This is such a wonderful, family owned restaurant. This is what a dining experience is supposed to be. Every time my family of four comes in, Sandy and her staff welcome us and make us feel like family. The food isn't lavish, but it is good. In fact, it's the kind of place where the service makes the food taste better. I always get nostalgic when eating here because twenty and thirty years ago there were more cafes and restaurants where owners had this kind of pride and hired people with common decency. Too many restaurants in Gilroy hire young people without any aspirations or communication skills to be servers, and the result is utterly pathetic. This is not the case at Sandy's Cafe where it's immediately obvious that time has been taken to groom the service staff to keep customers coming back. And don't forget to thank the main cook Baldo in back; that dude makes one heck of a breakfast burrito! This place is the definition of a good value! read more

Pro: opens 30 minutes earlier than Black Bear Con: food is not as good as Black Bear Corned beef hash was way too salty. Gravy was thin and flavorless. Pancake was a bit rubbery. read more

This is my favorite place in town, especially for breakfast! The food is amazing, the portions are big, and the price is good. Service is friendly and fast, and it's always a wonderful experience. read more

"Enter as strangers leave as friends" pretty spot on quote they have up. Great food great people great service! Beware it gets packed for a reason so plan accordingly! The owner sandy is the greatest and make sure your kids meet her she will most likely spoil them with a treat!! read more

First time in town & worse experience already, not only the food was terrible, the environment was worse. Rude people ... owner was crazy today, screaming to everyone! , needs her pills. if you like good food never stop here. How difficult can be to make omelets? A simple omelet? read more

Stayed at the motel 6 next door and smelled the delicious ness in the air asked where it was coming from they told me sandies I ordered 2 of the country Benedict to go forgot the real name was quick and good thank you read more

Love the French toast, staff are very friendly and atmosphere is family oriented. Close to the highway but doesn't feel like the typical travel diner. Would definitely stop by again. read more

Good place. Always order the steak n eggs, medium rare. Sometimes it comes back too pink, but fudge it. I eat it. Now, I'm not one to complain often. Trust. This time my girlfriend ordered one with me too, about 40 minutes to closing. Hers though? It came back bloody pink and to hold a piece in your hand entailed red blood juice dripping quickly down your hand and a portion of the meat was blue and purple.. possibly gas related? Flame related? PLEASE see this review and cook your steaks better! Thank you!! read more

Sandy's Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

See all

My wife and I have been there quite a few times when we're in Gilroy to shop. This is mainly due to the fact there is so little competition in the area. The food is very, very average kind of like cafeteria food. Maybe just a tad better. Another reason that we have gone back is that the staff is usually very friendly and pretty attentive. We won't be going back any more to eat their "cafeteria food" though. I always had the impression that the owner was a bit arrogant. Now I'm adding rude and sarcastic to that description. I was berated for poking my head into the restaurant to ask to use the restroom. She responded in a tone that was condescending and unacceptable. I just walked away but she continued to be snotty saying "wow" and "have a good day" in a most sarcastic, unprofessional manner. (this is the owner mind you) I'm sure that losing our patronage will not really affect her business. Like I previously stated, she doesn't have much competition in the area. Would have given a 2-3 rating if not for the owner. read more

Awesome restaurant on the way to San Luis Obispo. Wonderful fresh food with great service. Sandy, the owner walks around to make sure you are satisfied. Not a lot of great cafes left like this where favorite locals come in and tell stories and drink coffee daily. What a treasure! read more

really folks? OK diner, nothing to write home about. was told hollandaise sauce was home made. not. items sat in window far too long. kitchen and wait staff should time things better. waffles sat in window for 5 minutes before waitress plunked it on the table....refused to have it redone when I said it was cold. I came an hour before closing and everyone more focused on getting things done so they could go home. pride anyone? read more

Yum! We got the French toast and eggs, hash browns, bacon, and sausage. Love the atmosphere and feel of this place. Would definitely return. Tip: it started getting pretty packed by 9:15am read more

Very dirty ..the food had a look like a bug in it ."when telling the owner she did nothing an argue with me she was very rude . dont eat here read more

buried deep in the morning fog and deciding to pull over...finding sandys cafe diner on the west side of 101 (near 152 and off monterey street)...an aged denny's restaurant atmosphere...taking a counter seat with a narrow cutout view to the kitchen...standard american diner menu...quick coffee service and endless fast refills...taking a chicken fried steak...selecting hash browns, and biscuits and gravy...other options of fruit or toast...taking eggs over easy...hefty platter delivered...hash browns were crispy, but lacking the soft center...eggs were cooked with oozing yolk....country fried steak was drowning in gravy...mellow gravy and not overly seasoned...same gravy over dense hard biscuit...a big breakfast in size, but bit sloppy in preparation...chicken fried steak and gravy was decent..biscuits and hash browns poor...eggs were eggs...$15 total for the meal and coffee... read more

See all

This place totally stood out from all the other restaurants we ate at during our 4 day trip. We've been up and down Monterey and Gilroy, ate at several resaurants, and even visited a few attractions and Sandy's Cafe was the only place to offer GREAT service. Rachel was our waitress and she was awesome! She was the nicest person we've come across in both Gilroy and Monterey. She was fast, kind, and she had no problem with spliting a bill into three parts, something other waiters and waitresses seem to have a real problem with since they seem to hate calculators or something. The food was good and well priced. Came out quickly and without error. The restaurant makes up for it's looks in service, and it doesn't even look all too bad to begin with. It's also right behind the Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy and that motel 6 so you should definitely check it out. Seriously, the whole trip we kept saying " I miss Rachel" after every bad encounter we've had with staff members at other restaurants. read more

Bright and early I drove over to Garlic World for breakfast. Garlic world was not open, so I returned to my hotel, and discovered this place right next door. I parked my car in front of the place and walked in. I was greeted and seated quickly at the 'bar' for breakfast. On the way in I had seen their specials board, and it included a meat lover's omelet. After flipping through the menu, I decided to get the special. I also had an epiphany. Specials are really good. As many times as I've gotten whatever is on that special board, it's always been good. I think I will have to heed the special board more often in the future. I chatted with the waitress for a bit. I honestly had no clue where the garlic festival was, and I was supposed to be there in an hour or so. I was given directions, and a clue about what i was going to see there. My coffee never became in danger of running low, the waitresses are on top of that. They're also good about monitoring the creamer situation. When I picked the last one from the dish, BAM! a new dish full of creamer was there instantaneously. The omelet was large and filled with alot of meats. The pancake was also large. But there was only one. Two pancakes melt butter so much nicer. Oh well. It was still a pretty good pancake. The place is good, the people are nice, the food is decent. If I'm at the Gilroy garlic festival again, I will probably come back. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Meat Lover's Omelete - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

See all

We love Sandy's in Gilroy! This joint has quickly over the last few months become our weekend breakfast destination. They have large breakfast plates similar to most breakfast diners and our coffee cups are never neglected and left empty. I enjoy all of the different types of omelets but my new favorite is their eggs benedict with Sandy's special hollandaise sauce. There is an extremely popular breakfast joint just a few miles down the road from Sandy's and their benedict doesnt hold any weight to Sandy's. Most importantly were the eggs which were poached to perfection that exploded like lava once I cut down the middle. Well done! On the weekend it picks up a bit around 9 so we try to get there earlier to snag a booth along the front windows. This is perfect so we can corral our kids. The boy loves the mickey mouse pancakes and also the french toast. The wife enjoys the mini breakfast; one egg, two bacon or sausage, hash browns and toast or pancakes. Sandy's has a calm environment thats perfect for families, always full of locals but not too busy that you cant relax and enjoy your breakfast. There servers treat you like family too. Breakfast last week was $28. Done deal. read more

Cute place. Seated quickly. Food a little disappointing. My son ordered biscuits & gravy, biscuits like bricks. Ordered Green Chile & Cheese omelette, eggs over cooked. Pancake cold. However the skillet & sourdough toast were great read more

Five stars for Sandy's Café. My family and I have been wanting to check out this place for a while now, as newbies to Gilroy, we were a little hesitant. However, our first experience (this morning) was hands down awesome! Sandy and her daughter (excuse me for not having her name) were the type of family members you would want as your own. Both ladies were extremely tentative, friendly, caring and worked very well with one another. They went over and beyond for my son who turned three today, bringing him mickey mouse pancakes w. whip cream, singing Happy Birthday to him and bringing him an ice cream sundae (but first asking if he was allergic to dairy;)) and last but not least letting him pick out a lollipop. Thank you ladies for making this morning extra special for our son. Food was good, coffee was good, place was clean, and the timing of the food delivery was about right for a busy morning. Witnessing the friendships they have with their customers will definitely bring us back. Two Thumbs Up!! read more

My boyfriend and I were heading to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but we left before eating breakfast. On the road he put IHOP in for navigation but I quickly chided him and asked for a small business. I am so happy that we happened to be 20 minutes away from Sandys Cafe. Parking was great (they have a lot), we were seated immediately, and our server (a boy who's name I didn't catch) was incredibly pleasant. The food was fantastic, I loved the biscuits and gravy! Also kind of weird but I loved the girls bathroom the decor was so aesthetically pleasing. If I was a local I would definitely be a repeat customer! read more

Good food, delivered hot and quickly. After that I did not exist to my waitress. I dine alone while on business. This happens more often than not. Don't care how great the food is, if my service stinks my tip shall reflect. read more

Sandy's Cafe - Ordered the vegetarian omelet with fruit and english muffin along with hot tea. . - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

Stopped in for coffee. It wasn't super strong but it was there and hot and fresh. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Little pricey but good sized for it. Mary kept my cup full and made sure I had plenty of cream and sugar near by. read more

Called to place an order rude customer service I felt like i was treated like I was stupid early in the morning great food just bad customer service read more

I am giving five stars because this is one of those places that reminds me of home. Everyone knows everybody, the food is good and service is better. Highly recommend! read more

My hubby and I stopped in here after dropping his vehicle off for service at a local dealership. The place was filled but we waited less than 5 min to be seated. We were greeted with a smile and a great attitude and I can say all the wait staff we met were just as friendly and efficient as the first waitress who greeted us. Our breakfasts were very good. My hubs had the crab cakes and eggs special and I had the 2 eggs breakfast with fruit and a pancake. We both ordered our eggs over medium and they were cooked just right. My husband said the crab cakes were tasty and moist, and he loves crab cakes so if he liked them then they were yummy. My fruit was very fresh and that isn't always the case at other places. We will be returning for sure. As my hubby said, "It's always nice to find a new gem". read more

Just love this place. There's never a question of where we want to eat out for breakfast, it's here every time. Quality breakfast, friendly staff, clean cozy atmosphere. Makes me happy just thinking about it. read more

This lil diner is great! Been here a few times. Typical but good diner food, reasonable prices with good portions, and the staff is on top of things whether busy or not. I love this place & the environment and would definitely recommend it to friends. I, myself, will be going again! read more

New favorite breakfast place! Everything about Sandy's was perfect for a small town breakfast: friendly/attentive wait staff, yummy/big plates (cheap too!), fast service, not too busy, super comfortable feel. Our food was great. I had the veggie omelet, with fruit and wheat toast. The omelet was big, well-cooked, not greasy and full of fresh veg. My husband got a skillet and it looked delicious - over easy eggs, gravy - he was very happy. Our toddler got the kids bacon + pancake. GIANT portion was $4, great deal. The pancakes were fluffy and thick with good flavor. "Diner style" coffee, which I love - aka ghetto, but smooth and good. Easy to down 3 mugs. Our friends and family love coming here, and it's very easy to see why. We will be back, and often. I'm a huge fan! read more

Got food poisoning from eating here, stay away! Denny's is close by if ur looking for a dinner / cafe ,wish I,d gone there instead.

Love this place I have been coming for years. The servers are very nice and the atmosphere is very nice. Sandy the owner is the best she makes us feel welcome and part of the family. read more

This is our go to place on Sunday mornings. The food is great, the service is friendly and Sandy makes you feel like family. Everything we've tried on the menu is fantastic; however the Eggs Benedict is a favorite. If I order bacon and eggs, I order a side of the Hollandaise. It's that good. read more

Oh boy, My husband found this place a good 2 years ago and now has his regular booth on early Sunday mornings. I have been with him several times and can't do anything but rave about the place. Food is always delicious and we love chatting with Maggie, Mary and the rest of the friendly staff. read more

Sandy's is the place to go for breakfast and lunch. You are welcomed as you enter by the owner Sandy. The restaurant is always busy but Sandy gets you in quickly and if your having breakfast the endless coffee refills never end until you leave. I love their breakfast but love the Cajun Sandwich for lunch also. The food is always hot and the service is good. If you want a great breakfast or lunch you won't be disappointed at Sandy's. read more

Service exceptional! Food perfect, finally got perfect poached eggs. Selection also great, much to choose from on the menu. Definitely going to be part of our usual travels. read more

Great local stop. Looks like a redone Bobs Big Boy. Good service and based on what we had, the food was good as well. We had the grilled turkey. avocado and Ortega chili it was grilled perfectly! read more

A great start to our day today. Waffles were good and my chicken fried steak and eggs were perfect (especially that happy tomato). That breakfast fueled us all the way back to Culver City. read more

Sandy's Cafe - The last slice of tomato that was served with my chicken-fried steak and eggs this momorning revealed this happy fellow. Omen? - Cafes Near Me - Gilroy, California

Was not impressed! We went here because of the reviews! And we love hole in the wall restaurants, sorry to say not this place. Was expecting homemade goodness and got frozen food section. Thanks but no thanks. read more

Always a treat. Ate like a little kid here today. Strawberry and whipped cream waffles. So good. Staff is friendly, the restaurant is clean.

Tried Sandy's because OD's was closed and other Yelpers claimed they had awesome egg benedict (my go to weekend breakfast)..........so fellow Yelpers, you hardly ever steer me wrong.............but this time ya did! The eggs benedict were at best Denny's quality. The eggs were over cooked, the sauces was so watery it would not stay on the eggs!...not even close to OD's. My wife requested an avocado and bacon omelet. It was okay if you like omelets where the eggs are folded over the ingredients as opposed to being cooked inside. Service was okay, besides the fact that the ladies bathroom flooded out! If you like Denny's but want better service then go to Sandy's. If you want a real breakfast then stay with OS's or make the drive to San Jose to hit Original Pancake house or Stacks read more

Service is even better than before, if possible. New owner and staff seem very enthusiastic. We were told that ownership and change to "Sandy's Place" happened in mid March, 2011. We were there Friday morning, April 15th, part of a group of eight. We called ahead earlier in the week, so they were prepared and seated us on the dot, as soon as the larger group ahead of us finished. read more