Custom House

So, your family or friends can’t decide on what to eat. You need something family-friendly with a diverse, affordable menu near the beach. If this is your dilemma, check out the Custom House  in Avila Beach. 

A historical note of importance is that the building was known as the “Old” Customs House for the port’s trade business in 1927. It was decommissioned in the late 1940s and became a restaurant in 1971. An oil spill in 1998 resulted in the closing or destruction of many downtown businesses, like the “Old” Customs House. A new structure was erected in 2002, and it opened on the newly remodeled Front Street Promenade.  

The Customs House is owned by a restaurant group that manages nearby eateries like Ventana Grill and the Oyster Loft. Each offers unique menus, ambiance, and price points, with the Customs House being their largest capacity restaurant.

Vibe

The Custom House’s location on the promenade makes it easy to spot and central to other attractions. One popular example that takes place right outside the doors of the Custom House is the Avila Beach Farmers Market. This festivity takes place every Friday afternoon in early spring to late summer.

The interior sports a vaulted wood ceiling and trim that adds an earthy tone. Walls are adorned with nautical memorabilia and signs, and the dolphin statue suspended from a rafter is a popular picture opportunity.  

The laid-back Central Coast vibe is perfect for families and large groups. The spacious dining room allows plenty of seating arrangements, making the eatery even doable for a romantic dinner. 

The outdoor patio faces the bay, offering serene ocean views and the ideal spot to relax during sunset. Live music is in this area, adding to the allure of dining at the Custom House. 

Custom House: Menu & Drinks

Aside from the Custom House being ideal for groups with varying palates, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because the choices are seemingly limitless, we will only highlight a standout from each menu. 

When you plan a full day of adventure, like visiting Avila Valley Barn, start with a hearty breakfast at the Custom House. The menu has something for everyone, like Eggs Benedict, omelets, and sweets, like the Apple Cobbler French Toast. This decadent meal features golden-brown Texas toast with cinnamon, brown sugar-glazed apples, and salted butter crumbles.  

At lunchtime, variety is the name of the game. There are plenty of salads for those preferring something healthy and lighter, with a standout being the Asian Chicken. Burgers and sandwiches abound, with the Pork Belly Banh Mi being noteworthy. Some fan favorites are the Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Fish and Chips, and Fish Tacos. 

The dinner menu is diverse, with plenty of appetizers and entrees to peruse. The Clam Chowder is a popular pick, as are the burgers and salads. A flavorful dish is the Cioppino, known as the “fisherman’s stew.” It features black tiger shrimp, sea scallops, clams, mussels, and seasonal fish slow-cooked in white wine and tomato broth. 

When you’re ready to toast your day at Eldwayen Ocean Park, the drink menu will satisfy any thirst. Whether you go with a signature cocktail like the Cucumber Cream Soda or sip a spirit on the rocks or neat, the full bar has you covered. The beer and wine list is equally impressive, with something for everyone. 

When you need an Avila Beach restaurant with various tastes and a treasured history, the Custom House is the place to go.