UCSD Student here, I regularly attended Shores Diner on most Fridays to take advantage of their special Friday fries menu. The restaurant itself closed its doors permanently today and I thought it'd be a disservice to not at least leave a review and mark of what Shores Diner was. Shores Diner was a place with a uniquely lively atmosphere on campus, it's emulation of the old 1900's diner aesthetic with the neon lights was cozy and the colorful decor was both eyecatching but not in the overbearing way. It was the perfect spot to relax and chill when stuff like classes or other stressors in life were at their highest. The food itself was well-priced, with the average cost being around the $9-$12 dollar margin, although I haven't tried everything on the menu I can attest that their burgers were juicy and well seasoned, their hotdogs were flavorful with good mixins, and their loaded fries were both crunchy and topped with good sauce and toppings. Though I think the number one thing to mention is the service and employees there. Unlike most other spots on campus, the diner style of Shores was far more interpersonal and it allowed you to have small talks with the staff, far different from the newer style of food places where you simply order and leave. To put it simply, the people who worked at Shores were not only some of the best with customer service, but you could also see the good in them as people as you talked with them as well. The bartender as well as the cooks in the back were amazing at what they did. It sucks to see this place go, but not much to do about it now. I'll miss this place dearly. read more

My colleagues and I, who all work at UCSD, had the pleasure of dining at Shores Diner today, and it was such a fantastic experience. It was our first time there, and from the moment we walked in, we were greeted by Matt, the bar manager, who was incredibly welcoming and accommodating. He and the primary cook were not only friendly but also so fun to chat with. The restaurant is really cute, creating a perfect atmosphere for enjoying a meal. The food was delicious--fresh, flavorful, and made with care. We had such a great time, and we'll definitely be back for another meal. I highly recommend it! read more

Shores Diner - Front entrance - Diners Near Me - San Diego, California

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Shores Diner is the latest concept to occupy a structure that was refurbished in the middle of the UCSD campus by the owner of Consortium Holdings (CH) who happens to be a university alumnus. After several failed eateries, the CH group leased out the space to the folks who own and operate Dirty Birds. They in turn have recently opened this American diner-themed restaurant. The opening menu featured several breakfast offerings that were available until 11 am. The rest of the items could be ordered all day long. After finding a parking space in a nearby pay lot, I entered during the last hour of operation on a weeknight. The decor did resemble a retro-style diner from the middle of the 20th century. Several tables were occupied while I took a seat at the nearly empty bar. Beer, wine, and specialty drinks were listed on separate menus. I decided to purchase a cup of Chili and the Spaghetti & Meatballs for my meal. The chili was completely beanless which was unusual. It was ground beef, gravy, and shreds of cheddar cheese on top. There was a fair amount of spiciness so I used the bread from the spaghetti dish to help neutralize the flavor. I should have asked for saltine crackers instead. Two pieces of garlic toast were included with the spaghetti and two meatballs. The meat sauce was well-seasoned. I am uncertain if a diner will last any longer than the previous eateries did after longtime tenant, Porter's Pub, had closed. Maybe if they transform the space back into a bar and grill, it could draw more support from the student population. Something akin to Dirty Birds may succeed? Just a thought... read more

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I went to UCSD in the 90's...I spent many days/hours at Porters Pub...so in my opinion nothing will ever come close. As an adult...we come to Mandeville Auditorium (adjacent to Porters Pub) for Dance competitions. ...so a place to quickly grab a bite is essential. I have not been a fan of anything that has rotated through this space. I spent this past weekend at Mandeville and Shores is the best since Porters Pub. we were able to come during a 40 min break ...got the reuben sandwich and the patty melt and shared. the reuben was the clear winner. Patty melt underwhelming. the fries (additonal $3 charge to entree) were tasty. i ordered a "cocktail" ...it was OK...I probably wouldn't again. This weekend was our last ever dance comp. so not likely i'll be back on UCSD campus anytime in the near future but who knows. Welcome to Campus read more

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Very cute and unexpected spot in the middle of UCSD campus. Old diner aesthetic with lots of tvs for watching sports and other entertainment. There's also music playing on a jukebox and a nice outdoor patio with lots of seating for a group event. I ordered the chicken club with onion rings and found it standard and well-made. I liked that it was cut into four parts, making it easier to bite into. The onion rings were good size and crispy. Service was quick and friendly. They explained the menu well and got us water and food in timely manner. read more

Shores Diner - Chicken Club with Onion Rings - Diners Near Me - San Diego, California

We had a department breakfast here right before the University went on break. My supervisor made a reservation for an 8AM (ish) time slot, which they allowed, since they technically did not open till 11am, so we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. The vibes are exactly what you'd think a diner would be, and the host/server was the absolute best. Totally forgot his name, but he was attentive and super enthusiastic for it being so early. The food was great, service was awesome, but it was really really cold on there. That was probably my only complaint about the spot, but my breakfast was absolutely delicious. Portions were pretty big too. Had the French toast which came with two eggs and sausage. Even after we finished our food, I still had food left over which I continued to to throughout the day. Will be going back another time, but I hope they stay in business! This spot has a history of businesses closing down :( read more

I rolled into this quirky little diner not knowing what to expect, especially since they had opened their doors for the first time just hours prior, but they absolutely felt like they'd been operational for quite some time. The food and service were spot on and the eclectic yet non-traditional diner-style menu will keep me coming back! Granted, Shores Diner is a little bit of a drive for me but the selection of menu items that I'd like to try will most likely have me making the pilgrimage more often than I probably expect. I had the chicken parmesan grinder and it was fantastic! For me it was the sauce and the bread that stole the show with a slightly crispy exterior chased by a soft center and tender piece of breaded chicken tastefully dressed in a delicious sauce. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Sure, the location is on a campus, but don't let that stop you. Good food and vibes should always be sought out! read more

Decided to give this place a try as I've tried most places on campus when I travel down to school. I ordered the Chicken Parmesan plate to go and was really looking forward to it when I saw how nicely packaged it was. Unfortunately, this was probably the worst meal I've ever had on campus. The breaded chicken had absolutely NO flavor right along with the marinara sauce. The spaghetti it came on top of... oh my god it was the worst pasta I've ever had. At the bottom of the plate was a pool of over watered sauce and the noodles could've had at least a pinch of salt because they tasted like they were just boiled and taken out... honestly the best part of this plate was the melted mozzarella on top of the chicken and the garlic toast bread it came with. It was so off putting I could not make myself eat it. The service however, was lovely... I was definitely disappointed. read more

Went in for dinner on a Tuesday night and ordered the patty melt with curly fries didn't even take a pic because it was soo delicious patty melt was juicy and the sauce was great! Curly fries were super crispy my favorite. Finished it all off with a reeses chocolate milk shake. The diner decor is so cute, service was fast and super friendly and food was great! read more

Shores Diner - Milkshake so good! - Diners Near Me - San Diego, California

So ordered a BLT, it had about 2 1/2 slices of bacon on a three tier sandwich, three slices of bread - the sandwich is sliced in half - one whole side literally had a 1/2 slice bacon. No bacon at all in between the extra layer of bread on either half - just tomato and lettuce. Terrible. The fried chicken with the chicken and waffles is great, but the waffle is soggy and edible. read more

Great food. Great service. Milkshake with burgers are good. Classic diner feel, so I think it's pretty good! Worth the price too. Very hard to beat the value read more

This place is awesome. Classic diner ambiance meets modern pub feel in a super cool area of UCSD. The service was excellent, the french toast was to die for, the beer was cold, and the oldies music was hoppin. In my opinion, there are not nearly enough of these old-school diners around. This one has it all. Go check it out you won't be disappointed. read more

I took my son for lunch at the newly opened Shores Diner and we had an amazing time. The restaurant was buzzing, staff was attentive and pleasant. We ordered burger, grilled cheese and a milk shake (don't mind the pic, I enthusiastically taste tested before I snapped it), all 5*! The place is super cute with decor from the 50s and really great ambiance. Highly recommend and can't wait to go back again. read more

Shores Diner - Burger & Grilled Cheese - Diners Near Me - San Diego, California

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I just went to Shores Diner this morning, the opening was long anticipated and I must say I was let down. Summary Food: 1/5 Coffee: 5/5 Service: 3/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Shores is your standard vintage American style diner, with classic eats and 50 style decor. The theming is fantastic but I can't say the same about the food nor the service. It was seat yourself, which I do like. They're currently using a smaller "Opening Menu" rather than their larger standard menu, which is understandable. Service was pretty average until it wasn't, they were friendly and helpful. But when I'd realized a portion of my order was forgotten two different people had to go check the menu, if the servers aren't able to remember what comes standard with the meals on the shortened menu I'm not sure how they'll do with the larger menu. My main issue here is with the food. I ordered a regular coffee and the chicken friend steak breakfast, which comes with two eggs and potatoes. The coffee was good, tasty and not bitter so props to them for getting good coffee. The chicken fried steak was sub-par to say the least: the meat was dry and the breading had no seasoning, at the very least it was tender and easy to eat. The sausage gravy on the steak was just bad, edible, but bad; it tasted like packet gravy, overly salty with minimal flavor and a slight chemical taste that was absolutely baffling. Sausage gravy is incredibly easy to make from scratch so I really don't understand why they used package gravy. The eggs were pretty standard, I requested over-easy and they came out sunny side up, but they were really nothing to write home about in terms of taste and drowning in oil. The potatoes were very dry but also oily at the same time, bland but with a strange sour taste. Overall, I'm quite disappointed because I really enjoyed the food at Dirty Birds and expected similar quality and taste given that the owners are the same people. I may consider trying the lunch or dinner menu items in the future and re-reviewing this spot, but I will definitely not be returning for breakfast. It's clear to me that improvements are needed already. read more

The food was bland. I had one of their burgers and I swear to god they put ZERO seasoning. I would get more seasoning in an English beans breakfast. They didn't even add salt. I literally had to season my own burger and even then it didn't taste good. It takes skill to mess up a burger. Also the service wasn't good because the poor servers were severely understaffed. Also my server forgot to bring us water, only giving us some after she realized she forgot as she gave us our food. Please do not waste your money here, I'm hoping the next restaurant in this spot is better. read more

Honestly one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants I've ever been to. The owner Paul and his lovely wife Melinda are so sweet and the whole staff is super friendly and hardworking. The chicken parm grinder was fire paired with a nice cold pizza port beer. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Shores Diner - Bar area - Diners Near Me - San Diego, California

Had the best time at Shores diner while at UCSD for a conference! Matt was a sensational bartender-- great times, great vibes, would definitely come again!!! read more

Loved everything! American diner 50s vibe. Every small detail was thought of. The service was great! I went for breakfast on opening day and got to meet one of the owners Pjay. He was super welcoming and everyone was filled with so much positive energy. His wife, Allizon, was also working and made it a family feel which was wonderful. Lastly, the food, my husband and I got the french toast, eggs, and sausage and droooool. So delicious!! I'm pregnant and I've thought about it the last few days lol I could go back for just the delicious classic diner food. highly recommended!!! read more

A great addition to the UCSD campus! The place is beautiful and they have a large menu with a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lychee martini was delicious! I can't wait to go back again! read more