A Safe Harbor for the Very Hungry

It’s best to visit Harbor House Cafe with a hearty appetite, because this popular restaurant does not believe in skimping on portions.

The eatery, established in 1939, is reasonably priced and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that is perfect for breakfast on the weekends, a quick lunch, a relaxing dinner after work or a late-night snack.

Customers seat themselves (except for during peak hours) and can choose either the front portion of the restaurant, which has a wooden floor and a cozy coffee-shop atmosphere, or the large, enclosed patio area out back, where it’s fun to look at the dozens of black-and-white movie stills and classic film posters hanging on the walls.

An array of 28 omelets (prices range from $5.35 to $8.65) highlights an extensive breakfast menu, available all day. Besides traditional favorites such as ham and cheese and Denver omelets, fillings such as top sirloin steak, crab, tuna, chicken, fresh broccoli and fresh cauliflower are also available.

All egg dishes come with toast and delicious home fries, but calorie-counters can replace the potatoes with steamed rice, tomatoes, cottage cheese, peaches or cooked spinach.

If you’re not in the mood for breakfast, the burgers, sandwiches and salads here are first rate. The gigantic cashew chicken salad ($6.65), with its homemade honey-mustard dressing, is not to be missed.

There are plenty of steak, seafood and chicken selections for dinner, served from 4 to 10 p.m. This is good, solid food that will stick to your ribs. Dinners ($6.95 to $10.95) come with both soup and salad, steamed vegetables, a choice of potato or steamed rice and fresh squaw bread.

Harbor House Cafe, 16341 Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Beach (with additional locations in Dana Point and San Clemente). Open 24 hours daily. (213) 592-5404.