In addition to the huge statement which decorates the wall above and across the entire counter "ENTER AS STRANGERS LEAVE AS FRIENDS", is the consistency of food and service which Sandy's Cafe provides. We all probably know or for those of that don't know, if and when an owner is present (most especially in the restaurant industry), there is an extra special vibe due to their presence. They usually command simply by their example a higher work ethic and a slightly greater level of customer service. Sandy specifically is one of the most hard working sole proprietors whom I've ever witnessed. Some restaurant owners establish themselves and become like a celebrity and only meet and greet people. Sandy is the ultimate exception to the norm as she takes the time to meet and greet as many guests as possible, she busses and cleans as many tables as possible, and she refills as many drinks as possible therefore being of tremendous assistance to her wait staff while keeping her customers happy to be visiting her cafe in hopes of achieving her personal goal that you leave there as a friend. Sandy is a stellar example of what and how a local restaurant should be. So grateful to have crossed paths with Sandy at Sandy's Cafe years ago - right off of 101 at the Monterey exit! Will absolutely return and would strongly recommend!! read more

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After many years of supporting this hometown business, I am forced to say enough is enough. I have witnessed, along with other guests, Sandy chastising, berating and insulting her employees! This is COMPLETELY unacceptable and therefore I'll no longer be dining there. I've witnessed it too many times and should've stopped going long ago. As with OD's, the unprofessionalism of the owner cannot and should not be tolerated. The employees deserve to be respected, treated fairly and professionally. If there is an issue, which I understand can happen, it should be dealt with privately in a closed office- not behind server wall, counter or by the register. So, along with OD's I say adios to Sandy's... read more

I previously left a 5 star review for this cafe on another platform, and after a trip this weekend was excited to eat there again. Unfortunately, my experience this time was completely different and I won't be returning! As we were seated and after the waitress had taken our order, my wife asked if she could make sure that the drinks for the kids were in to-go cups. The waitress snapped at us that she was already doing that (which we had no way of knowing). I chalked it up to her just being busy and didn't think anything of it. Then, we watched our order get finished and put up on the counter - where it proceeded to sit for the next 20 minutes as it was ignored and had multiple other ready plates stacked ON TOP of our food before they made their way to other customers. When she finally brought it to us, there was food from one of our plates hanging off of the bottom of another plate. I mentioned this to the waitress, who thought I was complaining about the wait time (I was not - I worked in the service industry and know that sometimes things take a while - that wasn't my issue). The idea of something stacked on top of our food kind of grossed us out and turned us off eating there, so I told the waitress that we were just going to go. As we were walking out, the manager asked "Really guys? Please don't come back." I had tried to leave without making a scene as I don't like public confrontation or making a scene in restaurants (I'm the type of person to accept something minor wrong with my order without sending it back), but I told her not to worry, we have no plans to. I'm really disappointed in this visit and it's outcome as I enjoyed eating here, but after this experience - never again. Maybe some people don't have a problem with a potentially contaminated plate bottom being stacked on food they were planning to eat, but it really grossed us out. We won't be going back. I've included my original review below for reference, so you can see I didn't post this lightly. read more

Everything I've ever had at Sandy's Café has been super fresh and yummy. I think the service is fab fabulous and fast. I like the chicken fried steak, gravy, eggs, home fries, and they have really good coffee. read more

This is my go to spot in Gilroy. I come here regularly with my family to have breakfast. Sandy and the staff are always so kind, welcoming and accommodating. Everything is delicious with plenty of options to choose from. I highly recommend it. read more

The waitress who served us was terrible. She was not very welcoming and seemed eager to help everyone else except us. She even tossed the bill at our table without saying a word and walking away..... such mediocre service. It's pathetic that I get treated better by the employees at McDonalds. Absolutely would not eat here again. The service wasn't good and the food was not worth the experience. Also... if the rumors about the racism at Sandy's is true I'd be extremely disgusted, but not surprised sadly read more

Always happy to find an old-school family-run diner. This is one, complete with counter with stools and upholstered booths and a waitress who keeps stopping by to fill up your coffee. A respite of calm after my car breaks down near Gilroy and I have to stay in the adjacent boring Motel 6. PS There really is a Sandy! Breakfast and lunch only. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Cup o' Joe - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

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This place is right off highway 101 and not far from the outlets. There's ample parking. Inside reminded me of coffee shops back in the day by the decor and layout. We were seated right away and given drinks a few minutes later. The menu had the standard breakfast and lunch items. I ordered the scrambled eggs, hash browns, english muffin and coffee. Both the eggs and hash browns were very greasy. The service was fast, efficient and friendly read more

Sandy's Cafe - Eggs, hash browns and english muffin - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

Just drove by and decided to try it out. Amazing breakfast and will definitely return. Customer Service was great! Food was great! read more

Sandy's Cafe - Chorizo. Eggs. hashbown - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

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All good. Nothing off the charts great but solid service, solid food, clean and easy! No complaints. You won't go wrong with Sandy's

If I could do negative stars, I would. This place used to be great. I came in during a busy time, waiting is expected. But we waited over 30 minutes for someone to take our order. Instead of the servers helping us, they were too busy setting up a table for customers. Finally another table complained as well that we haven't received service. Two servers sat there arguing about who should take the table. Finally when one decided to take our order, we received no apology, and she stood there in silence. Didn't say a word or a simple "hi I'm so sorry for the wait, what can I get for you guys?" 20+ minutes later our food finally arrives, and it's cold. Not even warm. Also the server dropped off the check with our entrees. Pretty nice way of saying they didn't want us. The servers name was Paige. Terrible. She should be fired. I understand everyone has good days and bad days, but it's your job to accommodate customers.. considering we are the reason they are in business. The managers did nothing, they sat in the corner at a table chatting. Do not go to this place if you want terrible service. No wonder there is a sign on the front door that says "Experienced Servers Needed!" Service: -10/10 Food: 0/10 Side note: Paige is the worst server I've had at any restaurant establishment ever. I've had better service at Denny's and iHop!! read more

Always good food and friendly staff. Sandy's is like dining at a good friends place. We always love the atmosphere too. Great spot too. Thank you for your community support as well. Cheers. read more

Fried chicken was ice cold. Wife's potatoes were cold and soggy. Frozen Vegetables overdone. Used to be one of our favorites. Maybe new ownership or management? Our waitress was very friendly, upbeat and very accommodating . She seemed to be the only waitstaff in the place and was very organized and hustling. One star for food, 3star for service equals 2 star rating. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Soggy vegetables - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

The place looked a bit run down from the outside. We went in and sat at the counter. These gals are hustling, it's Sunday breakfast. The place was packed. They were all busy but still so personable. Spoke with the owner and she was very nice. Pleasant surprise this was a fun find, good food, old school place. It's not fancy but that's what made it even better. Good job ladies! read more

Clean with great food, perfect late breakfast meal with Sandy's Skillet. Convenient location right off 101 in Gilroy.

I have lived in Gilroy for 8 years and had heard about good breakfasts at Sandy's but never went there. That changed today when my wife and I and two others of our family went there for breakfast today. The place was bustling, but they got us seated in a few minutes. The vibe in this place is great. Our waitress, Hayley, was a force to be reckoned with. She was waiting tables, bussing tables, taking orders, serving food, and being cordial to everyone in the place. The service was wonderful, the food delicious, and all in all it was a perfect breakfast for all of us. I had the biscuits and gravy breakfast and my eggs were over easy and cooked perfectly. My wife had bacon /sausage and eggs over medium once again done perfectly. The pancake was the most amazing pancake I've ever had, really. It was so light and fluffy and delicious. This place is our new go to restaurant. Five stars for sure. read more

Yea no I've never left a yelp review before but I can't stand back and watch discrimination happen. You'd think I'm being dramatic but you wouldn't know unless you were there. So fucking disgusting. Two of my friends (both within a recent time frame too ) came here to eat and were both left distraught from the service they received. The workers are extremely stern and serious with them (they are both minorities) but when they were servicing the white customers they were all happy-go-lucky. Seating them in the back and seating more of the white people in the front, AND SLAMMING THE CHECK ON THE TABLE AT THE END WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING AND LEAVING???? They didn't even check on them either but were glad to check on and give their best service to those in the front (guess who's in the front???) ITS 2024. SOOOO disgusting that this diner is up and running still. If u want diner food, Gilroy has soooo many better choices. read more

Good first impressions are hard to come by these days. Sandy's Cafe made a number of good first impressions when my mother, sister and I visited while in town. The first good impression was the Yelp! reviews which convinced us to walk from our hotel to Sandy's. The second good impression came when we were greeted by a friendly young man who had our menus and showed us to our table. We knew right away this was a family establishment and all hands were on deck. Another good impression came a few moments before when we walked in the front door where we came face to face with some good old fashioned candy machines (see photos), but that's another story. Sandy's Cafe has a classic vibe, primarily because of the building which appears to have been built in the late 60's or early 70's. It's been modified slightly but there is no mistaking the old breakfast/lunch counter that I recall in particular restaurants during my childhood. The best thing is, in spite of the age of the building, it's very clean and well maintained. The menu is simple, inexpensive and sure to satisfy. The portions are generous (especially the pancakes) and our entrees were brought out very quickly. Everyone enjoyed their breakfast and were sad that we wouldn't be back unless we were in the area again. Speaking of those pancakes, my sister couldn't finish them. In spite of them having sat on the table until they were cold, they were so delicious, I dug in and did my best to finish them. They were really good! If you're in the vicinity of Gilroy, you should really give this place a chance to make a good first impression on you too! read more

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This place was a gem! Perfect breakfast spot on your way south. Great food, friendly service, clean and loved the atmosphere. Omelets were delicious. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Great Breakfast Spot! Clean, friendly staff, good food, and good service. Love the omelets! Biscuits were fluffy and tasty. - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

Such great food and service like the old days of good dine in . The family style greeting and hospitality is always great. We eat bfast and lunch here all the time. The location is perfect for us since we live by gavilan college. We recommend this place to family and friends all the time. read more

Their Motto is "enter as strangers, leave as friends". A better motto was never written! We actually met Sandy and what a sweetheart she is!!!!!!! (but don't get it twisted, because I am sure she can put her foot down! :) ) The breakfast was yummy and the coffee was great! The staff was super friendly and the place was well maintained! As the wife of a Law Enforcement Officer, we were very happy to see how well "family" was treated here! read more

A little pricey for a dinner! Nothing fancy just average food at un average prices! They are super friendly and pretty fast. It's a shame that you can't go there with 2 people and spend less than 40-50$ read more

What an amazing experience! We were immediately greeted by the owner and operator Sandy herself. She seated us upon entering the restaurant. You can immediately tell that the vibe is very positive when you enter. Sandy poured us some coffee and gave us our waters. I can tell that there were many regular customers dining in because of how friendly the atmosphere was. It felt like a big family get together. We browsed the menu and decided our order. I ordered the Maserati Omellete with a side of sourdough toast and tried their French toast also. My fiance ordered the waffle combo with eggs and sausage. While waiting I noticed that Sandy was serving maybe 7-8 tables and was serving them with ease!! Not only was she able to fill your coffee, deliver food to tables but also greet and sot incoming customers at the same time! I was witnessing great waitressing at its finest! Sandy was so welcoming and would sit with her customers and chat. It really felt like you were at a huge family breakfast gathering. She managed to talk to everyone and made them feel equally welcomed. The food arrived in 7 minutes and it looked delicious! I managed to finish all of it! While waiting I noticed a kid crying next to the gumball and toy machine. His parents didn't have any coins. Sandy noticed the boy and went to the register & grabbed some quarters. It was like grandma approaching one of her grandchildren. She said "what's the matter? Here grab what ever you like. No crying in my house today. It's gonna be all smiles and happiness today" Once we dug in to eat I noticed UFC heavyweight powerhouse Cain Velasquez! Sandys will be a MUST Visit for us now. I highly recommend Sandys when ever you are in Gilroy or coming from Carmel. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Food, average, thin blue line flag in front, a racist extremist symbol. Sausage overcooked, hollandaise sauce has no tang, pretty bland, hashbrowns are like mashed potatoes. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Proudly supporting domestic abusers (aka the cops) - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

Best breakfast burrito in gilroy! They were super fast and super friendly. Plus the burritos were huge and so yummy!

Excellent food excellent service ( Maggie) is my utmost Favorite!! Love her ! So does my sissy restaurant is always clean !! I love this place !! Wish I could go more often , but life is busy !! One of my Fav breakfast places ! Sandy is good people I appreciate her commitment to her bizz and to our community she rocks!! read more

Great service, delicious food (have not ate something bad ever there so far), homie atmosphere.

Came here for a nice brunch with my wife. I had been here once before many years ago and decided to come again since we were up early today. The atmosphere is nice, spacious room and great decor. The food options are massive. I decided to go with the aloha omelette with fruit and a pancake. My wife went with the Belgian waffle with a side of eggs and bacon. The omelette was delicious, the combo of pineapple and Canadian bacon really hit the spot. The pancake was perfect in texture and taste. The waffle...take a bite...pause...bliss. I don't have a big enough vocabulary to describe the awesomeness of it, but yeah it was delicious. The waitress was very polite and accommodating. She noticed my wife was pregnant and took the time to talk with us and share a bit about her family, it was really nice convo. Overall, this is a great spot with great food, great service and a change from the run of the mill breakfast chains. I highly recommend it. We will definitely be back as I mentioned earlier the menu is huge so much more for us to try. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Aloha omelette with a fruit bowl - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Such a great place for breakfast! The staff is so warm and friendly, it's like coming home! The food is always fresh and tasty. My grandson wants to know how they make their bacon taste so good! read more

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Nice remodel, super pleasant staff. The breakfast burrito was superb ! Highly recommend

Awesome food and service. We have come here a few times and highly recommend them. Home style cooked meals. Two thumbs up

Went for breakfast and the food was great and the service was excellent! Hash browns were perfect!!!! read more

Sandy's Cafe - Eggs Benedict - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

If you're looking for a pit stop: the food isn't bad. It's cute and cozy for what it is. They did mess up on my boyfriend's dish though.. They brought out the wrong one because we all clearly heard what he ordered.. We ended up stopping here to meet up his parents before going to the Porsche event last October. read more

Perfect little diner where everyone knows everyone. We've had the eggs Benedict, waffles, pancakes, omletes... All good choices. Today ordered the French toast and it was average. Overall great quality for the price. read more

Food was super tasty and the help was super nice. We'll be back... Prices were on par too.

This place was good and good vibes too we would come back for sure and great service friendly and very attentive as well. Clean place also just and old warm feeling to it we loved it. read more

Very nice little family run cafe. We have friends that live nearby that come regularly. We were in the area for family photos this morning and decided to come by and check it out ourselves for breakfast. We stuck with the classics- French toast and bacon for my son and I, eggs and bacon for dad. Just a solid, good, basic breakfast place. Nothing fancy or over the top. But delicious and good quality. They were also very friendly. They have all those little toy dispensers for kids on the way out, and they're all just a quarter so we let our son get one. We only had a quarter in change on us and the first one ate our quarter. I sent my husband in to break a dollar and they ended up just giving him 3 quarters. Then the next 3 machines we tried also ate those quarters. So the waitress came over, showed us the one she was positive did work and gave our son two more quarters and a small prize she had in her apron! It was a small kind gesture that totally made his day! We'll definitely be back any time we're in the area for breakfast read more

Speedy and friendly service. The menu is varied and you can pretty much customize any classic diner dish , be it breakfast or other. Loved the old school diner atmosphere- you can tell the restaurant has a history and Sandy and her staff were very pleasant. read more

First time for my family and I to experience Sandy's cafe . I must say our waitress Jaime was absolutely amazing! The food was also great. However to witness hearing my waitress getting yelled at by the owner was just ridiculous I truly felt bad for her. She went above and beyond to be treated like that especially for the customers to hear. God bless you Jaime! read more

Restaurant was neat and clean in the dining area. The wait staff were super friendly and the food was hot and fresh. The reason for the review is the bathroom floor in the women's restroom. It looks like it hasn't had a proper cleaning in years. There was debris on the floor and just looked all around dirty. read more