- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Pacific Diner
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Diners, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
3821 S Pacific AveSan Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 831-5334
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sat 6 am - 4 pm
Sun 7 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
87 reviews for Pacific Diner
Review Highlights
-
"By the way, get the John Wayne Special." In 3 reviews -
"My fav is the breaded chicken cutlet and eggs." In 3 reviews -
"...less than four stars did not try the Marinated Steak Bits." In 5 reviews
Loading...
87 reviews in English
-
Review from Jennifer C.
Torrance, CA
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ok, yes this is a diner. But what makes this place great is not only the small town feel but the hearty, quick and homemade salsa and pico de gallo that makes this place a true gem!
Yes, I spent a few years in the area that make this place near and dear to my heart. Those places can be so few and far between that it's important to support and give back to them.
Hence my motto: "All about the Mom & Pop shops!" -
Review from David B.
Tujunga, CA
5/12/2012
I was in San Pedro yesterday morning early and stopped in here right after they opened for breakfast-this was my first time ever to this diner.
From the moment I walked in, I was made welcome. Vicki the server behind the counter was immediately friendly, engaging and helpful. She made several suggestions on the menu, some of which I went for. The steak was outstanding! What the marinade is they would not say (I did ask) but defiantly the best breakfast steak I have had in a while.
Portions were generous but not overwhelming. The choice of breakfast came with biscuits and gravy, which as those Yelpers who have read my other reviews know is a big breakfast item with me. All I can say is they do it right! A 9 on a 10-scale! Potatoes were done just right, not blackened to death as often is the case at diners, and real potatoes, not hash browns.
The several other patrons in the diner at that time were all locals who also engaged me in friendly conversation and made me feel welcome as well. We all introduced ourselves by name. None of that "Locals Only" feeling one gets in some venues. When I was leaving, I felt like I had been going there for years.
All in all a great experience, one I hope to repeat soon, since I have upcoming business in San Pedro, so I will be back! -
Review from Janina M.
Long Beach, CA
5/6/2012
We considered going to Gaffey Street Diner and decided to read their reviews. We came across reviews for Pacific Diner and thought since it had better reviews, we'd go here.
It was fine.
20 min wait
10 to 15 for our food.
Food came out nice and hot.
That breaded chicken and eggs is super delish.
Overall, it's nothing to go nuts for. Basic, hearty servings, decent food.
I still say, Eggs Etc in LBC can't be beat. -
Review from MICHAEL A.
Torrance, CA
3/27/2012
i came here a few weeks ago - they have their own version of everything.
i am not sure what is up, but for some reason, i did not really care for this place.
service was a bit slow - but the people there are very nice ((three stars for the nice workers there))
i had a john wayne or something like that... .sounded good.. had all the stuff i like to eat.... but it was "ok" -
people rave about this place - just isn't my cup of tea.
i say try it - you may be amazed. or, disappointed.
sorry pacific diner - you are not my idea of breakfast -
Review from J F.
San Pedro, CA
5/24/2012
Worth it for the multi-grain pancakes alone. Ask for real butter, you won't be disappointed. The grandma waitress is my new favorite person because she'd check how much you we're eating and said 'good girl' to my 19yr old daughter as she polished off her strawberry waffle (which was proclaimed AWESOME!). Since we live around the corner, definately going back to try the pastrami scramble!
-
Review from Jerry H.
San Pedro, CA
5/23/2012
If you like brown lettuce and eggs that look like they came from a pigeon you will love this place. I can't see anyone with a sense of smell and taste enjoying this place. looking around it's a group of locals I would be coming there since they were 7 years old with their parents if you were to ask them why they come there I would say because we come here. there are a lot of words to describe the pacific diner but I don't think fresh is 1 of them.
-
Review from Ticha B.
My friend lives in Pedro and I would have never found this place. Pacific is almost at the end of San Pedro in the Pacific Ocean...I mean on Pacific.
After an early morning volunteering in the area, Pacific Diner hit the breakfast spot. They have their own parking which gets really packed...you can park your motorcycle (like I parked my motorcycle) in the front by the newspaper machines. They have bar seating in the front or walk to the back for outside (heat lamp) dining or inside dining.
Breakfast was awesome! Service was good...and especially the views! :)
Food was served ultra fast...like the food was already ready when you ordered (not really cause they have like 10 guys working the kitchen). Just take a look when you're headed to the "shared" bathroom. If you have an option of bread...get the BISCUITS and GRAVY...it was sooooo good. The sausage gravy may be the best I've eaten! I also had the asparagus omelet...u can't really go wrong with omelets here. The prices aren't too bad either. Did I tell you they have nice waitresses and service?
Check it out if you're in Pedro!Listed in: BREAKFAST...a great way to…
-
Review from Andrea C.
South Gate, CA
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
My grandparents and aunts have been coming to this place since they first moved to San Pedro. They came out to visit and so we met up here for breakfast.
It was delicious! Our waitress was awesome always ready to serve more coffee. When the girls didn't like their plate and my aunt complained they brought them what they wanted which was pancakes with no problem.
I had an awesome omellette..all goey and cheesy and yumminess. Its very relaxed and laidback...I love it here. -
Review from Evelyn L.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
5/3/2012
Breakfast...that's what it's all about. Steak Bits and Eggs, divine! Biscuits with sausage gravy, of course. Haven't tried their lunch menu yet...too busy going through their delicious breakfast items.
-
Review from Richard A.
San Pedro, CA
5/7/2012
The hot females working there make me want to go there. Someone is on the ball.
-
Review from Dana M.
Hermosa Beach, CA
3/2/2012
Biscuits and gravy were unbelievable (as seems to be a theme in prior reviews), and the potatoes were also very good! Parking was a little difficult, but the food definitely made the several times we circled the block worth it. Definitely a great weekend breakfast spot!
-
Review from louie b.
1/23/2012
The food here is great, the servers are awesome!! The parking sucks.. haha OK, but that isn't a big deal, I usually park on one of the streets, believe me after eating here you will need to walk... The portions are large and they are reasonably priced. Love the Guacamole omelette with bacon, Get the biscuits and gravy with your meal, you wont regret it.. This place is a must.. Definitely on my "I'll be back list"!
-
Review from Wendy P.
Torrance, CA
4/4/2012
I love this place and the workers but..... The bathroom is right by the kitchen so as I was waiting for it I was watching a woman in the kitchen yelling and cursing at the cooks wow this was a bad thing only to finds out she was the owner treating them this way. I later found out she treats all her great staff that way. Wow they are nice people working there and I can't even understand seeing that. I have been going there for years and what a shame. Shame on that owner for the way she treats these hard working people. To the employees you are great and if I come back it will be to see all of you. The owner should take a lesson from you. Thanks for all your hard work and smiles. To the owner SHAME ON YOU !!!! Great food, great service bad owner. Wow really bad owner
-
Review from John H.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/15/2012
Ample outdoor seating. Wait staff is very happy, friendly, young, busty, and well fed. Food comes out fast and is consistently prepared just right.
-
Review from Andrew B.
Los Angeles, CA
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice place !
My friend Amanda brought me here apparently Its Been here forever!!
I had the crab, avocado, cheese omelet w hollandaise sause
....and for $9 something, simply AMAZING !Listed in: YOU HAVE TO EAT HERE
-
Review from John J. D.
San Pedro, CA
4/13/2012
what can you say about the "best" breakfast spot in pedro..... keep it up, and see you soon.....
-
Review from Cassandra S. K.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got the Carne Asada and Eggs. The Carne Asada was awesome, covered with lots of veggies too. One of the better Carne Asada I have had in a very long time. The portion was ginormous. The price.... was on the bit pricier side, but when u are preggers with morning sickness and you actually have a craving for something, you have to be thankful that you even have a craving for something. I went for it anyway. I think the amount of food I got was worth the price I paid for. But no one needs that much Carne Asada. I think it would be nice if the portion was smaller and the price was lower. The rice was a-ok. I prefer more of a Spanish rice than that yellow rice. I was not impressed with the biscuits. I actually wanted just the biscuit but the server brought it covered with gravy, which I normally prefer not to have. And then the bill came with 75 cents added for B&G. Oh well.
Overall, great food. Could adjust price and portions.Listed in: Adventures of a Pregnant Lady
-
Review from Andrew D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was recommended to me by a Pedro native who's lived in the area for over seventy years. The place used to be a house, giving it a homey vibe. To me it seemed cramped, Everything was arranged well enough that it wasn't uncomfortably cramped, but elbow room felt sparse. A nice enough place, but probably past its prime unless you're there enough to know everyone by name.
Food was good, the sourdough was sour enough for government work. The eggs seemed fresh, and the house had a good smell to it. The ambiance was of a busy house and the feel of grabbing a home meal in the middle of your morning was well done. This is not going to be my personal favorite place in Pedro, though. -
Review from Brandon E.
San Pedro, CA
1/28/2012 3 Check-ins Here
When we moved to San Pedro, we were trying to find a place for breakfast and we fell in love with Pacific Diner from the first moment we walked in. The service is great and the food is outstanding. I am in love with the John Wayne Special and we have now become weekend regulars. Anyone who comes to visit us gets brought here.
-
Review from Margie C.
San Pedro, CA
4/6/2012
Ooooh how I love this place! Great food, great atmosphere, and all the workers are always the friendliest! One of the many Gems of San Pedro!
-
Review from Kevin V.
Gardena, CA
12/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The wifey has been here several times in the past and always wanted to go back so we decided to go since we were both off today and go on a date. I found it pretty easy the parking wasn't that bad the food was really good and the portions were just right and the service was really good the girls there were very nice and helpful I would definitely go back for another of biscuits and gravy I really love my biscuits and gravy.
-
Review from Mitch I.
San Pedro, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Everyone was very friendly and attentive. They took our order quickly and our food came out very fast. Almost too fast. I was a little worried about how quick it was ready but it was all good. All 3 of us enjoyed our food. They have an omelette to satisfy everyone. You'll definitely be able to find one you like.
-
Review from Isabel F.
Torrance, CA
11/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
After spending the morning, tasting yummy cakes I was ready for some serious brunch. I really wasn't in the mood for anything in particular, so we headed over to a local breakfast shop.
The first thing that jumped out from the menu was the veggie omelet; it had all my favorite veggies, broccoli, mushroom, zucchini and none of those pesky bell peppers. As I'm sitting thinking of the delicious omelet waiting to be made in the kitchen I decide to add bacon to my already fully stacked brunch.
The bacon-veggie omelet was mouth-watering; I almost devoured the whole thing. All omelets come with the choice of bread or tortillas and potatoes or rice. I ended up getting wheat toast and potatoes. But honestly didn't pay them much attention because I was fully concentrated on gulping down that delicious omelet!
Pacific Diner, will be giving my favorite San Pedro breakfast stop (The Omelette & Waffle Shop) a run for my money! -
Review from Elyse D.
San Pedro, CA
3/3/2011
If you don't love Pacific Diner, then something is wrong with you.
The service is great, fast, and top-notch. The waffles (my personal fav) are always delicious. The sourdough toast is the best and their bacon is pretty tasty too. My boyfriend always gets the Chorizo and Eggs - he never has a complaint.
Their iced tea is awesome and the have a decent hot tea selection too. YUMMY! -
Review from Brea G.
Gainesville, FL
6/4/2011
About as good as it gets for a breakfast place.
Nice day, sitting outside on the patio, eating a delicious guacamole chile omelette ... this is my idea of the perfect start to the day.
I've been here a few times and the food is always *really good.
The service .. that can be hit or miss.
~ $9 for breakfast
If you're in the area this is the must go place for breakfast. -
Review from C B.
Redondo Beach, CA
10/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Holy geez! Im swimming in delicious gravy! Excellent service and fantastic food! The BEST biscuits and gravy I've ever had. Mmmmm......now time for a nap.
-
Review from K-show H.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2011
If your in the area, This place is awesome for breakfast!
Chicken Cutlet with the sauce is great and the strawberry waffle is good as it gets! The portions are big so bring appetite or lots of people. The service has always been great with a family type atmosphere. -
Review from John S.
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
2/4/2011
First, I'm stingy with five stars...so why does Pacific Diner get The Big Five? Because in over 20 years I have ALWAYS had a great breakfast at PD! Hot, fast, friendly, correct-as-ordered, and delicious. The choices are numerous, always something special on the whiteboard for the adventurous, and they even know how to make toast....imagine that!
Bottom line...hands-down, the BEST breakfast joint in the South Bay! They 'got lunch', too. -
Review from Jonathan P.
Lomita, CA
2/10/2011
Headed out to Pedro for the day. Asked a buddy where to have breakfast. "Pacific and 39th!" It's across the street from his apartment.
I'm so glad I texted him. I had the Chorizo & Eggs. It was tough to resist the specials...especially the ones with Hollandaise.
Comfortable, lots of peeps, local vibe. Good eats. We'll be back. -
Review from Andy P.
10/24/2010
Ah, one of the best places to catch breakfast or brunch. I love everything about this old-fashion diner. From the easy-to-read menus, to the service, to the non-existent wait time, and finally to the food! The omelettes are huge. Unless you've been fasting, you won't be able to finish it. The biscuits that come out with the gravy are one-of-a-kind. The prices are very reasonable, with most breakfast dishes under $10.
Of course, the only complaint most people have is the parking situation. There is nearby street parking, but if you live in the city, try riding your bike there one day! Come visit Pacific Diner, you won't leave disappointed.Listed in: Top Restaurants
-
Review from Shawn B.
San Pedro, CA
12/8/2011
We're getting there. Much better than the places further North in town. The atmosphere is friendlier and the food is a couple of notches better. It gets a 3 from me because of the dismal parking situation and the fact that the portions are rather small in my opinion for what you pay. Overall a very nice place, but only average .
-
Review from Terry D.
Torrance, CA
11/29/2011
I've only been here for breakfast, but I thought it was very good. It's not a quiet place -- it seems to be pretty busy for the hours it's open (breakfast and lunch hours). Maybe because it was busy, the service wasn't the fastest, but I wasn't in a hurry, so no problem.
If you're looking for good breakfast in San Pedro, give this place a try. One of these days I'll try it for lunch. -
Review from fmc c.
Long Beach, CA
2/25/2012
Great spot to eat breakfast in San Pedro. The place is hectic in the kitchen and counter tops but the service is great and the food doesn't disappoint. The omelets and burritos are all good. Would recommend if you are in the area. Definitely would choose this over the Gaffey Street Diner or any of the breakfast spots on Gaffey.
-
Review from Amanda S.
San Pedro, CA
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best CHICKEN FRIED STEAK AND biscuits and gravy EVER! Great service...AWESOME staff...especially our usual server on Sunday afternoon "Julie". Remembered us by name AND ORDER after 1 visit. Everything is delicious. Eat outside. So local...not many places like this left.
-
Review from Joy T.
Huntington Beach, CA
7/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Amazing breakfast/lunch meal here! Definitely have your meal w/ biscuits & gravy!
-
Review from Joan S.
2/1/2009 2 photos
The breakfast I had here today was not as good as the ones I've had at nearby Carrow's, although Pacific Diner was more expensive.
So now I know.
I had a couple of fried eggs, sausage links, biscuits, and I substituted sliced tomato for potatoes. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The eggs were perfectly cooked: over medium, with the yolk runny & the white cooked.
Sausage links were kinda dried out, I've had better.
Biscuits: not baking power biscuits, as I hoped for, but more like sweet white bread in the shape of a biscuit.
Tomato: completely tasteless, probably frozen, maybe because they're out of season.
Pacific Diner is built around hype, methinks. The menu has the story of the history of the place. After changing hands a few times, the diner has had the same owners since 1976....Dennis & Paula. Dennis is still the chef, and his wife works at the diner, too. I think I saw her there today, counting up receipts.
The menu illustrates some selections with cartoons, and there are cutesy names of some dishes. Like.. The Hangover & the John Wayne Special.
In addition to just about every breakfast imaginable, there are also burgers, salads and sandwiches.
Sitting next to me were 4 teenagers, who looked surprised when their breakfast/burger bill totaled more than $45, including the Cokes they drank.
Pacific Diner is open:
Monday - Saturday 6am to 4pm
Sunday 7am to 3pm
Closed Tuesday
Service was great and the surroundings were rustic charming, but the food just wasn't good enough to warrant me stopping here again.Listed in: Viva San Pedro!, Breakfast Spots
-
Review from Éric T.
Long Beach, CA
6/11/2008 1 Check-in Here
San Pedro is LA County's hot gaping asshole. It's tiny, it stinks and has an incredibly large number of hairy people. This town is also ass-backwards. The ritzy area (read: non-trailer park homes) are up in the hills and the projects (no lie) are next to the beach. Don't get me started on the racial/gang tension in this place. It's like a bad 80s latinoxploitation film on gang violence. Gun wounds, bad perms, drawn in triangle eyebrows and Dickies abound.
"Whatchu lookin' at my haina for, 'ese?"
Why was this place blessed with good food?
Pacific Diner is the epicenter of awesome breakfast food. It's an unassuming, dilapidated broom closet full of decrepit old men. Pull up to the counter and order a cup of coffee. Yeah, you'll get mad dogged by all the mean longshoremen that just got off their shift, the aging beach bums, the retired millionaires from nearby Rancho Palos Verdes and off-duty cops. Order the whole wheat pancakes or the chicken fried steak and let the flavor of home cookin' fill your gullet....that is, if your momma knew how to cook.
To get here, do yourself a favor and avoid Pacific Street and Gaffey Street. As soon as you get off the freeway, take Harbor St. all the way down and come up 22nd and make a left on Pacific. Oh, and avoid wearing anything blue near 2nd Street. If you don't get shot, you might end up with a bad cholo name like "El Smiley" or "Mr. Sleepy Eyes". -
Review from Ciara G.
One automatic star for bringing back the nostalgic memories. I grew up in SP and when I was a young one Pacific Diner aka "The Diner" was THE breakfast place (and still is to all the San Pedrans). When I was little I used to always get the Ham and Cheese Omelet with Flour Tortillas. Then once I grew up I copied my dad and started ordering the "grown up" stuff and that has been my for sure order ever since. That order would be the Texas Chili and Cheddar Omelet with a side of B&G.
Hands down this Chili Omelet is the best out there! I get a chili omelet from most bfast places I go to and I always ask how their chili is and of course they say great but it rarely ever is. I don't even ask here bc I know it is great! It has tasted the same since I started eating it when was like 12 and that was quite some time ago. q:
Their B&G is also really good but it's not the best of the best of my quest. I remember the gravy being different than what it was today. Still good and flavorful I even think they added bacon to the gravy mix. They also changed their salsa from what i remember so that was a big bummer. It used to be chunky with a good kick and this one was thin and no spice. My Aunt ordered the Vegetable Omelet which looked really good. So good I would consider not ordering my chili omelet once just to try it.
Service is your usual fast diner service. Turn em and burn em! There is a huge outdoor covered patio and several inside dining areas. Place is packed always but they get you seated pretty quickly. -
Review from Ruth A.
San Pedro, CA
5/1/2010
Some outstanding choices here:
Acapulco Omelet
chorizo, ortega chile, jack & swiss cheese, guacamole on top
Chicken, Mushroom, Asparagus,Hollandaise Omelet ( blackboard special )
Chile Verde Omelet
Delicate seasoned, tender pork stew w/ onion, cilantro, tomatillas ( I have to guess on how they make the sauce, but it tastes wonderful ) Steamed tortillas would be good with this.
Greek Feta Cheese, Spinach, Olives, Tomato omelet
bursting with fresh flavors ! really good feta has a tang & not overly salty, and it melts slightly rather than dry crumbles
Pancake Sandwich: 4 pancakes, an egg, & your choice of bacon or sausage - a bargain for $5.75
Chicken Cutlet
very light, crispy & delicate, atop delicious chicken gravy
Get the eggs on the side, anyway you like.
Spanish Rice or Home Fried Potatoes & biscuits for sopping up the gravy
Fresh, finely chopped Salsa - can be pretty spicy w/ fresh jalepenos, onion, tomato, cilantro
Good Sourdough Bread / toast
Nice Sausage Patties - I like em well browned
Home Fried Potatoes - I order them well done so they're nicely browned, still soft & fluffy inside
If you're real hungry, try the John Wayne special: 2 eggs atop a tortilla w/ cheese. Served w/ Spanish Sauce, 4 sausage links & potatoes
Service is always friendly, caring & efficient ( even the bus-guys look for any opportunity to help out anywhere needed )
Patio Seating is very pleasant: especially on a nice day, but there are gas heaters too.
Take a look at the "mural" of San Pedro historical sights & points of interest in the main dining room: It runs all around the room, is very realistic looking - you get the feeling that you're looking out over a deck wall & seeing all the sights of the city !
Parking is very limited, so be patient & you'll find something.
Check their Blackboard Specials - some interesting items are offered at various times ( not everyday ) - Some are weekends only, some are weekdays only - go figure !
My only complaint: they don't offer any fresh fruit ( except strawberries when in season ) If you want a fresh fruit salad, that's the time you might choose the Omelet & Waffle Shop instead. ( see my review ) Both places are great in their own way !
Too bad they're not open for dinner -Hours: 6am - 3pm on Mon - Sat, 7 - 3 on Sunday. CLOSED TuesdayListed in: Vegetarian Choices, San Pedro area, Breakfast Fare
-
Review from marlon e.
Chino, CA
5/10/2009
i'm fucking starving...
we got here around 6 am and everyone is just GOD DAMN HUNRGY!!!
At this time we are just having a break before we start running again... (its one of our stops during the ragnar relay) and I'm surprised to see another team here having their breakfast....
First i have to say that the service that we got here was awesome!!! that server is just the best, these people makes the place good and worth coming back.. they just know how to make you feel good...
Picture this a group of 6 who's just freakin' exhausted and maybe 1-3 hours of sleep and continuous running starving... we have been craving for a good meal since we started the race in santa barbara where it took those bitches to take our order so we decided to leave the place.
Anyways back to this place, we started off with some coffee to get some jolt for the day and i ordered the chili cheese omelet. I have to admit The Omellete Inn is better but this one is goooood tooo!!! or am i just fucking hungry??? either ways i'm done after 5 minutes. AMEN
