Regulars, Visitors Enjoy 101 Cafe's Diner Vibe

If you're looking for some all-American eats, a stop at would do you some good. The restaurant has been located at 631 South Coast Highway for 75 years, so the folks there have had a good amount of time to perfect their menu.

Opened in 1928, the diner was a part of the historic US Highway 101, featuring family-friendly motels and cafes. The cafe has survived several owners, highway changes and drive-in crazes.  It has been named "101 Cafe and Drive-In and Trailer Park," "Jimmy's," "Randy's Coffee Shop," and finally went back to its initial name, "101 Cafe."

Open all day from 7 a.m. to midnight, the menu offers breakfast all day and night along with lunch and dinner at the usual times. 

The breakfast specials include the "Classic Road," including oatmeal and toast with milk, raisins and brown sugar, the "Two Lane Special" with two large eggs, two buttermilk pancakes and two pieces of bacon or sausage, and the oldie but goodie, "Vanilla Yogurt" with bananas and strawberries with granola. Lunches run from salads and sandwiches to patty melts and it cafe's famous chili and beans. If you want a more hearty meal, you can try the meatloaf and gravy or the classic diner liver and onions.

"It's a great atmosphere and it's small town, family-owned," said Chantel Spurgeon, a waitress at the cafe. "A lot of locals come in and we have quite a few regulars. We're known for our shakes and chili and basic diner-style food."

The seating is sit-where-you-like and the menu items are negotiable, allowing finicky eaters to have it their way.  

"We saw it when we were looking for some place to eat, and it was easy to park and there wasn't a wait," said Aaron Baxter, 19, an SOI from Texas. "The diner vibe is really cool."

Both locals and tourists find the fare excellent and come back time after time.

"We love it," said Bill Phillip, who was visiting family. "It's just excellent all-American food. We would definitely come back."

For more information visit the diner's website at 101cafe.net or call 760-722-5220. The 101 Cafe is cash only, but there is an ATM available. 

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