Been coming here for years..... Our soldier is home visiting so we had to pay Shirley's Kitchen a visit. Been seeing the same friendly faces working here for years. They always treat you like family. Lots of menu options & the food is always good. Nice little diner vibe. We always leave satisfied. read more

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We decided to stop by Shirley's kitchen for a quick breakfast. Earlier in the morning, we had to attend a couple of work events, so this was an opportunity for us to engage in some type of breakfast or brunch meal. I was very surprised at the amount of options that they had here. The menu had breakfast, lunch, American, Mexican, and even a couple of surprising options. I was impressed because they even had like Old School shakes and smoothies and delicious coffees that you could choose from. We were seated in a two seater next to the wall in. It was really cute the time we came for this visit. Although it was after Christmas, they still had very nice Christmas decorations up on the walls. I loved this! We ordered our food and it came out within about 10 minutes cooked fresh. I went for the black tea, and I'm glad that I did. My husband went for the hot herbal tea. Everything tasted great in the customer service here is phenomenal. We were greeted upon arrival. We were waited on with the great attitude. Our server even answered any questions that we had about the menu and what they had to offer she was kind, and polite. There were other customers there, and I figured that they were regulars. They have an outside patio that you can sit in, and I like that because I saw a lot of groups meeting for lunch so that was cool to see. Overall, this was a great visit and I'm glad that we found Shirley's. Apparently my husband has been coming here for some time, but this was my first experience and I really enjoyed it. Thanks! read more

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My last review of the year. Let's see how it goes. First time here. Easy parking and a terrific price point considering 2026. Huge menu with a multitude of options. Including outside seating. At around 9 am, I noticed an extraordinary number of seniors like myself. About 20, that usually means Generous Price Points. Heads Up. Whenever you see a lot of old people, that means the food is good and cost-effective. Will return. The food was good, not great, fantastic, wonderful, but better than most. read more

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This is a great place, where the food is always good . When ever you are in the area it is a must. Service is excellent they are friendly. Support a Mom and Pop gem of La Mesa. Definitely want to go back and get a chicken pot pie as that is one of there staples. I shared the French toast platter with the wife son got the NY steak and eggs. We also shared the biscuits and gravy as that is a must. Perfect Everytime. read more

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Service was quick and food wasn't bad! I enjoyed my side of sausage. The restaurant got full pretty quickly at 9am. It's not loud in there but I could easily hear convos from other tables. There is indoor and outdoor seating. You eat and then go to the counter to pay. Another nice family friendly breakfast place. read more

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Went here for breakfast with my boyfriend. The restaurant is pretty small, very much old school diner vibes, but staff were all very friendly and attentive. I got eggs Benedict and boyfriend got typical pancake combo. Overall it was all very standard, exactly as I would expect. Eggs Benedict was good, bacon was crispy, pancakes tasted very old fashioned. Total plus tip came out to around $52 for two of us, which I see as kinda pricey for diner style, but with inflation these days who knows. read more

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I have Driven past this place a million times and never tried it until recently, I finally came in for breakfast. There's something on the menu for everyone and it's all flavorful! Friendly staff, clean restaurant, good food. Will definitely be back soon! read more

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I very rarely ever order Mexican food for breakfast but when I saw what the refried beans looked like on Yelp, I knew I had to try it. Also, I can tell the flour tortillas are homemade. I ordered the Machaca with a flour tortilla. YUM YUM! I LOVED IT! Everything was delicious and the service was awesome. I hope to come back here sometime again. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Machaca with a flour tortilla - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

I stumbled upon this Hidden gem! Simple, fresh traditional home cooked breakfast spot. What I enjoyed equally than the food is the service. You just don't get good service anymore but this place does a great job. I'll definitely be back. Ps. Yes, I like ketchup in my eggs:) read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Delicious soft fluffy biscuits in the "Classic breakfast" - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

Cute little mom and pop breakfast and lunch spot. Quick service and food was good. Love the pancakes and Belgian waffles!

Great food, service and ambiance (great dj'ing!) Easy parking too! Highly recommended Thank you

Had not been there for several years and decided to give them another try - Great food, I had the huevos rancheros and my wife the blueberry pancake special - we were both very impressed and satisfied after our meal. Also very pleased with the great service and tasty coffee...will be definitely be adding Shirley's Kitchen to our breakfast rotation. read more

The food and service was great! I'd definitely go again next time I'm in the area I liked the homely feeling The coffee was good too read more

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They had a New York strip steak special for breakfast. As always it was very good. Eggs over easy, crisp hash browned potatoes, coffee and sour dough toast. Shirley's is close to my home and a convenient restaurant. read more

First time here. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the service was awesome. Will definitely return.

Delicious comfort food and super friendly staff. Shirley's Kitchen never disappoints. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - New York strip, 4 Piece Fish Fry - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

In a nutshell: the food is good, place is clean, atmosphere nice, and the prices affordable. We live in Santee and will come back with family and friends. You know a place cares about their establishment by the attentiveness of their service, the food that is cooked, and the cleanliness of their bathroom. read more

This diner offered fast friendly service. Many menu items and the food was great. Two thumbs up..

Excellent homemade food. I love the decor and atmosphere. The food was tasty and NOT greasy. Excellent service and delicious food. read more

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They make the best fish and chips and hamburgers! The service is great. Many locals frequent this restaurant.

Anything on the menu is delicious! The Shirley's Classic Breakfast (American Breakfast) is my favorite with sunny side up eggs, bacon and potatoes. The pancakes are read more

Fast friendly service. Small diner. Very casual. Some outside seating with umbrellas. Parking lot is small. Waitress was very attentive. Coffee was good. Love the flavor creamers. I had the Country fried steak sandwich. I had them add cheddar cheese on it and a jalapeno. Sandwich comes with no Condiments. Steak patty was pretty big but lacked flavor. Seasoning needs more salt & pepper. I really think this sandwich needs to come with a choice of sliced cheese. It was lacking something. I added mayo to sandwich. It was ok but didn't wow me and chicken fried steak is my favorite. I order all the time. My Husband got the steak and eggs breakfast. He said it was good. Not overcooked and portion was a good size. It had a good taste to it. My Daughter ordered the French toast combo. And she says it is exactly as she remember and didn't disappoint. She really enjoyed it. We haven't been at Shirley's in over 4 years so it was nice to stop by. Beware the lines from Better Buzz can get crazy so be patient pulling into parking lot for Shirley's read more

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Honestly a great experience here. First time visit, and left a great impression on me. The country fried steak was good but could have been a little crispier. But still a good steak. I would give it a 4/5. Ortega burger was good as well! The bun was a little burnt but not too bad. The burger was cooked well and had lots of flavor. Fries were average. Could use seasoning. 4/5 Pancakes definitely were amazing? Definitely amazing. Tasted homemade and had plenty of flavor and were super fluffy. 5/5. Service was great as well. Jose was a really good hostess and waiter. Appreciate his recommendation and service!!! read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Country Fried Steak - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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They have certainly upped their game here. Consistency and service are number one. The food comes out just as ordered and it tastes really good. I'm here a lot now. The servers and cook have it down to a science. You won't see staff here hanging around chatting; they're hustling, which is something you don't see anywhere else anymore. read more

Love the old school kitchen style hole in the wall breakfast spot amazing coffee and wonderful food and great service

Don't let the decor of this unassuming spot fool you. The dishes here are hearty, tasty and the employees here are super sweet! I came here Sunday around 10AM and was able to get a table pretty much immediately. Our waiter was a young fellow who was super nice and a total delight! He was so helpful and was great at checking in with us throughout our meal to ask if we needed anything. For myself, I got the CA eggs Benedict (with bacon on the side) -- 10/10. I ate everything on my plate because it was all too good to pass up! Shirley's Kitchen gives you a generous serving of hollandaise sauce atop your eggs, and the hash browns are nice with a slight crunchy layer on top. It's also a really nice spot for groups! They have a tent outside to make outdoor dining an option. The parking lot is pretty small, but I was able to find free street parking just outside. read more

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Neighborhood locals hang out better but ruined the parking access and for that reason I won't go there any more the city failed to take that into consideration and need to reengineer the access with a safer access I've witnessed to serious rear ended accidents on the blind curve!!! read more

The food was great! Super fresh and filling. The staff were also friendly and attentive! It's cozy inside and always pretty busy when I come. They've been around for awhile and I've never had a bad experience. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Denver omelette and home fry potatoes - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

O have been going to Shirley's for the past 28 yrs . What a great place to have home style food and service . I highly recommend Shirley's if you like Chicken fried steak or eggs Benedict! The best! I won't eat those anyplace else ! read more

Food was good. Staff were kind. If you're looking for a diner type place to deliver diner type atmosphere and food, this is the place. I enjoyed it. I'll be back! read more

Food was pretty good for its quantity. Was definitely full. I didn't get the servers name but he recommended the country fried steak. I was stuck between that or the corn-beef hash. So I went with the CFS. The gravy was a little watery but I powered through it. The steak was good but the hash browns were amazing. I'm a hash brown kinda guy so the hash browns saved the experience. Pancakes were amazing. I love me a nice fluffy pancake. I loved the at home feel. Inside could use a little updating but it was nice. Overall had a good experience. Who knows I might come back again and try the Corn Beef hash next time. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Pancakes - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Food is good, local, diner feel ambiance. Service was excellent and food came efficiently and server was attentive. I'd come back. We had the chili egg scramble and veggie omelette. Didn't sit heavy, not greasy, presently clean. Perfect way to start your day. read more

This place has such and old school diner vibe food was delicious taste just like home , the interior has never change you can tell they kept it they way it was probably first open which I love , I'm not it to Aesthetic in into quality and this place is it read more

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Great little diner. It's small but the food is fantastic. The better buzz next door can make it challenging to get in the driveway.

You'd almost miss this restaurant if you didn't know how to read signs or stop all of traffic behind you so you can find the turn. Once you get in, parking is pretty limited and for a good reason; it's a smaller restaurant with outside seating available. My waiter was a young guy and he was very humble and kind when pursuing you with his service. He made sure I was taking care of my whole stay without overwhelming me every 5 mins. I ordered the Taco Omelet because it sounded interesting and something new. It came out hot and fresh with house potatoes that were cooked to perfection. Nice and crunchy, cooked through and hot. Overall I will come again. Support your local businesses 100% read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Taco Omelete - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

Mine and my family's favorite breakfast place! They have amazing food with plenty of options and the best environment for everyone. Jose and Stephanie are the absolute best servers. Highly recommend for a yummy breakfast. read more

Let me first of all say I'm all about supporting small, local businesses and had high expectations based on the reviews on some good ole comfort food. I ordered the country Benedict and my husband the country fried steak with scrambled eggs and as you can see they gave us fried eggs :( My country Benedict was not good; potatoes were warm and the country gravy COLD. My waiter did bring me a new one which was hot, however the eggs were overcooked and the country gravy was lacking flavor. The pancakes were dense and not light and airy and all the food was just warm. The Machaca was mediocre, nothing memorable there either. Disappointing experience and will not be returning 2-stars only because the waiter was friendly read more

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This place should be packed everyday. The food was good and decently priced! The woman who said she volunteers was so nice! My waiter was awesome too read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Jr. Pancake Combo - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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We first arrived, and we noticed seating outside with a large canopy and some with umbreallas. We went inside and asked to be seated, and we were told to sit anywhere. There was no seating available inside. There were a couple tables under the canopy outside but no chairs at those tables. We chose to sit outside at a table under an umbrella. We noticed the sun was beaming down on us pretty badly, so we adjusted the umbrella ourselves to help with the sun. Someone came by with menus and asked what we'd like to drink. We both ordered coffees and iced waters. I loved that they had flavored creamer in a dish when a lot of places don't. The server came by with our coffees and waters and took our order. I ordered the classic eggs Benedict with has browns, and my husband ordered a country fried steak with hashbrowns and sourdough toasts. We noticed the couple seated next to us left. As we waited for our food to arrive, the dishes sat there at the table next to us with nobody in sight attempting to pick it up. The server brought our food to us and refilled our coffees as well. We saw they brought my husband's sourdough toasts with 2 little strawberry jelly packets, but he never was asked what kind of jelly he wanted, and there was no jelly at the table like most restaurants have. For my husband, it didn't matter cause he didn't even use jelly on his toast if there was butter on the toast already. We both enjoyed the coffee. It was fresh and strong just like we like our coffee. My eggs benedict was okay. The hollandaise sauce was very bland, I even had to add my own salt to it. The ham steak that came with it made up for the tasteless hollandaise. The ham steak was very delicious and a thick cut. I also liked the hashbrowns as well. My husband liked his country fried steak and hasbrowns but says it was nothing to write home about. I'm not sure if we would come back, but if we do, I would try something else and not get the Benedict again. Overall, it was "decent" diner food and a good price. read more

Shirley's Kitchen - Sourdough toast - Diners Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I have come here a handful of times and I couldn't be more impressed by this little hidden gem! The menu has a great variety of classics with generous portion sizes. Service was friendly and attentive, I am definitely coming back :) read more