Ash’s Vallemar Station

Came here for Mother’s Day dinner. The service was great. Food was amazing! We will be back for more coz we only saw the mother’s day special menu. We’ll be back for a regular menu on a weekday. Our server was such a sweetheart, too bad we didn’t get her name. We love family owned restaurants, they’re the ones who offer the best steaks and service.

Back 6 months later to let y’all know the go-​to order: The New York steak sandwich and the fried zucchini sticks. Extra ranch dressing on the side.
Their sourdough bread is the yummy chewy kind.
*pats belly rolls*
P. S. Seriously, the zucchini sticks are crispy, steamy awesomeness.
P. P. S. Set aside half of your steak sandwich for tomorrow, then use the steak for tacos. Loves me some meal amortization.

This would get a zero star from me if at all possible. We came out here to walk at mori point had a great day couldn’t wait to eat some good food. We found this restaurant online and decided to give it a try. When we first walked in we kinda got these looks. Like we were outcast. The hostess was short. Showed us to our table we sat down and the waitress came and she had this attitude my guy ordered a cognac with Coke I got a beer but when I asked what she had on tap she listed them rather fast then I said I’ll just have a bud light she said you could of stopped me before I went through the list. I just looked at her. We ordered calamari which was really good to bad the service wasn’t. Kinda got the feeling our skin was a little to brown. No I’m not throwing out the race card it was the way she treated us compared to the table next to us.

Had a lunch date with my daughter today and the food was really good. Her crab sandwich and my seafood combo was delicious. The scallops and shrimp were huge. We had excellent customer service. The place has some great historical artwork and it has been a long time since I ate there. Still excellent.

I love this place! I’ve been coming here for years now to the point where I call and some of the waitresses know my order (lol). The food is consistent which I love because if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! The owners are lovely people and I love that they do karaōke on one of the weekend nights.

Good food and drinks, old dining at its best. Had a wonderful dinner with my wife and then drinks in the bar. We will definitely be going back.

Wife and I went to Vallemar Station for dinner last week for dinner. Food was very good. I will come back for sure! Price was fair !!

There’s something about this place that my soul really likes.
I think it could be that it used to be a fancy place but is totally not fancy anymore.
The food ain’t fancy. In fact, I’m pretty sure my breakfast potatoes were from frozen. But I really enjoyed the way they were crisped up with sweet, fresh onions.
My breakfast steak wasn’t fancy, but it was just tender enough and just chewy enough, and it tasted real good.
Coffee wasn’t fancy. But it tasted like diner coffee, which I happen to love.
The jam is not fancy. It comes in those little individual plastic thingies. That’s fine, because toast is for sopping up egg yolks anyhow.
The hardest-​working bus boy in the world works here. He’s charming and nice but not fancy, thank goodness.
Décor is not fancy. I had early-​90s flash-​backs. But I had a lot of fun in the early 90s so that’s okay.
Waitress was not fancy. Again, thank goodness. She called me «honey» and made me feel like one of her regulars.
The guys hanging around in the bar watching the game were the exact opposite of fancy, which made me want to pull up a stool, order a Bloody Mary, and hang out right along with them. Next time, for damn sure.
Four solid, non-​fancy, comfy-​feeling stars.

This is a great place for a hearty, consistantly good meal. It’s family owned and operated, and the staff couldn’t be more friendly.
Whenever we have company in town we tend to take them here because we know it will be a good experience.
Our faves are the fried chicken, prime rib and homemade salad dressing. There is also a full bar.

Everything on the menu is delicious! the staff makes you feel at home! the bar area is cozy and fun friendly place! to top it off it right on highway 1!

Best clam chowder i haver had no lie o my god i dont wanna finish it!!! And the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended!!!

One of our favorite places to eat breakfast, the seafood omelette is very delicious. Banana pancakes are awesome.

Okay. I love the idea of this place. I loved the service – a fantastic attentive waitress (& patient I noticed as well, dealing with some cantankerous regulars repeatedly asking «Is it good?»
Bartender made a nice martini. In the mood for red meat, I ordered a rib-​eye steak with baked potato & creamed spinach. With salad at $ 34 not including tax & tip, it’s close to HOPR prices.
Sadly — it ain’t no rib-​eye. It’s a ¹⁄₈ «thick sirloin. I told the server, mentioning I was okay, just going to let Unilocalers know about the great service. Server asked if … You know the drill. I said no thank you, if that’s the chef’s idea of a rib-​eye, I’ll have a New York thank you. Well miracle of miracles! I got a genuine New York perfectly cooked medium rare. The chef should just not bullshit, since most people know the difference. It’s good trust me– but keep your eyes open. & don’t be afraid to call a sirloin a sirloin if ain’t no rib-​eye!

Went here for a dinner and had a great time. The jambalaya is real good. I should have asked for double the order. It was really good. The drinks were good as well. Had a couple of beers on tap and they were refreshing! Really good place to go on a weekend for dinner or lunch. I like this place Very much.

My husband’s uncle was a regular here before he passed years ago and our family likes to come in to remember him with a drink and a nice meal. Their crab is so fresh and tasty. I’m a picky eater, very picky… and their crab sandwich is fabulous! Arguably the best in Pacifica and definitely the best I’ve ever had! Will continue to come in and you should too!!!

Ash’s Vallemar Station is one of the oldest ‘fancy’ restaurants in Pacifica. You have passed it multiple times if you’re familiar with Gorilla BBQ since it’s located behind it. If Puerto 27, MoonRaker and Surf Spot were not around, I’d probably say that Ash’s Vallemar Station is a really good place to have a Friday night dinner date, but since that is not the case, I’d have to say the opposite. Don’t get me wrong – my experience here was pleasant (a type of ‘pleasant’ you experience if you were going to an IHOP or Denny’s and not a restaurant that charges $ 26+ per meal).
So here’s just a few things as to why my trip here ended up being just ‘OK”:
THE VENUE
1. It’s a very old venue, and the furnishings look like they’re from several decades ago. The colors of the wall are faded reddish-​pink, dark-​scratched wood, emerald green rugs, chairs, etc., and faded plastic-​like framed pictures of trains. Overall: it’s very, very out-​dated. If it was re-​designed, it would certainly be a beautiful venue.
2. Very loud – it must have something to do with the acoustics of the building. You could practically hear EVERY conversation happening among tables in the dining room area. There was no music playing to mask conversation and there were simply 3 TVs on with the baseball game – not really what you want when you’re trying to have a somewhat romantic dinner with a loved one.
3. Little things– Scratched off prices and items on a menu looks very sloppy and ready through it makes me question why we’d pay almost $ 30 bucks a plate or even $ 50+ for a steak makes you wonder if they’re cutting corners. How much does it cost just to print new menus with updated prices or items? Also, our table cloth had stains all over it, it looked like it wasn’t washed for a while. It shows a little lack of effort on presentation… which made me wearing about the food…
THE FOOD and DRINKS
1. Drinks: We ordered an Old Fashion and Greyhound — bartender had the ingredients down, and they were actually pretty good! Drink prices seem to be reasonable… which may explain why most people come here for the BAR instead of DINING. This may also explain why the bar is the first place you’ll walk through when you enter the place.
2. We ordered Rib eye and New York Steak dinner — Steak was cooked well, although not as seasoned as we’d hoped for. Side dishes (creamed spinach and mashed potatoes) tasted like they were microwaved and weren’t freshly cooked. The temperature of the side dishes were inconsistent and they tasted really grainy.
3. Clam chowder — It didn’t taste fresh and it was SUPER salty and VERY VERY watery. Again, it tasted like it was from a can and microwaved.
The good:
— The staff seem pleasant, and courteous. When you come in you’re greeted immediately, and ushered to the back to the dining room. Our waiter, Alex, did an good job looking after us and really was the reason why our experience at the Vallemar was all right. I just wished that the food was a lot better.
It’s a shame when you have a restaurant that charges the high prices of a Moonraker or La Costanera, but doesn’t provide the same caliber of food. I really hope they change up the menu, get a facelift, and re-​evaluate what kind of a restaurant/​bar they want to be categorized as. This is a historic restaurant in Pacifica, and I’d love to see it remain in the community for decades to come.

My fiancé and I were out and about on a beautiful Saturday and, in the early evening, we were headed home when we passed a restaurant with a sign that read «Steak and Seafood.» Being lovers of both surf and turf, we decided to stop for dinner.
We had originally wanted to sit outside on the patio that looked comfortable and had a pretty fountain, but the sun was beginning to set and it was starting to get chilly, so we decided to sit inside, instead. I’m glad we did, as the dining room is very cozy.
After perusing the extensive menu, we decided wanted to try the steak and the seafood dishes, so I ordered the boneless ribeye topped with blue cheese crumbles and my fiancé ordered the jumbo prawns with linguini in a creamy garlic sauce and we shared our meals.
What a delight! The ribeye was cooked exactly as ordered, and came in a sauce that was absolutely divine! My accompaniments of creamed spinach and baked potato were both very tasty.
The jumbo prawns and linguini were fabulous and, needless to say, we were both stuffed after this incredible feast!
The service was great and, needless to say, we had a wonderful time.
We met the owner as she made the rounds of the dining room, making sure that all of the diners needs were being met, and she was very friendly and nice. I cannot speak for anyone else’s experience, but I can tell you that we will most definitely be repeat customers.

Food was pretty good. Bit awkward walking through the bar to get to hostess stand.
Quickly seated — I went to restroom before sitting — waitress took my husband and boys drink orders while I was gone. Within one minute of sitting down she wanted our food orders — stated I need a minute or two I just sat down so gave her my drink order «she says well then I will get that first» — well yes since I am not ready to order. Placed our order felt very rushed to make a choice.
The buser brought us some bread — 3 little pieces for four of us. Soon as basket was empty he grabbed it. My son had to ask for some more bread when his cup of clam chowder arrived.
Ordered
Cup of Clam Chowder — pretty good flavor was very thin though
Side Salad — good mix of greens but a lot of brown wilted pieces had one grape tomato, one slice of cucumber and a had full of kidney beans & chickpeas
Thursday night special — Braised Short Ribs choose garlic mashed potatoes and veggies — short ribs had good flavor but sauce was very oily, veggies was mostly bok choy, mashed potatoes tasted like instant and had no season let alone garlic. (19.99)
Ribeye Steak — good size cooked correct to order no seasoning on it, mashed potatoes same as above, creamed spinach good flavor had a little sweetness to sauce. (26.99)
Fish & Chips — decent seasoning — pretty soggy breading was not crispy — French fries good (14.99)
Philly Cheesesteak — nice sized sandwich but roll half full about 1 ½ each end nothing but bread — full of onion and peppers more than meat (12.99)
Lemonade cost same as a soda ($ 3.00) but you are not informed they do not give free refills on Lemonade until after they ask if you want a refill.
Now for dining experience — we were ready to leave before our food arrived — it was so loud that my husband I was sitting next to could not hear me. We had to repeat ourselves to waitress a number of times. It was busy most the tables were full, it is a small dining room — but because of a guy at the corner table two tables from us was talking like he was taking to us everyone else was taking louder, two tables across from us 2 crying kids. You could not hear yourself think let alone talk to your party. Not once was anything said — but can understand when their waitress herself keep yelling across the dining from at the buser to do things. Speaking of him — twice he reached across my husband and son without even an excuse me are you done with that, would you like me to take it, just grabbed it. Nothing like armpit when your taking a bite of food.
Finally couldn’t take it anymore so just asked for a to go box. Was given book and 10 minutes later at an empty table cause buser had taken everything including napkins we still didn’t have a check — finally ask the lady that was at hostess counter when she walked by if we could get our check … Forget trying to read that they still use handwritten checks and it’s unreadable — we could barely make out prices but sure could read total written right in the center and circled.
there is a nice big tv in dining room which was nice since football game was on and was nice they had volume off so where not fight that noise too.
Price for sandwich & fries and for the fish $ chips (which was 3 pieces if fish) was pretty pricy
Other than the noise and feeling totally rushed through the whole meal it was ok nothing to rave about.

Friends of ours that live nearby suggested this place for a low key meal (day after Xmas.)
Both my husband and I have a certain affinity for old school places like this.
Manhattans were good, & VERY reasonably priced.
Interior is dated, but cozy and comfortable.
Menu probably hasn’t changed in years, and there’s no reason for it to.
I had a fantastic crab sandwich. Overflowing with crab, (not mixed with mayo!)
Loved it, and enjoyed my (as requested) extra crispy fries.
My hubby had their prime rib special. He hasn’t had prime rib in a long time, and he said this was pretty good. it was also so large he got three meals out of it.
I enjoyed being able to have a conversation with our friends without having to scream, (as is the situation in many restaurants/​bars lately.)
Was happy with our friends’ pick, and would definitely come back.
It’s not fancy, or trendy, but a good local place.

I came here a few years ago for dinner when my Mom and her friend were visiting, to say my Mom is a picky eater is an understatement! but she really had liked it as did I,
Good food, good portions, and I love the atmosphere there, low keyed, nothing chichi!
Went for brunch today and was really good ! good portions! and coffee is really good and the bloody Mary YUMMYYYY! Service was really good, waitress may appear a bit gruff but she is really nice and give stellar service, no BS … and the waiter/​busboy was great!
So glad we went and I will be back. Taste of the real Pacifica!

Address Correction noted and submitted on original entry (
)since this business has not been sold or moved since 10/​24/​2001 according to CA State and San Mateo county business data.
Need to delete this Unilocal record «
; for Vallemar Station leave the original entry in place Original:
Otherwise Vallemar Station is a good place to eat along the coast.

14.10.04 First Visit
14.10.08 Review and
Updated review after
reading another one
Footnote: I placed a same review under both
Vellemar Station … 2125 Coast Hwy
and
Ash’s Vellemar Station … 2125 Coast Hwy
(business card and outside sign
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UPDATED
(WTF: THE REVIEW ON 10÷7÷2014
Just looked at the pics posted before me:
— Infogroup showing in the corner of one pic
is possibly a embedded ad

WHAT DOES «infogroup» have to do with this place?
— The DATE stamps on 2 of 4 pics is 04/​15/​2006
08/​05/​2006
— The girls and a dog in pics are dated above
and I don’t see what it have to do with the place
I hate 1 and 5 stars reviews (keeping it short, u know why)
I hate fake or drama queen, or faked review.
I had to re-​enter the Unilocal site and make these commets.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — –­ — — — — — — — — — — — -
UPDATED
CUT & PASTED from Unilocal 217 Ramona Ave
Pacifica, CA 94 044
Terri E. posted
Hasn’t moved– Historic train station
I hope u meant the train station haven’t moved
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1^st RAW REVIEW
Food — — — — – 2 ½ to 3 ½ (depending on which items)
Location — — — - Great
Prime Rib — Under $ 30
Huge piece
Meat was slightly chewy
(It might be my guest requested the meat to be «medium»
and I always like it «medium rare» and slight dry aged)

Roast Pork Tenderloin
Stuffing was well seasoned, but was too salty
could have add something sweat like diced apple, raisin, etc
Meat was too dry
Footnote (hope the owner reads this)
I wasn’t sure if the above meats were overcooked
(should cooked at longer period of time at lower temp
low and slow)
or
it was reheated too fast or too long
(no microwave … I rather wait
slow gentle rewarming or rewarmed in warmed jus)
Great Potential if they do they following (my theories, no guarantees)
— Either cook the large meat low temp and slow
ex. 300 for 5 hrs instead of 425 for 3 hrs
different size, shape, starting meat temp, etc does matter
— Offer the prime rib in both current size and a smaller version (lower price)
I love to see this place survive and flourish.
Great Location
Nice and hard working staff
The food is pretty good if they just don’t overcooked
I am assuming this is a relocated and new
it takes time and tweeking to run a place correctly.

First off, this place has NOT moved. It’s in the same place it’s always been. I ate there while passing through the other day and can I just say WOW! They recommended the crab sandwich, which didn’t sound that appealing to me, but I ordered it anyways and I was blown away! They use REAL dungeness crab! This was one of the best sandwiches I’d had in a long long time. The side of homemade cole slaw made the meal complete and more satisfying than I ever imagined… The staff was very friendly and the waitress Denise made me feel right at home! I would recommend this place to anyone! You will not be disappointed!

There is nothing wrong with this place, except… the food.
Overcooked. Too much sauce. Too much carbs and too little protein. Unhealthy. No taste. No sense of the right herbs and natural juices.
Our jumbo prawns turned out to be… a pasta! It had prawns, but they were less than 2 inches in diameter, I don’t call that jumbo. There was like 5 of them, and the rest was pasta, with lots and lots of sauce. Their fish and chips? Give me a break.
And, they are not cheap. $ 20’s per dish.
Aaaand, no, they don’t have a nice view — they are overlooking the highway and a hill behind, not the ocean. And that would be fine, if it wasn’t for the food. Beware.

We originally set out to go to Nick’s nearby. It had been a long day, and we were craving some seafood and steak.
We arrived at Nick’s, and a woman outside asked me for some $ so she could get a salad. It was a rather strange request, but I gave her some change, not really thinking much about it. We went into Nick’s, and were told rather rudely, it would be an hour and a half wait. Forget that! We walked out, and the «salad» lady kept thanking me profusely, then asked me why we weren’t eating there. I told her about the wait, and she told us to go to Vallemar’s (best bread, seafood, steak, etc) Normally, I wouldn’t take the advice of a panhandler, but we were hungry!
We arrived at Vallemar’s, and walked to the hostess table. It was almost like they were ready for us. They asked me if Mimi had made our reservations. «Who»? Umm, no. Wrong people. They tell me someone named Mimi had called in saying 5 people with 2 well-​behaved children and a woman with a striped sweater would be coming in. That was us, for sure! Are you kidding me? «Salad» lady called in for us! Well, Mimi, whoever you are– thanks for the good advice and call-​ahead!
So, the food was really great. Get the prime rib. It’s amazing! This is the kind of spot I would love to hang out by the fire and have a few cocktails. Very quaint and lovely people. So, it’s not cheap, but you get your money’s worth.
I no longer need a Nuvi, or Suri. I have Mimi, the salad lady ;)

I guess Pacifica doesn’t have a real sports bar restaurant and Vallemar Station was about as close as we were going to find on short notice. We were looking for a place that served drinks, had more than 3 TVs and could offer some decent food as well. Vallemar Station ended up to be fairly good, some things better than others.
Onion Rings — 5 stars
Calamari — 5 stars
Clam chowder — 5 stars
Steamed clams in wine — 5 stars
Cajun Salmon — 3.5 stars
Spaghetti and Meatballs — 3 stars
Chicken Fried Steak — 3.5 stars
Cioppino — 5 stars
Bread pudding — 3 stars
Our server, Will, did a good job, but didn’t notice that we didn’t have utensils suitable for a regular meal. We were joking with the other staff about having to eat with the cocktail fork. The Managing bartender, as he called himself, was a nice guy too. They didn’t mind us camping out for just about the entire baseball and football games. It would be a good investment for them to upgrade their 5 TVs to include more than 1 large flatscreen though.