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Pilot Light

4.3 (240 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Pilot Light Photos

Business Info

PILOT LIGHT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Pilot Light

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Reviews With Photos

Stanley R.

I love a good airport cafe. No not at LAX or SFO. I am talking about the charming little general aviation airports that are scattered around the state. I grew up in a town with one of these diners and one of these airports. The menu is limited but what they have is really good. My smoked salmon toast was delicious. The coffee was excellent and the matcha (if you like that) looked very tasty. Loads of Parking. It was busy or Sunday morning. You have a great view of the runway. The incandescent mustard in full bloom was gorgeous.

shakshuka
Catlynn N.

Was driving down half moon bay and saw this cute place where you can dine and watch planes fly by. It was a really homey cute inside and gave proper family diner vibes. Pretty average pricing for bay area ($18-$25pp). I got their breakfast burrito and shakshuka. Their bacon was thiiiiiick, and I loved it. It was served with potatoes and salsa, crisp and clean. Only complaint is I wish the tortilla was a bit more crisp. Shakshuka was okay, a bit sweeter that I am used to but I believe that's due to the corn they put in. Was closer to a tomato chili with eggs on top. It was still good, but not quite for me. Boyfriend liked it though. Very interested in trying their burger and dutch baby next time. Service was good, brought out our food despite having a buzzer and remembered us. TLDR: Great place to soak in some sun, quality food, cool planes.

Huevos Rancheros nachos
Nicole L.

I came to Pilot Light for a Sunday brunch around 9:45, they were already quite busy! Back in the day, it used to table service dining. Now there is a counter you order at, and you are given a pager and pick where you would like to sit. They do have outdoor seating right next to the airport, this was pretty cool. We saw two pilots leave out the back gate and head to their planes and prepare for take off. They are also pet friendly, always a plus. I had the huevos rancheros nachos, they were really good! It came with 2 eggs, and I added the chorizo. My friends both ordered the eggs Benedict, one with salmon and one with bacon and avocado. All our plates were large portions, and their potatoes were delicious! So crispy, but needed salt but we grabbed shakers for the table. I also asked for a michelada and although they don't sell them, they accommodated making one on the whim which was awesome. It tasted great too, I had asked them to make it with the lager they have to offer. Overall, next time I'm in town for a hometown tour I'll def check them out again!

Malcolm H.

Perfect diner food at the Half Moon Bay airport. Great ambience, indoor and outdoor seating. Fun for small plane enthusiasts or anyone looking for a great vibe. I had the Shatshuka which was great. My wife had the French toast, which was mixed. The flavors and preparation were great but they used a cheap bread so it undercut her meal a bit. Overall a great find.

Dutch Baby. Yumm

What a surprise. Food was on point without all the glamour. I'll be back soon. You order first, then eat when your buzzer goes off. Cool place

3 egg scramble with chorizo
Isabella P.

So cute! Love coming here for just a plain old scramble and watching the planes. Good service, fast, usually not too busy. Worth the drive to have a cozy, unique breakfast

Eggs Benedict with Bacon and Avocado and Country Potatoes. $17.00 worth the price and a repeat breakfast anytime.
Jose V.

Hello Yelpers and Foodies in the Know. We just happened to be at a Hotel in Half Moon Bay and we found this on yelp breakfast close by our hotel. It was at the end of the Airport and also had a gate for pilots of small planes to park and enter through a Security Gate. Really cool. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with bacon and avocado and Kim ordered eggs and bacon and we both had coffee. Both breakfasts came with Country Potatoes. At this restaurant you order at the counter and one of the staff will bring your Food. Coffee is self serve with free refills. I really liked the Breakfast there. Kim and I Recommend this restaurant. The Pilot Light. Thank You for Reading. Reviews help Consumers.

Outdoor seating. Fresh air ooow
Bri W.

Pilot Light Cafe is OUTSTANDING! I saw a fenced off gate and drove right past it so I drove down tourist central but it was an easy turnaround. I had the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and avocado. It was sooooo goood!!! The cutest little cafe around! Beautiful scenic view of the airway! Fast service. Went during late morning around 9:30am and my food appeared in front of me before I was even ready to comprehend and absorb the calming and peaceful ambiance. Such an amazing experience:-))

I just found out about this place after driving past it back-and-forth for years! Whoever knew this place existed? I had a late breakfast and sat at the window, watching the planes take off and land. Good breakfast, great coffee, and friendly, smiling service. I can't wait to come back here again!

Celia C.

Love this place. I'm not from the area and this place to me is a hidden gem. I like that we can eat and watch the airplanes take off. The food is amazing for a great price. The staff is friendly. I would definitely come back next time I'm in town

Back patio views
Binh P.

Interesting spot with a very hit or miss menu. You place your order at the counter, get your buzzer, and wait for the staff to bring out your order. Shakshuka was the most watery version I've ever had. It honestly could've just been salsa, but I think salsa might be thicker. The hot chocolate wasn't hot, but the whipped cream was good. My friends enjoyed their Dutch pancake though, so just order that to be safe. I probably wouldn't want to come back, but they did make excellent fries and the service was friendly.

Huevos Rancheros & the Sweet Baby Dutch Pancake
Susan L.

Cute little brunch place with a small airplane takeoff/landing area. You find an open table and order and pay at the register, and you get a buzzer. When the buzzer goes off, they bring you your food and take your buzzer back. Service was quick and helpful. You might have to wave someone down if you have a question/request but overall happy with their service. Food was on point! I ordered the huevos rancheros which reminds me of a chilaquiles that came with a delicious sauce, flavorful black beans (I'm very picky about beans), avocados, and eggs over easy, and I added chorizo for $2 more. Dare I say that this was probably the best "chilaquiles" that I have ever had??? My husband ordered the Dutch baby and it was also very good!!! Light and airy at the edges with a light homemade butter or cream, sweet berries, and syrup. Tasted fresh and not too sweet..just right! Great spot to grab brunch or even some drinks or coffee and enjoy.

Dutch baby and breakfast burrito
Colleen M.

Such a great spot! The food is amazing - I was so pleased, everything we got was 10/10! The Dutch baby is delicious and the breakfast burrito also amazing. My husband raved about the coffee and the fresh OJ was lovely! On top of great food - the coolest views of landings/take offs! Must go! Great for kids!

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3 years ago

The service was great, the environment was awesome, and the food delicious. An all around must visit when you're in the neighborhood.

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2 years ago

Everything is great about this place! Adorable cafe, great food, wonderful service. Waitstaff went out of his way to be helpful.

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2 years ago

Amazing service amazing food amazing staff. Me and my family had a great experience here. Thank you!

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

The salad we had was great . Stop in for some light food and order there only salad . Boy was it good !! Great service !!

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Amazing food, ambience & the fun of watching flights take off! I would recommend doing this with kids

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3 years ago

The food looks great from appearance, tastes ok but definitely doesn't deserve the high price. The food quantity is also not much

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Page 5 of 6

Ask the Community - Pilot Light

Are your breakfast potatoes gluten free?

Our potato hash is fried in the same oil as items that contain gluten, but otherwise is made without gluten.

Do you have gluten free options ? Gf bread and pancakes..?

We have gluten-free items on our menu, such as huevos rancheros and shakshuka, among others. As a substitute for bread, we offer corn tortillas. Our pancake, waffle and dutch baby batters are made with wheat flour.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Ketch Harbor Pub - Not the best pic of outside area which was a good size. Jim

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4.0(313 reviews)
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We are locals, love breakfast and brunch and are fans of the original Ketch Joanne's. We're also…read morefans of the current owners of Jetty Wave, who are presenting a new incarnation of Joanne's under the name Ketch Harbor Pub. Curious about what the new/old place is like, our three-person family went there for a late breakfast today. Walking up to the front doors, the original inset stained glass remains. Walking in, the cool wood paneling and nautical decor remains in place with a couple of new touches. The fully appointed bar also remains, now with a more streamlined look with subtle lighting changes. We were greeted pleasantly and seated inside the dining room immediately; it was moderately busy and buzzing, not too loud. Our server was quick to our table, menu-knowledgeable and consistent in his attention to us. We had a Denver omelette, a couple of bennies and lemon ricotta pancakes to share. My omelette had particularly fresh and al fresca peppers and onions - wonderful. The lemon ricotta pancakes were sufficiently saturated and fluffy(hard to pull off)and came with fresh cream. The prices were at about the same level as the local competition, which pleasantly surprised us. It appears that the folks who did this breakfast/lunch reboot were shrewd in pricing their dishes. Jetty Wave, a drinks and appetizers adventure(which I heartily recommend as well for different reasons)in the northwestern part of Princeton, is not for the fiscally faint hearted. The only element that makes our experience short of a 5 is that we were not given a farewell when we left, though I was able to find our friendly server and thanked him. In all, the Joanne's legacy is intact - the old carved wood Ketch Joanne sign still hangs inside - literally and figuratively a homage to its legacy while bringing a new energy to this space. Recommended.

Ketch Harbor Pub (often just called Ketch) is a fantastic spot right on Pillar Point Harbor in Half…read moreMoon Bay. We stopped by for lunch on a crisp day, and it completely captured that perfect coastal vibe--think fresh seafood, laid-back atmosphere, and killer views of the boats and water. We started with the calamari, which was hands-down some of the best I've ever had: tender, not rubbery at all, perfectly seasoned and fried, melting in your mouth. The New England-style clam chowder was rich, creamy, with just the right subtle smokiness and balanced seasoning--definitely lives up to Half Moon Bay's chowder reputation. For mains, the Dungeness crab sandwich was the star: generous lumps of sweet local crab, minimal sauce (just how I like it), on toasted sourdough with fries on the side. My partner went with the fish and chips, and the cod was crispy, flaky, and not greasy at all--classic done right. The outdoor patio with fire pits was cozy even in cooler weather, and our server was super friendly, attentive, and full of local recommendations. The place feels welcoming, whether you're a regular from the Coastside or just passing through after a beach walk or harbor stroll. Prices are fair for the fresh, quality ingredients and location--definitely worth it. We've already added it to our list for the next trip to Half Moon Bay. Highly recommend if you're craving solid seafood in a charming harborside setting! 5/5 stars.

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Sorry took pics after we started eating. Meatloaf. A little dry.

Ketch Harbor Pub - Would order again.

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Taste Cafe - El patron Benedict

Taste Cafe

4.5(261 reviews)
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Plenty of parking available in the massive parking lot, which is shared with a supermarket and…read moreother businesses. Make sure to place your order at the counter before seating yourself available tables and seats. The staff here was friendly, and the food was good. Prices were reasonable as well. Would highly recommend trying out their crêpes and other sweet items here.

My wife and I ate here for breakfast yesterday. The food was good, but there was a problem with…read morethe rear door that was allowing cold outside air to blow right at our table. Everything was find at first and then they started seating people outside. The door was wide open to allow people to come and go. However, it was very cold outside and our table was near that door. We asked the staff to keep the door closed and they closed it most of the way, but blocked it open with a door stop. This still allowed a cold breeze to come right at our table. My wife's food got cold and she was feeling cold. The staff said that they could do nothing as the door automatically locks. The door was a standard push bar to open. These doors have a mechanism that can be used to unlock the door; however the staff either did not know how their door worked or were unwilling to even try to unlock it. So we were cold and ate cold food. The food itself was good. My wife enjoyed (until they got cold due to the wind) her Lumberjack pancakes with bananas and berries ($11.99) and a side of bacon ($5.99). I had a delicious side order of Linguica ($5.99) with a side of two eggs over easy ($4.99). They should really warn people before seating them by the back door on a cold day when they intend to use the outdoor tables.

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Still the best and one of my favorite in Half Moon Bay!!…read more Love the ambiance From the wonder welcome from the team to enjoying the delicious food!! Great customer service Over all 5 stars

Hi, my name is Michael., I was at the restaurant this morning and I was very hungry so I ordered a…read moreCoronado omelette, and oatmeal pancake, one single pancake. This restaurant is a copycat of the crêpe vine in San Francisco on Irving Street. Also another location multiple locations one in Burlingame. All great restaurants. However, my omelette was good, but not comparable to the other crêpe fines in the Bay Area the size of the omelette and the ingredients always lacking ingredients at the Mavericks. However, somewhat tasty. Justin was very pleasant and did a great job. Excellent with her communication. My oatmeal pancake was basically not child size with baby size, very small. Coffee was good. Service was good. Maybe next time I should tell him I'm an adult not a child so I can have an adult size oatmeal pancake. Atmosphere, good music a little loud, but they had some great tunes. Housemade potatoes were a little bit on the cool side, but I dressed them up with some Tapatio sauce and ketchup. Thank you.

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Sage Bakehouse - Savory pies

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Great coffee, even better pies!…read more Stumbled into Safe Bake House and I'm so glad I did. The coffee is excellent, smooth, well-pulled, and clearly made with care. But the real stars are the pies. Flaky crust, generous filling, and that homemade taste you just can't fake. There's a great little selection beyond the pies too, plenty of baked goods and treats to keep you coming back to try something new each visit. The unexpected bonus? They've got chess! Pulling up a board with a hot coffee and a pie is honestly the perfect way to spend an afternoon. It gives the place a cozy, lingering vibe where you actually want to stick around. Friendly spot, great quality, and a little something extra. Highly recommend!

WOW! WOW! WOW! Before heading to HMB, I researched what to…read moreeat around the area. This gem Sage Bakehouse popped up on Google maps. They sell Chicken Pot Pies! We love us some Chicken Pot Pies. After a long beach day at Montera State Beach. We decided to check them out. I'm so glad we did. I Decided to get 3 OG Chicken Pot Pie , 1 Habanero Chicken Pot Pie, 1 Minced Beef N Chedder Pot Pie and 1 Shepperds Pot Pie. If you buy 5 you get 1 free pie. They sell them frozen. It comes with clear instructions to bake at home. So far we've only tried to OG and Habanero. It what AMAZING! it was meaty and packed with flavor! The Habanero Chicken Pot Pie was SPICY which I love! I mean it's Habanero it's supposed to be spicy. Although the Pot Pies are on the small side. Still very delicious. They also sell other food items, coffee and other beverages. We just came here for the Pot Pies. Workers was friendly and helpful! When we got here I see people seating outside already enjoying their meals and drinks. Sage Bakehouse is located right on Pacific Highway 1. Nice big black bold sign with white letters you can't miss it! We will definitely be back!

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Pilot Light - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

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