Food was good. Staff were kind. If you're looking for a diner type place to deliver diner type atmosphere and food, this is the place. I enjoyed it. I'll be back! read more

Food was pretty good for its quantity. Was definitely full. I didn't get the servers name but he recommended the country fried steak. I was stuck between that or the corn-beef hash. So I went with the CFS. The gravy was a little watery but I powered through it. The steak was good but the hash browns were amazing. I'm a hash brown kinda guy so the hash browns saved the experience. Pancakes were amazing. I love me a nice fluffy pancake. I loved the at home feel. Inside could use a little updating but it was nice. Overall had a good experience. Who knows I might come back again and try the Corn Beef hash next time. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Pancakes - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Food is good, local, diner feel ambiance. Service was excellent and food came efficiently and server was attentive. I'd come back. We had the chili egg scramble and veggie omelette. Didn't sit heavy, not greasy, presently clean. Perfect way to start your day. read more

Great little diner. It's small but the food is fantastic. The better buzz next door can make it challenging to get in the driveway.

Let me first of all say I'm all about supporting small, local businesses and had high expectations based on the reviews on some good ole comfort food. I ordered the country Benedict and my husband the country fried steak with scrambled eggs and as you can see they gave us fried eggs :( My country Benedict was not good; potatoes were warm and the country gravy COLD. My waiter did bring me a new one which was hot, however the eggs were overcooked and the country gravy was lacking flavor. The pancakes were dense and not light and airy and all the food was just warm. The Machaca was mediocre, nothing memorable there either. Disappointing experience and will not be returning 2-stars only because the waiter was friendly read more

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This place should be packed everyday. The food was good and decently priced! The woman who said she volunteers was so nice! My waiter was awesome too read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Jr. Pancake Combo - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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We first arrived, and we noticed seating outside with a large canopy and some with umbreallas. We went inside and asked to be seated, and we were told to sit anywhere. There was no seating available inside. There were a couple tables under the canopy outside but no chairs at those tables. We chose to sit outside at a table under an umbrella. We noticed the sun was beaming down on us pretty badly, so we adjusted the umbrella ourselves to help with the sun. Someone came by with menus and asked what we'd like to drink. We both ordered coffees and iced waters. I loved that they had flavored creamer in a dish when a lot of places don't. The server came by with our coffees and waters and took our order. I ordered the classic eggs Benedict with has browns, and my husband ordered a country fried steak with hashbrowns and sourdough toasts. We noticed the couple seated next to us left. As we waited for our food to arrive, the dishes sat there at the table next to us with nobody in sight attempting to pick it up. The server brought our food to us and refilled our coffees as well. We saw they brought my husband's sourdough toasts with 2 little strawberry jelly packets, but he never was asked what kind of jelly he wanted, and there was no jelly at the table like most restaurants have. For my husband, it didn't matter cause he didn't even use jelly on his toast if there was butter on the toast already. We both enjoyed the coffee. It was fresh and strong just like we like our coffee. My eggs benedict was okay. The hollandaise sauce was very bland, I even had to add my own salt to it. The ham steak that came with it made up for the tasteless hollandaise. The ham steak was very delicious and a thick cut. I also liked the hashbrowns as well. My husband liked his country fried steak and hasbrowns but says it was nothing to write home about. I'm not sure if we would come back, but if we do, I would try something else and not get the Benedict again. Overall, it was "decent" diner food and a good price. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Sourdough toast - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Mine and my family's favorite breakfast place! They have amazing food with plenty of options and the best environment for everyone. Jose and Stephanie are the absolute best servers. Highly recommend for a yummy breakfast. read more

You will def leave this place feeling satisfied and full! The parking lot is extremely small, small patio area, and unsure of the size of the inside. Enjoyed a Sunday brunch on an overcast day. The customer service is excellent, our waitress was very attentive and friendly. The food came out in a timely manner and it was fresh and flavorful. Got the breakfast burrito without sausage add ham, and I was very pleased. Hubs got the sausage, pancake, hash browns and eggs, and boy was the sausage tasty. (I'm not a huge sausage fan) the food portions are massive! can't wait to come back and try something else! Thanks for a great first experience! read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

I believe everyone needs a good greasy spoon close to home. Except nothing's really greasy here..! Anyone remember Jane's Country Kitchen in Lemon Grove? Wow. Tell me your stories. One trip was enough for me. Have to admit, totally forgot to review this spot! Been here about 4-5 times and it happens to be the most solid breakfast joint near me. They are a limited hours type place I think 7-2p or 3pm. That's it. Even on all-you-can-eat fish fry Fridays, which I've never been, they close early. A serious no-frills diner with very good breakfast plates mostly under $10. Very old decor, tables, and even some employees. Which I don't mind at all, of course. But very well-kept, and solid consistency on all orders. Nothing will really ever "wow" you here, but who cares. They are simple with presentation but always get the orders right, and overall good service and value. An alternative option to Denny's or IHOP and not much different besides being a tad better in some respects. Actually I do like IHOP a lot, but the last time we went it was like $50 for us three. This is why I hardly ever go out for breakfast. With an egg poacher, a waffle iron, a Ninja, and a good non-stick pan, you can make almost damn near anything you want. I have all of these. read more

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Friday breakfast with a friend. Bacon was crisp and delicious. Eggs over easy were a little too runny but ok. Fruit instead of potatoes was a pleasant surprise (not on the menu but available by request). Coffee excellent and refills kept coming, lovely. Parking is a little odd. Plenty of seating outside and some inside which was filling up fast at 9 am. Recommended. read more

We wanted breakfast on Memorial Day but realized everyplace was pretty packed so we found this little restaurant out of the way. We ordered: Spanish omelet no cheese with bacon Chicken fried steak Denver omelet The food portions are quite large. The service was really slow but they were packed.. I understand they are short people but the food took a long time and it took awhile to get coffee refills and we had to ask for waters 3 times... So let me be clear the food was good. However I have dairy allergies and get really sick when I eat it.. I told the server this and said no cheese she put it on the ticket but when the food came out I took two bites and realized it had cheese all inside it.. the server apologized and brought out a new one but the damage was done. So I got really sick after we left. The food that we did eat was good. But the dairy issue is why I won't go back. This additional response is in to Agustin Z's response: We were checked on but due to it being busy and you all only had one server and another helper we were not checked on several times and coffee refills and water took a long time. l Just had a chance to post the review as not everyone can post a review the day they go to the place. So my posting a review a day or so later is not usual. We were not made aware of a discount, please advise what this was. The food was good, however dairy allergies or any allergies to food are serious and can have painful reactions when eaten. This needs to be taken seriously. Have a great day!! read more

I have come here a handful of times and I couldn't be more impressed by this little hidden gem! The menu has a great variety of classics with generous portion sizes. Service was friendly and attentive, I am definitely coming back :) read more

Our group of four was seated quickly this Sunday morning. We sat outside, where there were umbrellas and canopies available for shade. It feels very homey here, with cozy seating. Our server was really quick to take our drink orders- which were orange-cranberry juice, orange juice, lemonade, and coffee. I really enjoyed their hot coffee- it was smooth, and they had vanilla creamer and half and half available at the table already. The server was really attentive and efficient. I ordered a French toast combo, and it was a perfect- the eggy coating made for a nice crispiness on the bread. Unlike other diners, their hash browns actually have seasoning on them- they taste like butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. My sister in law loved the Belgian waffle she ordered as well. We agreed that this is a good place for sweet items. I only tried a small piece of my partner's chicken fried steak and pancakes, but I was not impressed with those items. The coating on the chicken fried steak was quite thin, perhaps made of a breadcrumb mixture instead of a batter, which makes for a thinner crust than I prefer. I didn't try the pancakes but my partner noted that they did not taste like they were made from scratch. Granted, he is pickier than I am. Anyways, I am excited to try something new next time. :) read more

Shirley's Kitchen - French Toast Combo with sausage and a side of hash browns - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

I like Shirleys Kitchen. But, I went there with my wife. My wife ordered, 2 eggs, toast, and coffee. That turned out to be almost $15, I ordered a plate of 2 eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, and toast. and an orange juice.$20. The food is good. don't get me wrong. but the bill was closer to $50 with tip. My wife could've ordered a breakfast that included everything she wanted plus more. I wasn't given that option. Look, I'd rather pick up $10 dollars of ingredients at the store and fed a pack of 5 homeless people for the price I paid. Parking sucks. I love Shirley, but for the price, I'd rather have a football party at my home. unfortunately, I think all sit down places like shirleys, dennys, ihop, are going to end. read more

Nice little spot for breakfast. I had the Chicken fried steak. I asked for it crispy and they cooked it perfectly. The meat inside was a little lower grade than I'm used to hence the 3 stars . The coffee was good , eggs were good .. The servers were on top of it read more

Five star value for traditional diner faves like corned beef hash & eggs or their chicken fried steak & eggs. The pancakes look pretty tempting too. Shirley's kitchen isn't much too look at but the staff are friendly and efficient esp refilling your coffee. I always come here for the breakfasts when I'm in the area but fortunately for my lipid panel I can't come by as much as I would like. The traffic going to the coffee place next door is a nuisance but I usually get here right after opening when its not a problem. read more

At first I was skeptical about their breakfast, but to must say that the meal didn't not disappoint. But I have to admit that their coffee was probably one of the best coffees I've had in San Diego. read more

Great place to visit for breakfast. I ordered the chorizo and eggs with a flour tortilla. The food was delicious and came out quickly. Our server was very friendly and attentive. There's covered outdoor seating as well as indoor. We chose to eat inside at a table. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Chorizo and eggs - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great food, great people. Been coming here for over 15 years. Staff is always friendly and when you walk in you are always welcomed to sit where you want. Coffee is always hot and the food is always cooked to order read more

This little hole in the wall has the best food and service in La Mesa. I can always count on a good home style cooked meal!

Great service, good was delicious and affordable. Love the old school dining room very comfortable and clean.

Good old home cooking, nothing fancy but the food is good. They have a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items available.

I have been coming here since I was a little kid, this place is the definition of nostalgia for me. It's located right next to a bar that opens at 6 AM so I'm sure you can find some entertainment early in the morning. Breakfast and lunch options are vast and they will accept any substitutions, the staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. At the moment they have a large outdoor dining space if you are Covid nervous, but they have a very cute quaint indoor dining area. This place is not Regal or fancy, but they serve you the basics in great taste and fashion. If you're looking for a great breakfast spot sans the Mimosa this is a great spot to check out read more

Shirley kitchen is one of the best breakfast lunch place to go too and have a great food experience. People that work there are outstanding the cooks are the best and what they do and the waiter and waitresses are the best outstanding caring how they take care of you. I've been going there for years my dad is the one that got me to try Shirley's kitchen and I've been going there since I've been having breakfast with my dad every other Friday and me and my wife will go on a Saturday to have breakfast or lunch what are the best place to try it have a good breakfast and lunch, you won't be disappointed. read more

ABSOLUTELY delicious! Quaint little diner that has the most courteous wait staff. It's the basic local diner where the older crowed shows up same time on a daily type of place. The parking lot is small but there is street parking and some park in the neighboring lots. They are always packed but the wait is not long at all for a table and also not much wait for the food. We have ordered the Country Benedict every time it is that good. You can make special requests like extra crispy hash browns and they come through no issues. The food might be easy to make at home but we have even gone multiple times in a week because it is good food great service and the consistency is spot on. What you expect is what you get every time. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Country Benedict - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

Shirley's is an old school diner serving delicious classic dishes. I love chicken fried steak and theirs definitely lived up to my expectation. The chicken fried steak combo is a huge portion (could easily feed 2) and comes with your choice of toast or pancakes, hash browns or fried, and eggs your style, all for a very reasonable price. They have indoor and outdoor dining with parking readily available in a small lot adjacent to the restaurant. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Chicken Country Fried Steak - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

The food is great for a hearty breakfast. We're visiting from out of town and we always have breakfast here when we visit.

I honestly can't say enough good things about Shirley's Kitchen. When you first enter this breakfast joint you are hit with the "old school" feel. Retro feeling tables and chairs with picture frames hung on the wall really set that Sunday morning feeling. My go to when coming here are the Sausage, Sunny side up eggs, hash browns, and sour dough bread on the side. I also like to order a half order of their French toast which is to die for. The only thing I can think that they can improve on is the consistency of their hash browns. Sometimes they are super well done and sometimes they have perfect crunchy crust with a soft inside. read more

I enjoy coming to Shirley's for breakfast. Decently priced. Staff is friendly. You may bring your dog and eat outside Cons: they no longer serve grits. Major disappointment for me read more

Rough around the edges, Shirley's Kitchen is one of those decades-old diners your parents and grandparents have likely enjoyed since they were wee ones. Indeed, Shirley's seems to cater heavily to families, seniors and This has become a go-to place because you can usually find a free table when most other breakfast joints in the nearby areas are enjoy waiting times upwards from 30 minutes. OK, OK...I know how that sounds. But Shirley's isn't that bad. Menu items are standard: French toast, biscuits and gravy, grits, steak and eggs and decent omelets (especially the Ranch). The eggs Benedict offerings are good, though the Hollandaise sauce is sometimes too thick and offered as a slather, which can be overwhelming. You will also find a menu section with Mexican-inspired offerings, like huevos rancheros and chorizo. The "Jr. Breakfast Menu" for the little ones has tiny pancakes, Pigs in a Blanket and mini omelettes, for example. Shirley's also offers the regular daily specials and all you can eat fish fry on Fridays. In all, I am usually more impressed with the service than the food. And the place can sometimes be the pits. On our last visit, a yelling match broke out between two tables and the staff could not control the situation at all. But we will return. read more

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Overall, amazing. Service: 11/10 so friendly and incredibly fast. There was only one server that we saw but he was super friendly and quick. Food: 10/10 we got the french toast meal and the 4pc fish & chips w/ clam chowder. They were both delicious. Probably best fish and chips i've had in a while. We got there an hr before closing and there was almost no one. Area around in general isn't the nicest but it doesn't take away that the restaurant is cute. We sat outside with our dogs (it was very well shaded.) Forgot to take pictures of the food it was so good! read more

One of my favorite places in La Mesa. If you want to support a small family owned business, Shirley Kitchen is your place. The pancakes and French toast are delicious. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Delicious!! - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

Food is super good, big portions. Not very busy and good service. Only drawback is...the mustard tho! Don't have me out here doing the "stadium squeeze" with these yellow packets. All jokes aside I totally recommend this spot. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - The mustard tho! - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

It's true! His day is just as nice as everyone said. He was my server. There are certain preferences which I have when I order at a restaurant, and he did everything he could to accommodate me. A delicious mushroom, spinach, and onion omelette was great. I think next time, I'll order it with the cheese inside, instead of melted on the outside. I think it needed to cook a tiny bit longer, I think the eggs were a tiny bit runny, but overall a great and healthy omelet! The country potatoes, or whatever they're called, were delicious! I sat outside on a beautiful, warm fall day. Yes, is everyone says, the pancakes are fluffy, and were included as a part of my meal, and the syrup was nice and thick. I liked the relaxed atmosphere, and Jose's kindness, and I plan to return soon! read more

The service was amazing to both us and our dogs. Brought the dogs each a water bowl and they offered the pups a plentiful amount of milk bones. read more

100% transparent review. Parkings a little tight Food is 100% worth every bite.(I got the biscuits and gravy plus) Service was great, the young man serving made returners feel like regulars. Will definitely bring my family back not only for the food but to also add a little color. read more

I had a very nice breakfast at this local spot. I ordered the huevos rancheros, which I really enjoyed. I asked for extra salsa and they brought it out with my plate (didn't have to ask again or wait to get it later). Even though the place was very busy, the service was outstanding and the food came out very fast. Great neighborhood spot! read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Huevos rancheros - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

Wife and I were in the mood for country fried steak, and wanted to try somewhere new. So we decided to stop by Shirley's. Let me start by saying we loved it. I have high expectations when it comes to my country fried chicken or steak, and Shirley's definitely surpassed my expectations. We will definitely be back for more. Thank you for the wonderful breakfast and thank you for your amazing customer service. read more

Solid diner brunch + Mexican brunch joint. Solid chicken-fried steak & gravy. Also liked their machaca with eggs. Only downside is the outdoor seating is in their parking lot. I wish the dentist next door could lease out their weekend parking! read more