Visited for a spontaneous breakfast on our way home from a vacation cruise on the way back to San Diego. This is a true mom-and-pop diner, run by two older women, one cooking and one serving. The charm here is unmatched. The space is older but clean, and the atmosphere is warm in a way that feels genuine, not curated. Both women were incredibly kind and attentive, which made the experience stand out immediately. Food-wise, this isn't the cheapest breakfast spot, but the quality reflects care and intention. Everything tasted like it was made from scratch and done right. I ordered a well-done sausage and cheese omelette. Cheese is an extra charge, but in my opinion it's necessary, an omelette should have cheese, so I didn't mind it. It comes with a choice between hashbrowns or biscuits and gravy, and I chose the hashbrowns. I also upgraded my toast to their cinnamon roll for an additional $5.25. The cinnamon roll is what they're known for and it delivered. It was very large, but surprisingly light and airy rather than dense or overly heavy. My husband ordered French toast with eggs and extra bacon, cooked crispy. His requests were followed exactly, and everything came out as expected. The French toast with the cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar on top was especially good. Portions were generous across the board, and both of us left fully satisfied. Total came out to $92.96 including a Coke, a large orange juice, coffee, and a 20% tip. Overall, this place stands out because of the people as much as the food. It's simple, well-executed diner food with real hospitality behind it. read more

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We enjoyed our breakfast! I had a Denver omelette and it was phenomenal with melted cheese on top And their famous salsa which I poured on top! Also had their fruit cup with watermelon. Cantalope And honeydew! My husband had bacon eggs and hash browns! Everything was cooked perfect! You can get a mimosa it Bloody Mary etc if interested! Nancy brought us right in And served us up with her hospitality and stories! Feel like we've known her all our lives! Will definitely be back soon! Did I mention their salsa is award winning?!! Great little shack! Loved the ambiance! read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Denver omelet covered in melted cheese and homemade delicious salsa! I loved the wheat toast! - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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A friend and I stopped by here on our way home from picking up a fridge in OC. There was a long line, so we thought, it has to be good right?! Even with the line, the ladies were very efficient at getting us in and Seated as fast as possible. There were only 2 lovely ladies working/running the resteraunt. I had their infamous cinnamon roll and ny friend had the Denver omelet with biscuits and gravy on the side. I also had a mimosa. The place itself is very tiny. The bathroom feels like you are literally in a closet But it does have a home- e feeling to it. Shot out to Rose for making my cinnamon roll with Love. I tasted it for sure! read more

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Great food, quick service. Rose is a great hostess. Food is delicious simple classic American breakfast read more

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This adorable cafe is full of history and charm, and seems frozen in time. We were staying next door to attend a wedding, and came here for breakfast. They have indoor and outdoor seating, serve breakfast all day and also have beer/wine. The server (I think she was Rose? Not sure?) was super kind and personable. She remembered me from coming in for to-go coffee the day before, and had good stories as a San Clemente local. The warmth and hospitality isn't something you see too often. I accidentally left a jacket on my chair after breakfast, and when another party came in and said they were staying in the area for a wedding, she asked if they knew me and could return the jacket (they were family of ours!) So thoughtful! I ordered the San Onofre omelet (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, cream cheese, avocado) and Paul G. ordered the corned beef and hash plate. We also split a cinnamon roll after hearing about how good they were, and I got a mimosa. The food was delicious! My hash browns were super crispy on the outside, which I love, and the omelet was loaded. I had to take most of it home. My only not-so-positive opinion about this place is how pricey it was! A fruit salad was $15, and a good number of the breakfast dishes were over $20. Maybe this is a touristy area, but I rarely see breakfast prices that high. I'm not docking stars because the rest of our experience was awesome and I love small, locally-owned places like these. We need to keep them around! read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - San Onofre omelet - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Rise recommended the chorizo/corned beef hash breakfast burrito and it did not disappoint! Very flavorful and worth it. Large portions. Staff were friendly and service was quick. 10-min wait. Family friendly atmosphere! read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Chorizo/corned beef hash burrito Bacon/sausage burrito - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Great home cooking, service & atmosphere. Got a veggie breakfast bowl that was excellent! Prices were reasonable too

Awesome find!! Cinnamon roll was AMAZING and coffee was hot n fresh! Excellent service, cute little local spot. We came on a Friday morning around 8AM but was awesome to chat with Rose, she's amazing! Runs a lovely little cafe! read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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We loved the sugar shack! Rose met Monty and I during our walk and gave him a treat- we came back for breakfast and again she's the sweetest- brought him water and 3 more treats. We had hot, fresh and strong coffee and delicious breakfasts... eggs over medium were cooked perfectly, hot cakes were perfectly crisp on the outside and came with all the sauces and fixings! read more

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Stopped here on my way back to San Diego and was greeted by the most charming lady. She was more than accommodating to get me everything I needed! The two style eggs, hash brown, and biscuit for $10 was a no brainer! I rarely leave reviews but this was a great way to start my day with this customer service and food. All around 10/10!!!! read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Adorable little spot with food that hits!! So homey and sweet. Rose and her daughter (Christina) are so kind, accommodating, and incredible!! Great vegetarian options also. What's not to love?? read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Vegetarian rave with eggs!! - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

100% enjoyed our time here. Vintage old school diner/shack. Great food. Friendly staff. What more could one want?!!!!

I'm sure there was a time when this was a really cute, little "out of the way", local place. We took our son here when he was visiting from the bay area because it looked like one of those little "hole in the wall" diners. We got a seat right away (even though it was Saturday morning) and quickly found out why. Other reviewers talk about how great the food was... are we talking about the same restaurant? We didn't try the "famous" cinnamon roll after seeing one delivered to the next table (it was maybe an inch tall). Do yourself a favor and look at the photos of the menus that people have taken. There's a reason they don't mention the prices on their online menu. A meat and cheese omelette for $25? Two 6" "blueberry" pancakes for $14? Bacon and eggs for $18? The place is dirty, cramped, and disorganized. The hash browns were undercooked, the blueberry pancakes were chewy and dense, and the biscuits looked as though they were made the day prior. The only reason they got three stars instead of two is that our waitress was pleasant. read more

My kind of place. I love small mom and pop diners. Delicious omelette and home made cinnamon rolls. Great spot right off the 5.

Decided to check out this place for breakfast. We stopped by on a Sunday morning, it wasn't that busy surprisingly. We sat down and unfortunately it took awhile to be addressed or have menus brought to us. I had to get up and ask. However, once the menus were brought out, the service drastically changed. The waitress knew it was our first time so she suggested some popular items off the menu. She particularly highlighted the cinnamon roll, so we decided to try it. It was indeed huge, however most of us thought the bread was dry and could have been softer. I ordered one of the biscuit specials. I thought it was sufficient, could have had a little bit more flavor. The hasbrowns were perfectly crispy though. Others in my group got French toast and said it was good as well. Throughout our dining, the servers stopped by and made sure everything was ok and was super nice and talkative. However, we agreed that we thought other breakfast places in San Clemente were better. read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Biscuits and gravy - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Picture a ma & pop beach restaurant you see in the movies. It is not your typical new cafe that sprinkles parts of Orange County. This cafe has history. Warmth. Love. And personality. It's is not ADA accessible for the toilet, and it is tight fitted around a few of the tables. In door and outdoor seating is available. The staff themselves are just so lovely. They give you plenty of attention without being annoying. The food itself is BOMB! Very good. We all got something different. Plenty of food per plate. One could share with another. None of us shared and I was the only one to bring 1/2 my burger home. They serve both breakfast and lunch items. Alcohol IS SERVED! Which my twin and were both pleasantly surprised. He ordered himself a Bloody Mary and I would have too. But I had to drive back with teenagers to HB coming off a good drinking day from the holiday (wink wink). Didn't want to get thrown back into a buzz haha! My twin and I both agreed. This is a well loved spot for the locals. We both also agreed the mixed reviews were probably not from locals. Because of the old personality to it. But my silverware, plates, and cups were clean. I didn't feel like the place was dingy or dirty. Go give this place some love and they will give love right back to you. read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Bloody Mary (olives not pictured we had already ate them both) - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

it was okay not the best ALOT of onions just not my fav the food was okay but the service was amazing

Another great local spot!!! Feels like being home. Home style cooking! Great friendly service!

Where to even start. I'm only giving the 2 stars cause our food came out correct. I ordered a coffe and a water w/lemon. Coffe was like warm and tasted like it was a day old and just kept warm. My water had a hair stuck to the cup half in and on the side. I told the waitress who brought me another with the exact same hair on the side. I had blueberry pancakes which were decent. My husband had 2eggs, sausage and French toast and when he said he didn't want the powdered sugar she kept asking him why. Lady he can't have it! The place was dirty, grimy and looks as if it hasn't been cleaned since they open. The tile floor could use a very deep clean. Rusty chairs. We were nervous to touch anything. The sugar free syrup looked like it had been in the pantry for a long time. Oh did I mention water was dropped on the other customer. Definitely will not go back. I'd rather eat McDonald's read more

Been here three times in the past few weeks. Breakfast and lunch. Food is really really good. We've had a significant variety of food here all repeatable. Foods very good, prices are reasonable and the owner Rose actually speaks to customers. Don't overlook this place for breakfast or lunch. Tuesday Sept 3 '24 Back here again for breakfast. As usual it was excellent. In addition to really tasty food you get served some really funny jokes, I now write some down to share when I know I'm coming back. Todays best IMO from Rose was : What do you call a cow with no legs ? Ground Beef. Followed by what do you call a three legged cow? .... Go ask Rose. read more

Ugh! Always wanting to give a restaurant tucked away a shot but... yuck! Food was horrible...older waitress was snappy with my daughter when she wanted to substitute hash browns for her eggs... even the kids chocolate milk was watered down. And for sure NOTHING FAMOUS about the cinnamon roll. So sugary and frosting was yuck read more

If you want old school, delicious food, and great service I recommend. It is not fancy but Rose says they have been there 38 years. Clearly they are doing something right. The extra crispy French fries and the cinnamon roll is a must. read more

The floor was so filthy I had to walk out I can only imagine what the kitchen looks like This place should be shut down They lady working there had a major attitude since the minute we walked in. I wish I would've taken pictures read more

I literally came across this place, by making a wrong turn off the five freeway. I'm from LA. I was coming back from San Diego. Decided to swing in because it was breakfast time. And boy am I glad. The food was fantastic! It's a small little place, and we got lucky and got a table very quickly. Service was great and it's kind of like visiting your aunt's house. The lady who took our order and served us was very nice and welcoming. I'm definitely gonna make a trip to go out here again read more

The food and service was great! What a dynamic waitress I had this morning! I tipped her 40% for being awesome and making my day! Protect her at all costs! We need more of her types these days! Thank you! Muah! See you soon! read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Tips are earned - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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We were staying at the Marine base campground nearby and came here to pick up a package at the Amazon locker nearby when the cute little building caught our eye. We checked reviews which were so-so, but the repeated mention of the cinnamon roll led us to through caution to the wind and give it a try. We were quickly seated in the small, somewhat cramped dining area (maybe 6 tables) and our beverage order was taken. The server was friendly and attentive. We ordered hot tea and ice water to start while perusing the menu. Our first observation was the relatively high prices of menu items (3-egg omelets are $18-$24) and the plate-sizes cinnamon roll is $8.95. Our shared meal for 2 cost $41, a bit pricey for diner-style breakfast. We knew that whatever else we had, a cinnamon roll was in our future. We opted to share a Denver omelette, which was 3-eggs and generously filled with ham, green peppers, onions & cheese. A little Tabasco sauce made it perfect. The hash browns were crispy and flavorfully seasoned. We got the biscuit & gravy side, which was one fluffy biscuit topped with gravy that was a bit different than expected, but tasted delicious. I could taste a hint of chicken in the gravy and when asked, the waitress said it's made with bacon & sausage (the way it should be) but the cook sometimes adds a bit of chicken soup base. That was the difference! At any rate, it tasted really good and we kind of wished we had ordered another helping! But we were both pretty satisfied and still had a huge, gooey, fluffy, cinnamony roll to share. It had the cinnamon taste of a Cinnabon roll, but the roll itself was much fluffier and softer. It was divine! We would definitely return for the cinnamon roll! read more

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We've driven by this several times this week while in town and I've been wanting to try it. Walked the two blocks from our hotel and greeted by Rose herself. She's so friendly and down to earth. We had a nice conversation until it started getting busy. I had to try the cinnamon roll although my doctor would be mad at me with all the sugar but you only live once. It was well worth it too! Came out hot and ohhh so good. I couldn't even finish it but partly because I was looking forward to breakfast. When I saw the Zorba omelette with gyro meat I was sold. It came out and looked even better than I could imagine. Then I sank my teeth into it. WOW !! That gyro meat, feta cheese and mushrooms made it stand out. One of the best omelettes I've ever had. Cooked perfectly too! You can't go wrong stopping here for breakfast or lunch! read more

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The food was great. The cinnamon rolls are the size of your head. If we were local, we would be regulars.

Zero stars. Food was inedible. Only one person in the group received food that was decent. Egg omelette was under cooked. I got the blueberry pancakes and they were the consistency of chewing gum and the blueberries were sour. I sent my food back and she brought me a side of biscuits and gravy I did not ask for, I tried them because I was hungry and they stuck to the roof of my mouth. They were more like a slice of cake with yellow gravy on it. All of that and she still charged for the food I sent back. We paid $90 for 3 plates of food and only 1 person was able to eat their food. DO NOT COME to this restaurant. They need to be shut down. read more

Overpriced. No to go drinks. No itemized receipts. Not coming back. Food is okay but overall not a positive experience. read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - Receipt with no prices - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

We happen to stumble on Rose's on our way home from San Diego. It looked like the perfect breakfast spot for a quick meal on our way home to LA. And it was. Rose was our server & she couldn't have been more attentive. My wife and the Spanish Omelette and I had the mushroom and cheese. Both were delicious. I read other reviews from people complaining about the prices. Are they a bit high? Yes. BUT, we walked away satisfied and not feeling like we got stiffed. Thank you again for the great food. read more

Doesn't look like much from outside! Older side of town and very small Resturant with only 4-5 table inside! My wife picked it off the Yelp and the food is very fresh! The owner is Rose and she is very warm and humble! Wife order biscuit & gravy, For me veggie mix omelette and Down to Earth sandwich to go! All dishes came out like home made cooking with fresh ingredients. We're coming back for sure. read more

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food is not impressive. pretty pricey in my opinion for the quality of the food. it's an outdated somewhat dingy place. if you ask for an extra plate, it's a $4.50 fee on top of your $28 omelette. read more

This little sweet cafe is the best! Rose and her husband (the cook), have been in business for 36yrs surviving the ups and downs of the economy with resilience. We arrived at 130pm, just before closing, it was hot, we were the last people in and Rose took such amazing care of us with a witty sense of humor, fun jokes, great stories and her husband made us wonderful food!!! We could not have asked for a better experience! The encinitas surfing crew! read more

This could be a charming retro experience if it weren't for the grumpy Ernie at the grill who felt compelled to chastise the two lovely women servers for letting customers upgrade to cinnamon rolls on breakfasts when they weren't the few that allowed upgrades. Then we get our patty melt was supposed to have been a 1/3 lb burger if it was it must have been at least 50% fat that melted away. The onions were grilled well and it was good rye bread. But seriously 4.50 cost to share and 5 dollars per beverage. So, there it is. read more

Great food great place and friendly staff also take EBT for breakfast pancakes and omelet for me read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - a plate of food on a table - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

One star is for friendly service. Second star is for average food. Third star was for a fantastic cinnamon roll. But the building, and violations from the health department were scary! I read that it's been straightened out now, though. I put half and half and half in my coffee that was old or something and had an unpleasant reaction. The company suggests refrigeration but not required. I wonder how long it sat there. We went there to try a new place that has hash browns that my husband ordered but disliked. The prices should be three dollar signs not two because it's not a bargain at all. read more

Place is terrible. Over priced subpar food. Didn't give us a itemized receipt but 4 egg breakfasts a burger and a cinnamon roll that came out of the microwave (saw them take it out). Go to sc cafe much better. read more

Rose's Sugar Shack Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Hair shack. The food is not good .. Our server was not groomed at all. Her nails were super long. And we're not clean. Myself and my son had hair in our food. The chef from behind the counter yelled. Sorry about that. I was shocked. The bill came, nothing was taken off the bill, including the two pieces of hair. Gross read more

Been coming to the Sugar every for Saturday AM breakfasts w/the crew until I moved "out of the house" 35 years ago and up the coast a bit. We went yesterday for my Mom's 86th birthday. Let me tell you, it's still as good as it was back then. Rose and George survived the Covid Shutdown and are as sweet as ever. George the Greek is quite the chef too! Homemade biscuits and cinnamon rolls to die for. Lots of parking which is rare for San Clemente and big food portions priced just right. If you get a chance, definitely stop in. They serve both Brekky and lunch in the morning, which I like, as Im not a big breakfast eater. We all ordered something different and all plates were delicious! And, they serve Coca Cola! We sat a very nice, and clean table. The place is old and not as fresh as some new "hot spots" in town, but you will not be disappointed in service, atmosphere or the portions served. You can tell the owners take pride in their food and service. It's rare to find that in restaurants today. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. read more