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Categories: Seafood, Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhoods: Ocean Beach, Point Loma
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Oh boy! Did I EVER get lucky! Like to ride my bike out to the end of the Ocean Beach Pier and check out the waves and surfers! Yeah-I know..NO BIKES, but I am courteous and don't run over all those Vietnamese fisherman scampering about!
So I was cruising yesterday and hungrily looking at the little Pier restaurant and who should appear like an apparition...out of Food Heaven but my friend and neighbor-Barb with her sister-Mischie!
They HAD FOOD and plenty of it & asked if I cared to join them and sample some of it! Well, HECK YEAH I do!
So at no cost to my wallet, I got to enjoy the WOW (Walk on Water) Ocean Beach Pier Cafe food and drink! As other Yelpers have jabbered-the place is a little rundown and maybe even shabby, BUT that is part of it's unique charm and since it is always getting battered and hammered during the big Winter storms, why fix it up into a YUPPIE PALACE? I have said this a million times before--THIS IS OCEAN BEACH, for God's sake-scruffy is the way to be O.B.!
Anyways-the food was wonderful! Now whether that's because it was free, or I was hungry or that the brisk, fresh ocean air makes EVERYTHING taste better is up for debate. Firstly-the french fries-great but a little over-cooked and brown. I like mine light-thank you, and these could use a little less time in the hot oil. But the potatoes were unpeeled so that made them a little more natural.
The cheeseburgers looked divine and I tasted Mischie's lobster taco!!
Wow-REAL lobster sauteed and grilled-served in a corn tortilla with cheese, cabbage, white sauce and salsa! The "Pier Sinkers" were good but spicy. That's because they are jalapeno peppers hand stuffed with cream cheese, breaded and fried! These are big favorites with the "stomach of steel" crowd!
I must mention that my son's best friend has a mom who walks the pier almost everyday and RAVES about their breakfasts! Now I have never tried their notorious specialty pancakes but they do have pancake fund-raisers here for the Christmas Parade and such so I do know lots of people enjoy the carbo-crazy cakes! You get a choice of Mango, Blueberry, Banana Nut or Apple'N'Spice with either bacon or sausage for $6.25. One of these days...I am always saying!
Thanks to the generosity of my neighbors, I finally got to avail myself of the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe food and next time you find yourself throwin down in this town-come to the foot of Niagara Avenue and take the brief walk down the Pier to this great little out-of-way outpost of congeniality and wholesomeness-The WOW-WALK ON WATER Ocean Beach Pier Cafe!
People thought this was:
This place had so much potential. $40 later, a complete let down!
I is hungry. Oh, hey, lets go to OB and check out that cafe they have on the pier! Its such a great day out, this will be fun!
Nobody really greets us or anything. We sit down, order some drinks. I start really noticing how shitty the decor is. Crooked pictures, half-assed ship theme, grimy walls and tables. 8 out of 10 napkin holders were empty for the majority of our stay. Had to steal condiments from other tables since ours were missing/out.
Finally get our food (10 min AFTER the table next to us, even though we were there a solid 10 min before them)...its "meh". My man ordered a fish taco plate and all he had to say was "Well, the tomatoes are good". I had a mexican omelet of sorts...Bland. I wish I would have just made something before we left the house because I have all the necessary ingredients and then some. The portions werent even that big considering the plates were about $9 each. Even Dennys can hook it up more and they wont be serving you with plastic cups/utinsils and styrofoam plates.
Word to the wise, stay away from the famous 'Sinkers'...They claim to be fried jalapenos hand-stuffed with cream cheese and breading but its really just thanksgiving style stuffing, fried. You might be thinking 'Well, that actually sounds half-way d-lish' and I may agree. But it wasnt. Not even ranch dip helped...and you know, ranch saves everything!
Anyways. Food was blah. Service was blah. Overpriced. Grimy.
They are lucky the day was so gorgeous and I enjoyed the rest of my time in OB or I would have been a real bitch. Maybe I should give it another try or two before I leave such a harsh review but I HATE spending money like that and not being satisfied. Might as well just toss my cash over the pier, no?
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Looking for a fun place to go? Its at the end of Ocean Beach Pier!
I love walking out to Pier Cafe.. not only is it relaxing but they have great food! My favs are the Lobster Tacos, Cheese Burger with home made Fries! Best fries in town.. Also all of the breakfast items are good and cheap..
Insiders secret? grab your own menu at door and water in pitcher next to it and sit where you want! Server will come over with a smile that you already started getting ready
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My good friend and I came here last August or so and enjoyed it very much. I thought they were reasonably priced and the lobster taco was very good. The "clam chowder" was tasty but strange--it is spooned over a roll (not sourdough, just a dinner roll) rather than served in a bowl, But the flavor was good. The cole slaw was really good, homemade, I'm sure. She got the pancakes and said they were great.
I decided to go back here two days ago after picking up my grandson at the airport for his visit with us. We all really enjoyed it. I still think the prices are good--$4.50 for a lobster taco? Or $9 for the platter that includes the slaw and soup? That's not what I'd call overly expensive. H and grandson each got fish platters and ate it all. The french fries were pretty good--I sneaked a couple. H said the shrimp on his plate was exceptionally good and there were plenty of them. The fried fish was okay but not spectacular, though the breading had good flavor and texture and wasn't overly oily like a lot of fried fish..
The waitress couldn't have been sweeter. She is very personable and chatted with us since there were no other people when we got there. She is from Brazil and has been here 7 or 8 years.
I will be back soon--maybe next Tuesday when we pick up my daughter from the airport!
Tues. 6/16 I came back with my oldest and youngest daughters. Oldest got the lobster taco plate, I got just a mahi-mahi fish taco by itself, youngest got the Pier Platter. Oldest says she loved the clam chowder that was served over the roll, that was her favorite. The fries on the Pier Platter tasted home made, my taco was very good with good quality fish in it, everyone was happy with their food and the spectacular view. Pt. Loma Seafood's loss is the OB Pier Cafe's gain!
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She said she almost died that day. By the look of the waves, I believed her. The waitress at the OB Pier cafe got to experience first-hand the ridiculous waves we had in OB a few years ago - destroyed a good portion of the cafe, that they've clearly restored since then. She told us the story about how she had to run to the end of the pier where firemen were yelling at her to hurry between waves; or she might get knocked off.
That is one badass motherf***in waitress.
Oh, and the food is tasty. Have always gone there for breakfast, and it doesn't get much better than to sit into the middle of the ocean with a plate of french toast or mango pancakes swaying in front of you. The latter are unique and delicious.
Great place to bring the parents/siblings/old friends/etc when they're in town. Inexpensive, unique, and with one badass waitress.
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Seriously sharon was the RUDEST waitress i have EVER had. People were waiting in the doorway and she wasn't greeting anyone, it was really confusing where she wanted us to sit. When she was taking our order she was really bitchy to my boyfriend. She dropped the food off and never came back to see if it was even ok. When she asked us if we wanted refills she was harsh and it was a very uncomfortable experience. Never going back and I live in OB. Food is really greasy and I would think for a pier restaurant it would have a better variety of sea food. Plus if I'm going out to eat i don't really want to drink out of plastic cups and use plastic utensils. Very tacky.
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3 Stars because of the view. Food was not so good. I had the lobster taco. Fries were not completely cooked and way to salty. Others in our party had burgers, and the whole lobster taco plate. Personal gripe is that they only had corn tortillas. Crowd was sketchy at best. I think a mental patient walked up to our table and asked for our pickle. What was that about? I think she was high on something. The view is amazing though. Next time I will only go for drinks.
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If ever was a good date location, it's the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe. Located halfway out on the OB Pier, the longest of its kind on the West Coast, the Cafe boasts impressive views of the Pacific Ocean, and at twilight, magnificent, unmatched sunsets. To be honest, it's location is the reason why I give it 5 stars. So count the food/service 4 stars, +1 for location, location, location.
Lobster tacos here are a must. It's their signature item and they are truly delicious. They aren't cheap, but then again, it's a date. You don't want to seem cheap.
Service is not always as fast as possible, and depending on the time you go, sometimes I think there may not be as many cooks. But you don't struggle to find parking in OB and then walk all the way down a pier just for the smiling faces and the food, right? That said, don't expect the world of the employees there, but know that it's decent and will afford you all the time you want to talk about her.
The tables and chairs and decor are all quaint and homey, and it really offers you a chance to take in the beauty of the ocean. It's fun with groups of friends, or a 1-on-1 date. Either way, the OB Pier Cafe affords you some seriously awesome views, and great food to go with it.
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This is a perfect place to get breakfast or early lunch while on vacation. It's exactly what you're looking for on a beach side cafe-lobster, fish tacos, clam chowder, fun decorations, and a cozy environment with a family feel to it.
I had the lobster omelette (when in Rome...) and iced mocha. I'd recommend the lobster tacos-ha ha.
The place is exactly what you'd want for authentic atmosphere and a cool tourist spot. Funny thing about it is the whole "Jesus Loves Me" type theme of this place. But, whatever keeps this place on the market is alright by me.
Staff is pretty nice, food comes out quick, and the decor is kitsch. Try it.
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Lobster omlette is a must try, I stop here everytime I visit San diego. You can't beat walking out on the pier and having a nice meal at the same time. It's a little rundown but it's a really great little place to go have breakfast or lunch.
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What a perfect spot for a restaurant! Whether your days are spent walking or fishing along the pier, you are guaranteed to get a bit hungry, and luckily, halfway down the pier is the most amazing cafe! I am a fan of their hot chocolate and clam chowder. And you can't beat the prices! Perfect warmth in your stomach to battle the winds whipping down the pier.
The inside room is nice and nautical, and the few outside tables are smoker friendly.
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A friend and I tried to eat at this place twice in the past couple of months. The first time it was practically empty. The waitress brought dirty menus and left to talk with the two cooks. After about 10 minutes she came back but we had already decided that we could get a better level of service for less money elsewhere. The last time, most of the tables in the dirty little place were filled with people eating. An overpowering odor of ketchup prevailed in the air. After about five or ten minutes the waitress came to greet us and apologized that they were busy. We were left with dirty menus again and she went off to talk with the cook. The food prices were a bit high for a dump even though the view was good. Another five or ten minutes passed and we departed. I don't think the waitress who still was by the kitchen even noticed us leaving.
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Where else can you find tasty Lobster omelets and tacos?
I was there yesterday for lunch, waitress was friendly and attentive. Lobster taco plate was definitely yummy (I liked the included New England clam chowder in a bun) and bargain priced.
Sign stated wireless Internet but I didn't take them up on it.
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i think this place changed owners
a few years ago this place had decent cheap
food and
friendly staff
i felt like i was at dennys
had a waitress who threw the menus at us
and walked away and chatted with the cooks in the kitchen
ended up leaving
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This is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in San Diego. Decent food made to order, friendly service, relaxed atmosphere, and a fabulous view. The grilled cheese sandwich is a favorite. The salads are substantial. The burgers are HUGE! And you can't go wrong with any of the breakfast items.
If you still aren't convinced maybe you should read the review in Budget Travel magazine!
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Awesome view of the ocean. Laid back and great food! Good service, too.
The food is good and the location can't be beat; out on the OB pier with nothing but the water surrounding you. The food is a little too deep fried for my taste, but they have some great pancakes. I like coming here for breakfast. The service is pretty horrible for as small of a place as it is. I came here maybe a month ago for breakfast on a weekend and our server was overwhelmed, slow and rude to us. She didn't have a sense of urgency and it was one of the only times I tipped less than 20% and it felt good.
It's all about location. Where else in San Diego can you watch surfers while you eat pancakes? It's a cute place, food is ok and the place is small, so don't expect a waiter/waitress for every table. It's quaint.
Enjoy the view!! Enjoy the company you are with, and be blessed this place continues to stand! I miss it!!!
8 to 8 those are the hours of the OB Pier Cafe, open 7 days a week!
(Unless it's December and their rails were just ripped off by some perfect storm, *they might be closed on those days* .)
Other days you can see the view and enjoy the waves of the ocean while you EAT!
This place is kinda romantic in some ways, not in the fancy shmancy trendy expensive kind of way, more like the jeans and t-shirt enjoy yourself *BE* yourself kind of way.
Views for miles, my Canadian parents LOVED this place, I've got friends who are so-so on it, some people get all pissy about the tables not being all perfectly clean.
Some people love the charm of it, I'm from the latter group.
I highly recommend the lobster omelette's for breakfast. And if you are there a little later in the day, I like just a plain old corn dog sometimes with a coke and watching the view.
*=seasons news
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I am going back to this place someday when it is cold and foggy and I am in need of a hideout in san diego. And its not for the food (bad french fries), the prices (not impressive given that the food is bad), or the service (pretty good). Its the best non-ski-requiring location ever for hot chocolate - a cabin with big glass windows right in the middle of the ocean! Its a good thing they have bad food, or I'd never be able to get a seat.
People thought this was:
On a busy Sunday morning, we waited 45 minutes (NO exageration), to be served before we finally walked out without getting our order. There was ONE waitress, and ONE cook (Who seemed to be cooking only one order at a time). The place was at maximum capacity. The waitress said that the owner had cut back on staffing in order to staff his other restaurants. Poor girl was overwhelmed.
If an owner doesn't care about his employes & the service provided, just think of what else is not given any concern (Quality of food?!?!).
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This place is kind of cute, and their tacos are good. The lobster taco was a bit disappointing (teeniest lobster ever), but was so inexpensive that I would still recommend it. The fish tacos are great. Service is friendly.
The view in itself makes this place worth visiting. You get there by walking to the end of the pier and there it is. Out the window, you can watch pelicans diving for fish and lots of people surfing.
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I went here on X-mas day. I was surprised it was open. As a kid, my family would fish off this pier almost every weekend. I'm sure the same people don't run the cafe, but it still looks the same with the heavily laquered tables. There used to be a jukebox and I would love listening to music and drinking hot chocolate with my fishy smelling self during breaks from fishing.
I could tell at least one of the waitresses did not want to be there on X-mas day. She wasn't too bad, but you can just tell she did not want to be working on X-mas day. I don't blame her. She tossed menus to customers, and rushed around in kind of an unhappy way. The other waitress was a little more cheerful. So, the service ended up being great.
I ordered the blueberry pancakes with a side of eggs. The pancakes came with sausage. Lots of fresh blueberries in the pancakes. It was all very good. The pancakes were pretty big. I gorged pretty much on this stuff.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant mainly because of the location. Beautiful views of the ocean, and real people come here, people that fish. I feel comfortable at a restaurant like this.
3.5 for the food. 3.5 for the cheery but harried service. 5 for being out over the Pacific while having breakfast. PS- Bring your own silverware. They use plastic.
I was with a friend who used to live in San Diego and she said we had to go have a lobster taco. Never mind that we had already eaten lunch at Point Loma Seafood. Not tons of lobster and the service was slow but it tasted wonderful. Can't imaagine why anyone wouldn't love them and being out on the pier was amazing.
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It is a hole in the wall and quite a long walk on the pier to get to but I loved their thick clam chowder and their lobster tacos with the slaw. Also ordered fish tacos and a fried sampler platter which was good, not great. Nice to have the restroom near by since everything was sticky, I think from the ocean breeze, the laminated menus stuck to the tabletop, the chair stuck to the floor. They have a problem with flies, they hover inside the restaurant. Went on a Thursday in the late afternoon and it was quiet, we were the only ones there. Heard it gets busy here but didn't experience it. It is a nice walk back to the car, there is a lot at the bottom of the pier, the cool breeze was nice in the muggy weather.
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Unbelievably unique location, essentially hanging over the ocean off the side of the O.B. pier. Food is decent, but pretty over-priced. For the best lobster tacos check out South Beach. :-)
Definitely the highlight of my trip! As we cruised the pier and took in the salty air and great vantage point of sunset cliffs & OB, we noticed this little cafe smack dab in the middle. I also saw they had lobster tacos on the menu... umm, sold! Luckily, there wasn't anyone in the place. We sat on the north-side which had the water right underneath us and we could see the setting sun through the windows. While we were waiting for the food, I caught a glimpse of something in the water. A couple seconds later, a fin appeared... and another... and another! A pod of dolphins! Soooo cool! They were just hanging out, fishin' & catching waves about 100 feet from us! I was like a little freakin' kid with my face to the glass! After a while, they took off into the sunset and the tacos arrived. Yum YUM! I really have never had lobster prepared better. It was all spiced up and topped with pico and cabbage and huge! Totally hit the spot... and the whole experience made my day!
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they don't serve beer. what the hell is that? it's a damn long walk for lemonade. you can get V8 at the bait shop next door for $1.25 which can make you feel good about yourself when you're hung over. i give it 4 stars nonetheless because they are troopers for having a business that has to close down the exact days people flock to look at the beach (i.e., when the waves are huge).
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Thanksgiving Day Buffet!
San Diego, CA
Café Bleu to open soon!
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Category: Beaches
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: Ocean Beach
Category: American (New)
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