
Brophy Bros.
A bustling, casual harborside seafood institution offering iconic clam chowder and breathtaking views of Santa Barbara's marina.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Brophy Bros.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling, casual harborside seafood institution offering iconic clam chowder and breathtaking views of Santa Barbara's marina.
"The best clam chowder I have ever had, and the fish had the perfect ratio of batter to fish."
Patio Dining Recommended
Opt for the patio for the best harbor and mountain views. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Worth the Wait
Expect a wait, especially during peak times. You can stroll the harbor while you wait for your table.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Waterfront Views
Dine with stunning views of the Santa Barbara Harbor, ocean, and mountains, especially from the patio.

Award-Winning Clam Chowder
Savor tender clams in a creamy, rich broth, consistently praised as the best in Santa Barbara.

Fresh, Flavorful Seafood
Indulge in a variety of fresh seafood dishes, from Cioppino to Fried Shrimp, all expertly prepared.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Patio Dining Recommended
Opt for the patio for the best harbor and mountain views. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Worth the Wait
Expect a wait, especially during peak times. You can stroll the harbor while you wait for your table.
Don't Skip the Bread
Enjoy the delicious warm bread served with butter – it's a perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Patio Dining Recommended
Opt for the patio for the best harbor and mountain views. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Worth the Wait
Expect a wait, especially during peak times. You can stroll the harbor while you wait for your table.
Don't Skip the Bread
Enjoy the delicious warm bread served with butter – it's a perfect accompaniment to your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brophy Bros. is celebrated for its stunning harbor views and consistently fresh, delicious seafood, especially its award-winning clam chowder. While the lively atmosphere and friendly service are frequently praised, some diners have noted long waits and occasional issues with table crowding or disposable tableware.
"A great spot right at the marina, offering beautiful waterfront views from its upper-floor location. We sat outside on the heated patio on a Monday evening, and despite it being fairly busy, the food arrived quickly. The chowder was delicious, the cioppino was well-prepared, and the swordfish was excellent. The only slight downside was a nearby group celebrating a birthday at the bar - right next to our table, which wasn’t ideal, but overall, we had a great experience. Highly recommend for fresh seafood and a great atmosphere!"
Michal Wisniewski
"One of the best restaurants around Santa Barbara. We lined up 15 minutes before they opened at 11am on a Sunday, and a long line quickly formed behind us. Right when they opened they filled table and seat at the bar, and for very good reason. First off the views overlooking the harbor really elevate the dining experience. The food is super fresh and delicious. They are famous for their clam chowder and fish n chips, and they did not disappoint. Easily the best clam chowder I have ever had, and the fish had the perfect ratio of batter to fish. The cold appetizer combo was also great for trying different seafoods, all of which were fresh. Staff are amazing and friendly."
Shawn Sheng
"We visited Brophy Bros. for both lunch and dinner on the same day, based on recommendations from family and friends in Santa Barbara. The restaurant was busy, but we were seated after a short 10-minute wait. We ordered the clam chowder, oysters, and prawns, tuna melt sandwich, all incredibly fresh and delicious. Sitting outside with a beautiful view of the harbor made the experience even better. The staff were kind and attentive. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Santa Barbara and happily recommend it to others!"
Ajeng Wijiastuti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Brophy Bros. is most famous for its award-winning clam chowder and its stunning waterfront views.
Brophy Bros. does not take reservations. Expect a wait, and they will text you when your table is ready.
Yes, Brophy Bros. has a patio with excellent views of the marina and mountains, which is highly recommended.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays to potentially reduce wait times for a table.
Signature dishes include Cioppino, fresh oysters, seafood pasta, and their famous fish and chips.
Yes, you can order takeout directly from their website.
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The family-run bar and restaurant is situated on the harbor so you can grab a seat on the patio, feast on fish, and enjoy the view while throwing back a cold one. The menu has an extensive list of fresh seafood but the Grilled Mahi Mahi or Cajun Sea Bass are not to be missed. They don’t take reservations so expect to wait anywhere from 30-60 minutes for a table.How to book: Walk in or order takeout via their website.
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The outdoor tables at this casual harborside restaurant have perfect views of the marina and mountains. Staffers serve enormous, exceptionally fresh fish dishes, and if you walk in without a reservation, which are very limited, they will text you when your table's ready so you can stroll along the breakwater and explore the harbor while you wait.
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Located in the Santa Barbara equivalent of the “Fisherman’s Village” in Marina del Rey, Brophy Bros. is an all-out tourist magnet. However, it’s a tourist magnet with good food and some of the best views in Santa Barbara. You’re sitting outside on the water, so the move here is obviously seafood, but more specifically, the clam chowder.
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The view from Brophy Bros.’ patio, featuring the Santa Barbara Harbor, the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and the breathtaking Santa Ynez Mountains, never gets old — and neither does the classic seaworthy fare from this venerable restaurant, which can once again claim bragging rights as the top Seafood Restaurant and Clam Chowder spot in the Best of Santa Barbara® voting. Family-owned-and-operated since 1986, this true-blue waterfront institution is a great place to dazzle the senses, savor Santa Barbara, and revel in the fact that we get to live here.
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Brophy's isn't downtown exactly, but if we left this beloved seafood spot off any Santa Barbara best-of list, hordes of locals and regular visitors would be aghast. Brophy's recipe for success pairs unbeatable harbor views with delicious seafood and classic cocktails. Bustling and busy, it serves up some of the city's most coveted clam chowder, along with awesome garlic baked clams and hefty portions of cioppino.
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Located at the Santa Barbara Harbor, Brophy Bros. offers stunning views of the mountains and the harbor. Definitely opt for a table on the outdoor patio for the best ambience, especially if you visit on a beautiful bright day. Brophy Bros. are known for their comforting clam chowder, but you will find other toothsome offerings on the menu as well, from hearty cioppino to the fried buttermilk calamari.
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One of Santa Barbara's most popular restaurants, Brophy Bros has made a name for itself for its unbeatable views of the harbor and the best seafood in the city. Regardless of your tastes and budget, there is something for everyone to love in the variety of restaurants in Santa Barbara. Contact us today for more information, or click here to find out more about our vacation rentals in Santa Barbara!
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Evening: Score a prime bar or patio seat at the always busy, buzzy Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant. (Insider tip: Order the garlic-baked clams to start—best enjoyed with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing pint of beer.) Enjoy one last epic sunset overlooking the boats bobbing in the harbor with the Santa Ynez Mountains backdrop while digging into fresh-as-it-gets local catch.
Locations Santa Barbara, California, United States
Brophy Bros. is a casual seafood house that is located right on the dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor. You’ll find a bustling scene of fisherman, young professionals and sand-sprinkled beachgoers nearly every night of the week at this true-blue waterfront institution. Dungeness crab cocktail, oysters on the half-shell and fried shrimp round out the “small” menu offerings.
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Brophy Bros is a family-owned casual seafood restaurant located on the dock of Santa Barbara Harbor. The restaurant includes special seafood pasta, cold appetizers (shrimp cocktail, peel and eat shrimp,.etc.), and offer fried seafood such as shrimp-beer battered and bay scallops-breaded. On the other hand, Brophy Bros specializes in seafood and stylish American food.
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Brophy Bros is a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, and waterfront location. Located in Santa Barbara, California, Brophy Bros has been a beloved dining destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant boasts a casual and vibrant ambiance, with a lively bar area and both indoor and outdoor seating options.
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One of the best things about attending events at the Santa Barbara Bowl is you’re guaranteed to run into people in and around town who are making their way to the concert after a glass of wine in the Funk Zone, or maybe a bowl of chowder at Brophy Bros., or any assortment of local hangouts along State Street. You just might gather friends along the way.
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If you want a true local experience, head to Brophy Bros on Harbor Way. Located on the pier with stellar water and mountain views, this family-friendly establishment is known for their excellent seafood, huge servings and attentive service. Be warned, Brophy Bros Clam Bar is always busy, so expect a short wait if you don’t have reservation.
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Brophy Bros. – Where the best spot in the house is at the bar, Brophy’s is the perfect place for a casual seafood lunch or dinner. With indoor/outdoor seating, the windows are usually open allowing for a nice breeze to hit you at the bar. Look out onto the harbor where the boats are docked while you enjoy some of the best seafood in town.
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Wildly popular and not overrated, Brophy Bros. has a stellar reputation for a reason. With beautiful views of the harbor and mountains, you’ll find yourself already in a happy place before being seated. This beachfront eatery aims to please with freshly caught fresh fish and clams, giving you a memorable seaside dining experience.
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Located right on the harbor, this casual spot is perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying fresh seafood. The relaxed atmosphere and ocean views make it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Whether you’re stopping by on a Saturday afternoon or catching the golden hour sun, this waterfront gem never disappoints.
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Some popular eateries include: Los Agaves Restaurant, Brophy Bros., Toma Restaurant & Bar and Zaytoon. You can also expect excellent flavors at places like Cadiz Restaurant & Lounge, Arigato Sushi and the Sandbar. And of course, no California city is complete without a long list of world-class breweries and wineries.
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Brophy Bros is always bustling and a true Santa Barbara mainstay. Located on the waterfront, it's a lively and fun place to come for great, fresh fish dishes—the clam chowder and fish & chips are especially popular. Upstairs patio seating offers a great view of the harbor and the more than 1300 boats docked there.
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Brophy Bros is beautifully located, overlooking the Marina at the Santa Barbara Harbor – next door to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (they also have a multiple other locations in the region including on the Ventura Harbor). This is an ideal location to soak in the relaxing feel of being on the harbor.
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There are two excellent options nearby for lunch: On the Alley and Brophy Bros. On the Alley sells burgers, tacos and such SoCal brunch staples as burritos, bowls and a chorizo breakfast burger. It serves mimosas, canned wines and local beers, which taste even better after a workout on the water.
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If you're dining in Santan Barabara, it's reasonable to want to sit right by the ocean. Brophy Bros. is a legendary seafood joint that offers views of the harbor in a casual yet classic setting. The daily specials are the freshest option, ranging from grilled swordfish to piccata-style halibut.
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Situated where the harbour meets the mountains, Brophy Bros. has been serving the best clams since 1986. Eat your fill of flakey crab cakes, garlic baked clams and oysters Rockefeller at this local favourite. As well as fresh from the sea bites, the atmosphere can’t be beat.
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Grab a table on the patio and treat yourself to an impressive variety of fresh seafood. Start with steamed clams or mussels, ceviche or oyster shooters. Main course specials vary, but popular dishes include grilled swordfish, Cajun sea bass and beer-battered fish and chips.
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Brophy's has stunning views of bobbing harbor boats, majestic mountains, and the sparkling Pacific (did you see that dolphin frolicking?). But this hyper-popular restaurant proves that good views and good food can, in fact, be had together. Whether you sit at the friendly…
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When it comes to classic seafood on the water, it doesn’t get better than Brophy Bros. Expect lots of fried classics along with some fresh seafood options ranging from Dungeness crab to seasonal favorites like spiny lobster. Address: 1559 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
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Clam Bar & Restaurant is another great spot for shellfish lovers. This casual, waterfront restaurant has a wide variety of options, including clam chowder, crab cakes, and steamed clams. They also have a variety of fish and chips, seafood platters, and raw bar.
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Brophy Bros is the place to be if you love seafood and want the freshest flavors around. It offers the freshest catches of the day, so the dishes are always spot-on for flavor. Pair your meal with a cold beer or glass of wine, and soak in the harbor’s beauty.
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Brophy Bros.: Known for its clam chowder, this restaurant is located in the Santa Barbara Harbor, so you can enjoy views of the harbor and the city skyline as you watch the sunset. They have another location in Ventura so put in the right address on your GPS
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Clam Bar & Restaurant is another great spot for shellfish lovers. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh shellfish in a casual, waterfront setting. Crab cakes, shrimp cocktails, and chowders are some of the tastiest dishes on the menu.
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Everyone knows and loves Brophy Bros., the unassuming waterfront seafood spot made famous for its oysters and incredible views. There’s a second harbor-side location in Ventura, which is perfect for stopping on the drive up from Los Angeles.
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Brophy Bros is another seafood restaurant that promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Get ready to take in the scenic views of the harbor, ocean, and mountains as you indulge in mouthwatering dishes—give their seafood pasta and seabass a try.
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No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without fresh, locally-caught seafood. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at Brophy Bros!. Grilled filets, hearty sandwiches, and sumptuous shellfish dominate the menu at this local hotspot.
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A casual seafood spot located right on the water with stunning harbour views, a charming setting that oozes welcoming character and an exciting menu laden with generous servings of classic seafood favourites.
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Brophy Bros. on the harbor has a respectable clam chowder and other common seafood dishes and is supposedly a favorite seafood place in Santa Barbara according to citysearch.
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Brophy Bros: Grab a table overlooking the harbor then pig out in one of California’s greatest clam bars. This place is a must-try for any seafood lover.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit