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    Beginner's Diner

    3.8 (484 reviews)
    ModerateDiners
    Open Open 24 hours

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    BEGINNER'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

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    Nancy T.

    Cute old diner inside of the Lafayette Hotel. Diner Menu offered a good variety. We went for dinner so ended up trying the pot roast, chicken fried steak, and patty melt. Their fries and onion rings were also fried to a golden crisp. Service was great. I love that they wear the traditional diner uniforms. Overall great vibes

    Grace F.

    Beginners Diner is located inside the Lafayette Hotel. I've heard such amazing things about the ambiance of the place and had to check it out. The first thing I will note is that on Fridays & Saturdays the street parking will be very difficult. There is valet as an option, for those who don't want valet you will need to park street in the neighborhoods behind the hotel. Upon walking in, we were greated by the hostess who sat us down and we ordered a good amount of appetizers, sides, entrees, and drinks. To our disappointment, the food honestly wasn't that great considering the price of each item. The best item I think we ordered was the Caesar Salad - probably one of the best dressings ive had. The egg on my chicken sandwich was a little rubbery in texture and the chicken was good but very dry. Chicken skewers were very good but the rest of the food was nothing special. I think this place is really good for the ambiance - if you're planning on wanting a diner feel I would recommend coming here for the milkshakes but not for an entire meal. Another thing that added to my 2 star review was at the end of the dinner my friend noticed she stepped on something squishy at the bottom of the table. We looked under the booth and there was a single slice of bread just sitting there. I added a picture but what my friend pointed out was that toast is a breakfast menu item. We were there at 6:30pm and their breakfast menu stopped being served at 3pm. With that being said - the booth floor had not been cleaned since then. Overall I would not come back again. I was a little disappointed due to the quality of the food and lack of cleanliness of the restaurant. However, the Lafayette Hotel is beautiful

    Lemon meringue - sugary and delicious
    Tiffany A.

    I came here to try their famous pie before checking out. I had hoped there would be an easy way to order to-go but it didn't seem like the vibe. We waited to be seated for a bit and we were not greeted right away. When we did get seated, I noticed that the booths were dirty with crumbs and other questionable trash. The space between the booth and table was small and uncomfortable to get in/out due to that and a wooden upright edge that scraped against our butts. I tried the lemon meringue pie. It was a pretty large slice and gave me a sugar rush- just as expected! The meringue was toasted well and the crust was light. I had a bite of the cherry pie and had to spit it out. It tasted like cherry medicine. We waited a long time to get the check and to have our orders taken. Not my cup of tea but alas... maybe it is for others.

    Inside
    Jillian C.

    Beginner's Diner, located in the infamous The Lafayette Hotel inEl Cajon is open 24-hours and hits all the marks you'd expect for a retro diner from the 1940's, while adding some upscale twists to their menu such as their steak and eggs served with a Wagyu filet and boozy milkshakes. We recommend going around the holidays which is extra special since the property is completely transformed into a winter wonderland ! I was looking forward to trying their French Dip (also made with Waygu), but they were out of it so I opted for their version of a smash-burger. It was okay, but not what you'd expect from a smash-burger since the two patties were on the thicker side and the bread was sourdough toast (not my favorite for a burger). Although they don't have a kids menu, our server was able to provide some suggestions on some options that would be good for kids (both on and off the menu). The bathroom was even gorgeous so I couldn't resist a picture Follow @allthingsfoodinsandiego for more must try San Diego restaurants, date night ideas, food experiences, kid friendly spots, with a sprinkling of home-cooking!

    Cinnamon Roll
    Tammie W.

    Came to Beginner's Diner on a Tuesday at 12:30pm and were shocked to see an hour+ long wait to sit at the counter. The hubby and I ordered coffee, buckwheat pancakes, a cinnamon roll, and the breakfast sando to share. The breakfast sandwich was great, piping hot, salty from the cheese, fatty from the homemade breakfast sausage, and nice with the eggs inside. The cinnamon roll was our next favorite because it wasn't overly sweet, rich from the cream cheese frosting, and very naughty. Last was the buckwheat pancakes which were very dense but tasted good since they were very thing and were cut with the fresh berries. Breakfast is only served from midnight to 3pm which is why we went for lunch, just in case we wanted sweet and savory without having to order a shake. As always, the service is great and the Lafayette is a beautiful hotel with solid options for food and drinks.

    Teressa W.

    You know when you have the insane desire for a super solid, totally fire breakie? Like.... The one you think you remember from lifetimes past? But every time you follow a solid Yelp review your stomach ends up hurting and the food is just super mid? As if "super greasy and average" became the new "hit food?" Well- NOT this place. This place is "forget your words, mind blowing, borderline orgasmic" kind of fantastic. It's a worth its wait kind of diner. All nestled in the most fantastic hotel in SD. Go. Don't think. Just..,, go. You will never feel like you're in a cooler place than when you are here.

    Private labeled beer(Fall)
    Jason B.

    The Lafayette was so packed this time of the year because of the amazing decorating, so we found a spot at the bar in this joint u til we could scope out a table in the lounge. Started out with a craft cocktail for my Bride and a private labeled IPA for me. Opted to split the pimento cheese, and liked everything! Ambiance is retro diner, service was at the counter, and prices were high but this is clearly a tourist trap!

    Boozy eggnog milkshake
    Brooke T.

    24/7 diner open inside the Lafayette hotel. Super busy when I went, with hour waits even at 11 pm and past midnight. They always overestimate the time though, so don't let it scare you away. Took one star away for how hard it is to get in and get a table, but I can't really blame them--Lafayette is a zoo during Christmas time. For a 24/7 diner the food is really solid. Good american diner food, albeit a little expensive. The fries are super good and my favorite is the boozy eggnog milkshake. I loveee eggnog and the booze makes it the perfect sweetness. The other milkshakes on their own are much too rich and couldn't finish them.

    Smashed Avocado Benedict
    Zan L.

    I grew up in San Diego, so I have visited the hotel many times over the years but have not seen it since this recent remodel. I think that they did a wonderful job with the redesign of the hotel and Beginners Diner as well. They also did a fantastic job with the Christmas decorations this year and really made an awesome space that you want to spend many hours in. We stopped in as a party of four on Sunday morning and were able to be seated after a 10 min wait. We had to sit outside, but it was really a nice location because it had great views of the pool and there was a nice breeze. Even in late December the weather in the morning is great in beautiful SD. Our server was very friendly and everything that we ordered came out very fast. The hotel offers valet otherwise it will be street parking. We were able to find a space directly across the street so it was a short walk. The menu is not very large, but it has a lot of great options on it. For my breakfast, I chose the Bacon Avocado Benedict and honestly loved it. I really appreciated how they crumbled the bacon which I thought was a unique touch and the smashed avocado was also a good combo instead of just avocado slices. The hollandaise was made fresh and my egg was perfectly poached so overall it was honestly really good. Pricing was fair and the whole experience was really nice so I would definitely recommend to any local or tourist and I plan to be back again in the near future.

    Menu
    David Z.

    Came here to eat after getting some drinks in the lobby. We found a seat outside. This place as a whole was decorated so well for the holidays. Service was a little slow during the middle of the day, but there were a lot of people here. The food was mediocre, but we did not come specifically for the food. I don't know if I would be back for the food, but the ambiance was second to none.

    Peppermint boozy shake- forgot the exact name
    Ann H.

    Inside the Lafayette Hotel you will find a delightful retro-looking diner that serves wonderful boozy shakes and other diner foods. There's normally a wait on the weekends so go on the weekdays if you can. We sat at the counter and the staff were all efficient and friendly. I plan to come back and try the food but it's definitely worth going for the shakes alone!

    Kelly S.

    we shared a yummy strawberry milkshake here after our night exploring the Lafayette hotel and dancing the night away at Lou Lou's Jazz Bar/Club. service was amazing and workers are so sweet! the diner was packed. i also loved the breakie sando, it was so yummy to have in the morning. loveeeeed this diner, i would definitely come back when i'm in the area

    Steak and eggs
    Sylvester R.

    Excellent service and good. I had no idea there was a 24 hour diner like this in San Diego. It's amazing in here. Novalee gave the best service and actually took the time to know other parts of the property and history . Steak was medium rare and eggs over easy. Exactly what I wanted. The nostalgic decorum is the best along with the music. Clean bathrooms throughout! Definitely will come back

    Menu - November 2025

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    Page 1 of 13

    Beginner's Diner Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Beginner's Diner

    Is the diner 21+?

    Nope is open to all ages but they do have some items on menu for those over 21.

    Do they have plant-based options?

    Are you looking for a veggie burger? I haven't seen anything like that on the menu but they do have salads. They also have the menu available on their website.

    Is there parking?

    No all street parking

    Do you have long wait times Friday nights?

    There is usually a wait for Beginners Diner. The food is so good!

    Can this place accommodate large groups? Like 20 people?

    No, they would have to sit in separate tables

    Are reservations available?

    No reservations are needed or offered in the Diner. You can eat outside on the Patio (hours vary) and/or take food to your room if you are a guest. I was there several different times of the day, and never had a wait to be seated.

    Are dogs allowed in the diner?

    The Lafayette is a Dog Friendly Hotel (45 lbs and under), IF you are staying as a guest and pay the extra free . Information is their website under the Hotel Q&A Section. Dogs are NOT allowed in the Pool area. I believe this ONLY applies to… Read more

    Is there easily accessible wheelchair entry at the front or near parking on on the premises?

    they do have accessible access at the main door and also valet parking

    View All 10 Questions

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    4.4(453 reviews)
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    This spot is a must try if you're in the neighborhood…read more Clean, affordable, great service. The ladies who are serving super down to earth kind souls who actually want you to enjoy your food. Everything was delicious, they slow roast their own meat and it was spectacular. I'll be coming back, everything was done super well Thanks guys

    Jo's Mission Hills Diner feels like the neighborhood's pulse point, a tiny dining room that somehow…read morecarries the whole community on its back. It's the kind of place where the tables are close, the chatter is warm, and the menu reads like a greatest hits album of American comfort. The kitchen doesn't chase trends. It doesn't need to. Jo's stays in its lane and keeps it honest, which is exactly why the regulars keep showing up. The lineup hits all the classics. Burgers that taste like they came off a backyard grill. A grilled cheese with tomato soup that taps straight into childhood memory. A club sandwich stacked with the confidence of a place that's been doing this forever. And then there's the short rib sandwich, the quiet champion of the menu, rich and tender and absolutely the move. Even the fish and chips hold their own, a solid portion that doesn't try to reinvent anything. Jo's isn't here to surprise you. Jo's is here to feed you well. Four stars because it delivers exactly what it promises. No frills, no theatrics, just Mission Hills comfort done right.

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    Inside

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    Bananas Foster French Toast at Jo's Diner

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    Saint James French Diner

    Saint James French Diner

    4.2(327 reviews)
    3.0 miGaslamp
    $$

    Sammy, our server, could not have been more accommodating. She was a bubble or happy energy and…read morereally made it a nice night. We order the Parisian gnocchi and the Parisian burger. The burger was a 10 out of 10 and they even gave us some extra fries. So nice. The gnocchi is not a standard type of thing. It was good but the texture is more like whipped potatoes. We asked for the plates to be split in the back and they did. So nice. Made it so much easier. Thank you. The tuna tartar for the app always also outstanding. Always. Delight.

    Saint James has quite a tasty happy hour menu…read more We frequented Saint James on a Monday and they were surprisingly empty. Their happy hour menu was quite diverse. The white wine of the day was Chardonnay and the cocktail of the day was an agave spritz. Our server was kind enough to tell us that the burgers did not come with fries, just in case we felt like the portions weren't sufficient. Our server was quick with our drinks and refills. The food took a bit longer to come out. *Agave Spritz: a fragrant take on a spritz. I actually appreciated how it was not overly carbonated nor sugary. This was a refreshing pairing with all the fried items we ordered. *Pommes Frites: classically crispy and fluffy. Came with a choice of ketchup or aioli. *Croquettes: came with five airy and crispy balls on a pool of mornay sauce. The menu mentioned an aioli, but my order did not come with any. Thankfully, the balls were flavorful themselves. The mornay sauce was on the thicker side and there was some clumpiness, but it added pleasant creaminess. *Burger Parisienne: my preferred burger of the two offered. The bordelaise was done well, and the red wine added a complex sweetness to the burger. The patty was thick and the toppings made the overall flavor similar to an In-N-Out burger. *Burger Americaine: a classic American burger that resembled In-N-Out, but with a thicker patty. Good thing I enjoy both. The vegetables were fresh, but I would have liked a bit more of the special sauce. *Little Gems: a rather acidic and simple dressing. The little gems lettuce was cleaned well and was crispy. The radish offered some crunch and the herbs were fragrant. I would have cut the herbs a bit more though. This was quite a satisfying happy hour experience, although nothing was exceptional besides the croquettes. I would like to return to try their breakfast options, and Saint James does offer some interesting dishes that others do not. The pricing was fair for the quality we received.

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    Saint James French Diner
    Saint James French Diner
    Saint James French Diner

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    Harry's Coffee Shop - Super Omelette and Hash Browns

    Harry's Coffee Shop

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    9.7 miLa Jolla
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    This is hands down some of the best diner food I've ever had! We had seen this unassuming place…read morefrom the front & it looks so cute and we wanted to come here anyway. Then I had a friend say that he actually met Bing Crosby here way back in the day so we were like "Okay, we gotta go now!" First of all the place is WAY bigger inside than it looks from the front and the decor is very comfortable and filled with tons of nostalgic pictures and photos of years gone by. A nostalgic, elegant vibe for a diner and you feel very comfortable inside. And the food is fantastic! (They also have wifi) I got the Corned Beef Hash & Eggs ($20.95) which has been a favorite since 1960! It is awesome corned beef served with 2 eggs, hash browns and your choice of toast or buttermilk pancakes. And those pancakes are some of the best tasting pancakes I've had - so delicious! ...and the corned beef, eggs over easy and hash browns were perfectly cooked and seasoned and it was an amazing breakfast! My sweetheart got Harry's famous Tuna Melt ($17.95) which is tuna salad with tomato, melted cheddar cheese served on grilled sourdough (add avocado for $2) and your choice of fries or fruit. She is a huge fan of tuna melts and she absolutely loved this one! It's good to see that Harry's is still doing it right - We will definitely be back.

    I had the best tuna melt I've ever had here at Harry's. It was on sourdough bread with grilled…read moretomatoes (wonderful touch), cheddar cheese, and a delish tuna salad. Will definitely be coming back for this sando! My partner got a pancake, bacon, and eggs and said it was great!

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    Harry's Coffee Shop - Dining room

    Dining room

    Harry's Coffee Shop - Chicken salad on raisin bread!

    Chicken salad on raisin bread!

    Harry's Coffee Shop - Chicken salad on sourdough!

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    Crest Cafe

    Crest Cafe

    3.4(1.5k reviews)
    1.3 miHillcrest
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    Cute Lil diner in the heart of Hillcrest. Was wanting a lil somethin' somethin' as we had a big…read moreItalian lunch in Little Italy, but we did walk over 3 miles for the day. Upon entering, we were directed to seat ourselves by the bus boy so as we proceeded. The server abruptly stopped us in our tracks and kind of rudely told us that he'd be with us and to wait. As he approached to seat us I informed him that the bus boy told us to seat ourselves and the server half jokingly asked who so I pointed to him. As for the food, we ordered sandwiches and fries. I got the turkey and brie sandwich with grilled onions and it was real carved turkey (so good). Unfortunately, the fries were soggy and not crispy and fresh. BFF had the Cubano sandwich and it was a good size but they put a thick piece of ham steak on it along with shredded pork that wasn't seasoned. He claims his fries were good and fresh. The ambience is cute, very clean and plenty of seating indoors and out for such a small restaurant. Prices are reasonable, too. Had it not been for the server rubbing me the wrong way upon entering as well as the soggy fries, I would have given this place 5 stars.

    The ambiance here leaves something to be desired. It's a quaint diner, but it's a little plain and…read moreoutdated for my taste. We ordered the biscuits and gravy, fruit cup, orange juice, and country burger Benedict. My biscuits and gravy were 6.50 and phenomenal! The gravy was delicious and a well made biscuit. The fruit was gross, half was good and half was old. The orange juice was pretty good too but 5 dollars for a glass of orange juice is ridiculous. The country burger Benedict was cooked beautifully but the meat was so bland. Not a speck of seasonings, which was a bummer because everything else was so good on it! Overall service was great, ambiance was meh, and food was good but also overpriced. We will probably eat here again but it won't be a first choice.

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    Crest Cafe - Cute little bar

    Cute little bar

    Crest Cafe - Monterey Chicken with salad

    Monterey Chicken with salad

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    Del's Hideout

    Del's Hideout

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    Shout out to Dulce for helping us grab some tables for our large party of almost 20 people, and to…read moreAlejandro for being such a great server! Stopped in last night to celebrate my husband's birthday. Although Del's doesn't take reservations, we were able to snag a few tables right next to the kids play area. It was perfect since we had so many kids in our party. All the food was delicious -- from their baked beans, corn bread, onion rings, and to their barbecue selection. We ordered the 12 party meal plus some appetizers for the kids such as the Mac & cheese and chicken tenders. Everyone was commenting on how good everything was. Honestly, this has become one of our favorite barbecue spots! Their bbq sauce is also really good, it had the right amount of sweetness and slight tang without being too thick. Would definitely recommend to anyone who just wants to watch the game by themselves or bring a large party. Thank you Del's for making it a memorable night!

    I was looking for a spot to eat to satisfy all of us. Del's Hideout kept popping up over and over…read morein all my searches so I decided that's THE spot. It did not disappoint. All of us left happy and full! Parking is easy. Easy to be there. Our server was amazing. 10/10 for Maki!!! Food was exactly what we hoped for!! Got the brisket 10/10 Ribs 10/10 Deviled Eggs 9/10 Mac and Cheese 10/10 Just go, don't second guess it!! You're welcome!

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    Del's Hideout - Main dining area

    Main dining area

    Del's Hideout - Bar

    Bar

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    Beginner's Diner - diners - Updated May 2026

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