On my first, second, and third diner dates, I hadn't thought much about my attire. All that mattered was that I was comfortable enough to enjoy the greasy, hearty food that I expected at this type of establishment.
Today, however, my dates and I decided to dress in the Pinterest-approved “eclectic grandpa” style aka the ‘90s leading lady look. This called for big pleated pants, knit sweaters, and hats. Think Annie Hall or Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail.
By the time my neighbor (one of today’s diner dates), Brandon, and I had finalized our outfits, we were running fifteen minutes behind schedule. We quickly called an Uber to North Beach where today’s diner was located.
Our late-ish arrival was worth it. Our chosen looks screamed “frump with attitude,” a perfect fit for Pat's Cafe.
The exterior of this diner is the best one I’ve seen thus far. Bright macaroni yellow walls and a starburst-shaped sign made it look like it’s from a ‘90s sitcom.
As we approached the diner, a subtle ding of a steel drum floated across the wind. Outside the cafe was a two-person, steel-drum reggae band. The laid-back music wasn't exactly the jazz-type vibe our eclectic grandpa style called for, but it was definitely unique and we appreciated the oddness of it. We entered into the diner to the sounds of tropical beats.
At the front of the diner was a bar counter where coffee machines brewed dark roasts and mimosas were poured. A woman stepped around its high counter to ask us how many were in our party. We let her know that there would be four of us, the other two joining soon.
She nodded and sat us on the right side of the diner at a little square table. On one side is a booth which Brandon and I scooted into. Across from us were two wooden chairs where our other friends would sit.
It took them a bit of time to walk over from their North Beach apartment, so our fears of being late were luckily unfounded. This gave us time to peruse the menu and place an order: two coffees plus one mimosa. When my coffee arrived I was immediately obsessed with the mug it came in. Shiny white and featuring the cafe’s name in tilted letters.
Pat’s Cafe
While we waited, I took some time to note the overall appearance of this diner. The wall across from us was painted with a splattering of oranges, reds, and yellows, and framed artwork was arranged in black frames. The art featured a variety of artistic mediums ranging from photography to a watercolor sketch of Pat (the owner) herself.
Above the orange wall was a whirling tendrils of yellow paint. Interestingly, there was no counter seating at this diner, only tables, and—I’ve been told—it can get pretty crowded on weekends.
Our other two other diner dates (Hollis and Elliot) arrived, sporting long-sleeve shirts. Hollis wore a grandpa-approved sweater over her shoulders and sported an on-brand brunch-themed charm necklace that she'd handmade herself! If you love diners and diner food as much as we do, you absolutely have to check out her website here.
Then it was time to order!
I found myself torn between breakfast and lunch options. On my other diner dates, I'd opted for breakfast (I’m a sucker for a scramble), but today, I wanted something even more substantial. The menu offered a veggie burger with a side of fries which seemed like the perfect meal to satisfy my hunger that afternoon.
So, that’s what I ordered.
Brandon originally ordered the Salmon Eggs Benedict but was let down by the fact that they’d run out of their homemade hollandaise. He made a quick switch to the biscuits and gravy. Hollis ordered a veggie omelet with home fries and a side of toast while Elliot got the corned beef hash.
We also placed an order of mimosas (because why not??) and two social pancakes that were both flavored pumpkin and pecan.
Our food arrived and the burger was just what I was hoping for. I never make veggie burgers for myself, and there’s something nice about one that’s been grilled on a giant diner griddle, loaded with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles.
We were all pretty happy with the social pancakes too, digging our forks into their fluffiness as soon as they landed at the center of our table.
When everyone's mouths were full, I figured it was the perfect time to ask them my diner date questions.
Hot cakes and hot takes
My overall takeaway was that this group loves diners! I was met with such warm enthusiasm when I asked what they thought of these establishments that I knew I'd invited the right people on this date.
We immediately started chatting about what makes eating at these types of restaurants so nice, and I even got recommendations for a few other diners that I could add to my list.
“You know exactly what you’re gonna get.” We all nodded in agreement on this point. "It’s not going to be anything fancy, but that’s what makes it so great."
“You can be yourself at a diner. You don’t have to show up looking a certain way. You can come cozy.”
“Diners have that welcoming feel; they’re like a warm blanket.”
Go-To Diner Meals:
Hollis: A grilled cheese sandwich. And not the fancy kind. We’re talking white bread with barely melted craft cheese.
This love of a diner grilled cheese sammy stems from a diner in her hometown. Growing up, she’d always get a grilled cheese sandwich and a chocolate milk or a milkshake.
She went to her hometown diner so often with her dad that they started to make the grilled cheese a special way, just for her.
There did come a time when she’d grown out of this order, but there was no telling that to the diner owner (who she knew so well at this point, she and her dad even went to his daughter’s birthday). But there’s something so sweet about him always seeing her as the little girl who ordered the a grilled cheese and milkshake come rain or shine.
Elliot: Eggs Benedict, but also corned beef hash, but also French toast… let’s be real, he’s always on the fence about whether to go for a savory or sweet meal when it comes to diner dining. That’s why the social pancakes are always the best option.
Brandon: He loves an "eggs Benny" but will mostly go for a classic BLT.
Counter vs Booth:
The consensus from all three was that the preference was to sit at the counter.
“Love watching everything that’s happening.”
Pancakes vs French Toast:
To be honest, we got a bit sidetracked on this question because there’s apparently a diner in Paso Robles that has incredible cinnamon rolls and this was the sweet treat choice that beats all others.
Pat’s Cafe Ratings:
Overall, I’d rate Pat’s Cafe an 8.2/10 (+1 promoter point)
Coffee: 7.5/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Food: 8.5/10
Waiters: 9/10
Promoter points -
Nostalgia-inducing exterior: +1
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