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Allen's Alley Cafe
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
124 Hanes PlVista, CA 92084
Neighborhood: Vista
(760) 726-4433
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 3 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for Allen's Alley Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Easily the best biscuits and gravy in North County." In 5 reviews -
"...good basic grub from a down-to-earth mom and pop stop." In 3 reviews -
"...on the recommendation of staff and got the Country Benedict." In 1 review
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42 reviews in English
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Review from RadHaz I.
San Diego, CA
4/2/2012
Went out on a misadventure for Sunday breakfast and this place was an absolute win!
This place doesn't pretend to be anythings it's not. Situated in an offshoot of the Vista downtown it's a cozy little mom & pop joint that I'd liken more to a diner than a cafe.
The prices were cheap, the place was jammed with people and yet the service was still very attentive, the food was great (we all had different scrambles and were very pleased) and the portions were hearty!
I almost don't want to make this review for fear of more people finding this diamond in the rough but they were so awesome I have to share with my fellow netizens! The only detractor to the cafe is the size it's pretty small but that's part of what makes the atmosphere so it's not really a problem. -
Review from Sarah S.
Oceanside, CA
I'm not sure if my husband will agree with my rating but he can get his own Yelp account if he wants a say ;) Last time we went here (about 4 months ago) we had a HORRIBLE experience. We sat at the counter and were ignored by a very young (under 18?) waitress, who I believe was in the family. We are very reasonable and let it slide the first few times but it started to rub us the wrong way through the rest of our meal. Then we were mischarged and had to wait to inform our waitress of the error, which took another 15 minutes to reverse. We were not happy. I swore I wouldn't come back and just stick to Curbside down the street.
Well, at his request, we gave it another go. It was much better this time. The wait was short even on a Sunday afternoon, and we got to sit outside. We had another young waitress (maybe the same girl, can't remember) but she was a much better server than we had experienced last time. Our food did take foreverrrr to receive once we placed our order, but I got to pet the lovely dog that belonged to the party at the table next to us. She was a sweetie, and kept me occupied so I didn't turn into a monster waiting for my food :) I got the Greek chicken wrap. I liked the concept a lot but it was extremely salty - maybe it was the feta, or the olives. I ate more olives in one half of the wrap than I've ever eaten in my whole life, total. I couldn't eat the other half. My husband liked his food. We shared a 1/2 order of biscuits which was yummy. Overall a much better experience than last time, and I would be more open to going back again. -
Review from Liz K.
Bonsall, CA
4/4/2012
Not the worst breakfast I've ever had. But, I've def had better.
It's small, 6 tables and 10 seats at the bar & 4 tables outside, with three servers, who appear to be family members. They seemed pretty harried & it wasn't full yet.
When our food came, one half of my husband's English Muffin went flying across my water glass & landed on the empty seat next to me. No big deal, stuff happens.
They took it & said they'd bring another. So they brought another half an English Muffin, which seemed odd. Made us wonder how they planned to deal with a 'spare' half. Not that he'd have eaten both 'new' halves if they brought them, just was a curiosity.
Home Fries were cooked to a crisp on one side & not cooked at all on the other. Appeared the kitchen was a bit harried too.
These issues wouldn't have been as noticeable or would have been more expected if they were crowded, but I guess that's just how they roll. -
Review from Tyler W.
Las Vegas, NV
5/21/2012
Hidden little diner looking breakfast spot. Biscuits and gravy was good as advertised and service was efficient. Breakfast burrito was about 3 out 5 stars, hashbrowns were great with gravy and homestyle potatoes or standard tasting. All in all, good prices, good service, and BISCUITS AND GRAVY. Next time i will share so i can try the peanut butter pie. for like 2.75
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Review from Bri R.
Encinitas, CA
2/20/2012
What a great little mom-and-pop breakfast place!
Small, but cozy atmosphere. The waitresses were all very attentive and friendly. The food was reasonably priced, and it was pretty darn yummy.
I felt like a regular, even on my first vist! -
Review from Susan A.
Vista, CA
4/22/2012
Convenient, have never had to wait, and enjoy the food. Nice to sit outside (there are two tables in the alley), very private. The staff is cute, sweet and attentive. I enjoy the apple & cheddar omelette, and they ALWAYS keep the coffee flowing.
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Review from Jack L.
Canyon Country, CA
1/29/2012 1 photo
When we lived in north county, Allen's was one of our favorite places to have breakfast. The biscuits and gravy is phenomenal - but really any breakfast on their menu is a winner.
Great service, coffee waiting for you out front (if there's a wait), and it's tiny like a sardine can inside - but no matter - the staff is smiling, people are talking, and the sound of silverware clinking on plates is the din of hungry folk being sated.
Give Allen's a try if you haven't already - it's worth every bite. -
Review from Brandon G.
Vista, CA
3/9/2012
I stumbled across this place while I was out once. Took me a little while to find the entrance since I expected it to be what I thought was the front end of the building...lol.
Anyways...onto my actual experience here. ;p I caught them near closing, so I had the place to myself aside from the waitress. As it says in its namesake and other peeps have already mentioned, the place does indeed look like an alley. Considering the place has been running strong for 63 years, it's safe to say that they have a lot of business. :)
After some time, I decided to try out the Spinach Feta omelet due to a recommendation from the waitress. I was impressed by what came out of the kitchen. The eggs were cooked just right and all the stuff inside including the sun dried tomatoes went very well together. I will definitely be coming back in the near future. -
Review from Noah D.
Vista, San Diego, CA
3/25/2012
Very good breakfast. Can get crowded but worth any wait. Another one of those places that looks can be deceiving.
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Review from A D.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2012
This place is literally the size of an alley, so expect to wait! There are about 12 mini booths that can seat up to 4 and then a counter with an additional 4 or 5 small tables outside. Thankfully I went alone so I only waited about 5 minutes for a father-daughter team to leave the counter. The servers are friendly and helpful and I placed my order in no time; however, it was about 25 minutes (literally, I timed it) before I received my food. Granted, it was about 1030 on a Sunday morning so that probably had something to do with it, but I hear it's always busy-oldest restaurant in town. I'll try them again earlier in the day and see if it helps! Ha!
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Review from Tom M.
Northridge, CA
2/8/2012
Another place I've been coming to for years. I may be on a first name basis with 90% of the employees there now, but by no means is that the reason I come here. We know eachother because I've been there so many times. Every hangover cure begins here. Even if I'm not hungover and just awake early enough to get breakfast, I come on down to Allen's where i know the food will be excellent and the service special. They have specials every single day, and fresh pies always on hand. Eat up, cuz it's actually well priced and will feel you're getting your money's worth.
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Review from Merrilynn G.
Chula Vista, CA
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here on Sunday morning, it's located well, in an alley! Good food, OK service. The table we were seated at was dirty, and all the waitress did was wipe it down with a dirty-looking rag. I had to bust out my wet ones to feel comfortable eating, especially since I had my two year old with me. We ordered our food and drinks, both of our orange juice had an old taste to it, and wasn't as cold as it should have been. We waited 15 minutes for our food to come. Mind you that the waitress serving us decides to talk mindlessly to the table behind us, but it seemed like she was flirting more than talking. Paying bare attention to us and the fact that we had a two year old, one would think not to say the F word. Well we heard it from her. I wish I had gotten her name! She was nice but when you're at work, every little detail counts. Bottom line: good food, OK service, would come back but will request a different waitress.
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Review from Keith N.
Escondido, CA
12/13/2011
One of the best breakfast places in Vista. I'm not a big go-out-to-eat-for-breakfast kinda guy but hot damn... Great hashbrowns and sausage gravy, ICE cold milk and delicious bacon.
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Review from Robert H.
Vista, CA
2/11/2012
BISCUITS AND GRAVY
sooo good. classic north county diner to eat at. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Orange, CA
7/13/2011
A sweet, reliable little diner. I lived about ten minutes away for the better part of my childhood, so we visited for brunch quite often. I've never had a bad experience here, largely because of the service -- always prompt, friendly, and familiar.
Foodwise, breakfast is always a great way to go. I've never been a fan of biscuits and gravy (sacrilege?), but everyone else in my family is and they all rave about it. My personal go-to is the breakfast croissant with hash browns, though I like to substitute some bacon instead of the ham. I've had the burger a couple of times as well, but it's nothing to write home about.
I've never been blown away by a meal here, but it's good, dependable comfort food, and sometimes that's all you need. -
Review from Wendy B.
5/9/2011
Yesterday was Mother's Day. The day that everyone decides to pack the family, and granny, in the car and go out for a special meal, starting around 8 in the morning. Well it was 9 in the morning, I was getting hungry, we were packing our bags to say bye bye to our resort for the last week, and.....Oh oh. Breakfast! We had not made reservations anywhere. I had a couple of places I had wanted to try out, but was there a chance in He** to get in anywhere? Being a staunch Pollyanna type, we jumped in the car and took our chances anyway. And there it was, in Vista, a cute, teenie tiny hole-in-the-wall place hidden in a one-way alley. Aptly named, Allen's Alley.
Could I believe my eyes? Only three people were waiting outside. They got seated immediately. Amazing, considering the inside is the size of a shoebox. Meanwhile I had jumped out of the car, put in our name, and helped myself to the insulated coffee carafe that was sitting on a table outside, next to the bench and 3 chairs. Well, howdy do. Then, along comes older couple #2, who sat in the remaining two chairs. Got to chatting, and by the time the hostess called our name for our table, we were having such an animated conversation and enjoying each others company, we decided to eat together. I like that. Mutually, none of us had ever eaten there before and were taking our chances. Well, maybe not that bad, because my friendly Yelpers, you had already done the ground work for me.
So... service was pretty good, considering the importance of a holiday that always falls on a brunch-splurge Sunday to boot. We each had one of the omelets. Everybody was happy. The potatoes were crispy, food had plenty of flavor, good biscuits and gravy, good coffee. My only complaint, the mushrooms. They were most likely canned. Honestly, I don't really know for sure, because we were having such great conversation, I forgot to check closer. Not like me to do that. But really, we did have very decent food and we will come back. Breakfast, about $22 for two. And two new friends in quaint little Vista.Listed in: Breakfast, Puppy places, San Diego County
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Review from Pamela S.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had pork chop & hubby had the corn beef; it was yummy. Also had to try the biscuit & gravy, When in the area we would definitely eat here again. Staff was very friendly.
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Review from Shelly T.
Monterey, CA
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good breakfast for such a small little place.
I had the omelet with apples and cheddar cheese. I was hoping that it would take like another omelet I had once with green apples and feta. Unfortunately it didn't and I was disappointed. The food tasted good, I was just wanting the strong flavors I had in the other omelet and didn't get that, as it was just red delicious apples that absorbed the flavor of the eggs.
Our waitress was really nice, and the people around us all ordered without looking at the menu, leading me to think that they were regulars! -
Review from Tony K.
Vista, CA
8/25/2011
I went to try this place out hoping they had good food. I was not disappointed, except that their "shredded beef" machaca was really only ground beef.. a little false advertising.. it did taste good though.
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Review from Morgan M.
PACIFIC PLSDS, CA
10/2/2011
Cheap, simple, delicious. A total Mom and Pop. Everyone is very friendly. Could use a little updating though.
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Review from Mike M.
Carlsbad, CA
3/24/2011
Easily the best biscuits and gravy in North County! Great portions and great food for a good price. If it wasn't taking days off my life I would eat here every day.
A very cozy dining room and a couple of tables outside make this place feel just right. I would be tempted to take off a star because of the lack of mimosas, but the food is just too good. -
Review from Nathan W.
Oceanside, CA
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been coming here for over a decade. The food is awesome, and the ladies who work there are top notch. The owner, Charlie, is a great guy and is reflected in the quality of his place, good, and staff.
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Review from Maria B.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 12/19/2010
Can I just get a "Hell yeah!" for thriving local small businesses? After a long (read: over 2 year) period since my first visit, I decided to treat myself to some brunch today because I have nothing else available to eat but a bowl of oatmeal. I scuttled across the street in the rain to Allen's Alley, intent on finally trying a stack of hotcakes. I sat at the counter between two regulars, glad to have the option because at 11am on a Sunday morning, the place was busy and people were waiting for a spot to open up. The waitresses were all on point, smiling and chatting with regulars (one even gave a guy a Christmas card), refilling the coffee, and getting orders taken care of quite smoothly and quickly.
And that's not to mention the fact that those hotcakes were, indeed, the best I've ever had in my life. I asked for a side of bacon, and it was MY kind of bacon: thick and crispy to the point of being straight, and not swimming in its own grease. Good coffee too. I sat with my book, content to take notes and occasionally glance up and people watch. I didn't feel bothered or rushed or too entirely out of place among the crowd that has generally been there a lot more often than I have. (And I live less than 500 feet away!) I should make it a point to come here more often, and so should you.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/26/2008
I went there for breakfast this morning based on Abigail's recommendation. I was all set to have… Read more »
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Review from Elizabeth a.
Vista, CA
12/8/2011
best dam biscuits and gravy in sd!!! and servers are to die for :)
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Review from Matt M.
Monterey, CA
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really a decent little dinner. The food wasnt spectacular, but I had no real complaints either. I had some pancakes which where a bit dry, and the girl had apple cheddar omlett which was a little bland. But, thats why I gave it three stars. If your in the area you probably cant go wrong here.
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Review from Taryn W.
Vista, CA
10/5/2011
We were excited to try out this small place in Vista. Had to send my grilled cheese back because the cheese wasn't melted. Took over 30 minutes to bring another one. Will NOT be going back!
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Review from Dee-Dee M.
Vista, CA
11/6/2011
Love this place! They make great food and their service is really good. I would just suggest that when they have a large number of people waiting for available seats, that they keep better track of who came when. But in all honesty the place is awesome. I used to go to the French Bakery but their service and food just went down hill. I love that I have a weekend breakfast place I can go to that makes good food!
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Review from Cody L.
Vista, CA
12/27/2008
The place does everything right as far as breakfast goes. Its a small cramped place with incredible food and good people. Their Bicuits & Gravy are contenders for the best I've ever eaten. If you're in Vista and you want breakfast, look no further.
If you don't like the food or the people here, you're probably an asshole and it'd be better if you didn't come in anyway. -
Review from Anthony S.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2011
Pretty good basic grub from a down-to-earth mom and pop stop. I really appreciated the refrigerator behind the bar counter that was covered with the family photos, it made me feel like I was eating at an old friend's kitchen.
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Review from Abigail G.
San Diego, CA
3/16/2008
I'm actually a little hesitant to review this place - since it's been SUCH a great, hidden, local gem. They've been around for as long as I can remember and it honestly feels like you're walking into someone's kitchen... complete with a fridge in the middle of it all - plastered with family pictures.
You might get a slight "out of place" feeling if you're not a regular... but everyone is wonderfully polite... and it's definitely worth it, if you want the BEST freakin' stack of pancakes you've EVER had in your ENTIRE life... go here.
[+4 stars for that alone]
I'm not even a big fan of pancakes for breakfast - unless there's a mimosa to go with it... but honestly, I'll gladly make the drive from Normal Heights to Vista ANYDAY for these ones.
I can't say I'm a fan of their sausage gravy and biscuits - since it's sort of too "piggy" for me - but I can't hold that against them too badly... especially since they serve fresh squeezed OJ to wash everything down with.
I wish I still lived down the street. :) -
Review from Marc H.
Vista, CA
Updated - 1/18/2011 3 photos
Took the recommendation of another reviewer based on the recommendation of staff and got the Country Benedict. If you like the biscuits and gravy, you'll love this. English muffins topped with ham steak and poached egg and smothered with sausage gravy. See my picture above. Everything I've had here is awesome and always love to try new things. The only disappointment I've had here is maybe the small portion size of the friend chicken. If you are pressed for time, I strongly recommend calling your order in advance.
I've been going here for a few years and it was nice to see these folks participate in the Taste of Vista last year. I hope they attend this year so if you can make it, you can sample the biscuits and gravy for the price of a ticket. Skip the Sonics at least once and try these guys instead.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/24/2010
You could drive by it every day and not know it's there. It right behind the new Sonics. Amazing… Read more »
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Review from Baron V.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2011
What is it about a place that makes you regularly drive 35+ miles for breakfast? Outstanding Service, Outstanding Food, and Home-town Atmosphere. Allen's has it all. The Harb family has successfully cultivated a small hole-in-the-wall eatery into a local landmark. Whether you eat here daily, once a month or for the first time the staff is great and the regulars are friendly and easy to chat with. Yes, the place is small, But the food is a good as it gets.
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Review from John S.
Vista, CA
4/7/2011
Dive Breakfast Category- Great food inside a shotgun shack with tables and a counter, or outside under the retractable shade awnings. It has not changed in twenty years, and probably never will. Go there for great servers and food, or with that special someone you hope not to be seen with. http://www.allensalley...
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Review from Mike F.
Vista, CA
8/15/2010
Great food, Monte Cristo sandwich ...My Favorite!!
Eye candy wait staff -
Review from Terrance B.
Vista, CA
8/1/2011
Very simple. Great Mom & Pop shop. Always busy, (scoreboard!) great prices, maybe best breakfast in Vista.
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Review from Andrew D.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2011
splendid little breakfast spot. kinda hard to find if you're not with someone who knows their way around though. but i guess since its called allens alley you wouldnt expect to find it on any main drag.
the breakfast was good. the service was even better. i cant say i make it to vista very often but if i ever find myself in the area again i will for sure stop by. -
Review from Mike P.
Vista, CA
8/17/2011
Always reliable with good quality food and fast friendly service. Don't be afraid to sit at the counter where they will take good care of you. This is always are favorite spot for breakfast in Vista.
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Review from Jim M.
Vista, CA
12/8/2009
Been living in Vista for about 24 years and never knew this place was there. Just happened to run into it just this past weekend so my wife and I went in there again today to give it a try.
The place definitely has it's own following...lol. When we walked in the place was pretty crowded, but we did get a table right away. It's small inside (only seats maybe thirty people or so). Decor inside is nothing to write home to mom about. Lot's of newspaper clipping from days gone by, and a lot of civic involvement based on all the plaques hanging from all the youth sports teams they have supported.
Food was good for the most part. I had the chicken-fried-steak and eggs, my better half had the Ortega Chili omelet. The steak and gravy had a strange taste to it, but it was okay. The rest of the food was pretty par. Portions are large, and the prices are good for the size of the meals. Waitresses were pretty busy dealing with the crowd, but they could have smiled more and acted a little more friendly.
The place is definitely worth taking a second look, after all it's been in business since Jesus was an alterboy...lol. So they wouldn't be in business this long if it wasn't good...right? That said...I'll be back.Listed in: Comfort Foods
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Review from Shalina G.
San Diego, CA
7/26/2011
Super friendly, fast service, and huge portions - every time! Warning: get ready to get in a long line on weekends for breakfast!
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Review from anon c.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2011
OK, I've been eating here for years and it just occurred to me I should write a review. I'll be brief.
The best damn breakfast place in the county! It's a second home to me and a lot of the regulars. The food is amazing, the pancakes made from scratch and not some mix from huge bulk Costco bag, and the coffee just blissful. My favorite part, and I'm real particular about this, the bacon isn't pre-cooked then just heated when you order it. That type of bacon is no better than flavored plastic. The Alley's bacon is cooked fresh to order. To me, that says a lot about a restaurant's commitment to great food.
The soups are great, the burgers unbelievable, and the pies -- well, prepare yourself for the pies. Finally, the place is family owned. Charlie has got to be one of the most loved people in Vista. He's a genuine, friendly guy who loves to hang out with his customers. Alicia is funny and just loves to gab with everyone, and all the waitresses are quick, take good care of you, and are damn cute.
Yep, the best breakfast anywhere!
