Penguin Cafe - Laguna Beach, California

Katie D.

This was a great little spot to stumble upon! I'd love to visit again on my next trip and try a different menu option or risk trying another benedict. I’m SUCH a benedict girly, but the California Benedict had overly frothy hollandaise with not much flavor which was a huge bummer. Maybe I just came on an off day. Overall, great service and quick delivery of food.

Priyanka B.

Brunch is delicious here. Looks like coffee is complementary. Began stacks was amazing, and the vegan toast. French toast is delicious as well. Service was good. Just beside the restaurant you can walk straight down to Anita beach.

Kimberly A.

Forty years ago this place was an institution. But why anyone goes here now I have no idea. We were there on a drizzly midweek morning, and there was only one other single patron. My husband’s pancakes came out first and were rubbery. We had to flag the waitress down )remember, there’s on one else here) to remind her to bring the blueberries. When he was halfway through his meal, they brought the blueberries and my fruit in a cup. The fruit was old, bruised and ugly. About five minutes later she delivered my omelette (which was tasty) but it took another 5 minutes before my pancake (sub for toast) arrived. No bottomless cup of coffee offered frequently and this is no deal; omelettes are $19 and the cup of coffee is $4.25. And the atmosphere inside is worn and tacky. No way am I ever returning.

Mark A.

Very nice breakfast. I’m usually a very nutrition conscious person (I came up with the ServingScore app), but I like to go off-road sometimes and eat a good traditional breakfast. Here, you are 1 block from the beach, can sit outside, be offered extra coffee a lot, and get a great price meal that is tasty. Enjoy!

Darryl S.

If you like a proper breakfast, it’s not some weird fancy convoluted breakfast and this is your place. The staff is super friendly. The food was great. I highly recommend the bacon in the atmosphere was chill. I highly recommend this place.

khashy V.

We sat at the bar and they were pretty busy. Service was quick and our food came out quick! Everything was perfect. Too bad the gorgeous view of the ocean is not visible from the restaurant.

Erika T.

Always a great time with Sabrina at the Penguin. I stumbled on this great old school diner when I first moved to Laguna almost a decade ago. You can never go wrong with the French Toast, and who doesn’t love pancakes (especially blueberry pancakes). Omelettes are always my go to item (be it ham and cheese blend or the chili cheese), always get the tortillas and make my own little breakfast tacos (the BEST salsa).

You’ve got booths and tables, outdoor seating, and my favorite spot, the counter. There’s a sign-in sheet at the door for when they are busier, but it’s not a long wait, friendly and efficient service. Large parties can be accommodated.

It’s what small town dining is all about. A treasure in Laguna, a glimpse of the laid back, small town life most residents enjoy. There’s street parking in front and on side streets, and a small parking lot in back. If you’re looking for a little more space away from people while your eating, just place your order, grab a cup of coffee, and walk down to the sand to enjoy a calming oceanview...a little vitamin sea.

Don’t let peeps fool you...if you choose to eat healthy there are plenty of great options, and always have great specials. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask 🙂

Linda G.

Took 5 minutes for us to get acknowledged, we just sat down wherever. They got our order wrong. When food came out it was bland no seasoning. French toast was cold and tough, fried potatoes were boiled potatoes with no flavor. My omelet was wet and runny again no flavor. Would not return.