While in the San Diego area, I decided to get take out from the 101 Diner in Encinitas. As the name suggests, the 101 Diner is right off the 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway.
101 Diner Atmosphere: A
Right now, California is limited to outdoor seating. The tables at the 101 Diner are evenly spaced, and the employees are wearing masks. The 101 Diner seating includes a sidewalk patio, streetside patio, and back deck.
The decorations are a rustic beach vibe. It’s known as an old-fashioned American breakfast & lunch joint with surf decor, and that is exactly what it looks and feels like. It looks like a total locals place and has the local diner feeling but on a beach. It’s located on the main street, so not the typical metallic diner but a Mainstreet restaurant.
101 Diner Coffee: B
The coffee was alright. There wasn’t anything unique or unusual, but it tasted decent. I’ve come to realize to go coffee may just never taste as good as sitting in a restaurant and enjoying coffee.
101 Diner Food: A
The 101 Diner menu has everything you picture a diner to have. There is plenty of omelet and egg options, pancakes, and even banana Nutella stuffed french toast. They have the typical options like sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lunch, but this is one of the first diners I’ve seen to have chili! You can see the full diner menu here.
I decided to order a BLT on rye bread. I decided to go with the avocado option. It came with french fries. The BLT was excellent, and I liked the avocado add. I’ve been having a lot of BLTs lately, but I liked the uniqueness of the avocado. In the meal, the french fries were what really shined. (Which is hard because the sandwich was so good). The fries were thin and slightly crispy. Some of the best french fries I’ve had to date. In all, a great meal, and I would order it again.
101 Diner Service: A
The waitress was friendly, and my food was ready when I arrived.
Cost: $
For my BLT and coffee, it was $15.
Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back?
I liked the 101 Diner, and I would definitely go back when I’m in Encinitas. It was great food, the service is good, and I love the beachy vibe.
Atmosphere: A
Coffee: B
Food: A
Service: A
Cost: $10-15
Overall Thoughts: A
You can see more diner reviews here.
Questions for you:
Do you like avocado? Have you had in on a BLT?
What is your favorite sandwich?
It’s not a diner per se, but check out T’s Cafe in Solana Beach sometime. Yum!