Business Details
29 Years
experience
Legacy Seafood Dining in Walnut Creek
Founded in 1997, we dedicated 28 years to bringing the freshest seafood and nautical ambiance to Walnut Creek. Our commitment to quality was evident in every dish, sourced from trusted partners like Osprey Seafood Company and local purveyors. We earned recognition as Diablo Magazine's Best Seafood Restaurant for 12 years and maintained a Michelin Guide recommendation from 2010-2014. While our doors have closed after nearly three decades, we take pride in the memories created through exceptional hospitality, award-winning cuisine, and the loyal community that made our restaurant a cherished gathering place.
Services
Seafood Dining
Oyster Bar
Wine Pairing
Cocktail Service
Seafood Market
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We maintained 28 years of seafood excellence with sustainable sourcing practices
- Our sommelier-curated wine list earned Wine Spectator Awards for 18 consecutive years
- Award-winning culinary team with Diablo Magazine recognitions for over a decade
- Authentic nautical atmosphere featuring unique maritime decor elements
- Loyalty program offering exclusive member benefits and rewards
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
What people say
Exceptional hospitality
Fresh seafood daily
Award-winning wine list
Memorable celebrations
Nautical ambiance
Services
Seafood Dining
Our restaurant specialized in fresh, sustainably sourced seafood prepared with culinary expertise. We partnered directly with Osprey Seafood Company to ensure daily deliveries of pristine catches. Every dish showcased our commitment to quality through house-made accompaniments and thoughtful presentation.
Oyster Bar
The oyster bar featured a rotating selection of premium oysters and shellfish. Guests could enjoy fresh shucking demonstrations and expert pairings with champagne or craft cocktails. This interactive dining experience became a signature offering for seafood enthusiasts.
Wine Program
Curated by our sommelier co-owner, the wine list emphasized coastal vineyards and featured 18 Wine Spectator Awards. We offered 20+ wines by the glass and hosted regular tastings to help guests discover perfect pairings with seafood dishes.
Craft Cocktails
Our cocktail program combined classic nautical themes with modern mixology. Award-winning bartenders crafted specialty drinks using premium spirits and house-made ingredients. The menu featured both traditional maritime libations and innovative creations.
Seafood Market
The market allowed customers to purchase premium Osprey Seafood products and house-made sauces. Guests could order fresh seafood for pickup with advance notice. This service extended our restaurant quality standards to home cooking experiences.
People
Kevin Weinberg
Co-Owner & Chef
Celebrated chef with 28 years of seafood expertise, Kevin established WCYC with a vision for coastal cuisine in inland Walnut Creek. He maintained close supplier relationships and created the restaurant's signature dishes.
Ellen McCarty
Co-Owner & Sommelier
Wine expert and business partner Ellen curated the award-winning wine list featuring coastal vineyards. She managed operations and customer relations while maintaining the restaurant's hospitality standards for nearly three decades.
Questions
Is Walnut Creek Yacht Club still operating?
We closed permanently on May 7th after 28 years of service. The space will become a new restaurant called Scuttlebutt.
Can I still use my WCYC gift cards?
Gift cards remain valid through the merchandise sale period. We're also exploring options for the new restaurant to honor remaining balances.
When can I purchase restaurant memorabilia?
Memorabilia sales occurred May 12-16, 19-23, and 26-30. Limited quantities of nautical decor and restaurant items were available.
What made WCYC unique?
Our combination of fresh seafood, nautical atmosphere with authentic maritime artifacts, and personalized hospitality created a distinctive dining experience for special occasions.
Did the restaurant have any awards?
We received Diablo Magazine's Best Seafood Restaurant for 12 years, multiple Wine Spectator Awards, and Michelin Guide recognition from 2010-2014.
Was the restaurant family-friendly?
Yes, we welcomed families and became part of many generational traditions, with children growing up dining here and returning with their own families.
Reviews (5)
David Reed
Jan 30, 2022
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WCYC was a recommendation, I wasn't let down. Casual, great menu, service was good... Really good. Better yet, I will go back. Now if I could remember who recommended this place to me.......
Chelsie D.
Jan 23, 2022
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I always try to impress my pops & other family when visiting from NOLA with seafood that can just maybe (maaaaybe) try to compete with what we're used to in the South
Here & Now
Jan 18, 2022
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Well we had a long day going to my great uncle's funeral, so we stopped at the restaurant unfortunately they were only accepting people vaccination ID cards or something like that is it ID cards I don't know but we were able to get the back room so it was good and the staff was great. let me tell you my sister dropped the ice bucket and said sorry sir I dropped the ice bucket and the waiter said no problem! The food was really good we had a seafood dish and a friend had their sirloin burger I had the prawns and chips everyone is happy so it was a good experience
Denise W.
Jan 17, 2022
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I go with a friend every year in January for the lobster. This year was the best. We had two boiled lobsters each. We were not rushed this year and really enjoyed a delicious lunch. The service was excellent too!
Tommyboy B.
Jan 10, 2022
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My wife and I came here for lunch in order to try their crab and lobster sandwiches. We were correctly asked for our vaccination cards and were then seated at a small plain table that just barely accommodated two adults. Our waiter arrived promptly and we ordered the aforementioned sandwiches, and a bowl of clam chowder to share, along with an ice tea and a beer. The clam chowder ($12) arrived in around 5' and had nice texture and flavor though the cut up pieces of larger clams used were rather lacking in quantity, so rating about a B-. The crab sandwich ($22) , which also came with a large