Jo C.
Yelp
This place is always packed and I can see which, nice indoor/outdoor seatings with a view of La Jolla beach. This is my second attempt trying to order and eat at the cafe/restaurant. The first time I came it was around 2PM on a Friday and they were so busy that they only allowed takeout orders since they close at 3PM.
I came here around 1:30PM on a Tuesday during Thanksgiving week and it was very busy full of tourists? I had to wait about 10-15 minutes in line just to order and then another 20-30 minutes for the food to arrive.
The way it works is you line up, order your food then grab a table with your number so they know where to find you when they bring your food out. You can only grab a table once you have an order number and yes they will actually enforce it as I've seen staff approach those without numbers.
However, you can't switch tables after sitting down, they will actually enforce it. I've seen many people approached by a staff immediately after they try to switch tables. That also depends on what's available since it's always so busy. It's great that they enforce the rules so you don't have to worry about finding/fighting for tables. These rules are posted literally everywhere especially at the windows where you order food.
In addition, there's always a staff cleaning the tables, and floor, which is great since customers leave their food when they are done. The staff member was on top of it, as soon as customers left the tables were cleaned so the next customers could sit. Despite it being very busy, it was clean overall.
FOOD
They call it a cafe but they actually have breakfast and lunch food options, savory and sweet options, including coffee and some cakes available. They also have Coke products and self serve ice water and takeout containers by the door.
I got the beef hash, eggs my way, toast with butter and jam on the side. The portions were huge, however taste is mediocre. The beef was a bit dry, needed more sauce and flavor. We definitely didn't finish it for two people.
I also ordered a bagel combo. There were three bagel choices, sesame, everything and plain. I loved that my bagel was toasted without asking! There were several layers of smoked salmon but they were not salty in a good way. Two big scoops of plain cream cheese, capers, raw red onion, lettuce, slices of tomato on the side of the dish. The ingredients were fresh and generous. You assemble it however you like.
Parking is extremely hard to find, and the close ones are only for UCSD staff and students. I had to park 10 mins walk away after circling a few street along with other cars that were mainly surfers, tourists and locals.
It's not the most delicious food I've had but there are options for everyone on the menu. The amazing beach view, weather, surfer watching, bustling atmosphere makes it a great place to visit with family/friends out of town.