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    Big Sur Roadhouse

    4.0 (432 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 2:30 pm

    Big Sur Roadhouse Photos

    BIG SUR ROADHOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Inside
    Claudia D.

    Came in for breakfast. Cute little spot to fall upon as the other place we were going to go to was closed. They have a small parking area.They have a small menu and they only serve breakfast until 11:20 and then at 11:30 it is lunch. We got in right before breakfast ended and got the roadhouse breakfast. There is seating inside and seating outside. It is very pretty. They have lodging at the same location as well. It was clean and quaint. The food was good, a little on the small side for the price but it was all good. The staff was very nice but very firm on the end and start times of breakfast and lunch. They are only open until 2:30pm.

    Lovely lunch spot after wandering Point Lobos and filling our bellies for a hike at Pfeiffer State Park. Service felt like everyone is a regular, food was served in a timely manner, great menu, fresh greens on the side, relaxing atmosphere in every dining space. Would choose this place ten times over. Parking may be a challenge during lunch rush. We arrived just before general lunch crowd and found a spot.

    Deron R.

    Fantastic find in Big Sur! This is one of the best restaurant locations in this whole area. It is a beautifully appointed restaurant order at the counter. They'll bring it to your table but you need to sit outside on the back patio. It has an amazing view of the forest and the river running below birds everywhere. It is just a delight to sit out there and eat. They serve breakfast and lunch only. There's also a front patio that is also nice but to get the true ambience I think you need to sit in the back and you can see the pictures of how beautiful this area is. Great food. Great service!

    More of the menu.
    Harley K.

    Ugh! I hate reviews like this. But... I have to keep it real. The family & I decided to have a little road trip & go to Big Sur. We tried going to Pfeiffer beach but, the parking lot was full so we decided to go get lunch. The hubs decided to go to Big Sur Roadhouse for food. We walked in & you have to place your order at the counter. We looked over the menu & the woman taking our order asked if my daughter wanted fries w/her chicken strips. I said, yes. I then ordered my burger & I was asked if I wanted fries w/my burger. I said, yes. The lady then said, "It's $3.00 extra for the swap." NO WHERE YOU ON THE MENU DOES IT SAY THIS. Also, why ask if you're going to charge extra? Sounds suspish to me. A sneaky way of getting extra $. I said, fine. We were really hungry & just wanted to get our food. Then, she rings up all our drinks. One 8oz Diet Coke is $4.00. What?!?! A bottle of Root beer is $4.50. My husband really liked his turkey sandwich. My daughter ate every bite of her chicken strips & fries. When I ordered my burger I was never asked if I wanted it rare, medium rare or well done. It was served well done. It honestly looked like one of those burger patties that come preformed & you just throw it on the grill. It was on the dry side. The fries were great but not worth the $3.50 (not $3.00 like I was told). I honestly do not think this place is worth the price. Our lunch today was not worth the $102.00 I paid. The setting of the place is gorgeous. The truck outside of it is very cool. But, the food prices are outrageous. The choice is yours but I will not be choosing Big Sur Roadhouse again. Look up the menu prices before going. Wish I had! Update: What?!?! I was looking over my review & I noticed a BIG mistake. The menu states that my burger was $17.00 (before the fries, bacon & cheese added). Now... the receipt states that the price of my burger was $30.50. How?!? $17.00 for the burger + $3.50 for the fries instead of salad = $20.50. Now add $3.50 for the bacon to the $20.50 = $24.00. Now add another $3.50 for the cheese to be added to the burger = $27.50. How did they come up with $30.50. That's a $3.00 difference. What a rip off!! I originally gave this place 3 stars. I am changing it to two. I hope the owner sees this & realizes I was over charged. 1st, nothing on the menu states they charge more for switching a salad to fries & now... I was over charged. Beware.

    Huevos Rancheros, granola parfait, handmade oatmilk latte.
    Lorena M.

    We were originally looking into Nepenthe, but they opened at 11:30 and we were too hungry to wait. We stumbled upon Roadhouse and fell in love. The handmade coffee was pretty good (shoutout to the non-dairy drinkers, they have soy, oat, and almond milk) and they came in the cute matching mugs and plates. The huevoes rancheros stole the show. They were so savory, the perfect size with the savory potatoes - they gave my moms recipe a run for their money. The decor is a vibe, the atmosphere is cozy, the food was so good... plus they have free wifi so they get bonus points. Highly recommended for hearty breakfast, great coffee, and overall chill insta-worthy atmosphere.

    Breakfast on the patio!

    My new favorite spot in Big Sur. Charming inside and out, really good food and fantastic service. Love it there

    Burger & Fries
    Chris A.

    Was seated by the lovely fireplace that really adds a nice touch to this quaint restaurant. The menu has your basic American Restaurant choices. I tried the burger with fries and it was really good. I also tried a Cali Squeeze beer recommend by the server and the beer choice/burger was spot on! The service is perfect here, the server consistently checked on me. This restaurant has a lovely outside patio to eat at well. With a nice river view. Both the inside and the outside is well suited for groups. Casual dining at its best in Big Sur!

    Macchiato and coconut donut
    Nicole S.

    Big Sur Roadhouse is one of my favorite gems I found during my stay in the area. It's located onsite the Glen Oaks Lodge, which is what brought me in the doors. Its mid-mod design and friendly staff brought me back. I came in initially for the complimentary coffee and donut that's included in the stay at Glen Oaks. I realized I probably needed more sustenance than that for a day of hiking, so I ordered the breakfast sandwich and a macchiato. The macchiato was perfect, and I love that they have the proper mugs for this drink. The breakfast sandwich took a while to come out but it was delicious and I was so glad I didn't miss it. The maple butter really elevates it to another level. I also had the glazed coconut donut, which was divine with the coffee. The ambiance here is cozy mountain meets mid century modern. Some of the furniture here had my collectors heart skipping a beat. They renovated 9 years ago and did an excellent job. The tables are original, and I love that they kept this piece of the past that fits so well in the new aesthetic. Come for the vibes. Stay for the most reasonable prices in the area, delicious food, and friendly staff.

    Chicken tacos
    Heather M.

    Stopped here and were ravenous! A cute place. We sat on the back patio which was very nice. Service was friendly and did their best to get around to all the tables. We had great chips (house made) and salsa (ok). The green salad was the surprise hit. Lots of fresh veggies and cheese with a simple dressing. The chicken tacos were good- grilled chicken very simple. The BBQ pizza was also decent. Other places on this road are overrated and LONG waits... here... good food in a beautiful setting.

    Roasted Turkey on Sourdough add Bacon and Avocado. Sourdough is amazing.

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    Excellent stop for lunch. Good quality food, lovely outdoor seating, good service, clean and easy to park

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    Big Sur Roadhouse Reviews in Other Languages

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    Deetjen's Restaurant

    Deetjen's Restaurant

    4.4
    (334 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to Deetjen's for breakfast for years and it just keeps getting better and better…read more Never been for dinner though, not sure why but that's now on my to do list. The absolute best eggs benedict in the world (I'll fight over this!). I've stayed in San Simeon or Cambria and driven up to Deetjen's just for breakfast, it's that good. Now that Highway 1 is open again, I'll be doing that more often again. The only downside is parking can be difficult at times, but that comes with the territory and the gorgeous location.

    Antique/thrift store setting was kinda charming, and we enjoyed the risotto and paella special…read more Wine and beer only, with a very limited selection for wines by the glass (the only non-sweet white option was also the most expensive). Service was not great. Even though the restaurant was mostly empty when we arrived, we were seating directly across from the staff prep area instead of in one of the cozy rooms. We also had to ask several times for our check, and then our waiter loudly announced that the card declined. My husband tried to explain that you need to tap it since the magnetic strip is worn down, and the waiter got defensive and claimed that's what he did. We ended up using another card, but a call later to the credit card company confirmed that he only swiped it twice and never tapped. I'd still come back here, but next time will request a table in the room on the far right and will ask for the check when our entrees arrive.

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    Super cozy interior
    Super cozy interior
    One lump or two?
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    Cafe Kevah

    Cafe Kevah

    4.1
    (278 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    The view is absolutely beautiful in the morning and definitely adds to the experience. We ordered…read morethe breakfast burrito, the Reuben, and the kid's quesadilla. The food is a little pricey, but I thought the breakfast burrito was well worth it. It was a generous portion, tasted delicious, and paired with the incredible view, it made for a great breakfast. My husband also really enjoyed the Reuben. The only thing we probably wouldn't order again is the kid's quesadilla. It's just cheese in a tortilla, and there isn't an option to add any protein. Next time, I'd probably just share my breakfast burrito with my little one instead. Overall, I'd highly recommend checking this spot out if you get the chance. Great food, beautiful scenery, and a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing morning meal.

    If you are driving the Big Sur highway (?)m Hwy One along the California coast you will experience…read morewide stretches of just beautiful views of ocean and hills. Not a lot of commercial stuff. One of the most popular and well-known eatery is Nepenthe, always crowded and murderous, skimpy parking. A challenge for sure parking and also getting seated. Come early or late, but at prime time your best bet is to walk down the hill to Cafe Kevah, just below the main bar and restaurant. Excellent ocean-side viewing and a decent menu. If you are traveling along the highway, see if you can call ahead for reservations. Kevah serves, meals, pastries and drinks. Put your figurative seat belt on as the prices are California and touristy. Breakfast, granola at $18.50 up to their eggs benedict at $36.50. Until noon. Order at their central counter. Salads from $20.75 - $28.75, Sandwiches serve with mixed greens from $17.75 - $24.50. Kids can get a PB&J or Quesadilla for $9 each. More limited than the full bar and menu uphill at Nepenthe but easy to get seated/not too long of wait for table, less crowded and OK, but not cheap food. It is worth a stop here. If going further south there is another place called Ragged Point, depending on traffic, may be 2 hours more south. Enjoy.

    Photos
    View of cashier from aisle
    View of cashier from aisle
    Cobb Salad
    Cobb Salad
    Breakfast burrito

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    Breakfast burrito
    Nepenthe

    Nepenthe

    3.7
    (2.9k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$$

    Stopped on the way to Hearst Castle from yhr Bay Area. They…read morehave a cafe with a limited menu but shorter wait. We opted for the restaurant. It had a long wait (45 mins). Food is pretty expensive. I ordered the chicken sandwich. I get the hype. The sandwich was delicious. However the service was very slow. If you are on a timeline for your trip, the food and wait combined can be easily 2 hours. We just barely made it to Hearst castle before they closed. If your schedule is flexible then it is likely one of the best places to eat with amazing views of the coastline.

    Stunning views but subpar food, service was fine. Went with my friend during the week late…read moreafternoon, so luckily they were able to seat us right away, but I could not see it be worth the 1hr wait I see other people mentioning. Absolutely would NOT recommend the fries, $16 for McDonalds fries. Seriously, they tasted, looked, and felt like Mcdonald's fries but more greasy. The vegetarian burger was fine, not appalling but very bland. The bottom of the bread was so overtoasted it was hard like a crouton, which made it sort of difficult to bite into. For a $30 sandwich I would expect more. The bean salad on the side actually was pretty good. I think the waiter forgot to bring our water for a while, which was fine, but it did really seem like we were getting worse service after not ordering anything to drink. Also, they started cleaning up while I was waiting for my friend in the bathroom, and it seemed pretty empty as we were leaving, so I don't believe they needed to clear it for another party coming in. However, the servers were polite, so I can give them the benefit of the doubt on these fronts. Overall, I understand in some places you're paying for the view, but this is in Big Sur, you can get better views on the side of the highway. We could've had a better lunch if we made it ourselves and packed it, or even went to one of the general stores in town to pick up a sandwich. If the food was good, I would understand the price and hype, but it was honestly below mediocre quality, and I'm not a picky eater. Glad we tried it, but not a place I will return to.

    Photos
    Nepenthe
    Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad
    Grilled Chicken Breast and Salad
    Drinks (the red beer was super satisfying after a hike!)

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    Drinks (the red beer was super satisfying after a hike!)
    The Sur House

    The Sur House

    4.1
    (235 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$

    We accidentally found the place because it's right next door to a great massage place. The food was…read morebomb though. We're started with breakfast and it was a ten out of ten. I ordered an omelette with the mezcal margarita. Then we went back for dinner and it was just as good. I had a salad with beets that changed my life! So fresh. So flavorful. For my meal I ordered the short rib and y'all the food was so good!! Just trust me. It's next door Taboo, from the beach, if you're planning to attend there. Breakfast not photographed

    What started as a stop to charge my Tesla turned into one of the best side quests of our trip. We…read moreended up at Sur House because it was the closest restaurant to the Tesla Supercharger, and I'm so glad we did. The views are absolutely breathtaking, the restaurant is spotless, and even the restrooms were immaculate. You can tell they take pride in every detail. The service was exceptional. My son is a very picky eater and pretty much only eats salmon and Wendy's nuggets. Even though salmon wasn't on the menu, the staff went above and beyond to make it happen for him, seasoned simply with salt and pepper and cooked extra well done. He loved every bite. That level of customer service is hard to find. The food was outstanding, the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the general manager was genuinely kind. They were even hosting a private event, yet still found a way to make room for us and made us feel completely welcome instead of rushed. This unexpected side quest ended up being one of the highlights of our drive along the coast. Amazing food, incredible service, unforgettable ocean views, and a team that truly cares about its guests. I would absolutely recommend Sur House to anyone in the area, and I'll definitely be back the next time I'm driving through.

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    Inside
    Inside
    Rigatoni
    Rigatoni
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    Duck confit
    Post Ranch Inn

    Post Ranch Inn

    4.3
    (362 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$$$

    Unfortunately for us, Post Ranch Inn was one of our first stops on an eight-day coastal road trip…read more Unfortunate because they set a standard no other property or restaurant was going to match. I knew that going in. It was still starker than I expected. Start with the property. When that is the view off your deck, why go anywhere else? Stunning doesn't cover it. We hiked much of the grounds and every turn delivered something new. The kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. Then the restaurant. Everything was perfect -- service, quality, execution. Much of the food sourced on property or from the surrounding community. My wife declared the salad the best she'd ever had. High praise for a salad. High praise, full stop. Special shout out to our server Yasmany and bartender Thomas -- both exceptional. What struck me most was how effortless the entire staff made it look. These are people who deal with guests from around the world, all arriving with high expectations of a high-end experience. And yet nothing felt forced. Nobody appeared to be trying to impress us. It was just perfect service, perfectly delivered. That's the rarest thing in hospitality. Highlight of the trip. Hands down. And I suspect, never to be repeated.

    PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE MAKING A RESERVATION -- IT MAY SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS…read more If you are considering booking an ocean-view room at Post Ranch Inn between May, June, July, or August, I strongly encourage you to do extensive research about Big Sur's seasonal coastal fog before spending your money. Based on our experience, I would never book an ocean-view room during these months again. We paid nearly $10,000 for two nights in one of the resort's premium ocean-view accommodations because the breathtaking ocean views shown throughout their website were the main reason we chose this property. Unfortunately, during our entire stay, the ocean view was completely hidden by dense fog. We never saw the spectacular view that was advertised and pictured online. What disappointed us most was the lack of transparency. The website showcases beautiful, clear ocean views but does not adequately prepare guests for the possibility that the view may be completely obstructed for an entire stay during certain times of the year. If guests are paying thousands of dollars specifically for an ocean-view room, they deserve clear information about the seasonal risk of persistent coastal fog so they can make an informed decision. Throughout our stay, we repeatedly asked staff whether the fog would clear. We were consistently told that it would likely clear within a few hours. Unfortunately, that never happened. The fog remained throughout our stay, and we never got to enjoy the ocean view we paid a premium for. What made this even more frustrating was that, after repeatedly being told by multiple staff members that the fog would clear soon, one employee later told us that they were not supposed to tell guests that the weather was expected to remain the same for several days and that these foggy conditions are common during this time of year. According to that employee, this type of weather often persists throughout much of the summer season. I cannot independently verify that statement, but if that information was accurate, it raises serious concerns about transparency. Guests spending thousands of dollars for an ocean-view room deserve honest information about the likelihood of actually seeing the ocean during their stay. The room itself also had maintenance issues. The bar sink was clogged, and the shower valve/faucet was loose and repeatedly fell while being used. We reported both problems, but neither was repaired during our stay. Staff apologized, but no one came to address the issues. For a property charging close to $5,000 per night, I expected much better communication, transparency, maintenance, and overall value. I fully understand that the weather is beyond the hotel's control. However, what is within their control is how honestly they communicate the risk of seasonal fog to potential guests. Had we known there was a realistic possibility of spending our entire stay looking at a wall of fog instead of the Pacific Ocean, we would have chosen different travel dates, a different room category, or a different destination altogether. The property itself is beautiful, but based on our experience, the value did not come close to justifying the cost. If an ocean view is important to you, think very carefully before booking an ocean-view room during the late spring and summer months.

    Photos
    Interior looking out over ocean
    Interior looking out over ocean
    Post Ranch Inn
    Post Ranch Inn

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    The Village

    The Village

    4.3
    (37 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Beautiful beautiful little spot to stop by and grab a matcha and pastry ;) My matcha was…read moreexceptional. One of the best matchas I've had by far and even with trying macadamia milk as a whole milk substitute (which I have never done). I also tried their "mushroom" muffin cake and it was EXCELLENT. Sweetened to perfection by the mushrooms. My only complaint was the service - I was asking questions about the pastries in quest for the right one but the girls seemed rather irritated... the products were so good that I'll still be back!

    Like many others, we miss Big Sur Bakery dearly and were saddened to learn both of the fire that…read moreburned their facilities but also the expected timeline for their potential return (2-3 years). The Village has stepped up to fill the void and is a gorgeous space that serves as an event and wedding venue, dining destination, but most recently, has opened to offer upscale coffee and pastries in the morning hours. The selection is more limited than Big Sur Bakery but includes a solid choice of coffee drinks and pastries before offering some hot kitchen items like a breakfast sandwich starting at 9:30. The vibes of the building and the indoor and outdoor seating space are top notch with manicured lawns, rustic wood tables and open spaces. The Village only Parking is plentiful and its adjacent to the convenient General Store for supplies and the River Inn for lodging. We ordered a sampling of their $9 lattes (Chai and Matcha) and coffee (espresso tonic) as well as several pastries. The highlight were the candy cap (mushroom) muffins and chocolate chip cookie although I also enjoyed the baguette sandwich. Credit cards are accepted and there's plentiful seating inside and outdoor. Judging by the crowds, The Village is a welcome fancier (albeit pricier) option for those who miss Big Sur Bakery.

    Photos
    Candy Cap Muffin
    Candy Cap Muffin
    The Village
    The Village

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    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant

    Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant

    3.0
    (393 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Big Sur Inn is a convenient stop if you're driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Everything you need…read moreis within a short walk of each other: a restaurant, gas station, small convenience store for road trip snacks and drinks, and even an ice cream truck. One of the highlights is the peaceful creek behind the restaurant. It's a great place to stretch your legs, dip your feet in the water, and relax for a few minutes before getting back on the road. The biggest downside is the restroom situation. There's only one men's and one women's bathroom shared by everyone using the restaurant and rest stop, so the wait can get pretty long. Parking is also limited during busy days and peak travel hours. Overall, it's a nice place to take a break, refuel yourself and your vehicle, and enjoy a little bit of the area before continuing your journey.

    3 star only for location. Food was sub par at best. Ordered the ribs off the waitresses…read morerecommendation, bbq sauce tasted like a poor attempt to make their own from ketchup. Ordered a kids chicken strip, asked for a bun so she could make it a sandwich. Bun was $4.00 and came with a wilted piece of lettuce I was shocked was even put on a plate. Also ordered a milkshake. Warning-not made from ice cream but from a powder. My daughter said it was warm so I tried it and it tasted like a glass of whipped cream, not a shake. Location on the river is awesome.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Guac & Chips
    Guac & Chips
    Arnold Palmer

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    Arnold Palmer
    Solstice

    Solstice

    4.8
    (45 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    My girlfriend and I randomly stumbled upon Solstice while celebrating our anniversary & 4th of July…read moreup in Big Sur. We were greeted by the head chef & co-owner who made our experience truly magical. Tim & his team have created such an amazing & fun environment and the food absolutely rocks. It's not what you'd expect when coming to Big Sur, but I couldn't recommend it more because they expertly craft the menu day in and day out.

    Solstice: A Funky Snapshot of Big Sur's Soul…read more Big Sur is a special place. It is ready to celebrate you when your soul is singing. It will also sit with you when your soul is grieving. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. Come as you are, and the redwoods and beaches and sky and mountains will embrace you. And when you're hungry, check out Solstice, whose food captures Big Sur's spirit. I have been coming to Big Sur for years now with my wife, and we have come to celebrate life's highs and mourn the lows. We recently went to celebrate a special day, and in our online hunt for dining, my wife found Solstice. It looked like a new place--we hadn't seen the name before--but its straightforward menu looked worth trying, so we made a reservation for dinner Sunday night. If we could have made reservations for our entire trip, we would have. Full confession: I am no foodie, despite growing up in San Francisco and having access to some dynamite restaurants. I'm just a regular dude who likes yummy food. When dishes feature foam or a bunch of words I need to Google, I lose interest. I don't want a dictionary to know what I'm eating. So Solstice's simple menu really spoke to me. "Sweet Water Ranch Pork. Summer squash, mint, fermented honey." Cool. I know all those things. I'll cut straight to the most important part: The food was top-notch. My wife and I elected to go a la carte instead of the set menu. She got the salad and salmon; I got the squid/pork belly and pork loin. We shared the bread. The bread was warm and soft, and the crust featured a delightful crunch. I could have crushed a whole loaf. My wife had it with olive oil, I generously slabbed mine with butter. Excellent. My wife was a big fan of the salad, noting its freshness and how the pistachios in particular stood out nicely. The squid was just the right amount of bounce, and the pork belly had a delightful sweetness and meatiness to it. And as for the main course? Solstice hit it out of the park. My wife said the salmon featured an excellent crispiness to the outside while the meat was similar to lox--that delectable, rich salmon flavor. And the pork? Each bite was exquisite: the meat was the perfect moistness, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth feeling that make you want to dance, while the outside had a crust had a satisfying light crunch to it. I'll put it this way: Solstice's pork loin is my benchmark for what pork loin should be now. A lot of places have really delicious food and the restaurant experience is great--but ultimately, I won't remember it after a few months. I am going to remember that pork and will get it again when we come back. (Also, a big shoutout to our waitress, who asked if we had any food allergies or requests--in doing so, my wife got her salmon without the sauce, which made the experience even better.) As for the ambiance, you enter Solstice and you just feel like you're going to have a good time. The music is fun, the layout is inviting and funky, and they have a lounge where you can just chill with a cocktail. Whether you want to go for a date or a night out with your friends, Solstice will provide the good time. As someone who loves Big Sur, I am happy that a place like Solstice has entered the scene--it is much needed. It captures the funky vibe of the California coast so perfectly. I wish them success and can't wait to visit again. Come as you are, and you will leave Solstice happy.

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    Big Sur Roadhouse - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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