Step in the door and you'll have the feeling of having stepped into a 1950's diner; red, pleather cushion seats and aluminum leg stools. White plates sit on open shelving that line the wall. Stacked high, like Legos, paper cartons hold eggs by the dozens. Cooks clanking old pots work to prepare food which is placed under hanging heat lamps on a counter to keep the food warm. Friendly servers carry warm food plates to anticipating customers. Walking through the dining area is a bit confusing and a contrast from the opening scene. The chairs are Asian-looking in design and the dining room walls lack art work. It's as if you've entered a 1950's diner and transitioned to a Chinese restaurant dining room. I'll begin with the most important part of a good breakfast...the coffee. I found it to be typical of diner coffee; burnt, coffee-flavored water, which took me by surprise because the coffee at their sister restaurant is quite flavorful. My scrambled eggs were cooked perfectly and the bacon was good. The home-fries were rather 'interesting', they were seasoned and had good flavor, however, they tasted as if they had been sitting and lacked that 'crispy' texture we all love. The one redeeming item was the pancake; fluffy and delicious. The server was very friendly and attentive. Bottom line is that this is your typical, greasy-spoon type place; definitely good hangover food for the price. read more

Have you ever had one of those days where you wake up and the only thing that will make you human is a giant serving of potatoes, a robust omelette, toast, and a superb glass of orange juice??? If you must, bring your sunglasses and post yourself up on the "patio"- which is really just a collection of tables along the sidewalk. What this place lacks in a lavish setting, the comfort food more than makes up for. Not to mention the orange juice. There were many a weekend mornings that I would have not survived had it not been for a giant glass of that sweet, sunshine in a glass. I never settled on what dish was my favorite, but according to the level of the, ... uh... hang over... I rotated through the various favorites. A little on the greasy side, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy it. The staff and patrons always seem to be happy and sweet. Don't pass up the OJ!! read more

Great little local joint! Surfers breakfast, eggs bacon and toast.. I prefer a lighter breakfast and it was nice to have this option. Eggs and bacon were perfectly cooked read more

Sunrise Cafe - Surfers Light Breakfast- perfect bacon Yum - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Great food. Definitely recommend the trestles scramble came back and got two days in a row.

Fell into this place on a drive south. Amazing what they have done with San Clemente, it sure has changed! This place however looks like it was left behind. All the staff are on their toes, as Asian Mamma kicks some major butt! Our order got set aside somehow, and she noticed us sitting there longer than necessary. Breakfast was three yells later and it was good! Another dive found and we will return should we blow by here again. Thank you Sunrise Cafe and our friendly Mamma! Moi read more

Definitely not as nice as some of the other popular breakfast places. This is a simple, dive-y breakfast joint at the corner of the street. Sat outside to soak in some sun and was happy that service didn't slow down because of it. Coffee was refilled quite often. Got the jalapeno eggs benedict (basically an eggs benedict w/ grilled jalapenos on top). Thought the hollandaise sauce could've been a bit more flavorful but not bad. The home fries it came with was crispy and good. French toast was good. It didn't change my life but at these prices, I didn't expect a gourmet meal. It was simple and did the job. read more

My wife, daughter & I went looking for some legitimate beach town diner food after church. Always wanted to try The Sunrise Cafe after finding out that Chen took it over (She owns The Calypso Cafe on Del Mar too). So glad we stopped in! We ordered 2 omelets between the 3 of us. Glad we went that route because THE OMELETS ARE HUGE! We tried the Chorizo and the Italian Sausage, jalapeno, avocado omelets. Both were super tasty. Love the hash browns and home fries too (crispy-just like I like them). The service? Amazing! Food served fast, coffee cup never empty for more than 60 seconds. (Thank you Ketmanee! Your friendly smile & attentive service was so appreciated!) Then, as we're ready to leave, we recognize Chen behind the cash register. She came to our table and chatted for a bit. So glad she's brought her work ethic, great food, smile and attention to detail to this little San Clemente diner. We'll be back :) read more

The food was great and they have HUGE portions! I thought that our server went above and beyond & was very friendly & accommodating. We had Juan's breakfast burrito. The enchilada sauce is made in house & delicious! read more

Sunrise Cafe - Juan's breakfast burrito with delicious enchilada sauce & corned beef hash. HUGE portions! They also serve mimosas, beer & wine. - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

What a charming, friendly, and delicious stop on Camino Real! (Not to mention the fact that they have a parking lot behind the restaurant which is a rare find in beach towns) The staff was great, the service was quick and friendly, and the mushroom Swiss burger was AWESOME! (So was the freshly made coleslaw - and I don't usually like coleslaw) read more

2nd time here and their breakfast tacos is seriously a goto meal if you don't know what else to get...just try it if you haven't and you will see why... read more

Sunrise Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Had brunch with my aunt this morning. Great place for inside or outside seating. Parking lot in back. Restrooms in back. Ordered ham and cheese scramble was pretty tasty. Split blueberry pancakes. Asked for wells be hash browns only the top was well. Rest was mushy but otherwise good. Waitress was awesome !!! Owner was awesome !! Will definitely eat here again so many things to try on the menu. read more

I've been looking a lot for a diner-like place. A place where the sugar is in giant glass containers on the table and the only music they play is 50's rock-n-roll. I think this is as close as I've come to a privately owned local diner in Southern Orange County since moving here. We ordered two big 3-egg omelets that came with toast and obligatory hash-browns. There's nothing better than an overstuffed plate of breakfast food on a weekend morning. We loaded our omelets with gyro meat, avocados, cream cheese, and onions and enjoyed the substitution of biscuits and gravy instead of toast. The OJ was fresh and the coffee was hot. To ridicule the decor of this place, would be to completely ignore their efforts of trying to be a 50's style diner while within a corner store front. They're cute and they're trying and regardless of how bare the walls are or how plain the tables were, the food is delicious and the service is fast and friendly. It satisfied my need for some good greasy diner food, that's for sure. read more

We were promptly greeted and seated. The menu offered many options and we chose breakfast. Everything was cooked as ordered, plentiful and very tasty. Definitely recommend. read more

Great find thanks to Yelp Nothing fancy just great food and wonderful friendly service everyone seemed to really enjoy working there Coffee good flavor & constantly being filled Omelet, great flavor hash browns home made no grease very large serving read more

Food is amazingly delicious! Got the chicken fried steak here. Best decision I made. A to go spot in my book.

For the price of the omelet I had, I was expecting a lot more in terms of both amount and flavor. Definitely too bland and average quality. Maybe I made the wrong choice as my friend's food did look better but definitely way too overpriced for what I got. read more

The food was ok, but this old hag waitress named Lesley not only gave us attitude but had the nerve to talk about us to the other staff! I hope management deals with her and soon! We were a big table and don't plan to come back unless she is long gone! If you don't like your job don't do it. read more

Came here because I was starving. Food turned out to be pretty great most of it the usual diner food but there is also a healthy menu and vegetarian options. I ordered the poached eggs and rye toast along with a side of avocado and it was all very good. They kept my coffee cup full. Overall great service. read more

Sunrise Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

If you go here prepare to waaaaaiitttt if it's busy and don't piss them off or they'll talk about you within earshot.

You can't beat this friendly, homestyle breakfast nook for a great meal. If you are lucky, they'll have some macadamia nuts on hand to include in a banana-nut pancake delight. Top it off by dining al fresco and let the happiness begin. It's affordable, great atmosphere, and includes things for the gut-sticking to the heart-healthy. Try it out, you won't be disappointed. read more

With so many breakfast places in San Clemente, it's hard to really stand out. Sunrise Cafe offers decent food at a decent price. I really like their outdoor seating and the servers are always nice and efficient. One of the major reasons we end up here is because we don't have to deal with a long wait (Antoines) or parking issues (Del Mar). It's a solid choice for people on the north side of town. Try the breakfast burrito, it's my go-to and delicious. read more

Why I will never go back? I ordered the beef dip and it was tasteless, tough and maybe three thin slices of beef for $10. The owners response was that they sell a lot of them. That May be true but never twice to the same customer. Write this one off the list for sure. read more

Love the breakfast burritos! Everything we have ordered has been great, and calling to adjust an order was simple. They were accommodating and polite. I love ordering breakfast here for delivery when I dont feel like cooking. read more

Small, corner restaurant. Outdoor seating as well as inside. Super friendly waitress. Great food. Traditional breakfast stuff. Big servings that are totally shareable. Not disappointed at all. read more

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I do not get out alot. When I do, I like big food, good food, and a friendly atmosphere. Sunrise cafe provides all that and more. You can eat inside or out. The food is excellent no matter what I order I have enjoyed it. From omelettes to eggs benedict, my sisters personal favorite. I have never had a bad meal. I never leave hungry I always leave full and happy. All the staff are friendly. The wait for food or seating is never long. Good coffee too. A place to take family, friends and people who want that down home comfort food.... P.S. They also will make your food to suit you personal needs. You really just can't go wrong. read more

Went in on Sunday at about 11 for breakfast. The place was packed so service was a little off and getting seated was a pain. However, the food was great. I had the eggs Benedict and the short stack of pancakes. The pancakes were topped with salted butter that added a great mixture of sweet and salty. It is a little pricey but it is San Clemente. Would definitely eat here again. read more

restaurant doesnt respect delivery drivers at all, every single time I came here, it took me more then 30 minutes for something that should be ready!!!! read more

They have Yummy omelettes. Nice waitresses and Friendly environment. I get the spinach avocado Swiss cheese omelette and fresh fruit. read more

Excellent food and great service. Pancakes were giant- larger than a Bruce Springsteen album. The french toast was fantastic (teenager) and the salsa and huevos rancheros were outstanding. read more

Sunrise Cafe - Breakfast cibatta with bacon, egg, tomatoes and zesty sauce with a side of fresh fruit. Excellent flavor and very filling - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Great food! Very friendly service! Small, community feel. We sat at the counter and watched the chefs at work. Very good time! read more

Sunrise Cafe - Chorizo Burrito and a side of avocado! - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Locally owned, traditional coffee shop. Breakfast and lunch, no dinner. Traditional coffee shop menu. Nothing unusual or unique. Basic food cooked on a grill. But...when you just want regular food, the stuff you recognize, then this is a safe and comfortable choice. The food is good quality, properly prepared, folksy staff, good service and plenty of regulars who are testament to the good food. read more

Love coming here on a sunny day with my dog and husband, they have the best breakfast items and good variety of food options from comfort foods to healthier choices. read more

Sunrise has the best breakfast in San Clemente and their bacon is top notch, not matched by anyone

We were driving by and thought this looked like a good spot for breakfast. We were right. Very good food. I had the Ortega Hwy. Omelet and he had the Chorizo burrito. Coffee cup never got empty. Delicious. read more

Came here for breakfast this morning and had a good experience. It's a pretty small place, a bit cramped, and there were a few flies buzzing around us. Some landed on me and it was a little annoying, but no problem! Our waitress was really friendly, but forgot refills and we had to ask her. I Love the atmosphere and the pictures on the walls, and the surfboard as well. I got the chorizo scramble and I would highly recommend it. When they brought it it looked like a plate of brown mush, and I thought "Oh no". I tentatively bit into it and was pleasantly surprised. The egg and chorizo are perfectly scrambled in cohesion and the melted cheese brings the flavor of the chorizo, eggs, tomatoes, and onions. The acidity of the tomatoes and taste of the onions highlight the spicy undertones of the sausage. All in all, it's a pretty great dish. My only issues with it were that the fruit wasn't that fresh, and the tomatoes tasted like crunchy water, not ripe or just not good. Definitely coming back. read more

My food had a hair in it it was disgusting & the Chinese women manager charged me for it! I went back in to get my money & she was so unprofessional & rude about it. & charged me twice! I'm more concerned about the heath & sanitary conditions about this place, since she accused me of lying & didn't seem so concerned about it.. I wouldn't recommend going here, unless you want to leave hungry read more

This place is delicious! I've lived down the street for about a year and finally tried it. So glad I did, it's amazing. Have been back about 4 times since, the breakfast sandwich is perfection. read more

Loved this place! I don't live near the neighborhood, but I was hiking in the morning and wanted to have brunch. There was 6 of us and we had 3 dogs (one husky). They were very accommodating and the food came out fast. And after a hike, you are HUNGRY. The food was amazing. Every dish that we ordered was drooool amazing. Would come here again in a heartbeat! read more

Had the AvoBacon omelet which was exceptional. Excellent service great people great place. Coffee is great as well!

"I'm a San Clemente local and my husband and I decided to come here for breakfast today. This place is really good food wise but the service is terrible! We ordered our food and didn't receive it for 45 minutes! We luckily weren't in a hurry, but the place wasn't super packed and the server barely came to update us. Fortunately the food was good but we were definitely unhappy with the wait." We experienced exactly the same here and the waitress was rude and only talks or ask my husband really now? She thinks it is my husband paying the bill lol! Food is good but I would not do it again first their price is ridiculous! And I ordered a chocolate milkshake and the size of it was a simple glass where they put their glass of water and did not even give the extra... where it says in the menu special or something, it doesn't taste like it is extraordinary it actually taste like a simple one that you can make at home and that cost 6dollars!!! hahaha do not order chocolate milkshake it is a rip off! Would rather pay a chocolate milkshake at Deny's lol! read more