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Shades Oceanfront Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Steakhouses Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants American (New) Steakhouses, Breakfast & Brunch, American (New) [Edit]
5083 Santa Monica Ave(between Abbott St & Bacon St)
San Diego, CA 92107
Neighborhoods: Point Loma, Ocean Beach
(619) 222-0501
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:30 am - 9 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
189 reviews for Shades Oceanfront Bistro
Review Highlights
"Highly recommend the Filet Mignon Benedict."
(in 3 reviews)
"The Carnitas Quesadilla with eggs are spectacular and the..."
(in 6 reviews)
"Breakfast , lunch or dinner you can't go wrong, seriously..."
(in 9 reviews)
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189 reviews in English
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Review from Gregg S.
Oceanside, CA
1/9/2012
Met some friends down at Shades this past Saturday during the giant waves that we had here in S.D. The restaurant is located in a great spot next to the beach with a view of the ocean. Good experience, nice views, and some delicious food.
The prices aren't super cheap, but you pay for the view and it makes it worth the extra coinage. I had some food envy with what my wife ordered, Filet Mignon Benedict. Had some and it was really good.
The also have some really good cookies, which you can also purchase the dough mix for your own homemade versions.
I recommend this place for a good breakfast/lunch destination. -
Review from Robb T.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
My wife and I have been here about 20 times so far for breakfast and I've been there a few other times just to have some drinks outside by the beach.
When the weather is nice (almost every day) the place to be is the outside 21+ seating. There is a nice view of the pier, beach, and local entertainment. During busy hours there may be a short wait, but this is a great time to order up a tall Fat Tire, mimosa, or bloody Mary. The only drawback for us is that smoking is allowed out there, but this may be a bonus for others. Also, the patio is dog friendly, and we like places that like dogs.
The food is pretty good. We have sampled both the breakfast and lunch. I recommend the carnitas quesadilla, bruscetta and eggs, or the local's omelet. My wife likes the BEAT bagel or the French toast. Breakfast potatoes are just OK. Coffee is just ok. non-dairy creamer is warming in the sun for you, but you can request nice cool dairy creamer as I do.
Service is hit or miss. There is an awesome waitress who works the 21+ patio most Sat/Sun mornings. I forgot her name but she deserves some props. Anyway, she is the one who is left handed and holds her hand in a funny way when she writes. When she is not there, service is not so good.
This is a good place to enjoy the day in a relaxed, mellow, OB kind of way. There is also ample indoor seating and another outdoor patio for all ages. -
Review from Nick T.
Redwood City, CA
1/2/2012
Came here for breakfast this morning with our kids. Great French toast, crispy bacon, and yummy corned beef hash. Everyone was very friendly. Highly recommend the breakfasts here!
UPDATE: We came here for lunch the next day. The frizzles (deep fried green beans) were a huge hit with my young kids (2yo and 4yo), as were the sweet potato fries. I had a California burger that was cooked just right, and big enough that I couldn't finish it. Great stuff! -
Review from Ry S.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
The VIEW is the best part-
but other than that it's just "ok."
Went here with a friend from out of town, and it was nice to say that "we will be eating next to the water for lunch today."
Afterwards, we even took a nice little walk on the pier that is really close by... maybe a minute walk.
FOOD
Was not bad, though a little pricey for the food that we received. We showed them our YELP CHECK-IN DEAL on our iPhones and we got free cookies.
OVERALL
Great place to take friends from out of town due to the view, but other than that it's just an average place to have lunch. -
Review from Chef L.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 12/26/2011
I'd love to give them Five stars based on location alone, but being by the beach with a view of the pier just isn't enough.
I went here on my birthday a couple weeks back because I had SO enjoyed my first visit there for breakfast many months ago. Well, sometimes you have to consider that there could always be a different chef in the kitchen.
I ordered the exact meal as before it was a total miss! The Filet Mignon Benedict wasn't even ordinary, let alone extraordinary. The meat was overcooked, the asparagus seemed to be a little long in the tooth, but the worst part for me is completely under seasoned food. The hollandaise was just yellow warm extra plain gravy. My hubby had the spinach and goat cheese omelet. Also, lacking any sort of flavor. It had way too much spinach just plopped in the middle and then a square of goat cheese dropped on top. Neither of us enjoyed the meal.
The only bright spot was that since I didn't eat my meal, the waitress sent either the Assistant or Manager over; she comped my meal and apologized. Offer to make something else, but as you know, somethings cannot be fixed. Once you've had a taste of a bad meal you just want to move on. She also gave us a $10 gift card for another visit.
Maybe we'll come for a drink, but not breakfast.Listed in: Brunch
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/10/2011
What a delight! Enjoyed breakfast here with a friend on a Sunday morning.
The service was great and… Read more »
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Review from Will C.
12/8/2011
Last time I came, they offered Lemon Stilton dessert cheese with bread. It was the best cheese I've ever had. I've been having wet dreams about that cheese ever since.
The end. -
Review from Joanie G.
Alpine, CA
11/20/2011
This is a great family run business that still cares about it's customers. The phrase "have it your way" is definately welcomed here, so be sure to ask if you like a little something extra on your plate.
I have been coming to Shades for a bit now, on and off. Travel means I can't come as often as I'd like. I've had lunch, dinner, and cocktails here. I have had the pleasure of sitting on the patio, inside by the window, and at the outside bar. The views are always good, but best from the bar outside at sunset...nothing better.
The food is good, and I have to say I'm hooked on the Cucumber Lime Couscous. One of the things I appreciate about Shades is their variety of items for vegetarians. I LOVE veggies, and their Grilled Veggies on some of their items are the BOMB!
So far there was only one thing I couldn't eat(the sauce and I didn't agree with each other), and when I told them about it they immediately fixed it. That wasn't enough for them though, the person in charge came out and politely talked to me about it and really listened to my comments. We ended up having a nice conversation and left feeling great.
The parking CAN be a challenge, but it's worth the effort to me. I travel from Alpine to enjoy the calm, friendly atmosphere; the good food; and the view.
Be sure to sign up for "The Shades Oceanfront Bistro Regular's Club" to get their quirky newsletter with upcoming specials and coupons! See ya at SHADES! -
Review from Adriana B.
Phoenix, AZ
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great little place to hang out and watch the sunset and have a beer while your dogs sit by your side.
The staff was pretty friendly. I didn't have any food so I can't comment on that but I will next time and I will be sure to update my review. For now, if you're over there, give it a try. Don't forget to use your check-in coupon. -
Review from Candace D.
Friant, CA
1/30/2012
Great experience for dinner! The portions were huge and delicious. The prices reasonable. The waitress very kind. I would definitely return. Had a locals vibe.
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Review from Dan D.
San Diego, CA
10/31/2011
Man...I hate to let everyone in on ONE of my go to places...but what the hell...
Atmosphere - Unobstructed view of the Ocean and OB Pier. Pet friendly and has and outdoor patio. Not too swanky...just familiar enough for OB but a step up from the typical establishments on Newport.
Food/Beverage - They have a 1/2 wine night...I think Tuesday? and HH with half off drinks I think until 6? Drinks are good and the beer selection is average. They are regularly voted best breakfast and lunch....I recommend the Pacific Omelet...but dinner is the real steal here. Nothing on the menu is over $20 and you get two generous sides (thank you sweet potato fries) and soup. Filet, steak and shrimp, artichoke chicken, stuffed fish, baby back ribs, etc., etc. etc. IT IS ALL GOOD. The swimmers (calamari) for an app are about the best I've had! BONUS: they have a regular deal where you get 5% back....not a huge deal but it is the best value already so.
Cost - As stated above nothing over $20 on the menu. Also while they do not participate in restaurant week, they do run a concurrent Buy 1 Get 1 1/2 Off special for dinner...and it usually runs for a month.
Conclusion - I feel like I left something good out of the review but to sum it up...good drinks and drink specials, huge portions, low prices, ocean views, good food, solid service.
Oh and this is my only 5 star review so far...so you know it's legit! -
Review from Josh M.
10/29/2011
Even late in autumn, the just-off-the-beach location packs them in for brunch. Be warned, the place can be busy. Luckily there are ample substitute choices if you find the wait too much to suffer.
Their chilaquiles carried enough volume of sauce for some runoff, but the tortillas remained predominantly crunchy rather than that ideal crisp-soft I prize. The sauce itself was chipotle style, and while the chipotle flavor was in evidence, it leaned more toward sweet than smoky. When countered with only a mild heat, the sauce demanded augmentation by bottled products. Garnishes leaned toward traditional preparation: sprinkled cotija and sour cream. I found myself missing their absent cohort: red onion. A little onion would have punched up the acidity and provided some additional texture.
My eggs were prepared correctly, as were the beans (or you can opt for potatoes). My service was fine and kept an eye on my drink levels despite a packed house.
Altogether you can clear breakfast, coffee, and tip for about $15 a head. Parking may be a block or two away at popular hours.Listed in: The Chilaquiles Hunter
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Review from Jessica I.
San Diego, CA
12/21/2011
I never seem to write reviews of my favorite places. I don't know if I'm trying to keep them secret or, since I've been there so often, I no longer know what to say... Regardless, Shades is one of my go-to spots. I love going there for a Saturday/Sunday brunch. My favorite place to sit is beach-side, along the railing, so I could bring my dog "The VinMister" with me and watch the people, ocean, and animals.
Nearly everything I've ever had, breakfast-wise, has been amazing. Some stand outs include the bloody mary, chevere and sun dried tomato omelet and the calamari steak and eggs. The only thing I think I've ever had there that I didn't like was this sweet bread pudding thing for breakfast. It was soooooo sweet, but I guess that was my bad for getting something sweet when I know I love the salty.
Finding spots in the dog friendly zone along the outside patio is largely a game of chance. I'm usually lucky so it can't be that bad. Wait until it gets warmer and head out there if you haven't been. It's so cool. -
Review from John G.
La Mesa, CA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Above average on everything. Not much else to say.
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Review from Katie M.
Malibu, CA
12/1/2011
Wonderful place to have breakfast.. Very Friendly , clean, timely, food was fresh and delicious. I sat on the left patio, watched Santa Claus and the Pier.. Other patrons were locals and very friendly .. Overall I would definitely recommend Shades Oceanfront Bistro ;) I will be back thank you.. Two thumbs up ..
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Review from Natural N.
San Diego, CA
12/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Great food. The menu was very unique and what we ordered was all delicious. Fish-n-chips were light and crispy. Delightful Benedict is made with a wonderful vegetarian twist. Spicy Bloody Mary and fresh brewed iced tea were both refreshing. It was really Loud inside though and outside was too chilly. We will return there soon.
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Review from Mandy L.
Half Moon Bay, CA
Time: 11:30 AM
Meal: Breakfast
Ordered: Orange juice, Crab cake eggs benedict, Smoked Salmon eggs benedict, cookie
General:
Prices are reasonable for any restaurant, especially oceanfront
granted seating requests
full bar
4-top tables (no booths, or 2-tops)
"pay at the front" style
Pros:
There are some really creative menu items, in addition to the regular stuff
It's easy to find
View of the beach from all seating
close to the 5 freeway
Cons:
Parking can be hard to find
Bathrooms are kinda dirty
It takes a while to be acknowledged before being seated
all orders are served with COLD salsa (for the side of potatoes)
Comments:
The eggs for both of our eggs Benedict's were extremely runny (raw?) and we both thought the smoked salmon eggs benedict should have had creme cheese and more onion and capers, because the smoked salmon is SO strong compared to the light flavor of the eggs, and not enough onion or capers. We also bought a cookie which was sold at the register. It tastes like it's from Costco.
I will go back. The menu is so extensive, there's a lot i want to try; and the view is so amazing, it's a nice place to relax and eat. -
Review from Tiffany H.
San Diego, CA
7/2/2011 3 photos
Came here on a Saturday for lunch with hubby. Well first off they have their own parking garage so that's a plus. The garage itself is tight and poorly designed but trying to find parking in that area sucks, so still better than trying to find street parking. The views of the beach here are awesome. You have a clear unobstructed view of the sand, water and pier. A nice place to people watch.
For the food he ordered the Peace Turkey Sandwich with a side salad and I got the Southern Belle Sandwich with a side of Pesto Couscous. OK he did not like his food. He said his sandwich was plain, bland and something he could have made at home, bummer. I however enjoyed my sandwich and side. My sandwich was tasty, crunchy and unlike a lot of other chicken sandwiches, not drenched in mayo. The pesto couscous was beyond tasty, full of veggies, very moist, not dry at all. I wish I could have brought a bowl of this stuff home with me, YUM-O!
The prices here are decent, $20 for two for lunch. It is a bit far for me so I'm not sure I would drive all the way here just for their food. But if I'm ever in the area looking for a bite to eat I'd come back. -
Review from mandy v.
West Covina, CA
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
So here we are, a little San Diego getaway, celebrating my 7 year olds birthday. I jumped on Yelp to check out what was a) not going to break the bank, b) had good reviews, c) was kid friendly and lastly d) was close to our hotel. After spending a good 30 minutes on Yelp I made the executive decision to hit up Shades. We were fortunate enough to find street parking right in front and when we walked in the restaurant portion of the joint was about 1/4 full and the bar area was completely full, after all it was happy hour. We got seated by a friendly enough guy and within a few short minutes we had waters on our table and our drink orders in. (sidebar: I did almost have heart palpitations when I saw that the kids juices were 2.95 each with 2.00 refills!! ack!) Grandma ordered fish and chips which came with another side, which she chose the sweet potato with maple butter. Her food came out piping hot and neither one of us have had such amazing fried fish! The batter was light and crispy, obviously friend in clean oil...not the stuff you usually find sitting in the fryer all day long. eww! The birthday girl ordered ribs and mashed taters, which trust me were no ordinary mashed taters....they were garlicky and has Parmesan cheese..holy moley! I ordered another sweet potato as her 2nd side and promptly relocated it to my plate when it came. Heavenly! Second born, my 3 year old ordered a cheese burger n fries...and wow the burger was really good. It wasn't the usual preformed frozen patty...someone had actually formed it by hand...amazing! Then the birthday girl got a scoop of ice cream with caramel sauce...meh, mediocre...no biggie, but then we cashed in our free yelp cookie and oh my heavens! The absolute best sugar cookie I have ever experienced....yes I said experienced...because it was delicious! Oh yes, let's not forget about the happy hour beverages...I ordered the Brian Skinny Peach Beach, yummmmy and Grandma got the Santa Monica, which was a frozen blended drink, which she enjoyed thoroughly! My only complaint....although the server was very friendly....she kinda seemed like her mind was elsewhere...she wasn't in any hurry to clean off the empty plates...leaving us to sit at a very small and messy table. No worries, we were on a food high and forgave her immediately!
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Review from Christopher S.
San Diego, CA
11/8/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Great place and great people from the employees to the patrons. Best part is sitting on the patio and watching the sun set with a cocktail in hand
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Review from Miri K.
San Diego, CA
7/4/2011
Not impressed with their customer service at all. Our waitress kinda sucked. No refills on my water and she hardly came by to see how we were doing, if she did come to check up on us, she quickly left before I could request for more water (my mouth was full!). I think she waits for the perfect time when both of our mouths were occupied with food. I swear she was a Jedi. I tried to flag her down with my mouth full but she just kept walking. Since she did her given duty as a waitress and wasn't rude or anything, so we gave her 10% tip.
The food was pretty damn good tho. Maybe becuase my bf and I both are on a low sodium diet due to high blood pressure, so everything that we put in our mouths seemed to be little pieces of heaven.
Burgers & sandwich were awesome and not overpriced like other places. With extra $1, you can add one side dish to your meal. I recommend Pesto Couscous...it was very yummy.
Altho, the customer service was non-existence, if you are on a date and would like to be left alone for some coziness with your partner, I would highly recommend this place. ha! :) -
Review from Janet T.
San Diego, CA
9/22/2011
After hearing much hype about how great Shades was, I finally got the chance to check it out with a friend.
The only perk was the outside seating facing the ocean. It wasn't busy at all, but the server took awhile to check on us. The overpriced coffee reminded me of one from a gas station and the half and half pitcher baking in the sun, that was there before we were sat, made me a little nervous to use it. Food arrived cold (I got an eggs benedict), and the pancake tasted like it was made from a box. Even our water had this slight punch taste to it.
Maybe their lunch is better, but most likely won't be back. -
Review from Shannon M.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Portions are HUGE and reasonably priced. Go big or go home here to get your grubbin on.
Shades has half of their seating outside, which is perfect to enjoy the weather and have a great view of the ocean and beach. Full bar is served here all day long, so you can get your bloody mary fix, or a beer anytime of the day.
Our server seemed to be a bit overwhelmed with her section, and our service was a little slower then I'd like. I ran out of coffee and water and had to finish the last 1/3 of my meal without anything to drink. Bummer.
Food here isn't anything over the top amazing. It's pretty standard breakfast food. I do admit that they make a perfect eggs over medium!
Come here for the view, and if you are in the area, just don't make a special trip all the way out here just to eat. -
Review from Carrie O.
Updated - 5/29/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Mmm, the weekend scramble (minus bacon, of COURSE) and the portobello omelet are incredible! Our waitress today (different one) was incredible, too. I am so floored by this place!! I love Shades & will definitely be back often! :)
PS: There is a wait on weekends, but if it's not a totally gorgeous day & you're willing to "brave" overcast 65 degree temps with some wind, you may find you can be seated on the patio immediately ;). That's what we did! Just bring a jacket!Listed in: Vegetarian & Vegan in San…, My Neighborhood (OB & Point…, Best of OB
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/25/2011
I loved having lunch at Shades today! Great little restaurant with a killer view of the ocean &… Read more »
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Review from Brian C.
Lakeside, CA
10/25/2011
My wife and I were going to go breakfast at Nick's (which is above Shades) but they were not open yet. So we went in to check out Shades. We were sat right away and everything was great. I think the view of the beach is better from Nick's but the food and service are just about the same. I would definitely go back to Shades sometime in the future.
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Review from Manuelillo A.
San Diego, CA
6/8/2011
Came here several times, always good times! good service and food is ok. but this Sunday I realized how some people just don't get it!
Me and my friend were there for about two hrs, we made our way to the front at the oceanview patio in about half hour. We were chilling, drinking beer and then we asked for food. For some reason we decided to eat standing up (not very confy chairs while eating) long story short.
A woman comes and asked for our chairs. We decline since we were using them and another friend was coming. 5 minutes later the waittress (bar manager) came and asked for our chairs, we said "no we are using them" she requested again and we said "nope" again. Then she started saying that we were not using them right now etc...
DUDE, NO MEANS NO!
Everyone in this business know that:
1) NO MEANS NO!
2) servers/managers never engage in a discussion with clients, specially, when the client has been sitting and consuming for more than two hours!
3) Please, have a little common sense next time and listen!
To top this out, after talking to the other manager a woman next to us started talking smak about us and talking wonderful things about how great was the service (to the manager we just talked). My God! why so much stoopidity within 5 feet ratio? we were just there for beers, bikinis and fun! so a messge to that person:
1) Mind your own business!
2) If you are going to give an opinion you better listen well, we said good things about the service and complaint about the fact that the waitress couldn't stand a "no" for an answer
2 stars for the shades this time :( -
Review from Shaina B.
Updated - 10/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
So I really think this has become my go-to breakfast place. I honestly can say that I still don't necessarily think that their lunch or dinner menu is fantastic--pretty average. But they just kick ass at breakfast! Their crabcake benedict is still at the top of my list and everyone else I've been with really likes what they get. Not to mention the great view on a beautiful, sunny day.
Listed in: The DL on PL
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2010
Shades is one of my favorite restaurants! Breakfast is definitely good, I usually get the eggs… Read more »
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Review from Andrea B.
San Diego, CA
7/17/2011
I've never had anything here that wasn't great. I LOVE their Sweetpotato Fries they are the best in town. Nice and thick and not overcooked.
They make excellent Omlettes, Sandwiches and Burgers and the service can't be beat.
My Dad says their BLT is the best he ever had & my Sweetheart loves their fish n chips.
You might have to park in the lifeguard station lot or the pier parking lot but it's worth the short walk.
Indoor and outdoor dining with a beautiful view. -
Review from Tara L.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Grabbed a seat outdoors and had some brunch. I got the Machaca Scramble and with the addition of some hot sauce and sour cream it did me right. I ordered the ranchero sauce on the side and so glad I did.....it was awful. It was more like marinara instead of ranchero.
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Review from Craig Y.
San Diego, CA
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had the power roast beef sandwich with sweet potato fries. The sandwich was seriously one of the best I've tasted in a long time.
We arrived with a large group just before the dinner rush. Service was fast and friendly. The atmosphere and decor inside combined with the beach view out the windows make for an enjoyable summer afternoon/evening casual dining experience. -
Review from Anthony A.
San Diego, CA
8/5/2011
The Good: reasonable rices, generous portion, great view view and outside patio
The Bad: Robotic server that forgot part of my order, food quality was just 'ok' -
Review from Becky S.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2011
Food was just okay. I judge a breakfast place by how they can do the basics: bacon and eggs. The eggs were spot on but the bacon was overdone & chewy. The sourdough toast was good but the homefries were just "eh." and the coffee was way too weak - more like something you'd get at Denny's or IHOP. I don't think we will bother again. For the price I'd rather go to Original Pancake House in Kearny Mesa.
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Review from Dani H.
Orange, CA
Updated - 1/26/2011
I went here two mornings in a row on my most recent visit to San Diego so now I can safely say that I wasn't just hungry the first time. Everything was spectacular like usual... eggs cooked just right, bacon upon bacon, beans, nomz.... I wasn't TOO thrilled with the sourdough french toast, it was kind of too thick and probably not worth the empty calories taste-wise but no matter.
Both times the person I was with got an omelette... and they are HUGE. I mean this in a monstrous sense. The first day my friend could hardly finish it. The second day, my other friend got a crab and shrimp omelette. Different flavors for breakfast for sure, but SO GOOD. I will definitely be getting that the next time I go. Also, home fries are the bomb. I am usually wary of "hash browns" or whatever other name variations when it comes to breakfast places, but these are actual pieces of potato, small enough to be cooked just right and rolled around in a great combination of visible herbs and spices, but big enough to get some joy out of. Directions: 1) Spear with fork; admire. 2) Dip in salsa. 3) Nom.
Have I mentioned how much I love that they serve salsa with their breakfast? And it's GOOD salsa too. We usually end up asking for more.
Yup, Shades is number 1. I find the prices to be very reasonable as well. I have yet to try lunch or dinner, but they have a buy one entree, get one half-off special for dinner right now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2011
I don't know what it is about this place... maybe I was just hungry. Actually, I must have been… Read more »
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Review from Helen K.
San Diego, CA
9/6/2011
I love this place...the location, the food (fish tacos are delish!), the ambience. I bring my out-of-town visitors here...and repeat visitors who always request we return here. It's great for any meal, but I generally go for lunch or dinner. I always sit outdoors where, even when it's chilly, there's less noise (except the occasional barking dog) and the lovely scent of the nearby sea. Friendly staff, great service, good food, and an ocean view....what more could you ask?
Listed in: Fave Eateries
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Review from Mary Ann D.
San Diego, CA
6/5/2011 1 photo
Come here a lot, one of my second best spot to hangout, beachfront location, great staff so attentive, good drinks and the dessert is to die for not to mentioned the smoking area on the other side lil' patio which is a big plus!!
As far as the food goes is okay nothing to brag about, pretty standard. -
Review from Katy D.
Atlantic Beach, FL
2/12/2011
Go-to breakfast spot. I have never had any other meal here so this review is strictly based on their breakfast.
Highly recommend the Filet Mignon Benedict! I have tried many other dishes here, none disappointed.
A couple other favorites that come to mind.. Asparagus & Artichoke Scramble and the California Omelet (avocado, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar and jack cheeses). nomnom!
I will honestly say though, the Spinach & Chevre Omelet could use a little less spinach. They really packed it in there and I ended up taking out almost half. I don't recommend skipping it though - it was really tasty. You just might want to ask them to go easy on the spinach.
Oh, and I can't forget to mention the mimosas!! A perfect addition to the perfect breakfast. :) -
Review from Michelle S.
Miami, FL
9/10/2011
Mmmm! Is all I can say! The prices in this place are reasonable, and it contradicts my theory of 'image over substance' which makes it a winner in my book. Half off wine on Tuesday's from an already reasonable price, views, great service and amazing food- what's not to love? FI had a burger he said was tasty. I had a crab stuffed flounder which was delish. Sides were asparagus (typical but tasty) and pesto couscous (yummy). Their soups were amazing! Waitress actually let me sample the ones offered that night to help in my selection. I ordered a mushroom and Brie one which was hands down one of the best I've had in a while. Overall, i had a great experience here and to top it all off-a view makes the meal complete!
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Review from Jason H.
La Mesa, CA
5/31/2011
As far as a great beachfront restaurant to eat at goes, this is pretty darn good. The food is very good for the price, and you cant beat the view. The staff is also very friendly and the drinks are THE BEST!
If your ever near Ocean Beach, skip the insanely long line at Hodads and head towards the sand where you'll find this beachfront gem. -
Review from Danny W.
11/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I want to love Shades...
They have an amazing view located right on Abbott with a clear view of the OB pier and the Pacific. The staff has always been extremely friendly and particularly fun to chat with...Many of them with hippie names like Star and Destiny. (Both very nice) The drinks are pretty good and reasonably priced considering the scenery.
The only problem is, I can't get a good meal here. I've tried thrice and each time have left with a "meh...I've had better" feeling. Call it bad luck...maybe the chef had an off day 3 times, maybe I've ordered the wrong menu items, but in my book three strikes equals an out.
I'll definitely do drinks and check out the best establishment in OB to catch a sunset, but I'll probably run up to Nick's next door for food.Listed in: OB's Where I be, Right near da beach! Boyee!, Champag-nay Brunch
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Review from Shannon H.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Perfect view, great food, and you can almost always walk in. Very reasonably prices, and large portions! Waitstaff is generally on the ball.
This is a great place to take out of town visitors!
My only wish is that they served breakfast all day long, because it's the best meal there. I recommend any of the scrambles...delicious. -
Review from andrew t.
San Diego, CA
10/3/2011
Always had very slow service and only so-so food. Just my opinion about this place. My girl likes it a lot....me, not so much. Hey, I'm just being honest. They do have a great ocean view. Go and make your own opinion. I've made mine.
