the area again. Not a place I would go out of my way for. I give the food a 3 and add another star because staff was friendly.

Excellent chowder! I'm surprised it took me this long to find out about this place. Their Boston clam chowder is super tasty, creamy, full of clam and bacon. Definitely lick-the-spoon-worthy; sop up any remnants in the bowl using their soft, buttery, doughy sourdough bread.Their bread bowl is huge and further seasoned with old bay (?) and butter, which really kicks up the clam chowder bread bowl ($16) to another level. More than enough for a meal for 1 person.The CT style lobster roll ($25) was meh, I'll pass for next time and stick with the namesake chowder. Too much celery, not pure lobster and butter per the usual CT lobster roll. (Unless they got my phone order wrong--they spoke English but not 100% fluently.)If you like Boudin's chowder, Boudin's is like canned soup compared to Scott's. Definitely worth going out of your way on a chilly foggy SF day.

The sales person is friendly and accommodating, and the food is delicious with good portions!Will try another sandwich next time!