In Encinitas, California, you’ll find a spot that embodies the North County’s laid-back surfer vibe: the Potato Shack Cafe. Since 1983, this place has been dishing out quality, value, and comfort, making it a local favorite and a must-visit for anyone passing through.
Location and Atmosphere
Located at 120 W. I Street in Encinitas, CA 92024, the Potato Shack Cafe is easy to find and offers a welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor seating area, shaded by huge trees, invites you to relax and enjoy your meal. It’s a dog-friendly spot, so feel free to bring your furry friend along. The owner creates a welcoming tone by telling customers to sit wherever they feel comfortable.
Hours of Operation
The Potato Shack Cafe is open seven days a week, with consistent hours from Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
A Menu of Generous Portions
The Potato Shack is known for its generosity. You can split a plate without an extra charge and enjoy bottomless coffees and endless breakfast potatoes. Their pancakes are famously enormous, living up to the name “manhole-cover size.”
Here’s a peek at some menu highlights:
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Manhole Cover-Size Pancakes: A single plain pancake costs $12, but the Yelp menu shows the chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes at $20. You can add fruit, granola, or chocolate chips for an additional $2.
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Specialty Breakfasts: Try the Top Sirloin Steak or Chicken Fried Steak & Two Eggs, served with a plain manhole cover pancake or toast and breakfast potatoes for $21.
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Eggs: Two eggs with breakfast potatoes and toast will run you $13. For a Mexican twist, the Huevos Rancheros feature two eggs on a corn tortilla topped with Spanish sauce and cheese, served with breakfast potatoes, avocado, and sour cream for $18.
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Specialty Spuds: The breakfast potatoes are all-you-can-eat! A plain order is $12, with a half order at $7. Add your choice of cheddar, jack, Swiss, American, pepper jack, or feta cheese, or mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, Ortega chiles, broccoli, green onions, or garlic for $2 each. Avocado is an additional $3.
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Potato Fries & Rings: Ranch fries (white potato wedges lightly seasoned and deep-fried) or potato patties (shredded russets blended with milk, eggs, and natural seasoning, made into patties and deep-fried) are each $13.
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Chili: A bowl of chili con carne is $10, or get it with cheddar cheese and onions for $12. Chili fries with cheddar cheese and onions are $19.
More Than Just Potatoes
While the name suggests a focus on potatoes, the Potato Shack Cafe offers a diverse menu. They serve good pork chop breakfasts and great lunch burgers.
Here are some of their other offerings:
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Side Orders: Options include an English muffin ($4), bagel and cream cheese ($6), gluten-free toast ($5), two sausage patties ($9), ham steak ($9), four strips of bacon ($9), and fresh fruit bowl ($8).
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Beverages: Choose from flavored teas like Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Green Tea, and Black Tea, or herbal teas like Lemon, Mint, and Chamomile ($3.50 each).
Important Details to Note
The Potato Shack Cafe is located at 120 W I St, Encinitas, CA 92024. You can contact them at (760) 436-1282. They are open seven days a week from 7 AM to 2 PM. Keep in mind that the Potato Shack Cafe does not accept credit cards. There is an ATM on site.
What People Are Saying
The Potato Shack Cafe has earned a solid reputation, boasting a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of properties on the site. Customers rave about the generous portions, friendly service, and, of course, the all-you-can-eat potatoes. Many reviewers highlight the homemade salsa and recommend trying the eggs Benedict.
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch in a relaxed, unpretentious setting, the Potato Shack Cafe is the place to go. Just be prepared for generous portions and a true taste of North County hospitality.
Source: yelp.com
Header Image Source: jersey.com
