CAFÉ 67, LAKESIDE EATERY WITH HOMESTYLE CHARM

First in our series on the best roadside diners along East County's highways                            

An East County Eater review by Ariele Johannson

April 24, 2013 (Lakeside)--Cafe 67 in Lakeside is a delight, featuring great home-made food and an entertaining vintage ‘50s “movie” decor. The restaurant atmosphere is “old-fashioned diner,” but even better. Patrons take a step back in time when they enter this eatery decorated with old movie posters, antiques, ceramic icons like Betty Boop, and movie star portraits.

The menu at Cafe 67 is also reminiscent of old movies, TV shows, and cartoons. The Kids’ Menu has several choices with names such as The Fonz, Lassie, Snoopy, and Spanky. Best of all, the food is hearty and home-made, with breakfast and lunch served all day at the Café.

There are many reasons to order breakfast at any hour The traditional choices are offered: eggs any style, pancakes, French toast, and waffles. For omelettes there are multiple choices, including the RPM Today Gang’s Any Way Omelette, with your choice of four ingredients from a long list. Monterey potato cakes, home-style breakfast potatoes, hash browns, or grits come with egg dishes and omelettes.

For lunch, my dining companion and I enjoyed two of the popular main dishes: Ranger’s Texas Burger and Porky’s BBQ Sandwich.

First, we were served a cup of homemade split pea soup that was thick and creamy with carrots, chunks of ham, along with a great subtle smoky flavor. Since the burger comes with green chilis, the waitress brought some for me to sample for spiciness. They did not make the burger too picante and went well with the sautéed onions, jack cheese, lettuce and tomato. What made the dish really special, though, was the burger served between thick slices of grilled egg bread. Porky’s BBQ sandwich had soft and tender pork with a delicious BBQ sauce.

Menu choices include sandwiches (cold, hot, and grilled), a variety of salads, pasta dishes, sides and desserts.

Specials are featured each day. Since we stopped in on Tuesday, the special was Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, big enough for two!

One patron, who generously allowed us to photograph his Pot Pie before indulging, told us he eats at diners and eateries across multiple counties due to traveling for his job. “For consistency,” he stated, “Café 67 is a great place. It’s always good in here.” Terry, the cook, is responsible for this consistently delicious food. As for the Tuesday special, it always sells out fast according to our waitress, who was quite friendly and helpful.

Café 67 is open every day of the week 6 a.m.-3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. Take out service is available.

Brenda Asaro has been the owner for seven years. Brenda created The 67 Deli for people who cannot get out of the office to come over to the restaurant. The 67 Deli is open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with delivery service (free within three miles) for specialty and sub sandwiches, salads, and drinks. A banquet/party room complete with dance floor is also available on site.

Café 67 is located at 12381 Mapleview Street at the end of Highway 67 in Lakeside, CA. Their phone # is 619-443-4100.

Menus can be viewed at http://www.cafe67usa.com.