Perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay, the Moss Beach Distillery is a celebrated restaurant known for its fresh California coastal cuisine. The restaurant’s romantic ambiance is enhanced by stunning ocean views visible from every table. Don’t be so taken in by the view that you forget the food, however, as the local halibut and sea bass are highly recommended.
The Moss Beach Distillery offers both cozy indoor dining and heated outdoor patio dining. The outdoor area, equipped with fire pits, is dog-friendly and offers a more casual atmosphere for guests to revel in the spectacular ocean vistas. This establishment has earned a reputation for its scenic location, being recognized in the Top 100 Best Scenic View Restaurants in America by OpenTable. It is also a local favorite for special occasions, known for its fresh seafood and as a prime spot for whale watching.
This historic establishment is a local landmark, dating back to the Prohibition era when it produced home-brewed whiskey. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Moss Beach Distillery operated as a genuine speakeasy known as Frank’s Roadhouse. Situated with a striking view of the ocean, it was reputed that the establishment received its alcohol supply via boats landing on the beach below. Frank’s managed to evade legal trouble, thanks in part to the local police, who were reportedly paid kickbacks to ensure the speakeasy remained unraided.
In stark contrast to the typical speakeasies of the era, which were often hidden in basements or behind secret rooms, Frank’s boasted a magnificent view of the beach. It became a popular haunt for San Francisco’s elite, attracting everyone from politicians to silent film stars.
The notoriety and intrigue of Frank’s Roadhouse even caught the attention of famed mystery writer Dashiell Hammett. He immortalized the speakeasy in his literature, featuring it in a scene from his short story “The Girl with the Silver Eyes.” This piece of literary history adds an extra layer of mystique to the legendary status of the property.
While the building has changed names over the years, one guest has never left, the ghost known as ‘The Blue Lady’ is still rumored to frequent the establishment to this day.
