Nestled between two equally decades old shops in the tiny town within a town of La Jolla San Diego, is a cute little diner names Harry’s Coffee Shop that’s been serving homey meals for 53 years.  More than half a century.

You walk in to a bustling old time diner where you can grab a stool at the counter and have a friendly and talkative waitress lean over to you with a big smile and pour you a nice steaming cup of good strong coffee.  When she brings your order she might share a story or two and ask about your day.  The booths are cozy and you get the soothing buzz of conversations going on and the clink of dishes in the back.  It’s nice.   The food is even nicer.

This place has all the great breakfast things you love like pancakes and waffles and great combos.  But they also rock the boat with a BW Benedict, that’s Bacon waffle turned into a nice big eggs Benedict that really rocks.  Yup, there’s bacon in the waffles.

They serve chicken and apple sausage which you can’t get anywhere else for breakfast.  Being perhaps more patriotic than experimental they serve a military staple: creamed chipped beef navy style over an English muffin.  This is basically a bowl of gluten served over more gluten.  Because we’re a a gluten lovin’ country. I’m thinking that you’re  not gonna be in line in the mess hall saying hey can I get the gluten free meal?   You’ll get KP duty and get your butt kicked.  Nope, we’re not gonna be winning any wars on low carbs and gluten free rations, are we?

If you’ve got a fresh tropical fruit craving they’ve got a Hawaiian papaya fruit plate and real ice cream shakes with neat flavors.  Like any good diner you’ll find root beer floats for when you can decide between a shake and a soda.

Harry’s has good food, strong coffee, a rich history and they  know who they are:  an American diner.  No calorie counts  or little green leaves on the menu indicating vegetarian options.  no turkey bacon and no BS.  I get the feeling if you walk in here and ask if there are gluten free items on the menu the manager Harry will come out and slap you.

Great place, great meal and a bit of history.  I love this place.

Harry’s Coffee Shop La Jolla
858-454-7381
7545 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
M-F: 6:30 am to 3:00 pm