Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito

Clark's Oyster Bar - Montecito reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. s

   sally VIP

   Central Coast90 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Can’t go wrong with crab Louie salad for lunch with great bread and butter. Service attentive and knowledgeable. Looking forward to my return visit and trying those amazing looking French fries that were on many tables.
   

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2. H

   Howard VIP

   Palm Springs13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   It was a wonderful experience, we sat outside and the chairs were very comfortable and the heaters were gas (not propane) and could be adjusted well for comfort. We started with a selection of oysters and the server was helpful in making decisions on which ones to order. We also had the local fish ceviche which was very good, but served with individually wrapped saltine crackers which was cute, but the combo of the two did not do the food or restaurant justice. We had the crispy cod and the cioppino for our entrees, both were exceptional - so much delicious seafood in the cioppino and the cod was to die for. Also, cocktails were a decent size and prepared well, the martini glasses had been refrigerated before pouring, which is a nice touch. The main drawback for me was the noise level inside the restaurant, it was not even full and was quite loud, we could even here the chatter outside where we were sitting. I'm sure as time goes on, they will need to make some acoustical adjustments.
   

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3. D

   Doug VIP

   Austin37 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   The food compared to Austin was okay. I expected more. Admittedly, along with my guests, my rating is tainted due to the poor service level. From the point we walked into until we left, we felt as if we were bothering the staff or were an afterthought. We were not welcomed when we arrived. After we were seated, we waited at least 10 minutes before we were greeted. We ordered drinks...wait, wait, wait, someone came by who looked like a manager, my wife pointed to the bar and said she believed that the drinks she indicated were ours. We received an, "oh" and the person left - gone. About 5 minutes later our server brought the drinks over. As we had quite a bit of time to look at the menu we placed our dinner order. Food. It was okay. The steak tartar was okay; the presentation looked like a flat burger. It came with shoestring fries which were flavorless. Our entrees arrived shortly thereafter. My tuna was very good, cooked perfectly and tasty. My wife's salmon was undercooked and very oily. Our guest enjoyed a shrimp on bread. We ordered deserts, they were good, and consistent with the rest of our meal, okay. I was wondering why it was so easy to book a table in Montecito. In Austin, it is next to impossible to get in. After experiencing a meal here, I can see why. I might try again, my wife says she wouldn't. There are a number of areas the need attention to detail. I suspect if addressed, in terms of improved service and meal presentation, Clark's Montecito would be constantly booked, and we would return.
   

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4. M

   Marce VIP

   Phoenix41 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   I was disappointed with my experience. The food lacked flavor and was underwhelming, and the service was extremely slow. It was a frustrating visit, and I won’t be returning anytime soon
   

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5. M

   Maria

   Las Vegas4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent service and wonderful ambience. Food was delicious. Highly recommend.
   

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6. N

   Nadine

   San Francisco1 review

   3.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   Out of all the gorgeous places to celebrate my son‘s birthday we chose Clark’s. Food was great. Service was sadly poor. Halfway through the meal our original server disappeared, and no one replaced her. The cake we brought in was presented poorly. No one asked us for coffee, check was off etc.. :(
   

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7. S

   Sandra

   Devon1 review

   1.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   the company let us book a reservation 15 minutes before close. the food was great but we had to resort to take away since they were about to close!!
   

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8. H

   Herman

   San Diego4 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 4 April 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Nice service but too noisy. Oysters were great. Dungeness crab salad was a lot of iceberg salad and mayonnaise but unfortunately hardy any crab taste. I would return but not take a mayonnaise drenched dish
   

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9. P

   Peter VIP

   Seattle6 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 3 April 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   Service was slow and intermittent. Food was average. Much the same quality and presentation as their sister restaurant in Austin TX
   

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10. N

    Nicholas VIP

    New York City12 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 30 March 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5

    Food was all out of order and not very good Oysters were ok but were served at the end of the meal Crab omelette was like a fish flavored omelette overpowered by the cheese Clam chowder had no clams Wedge salad was great and would order again
    

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