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Bértha V. Rodriguez, Manager
(562) 592-1425

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SqueezeOC's Top 2 list
So we just turned 2 years old. Instead of throwing a party with a bounce house and balloon animals and lots of sugar, we decided to celebrate by crafting a Top 2 list that can serve as your quick guide to the fun offerings here in Orange County.

24-Hour Restaurants

1. Harbor House Cafe
Sunset Beach and Dana Point
Good, old-fashioned eats (hearty burgers, more than 25 different omelettes), plus plenty of non-meat dishes, served up in a pleasant vintage vibe.
— contact@squeezeoc.com

OC Register - Blogs - Food Frenzy
Breakfast is always better when you don't have to cook it yourself. And as much as I enjoy making my own morning meals, I love going out for breakfast much, much more.

The Harbor House Cafe in Dana Point is one of those places where you can dine after just rolling out of bed, matted hair, rumpled pajamas and all. The waitstaff won't even bat an eyelash to your disheveled appearance (trust me, they've seen everything), and will give you all the time you need to wake up and pore over the tome that is the cafe's eclectic menu.

Come at any time during the day or night (the restaurant is open 24 hours a day all year, with not a single pause for holidays) and you'll most likely find its tables and booths packed, just likes its walls and ceilings are of movie posters and celebrity shots. It's a favorite of locals both young and old, who laud the dishes for their behemoth portions. Pancakes (try the banana nut hotcakes, served with a mammoth-sized dollop of whipped cream) and french toast are served as fluffy as they come, while a chicken fried steak smothered with gravy is as comforting as it is tasty. Biscuits and sausage gravy surprisingly have some color to them (some of these b & g dishes I've seen look about as appetizing as hospital food), and are lovely as a side dish to any of the restaurant's 29 omelettes or egg plates.

I would also choose Harbor House's coffee over anything offered at Starbucks.
— Cynthia Furey (OC Register)

Harbor House Customer
I really miss your burgers and baskets of fries, they are the best! I've been living in Wisconsin since the early 90's and have not had a comparable burger yet. My mom lives in Dana Point so when I come to visit, you'll be my first stop. My wife and kids will be in for a treat! Brings back high school memories of late nights at The Harbor House Cafe. — Todd (Watertown, Wisconsin)

Harbor House Customer
The food is soo good. And the service is great and fast and accurate. And after go to the beach and soak up some rays and waves. — Darrell Russell (HB Surf City)

Harbor House Customer
The Harbor House is the greatest. The menu is huge, the food is amazing and the wait staff is the best! Everyone we bring here is blown away by how awesome the food is and how comfortable the atmosphere is. It's consistently THE BEST! Thanks, Harbor House! We know when we come in the door, the food and service will be excellent. — Tom & Donna (Fullerton)

Harbor House Customer
The other night was my sister's birthday and my family and I surprised her by taking her to harbor house cafe in sunset beach. The place is small but I loved the environment because it was small but popular, and not big enough where you wouldn't get any service. The place was great. Best food I ever had I promise. I ordered the crab omelet with mushrooms and onions. It looked great when it came out and it tasted better. My girlfriend ordered a tuna melt and that was good too, but she liked the crab omelet better and we ended up switching. im playing on going back really soon because every day I crave another one of those crab omelets! thanks! — Derek

Harbor House Customer
I just thought about the Harbor House Cafe and had the idea to surf for it in the internet. Haven't been around for more than 10 years now but still remember (and consider) you guys as the best place in the world to have a good breakfast in matters of fantastic food, perfect ambience and charming staff (and I've seen quite a few good places). I always loved dropping by (whenever I've been in Southern CA) and can't wait to come back again at some day. It would love to see that everything is still as good as it ever was...— Helmut (London / Dublin / Cologne )

Harbor House Customer
So I moved to San Francisco recently, away from beautiful Dana point, and the one thing I miss the most: CHILIE CHEEZE FRIES & OREO COOKIE SHAKES at 2 o'clock in the morning!...but im moving back so ill be in there every night! — Alexis (Dana Point)

Harbor House Customer
"On my way to my favorite restaurant". — Stephan (Sunset Beach)

Downtown Sunset Beach- OCMetro.com
... But the king of restaurants in Sunset Beach, Harbor House Café, is still going strong. Open 24/7, this roadside diner has been Sunset's unofficial meeting place for decades. There's a Hollywood theme throughout the rambling place, which makes it seem even more famous. The menu has huge portions and is celebrated for its breakfasts and juicy burgers, but you can also find steaks, salads and comfort foods like clam chowder or pot roast. The wait staff just seems to know everyone, and locals seem to thrive on the bustling atmosphere. ...— Sheryll Alexander (OC Metro)

Photo source: OC Metro

24-Hour Restaurants - SqueezeOC.com
For all you night owls – our favorite late-night/early-morning eateries in Orange County. Established in 1939, Harbor House has a vintage feel. Technicolor movie posters paper the walls and a few old-school arcade games sit in the corner. Nice heated patio at both locations, too. The menu features hearty burgers, a huge list of omelettes and a pleasant variety of non-meat items. Malts and shakes are served up with whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top. — Domar Chatriwala and Iris Yokoi (SqueezeOC.com)

Photo source: Brian Quines - SqueezeOC.com

Harbor House Cafe: "Anyone will feel at ease here"
Harbor House is already a hit with the locals, but has flavor a tourist can appreciate, too. This is a great place for writers...the service staff has "regulars" and it has an old-time diner feel. The walls are adorned with movie posters...Look up! They're even on the ceiling! They're one of the only places around that are open for 24 hours and the menu selection is vast...be prepared to sit for a while debating what you want! Breakfast is served 24 hours a day as well as traditional American fare, Mexican, Oriental...there is a little of everything. My husband loves the Egg Chorizo Burrito.

The best thing about Harbor House is that there is something for everyone here and you can go anytime of the day or night and not worry about dressing to impress. One of the few diners in the area...and one where you're certain to become a regular, yourself. — Dana Point TripAdvisor Member (TripAdvisor)

Chowhound
Harbor House Cafe in Dana Point
Well.... I never thought I would recommend a place that my son calls an "old fashioned dive joint", but here I am doing it. We've lived in South OC for 25 years and in San Clemente for the last 3. Every morning I drive past this place and it is full. You'd think I would have gotten the hint by now, but Dana Point is a touristy town so I guess I thought the tourists don't have many choices.

When we close our business on the nights it's open late, my wife and I often crave something traditional and/ or light, but what's open at 9:30 or 10PM? Last night we wanted to meet up with our son, who was at Purple Feet (A wine bar in that same area). I checked and found that Harbor House is OPEN 24 HOURS!!!! Holy accessability, Batman!!!!

So we walked in (At 10PM) and the place was packed. It was Friday night, so 60% or so appeared to be high-schoolers, glued to their cell phones and talking too loudly. But there were also a number of more 'mature' folk, and a bunch of traditional OC local types (beards and caps, with surf T-shirts & sandals, in spite of the wind and cold temp - gotta love the beach for that!). VERY typical OC scene.

My wife orderd some chicken/vegetable soup, and I one of my comfort favorites - corned beef hash. Out come two more-than-generous portions. My wife said the soup was really very good, and my hash was just what I was looking for (served with two fried eggs and hash browns & a bread of choice). Now...... this is not healthy or gourmet chow. It's your basic (every town hopefully has at least one) local coffee shop/diner food, but the quality was certainly good, considering. There are a few of them in this area, but I think this is the only one open 24 hours. We're definitely going to try it again for another sampling of this classic menu of very basic menu diner food.

Now...... if only there was a great french bistro open 24 hours???? — Chowhound

Harbor House Customer
Ah...my first time at harbor house was great!! The food was great and the people were awesome. I really enjoy the customers service there cuz everytime I came to harbor house their service never seems to disappoint me. I came there with my date, which is now my boyfriend. We try to come there as much as we can, but though we can't we are left with great memories. =) — Quyen

Harbor House Customer
I have been coming to Harbor House since around 1970 and I LOVE it!! The food is great, the portions huge and the price is right. The atmosphere is very cozy and filled with history.Thank you very much for being there and continuing to provide happy meals for us! — Joy (Huntington Beach)

Harbor House Customer
restaurant was great....best breakfast I ever ate...so damn huge, didn't eat the rest of the day! 5 Stars! Thank you! — Richard (Saint Marie , Montana)

Harbor House Customer
My wife and I and now our two kids have been going to The Harbor House Cafe for 17 years. We love the great food & service, and the classic So Cal beach culture atmosphere. This place is a must for anyone into great food and wanting to soak up some of the 1960's styled laid back Orange County-Americana feel from days gone by. A real road side treasure. This place is the real deal. — Craig (Seal Beach)

Harbor House Customer
My first experience with the "cafe" was in February 1966 when I arrived in California on my way to Vietnam with the Marine Corps. Because of the hospitality then and ever since then, I, to this very day, when opportunity presents, stop in several times a month, if not once a week at least, to feast on that hospitality. The Harbor House Cafe should be a nationally declared beacon of rest, comfort, safety and sustanence to all who travel throughout this land. It and it's sister in Dana Point are a welcome "harbor" to all. Matter of fact, I was in Montreal Canada two years ago and the Harbor House Cafe in Sunset Beach was highly complimented by some of the local Montrealer's who had been at one time in that region of southern California. Thank you for being there for everyone back in '66, now and hopefully for many more years! — Frank (Huntington Beach)

Harbor House Customer
I have been coming to your cafe since I was in high school....love the food, the service is great, everything is just wonderful! My husband and I come in all the time, actually that is where we are headed for dinner! yum! We are moving though...but hey build one in colorado.... :)— Anne (Huntington Beach/Colorado)

Harbor House Customer
You guys rock. I'm from Hawaii and flew to Chicago to buy a VW van. I drove it for 4 days to Long Beach Pier and found you guys around 3AM. I crashed in the van for a few hours, as I'd done the whole trip, and awoke to have an awesome breakfast at your Sunset Beach Cafe. Great food, great price, great decor, great locale, great staff, great 'regulars', and nice bathrooms too! Whew, thanks for all!! Aloooooha, see ya' next time. ;--) — James "Kimo" (Honolulu)

Harbor House Customer
Damn best club sandwich ever. — Ryan (Covina)

Harbor House Customer
Great Food. Fair prices. Eat there 2-3 Times a week. Breakfast is primo, lunch is grand, dinner is super. Well worth the wait. Friendly staff who knows how to hustle. You'll love it. I guarantee it!!! — Tony - Surfside (Seal Beach)


Harbor House Customer
I love the Harbor House Cafe. I grew up going there in Dana Point and went there late nights with friends in high school. Now that I live in San Diego I must make a stop every time I am in OC. I LOVE the Peanut Butter shakes!!!

I live in a town called Pacific Beach(PB) in SD. SD is a college town and PB is no exception. The main street is filled with bars and boutiques and is the PERFECT place for a harbor house cafe. Weekend mornings find all the restaurants and cafe completely full and Denny's (yuck!) is the only 24-hour place around and that is crowded ALL night long on weekend nights. Please consider opening another southern location in PB or anywhere is SD. You would be a huge success!! Thanks for all the great food and fond memories! — Krysten Rudy - Pacific Beach (San Deigo)


Orange County Register
The 11th Annual Best of Orange County voted Harbor House Café as a "Hidden Gem" under the Best Breakfast category. "Choose from one of 29 omelets any time of day - breakfast is ready at 5 a.m. or 5 p.m. at this great 24-hour diner that's been serving up huge portions for years.

An eclectic crowd - conservative families to biker gangs to youth sport teams - can be found squeezed into the dark booths, chowing down amid the vintage movie posters. 'Our breakfast taste really home-cooked - they're freshly prepared with fresh ingredients,' said Bertha Rodriguez, personnel manager for both restaurants. ' And we make everything large - it's like a mountain on your plate.'"


Lunarama
"Great little diner with dark secluded booths, walls slathered in vintage movie posters, and a sexy chic wait staff. Crowd is a mix of rockabillies, old money, high school seniors, goth kids, and people like me... plain old insomniac musician writers who work for nonprofit's and have limited scratch.

Food is fried, big and tasty. Typical order for a table of 5: a basket of fries with ranch dressing, a fudge brownie sundae with several spoons, an enormous california omelet with hobo potatoes, a giant chef salad, and of course, someone always orders a burger and a milkshake. You rarely have to wait and the girl's bathroom is very pink.

This is the best thing to happen to Long Beach and Orange County after midnight since well... ever. It's off PCH between Seal Beach and Huntington Beach". — Jen


Mouse Planet (Beyond the Berm - Dana Point)
"Harbor House offers a huge menu of classic American food in a cozy and clean roadhouse atmosphere. My favorites are the omelets and the milkshakes. I even love their BANANA milkshake, and I do NOT like banana milkshakes.

Best of all, Harbor House is open 24 hours and breakfast is served all day. Eating pancakes at midnight, surrounded by wood paneling, red leather, neon and old movie posters, it's hard to remember the hour or even the decade. And unlike many retro-styled diners, Harbor House has actually been in business since the 1930s". — Douglas Seabury


Tribute to the Harbor House Cafe, Sunset Beach
"The Harbor House Cafe is the epitome of the best in roadside dining. The Harbor House Cafe is located on Pacific Coast Highway, in Sunset Beach, California, between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, a few steps from water's edge.

The Harbor House Cafe was converted in 1939 from a beach cottage into a restaurant. Decor includes an appealing combination of craftsman architecture, motion picture memorabilia, and nautical themes. The main dining area includes an authentic lunch counter with rotating stools. A covered heated patio is in the rear.

However, it is the food itself which makes the Harbor House Cafe memorable. Large portions are combined with reasonable prices. In addition, ingredients are always fresh and expertly prepared. A very extensive American menu is offered. The malts should not be missed. The malts are made with real malt powder and ice cream, and are served in the mixing tin". — Jeffrey Sward - Huntington Beach


MyOC.com
" Twenty years ago, Harbor House Café began serving traditional American cuisine, mixing it up with a few Mexican and Chinese dishes. An average dinner for two without drinks will cost about $20. Breakfast is served all day and includes 20 different omelets, pork chops and eggs or a ham steak; cost is $12 to $14 for two. Zagat’s restaurant survey gave the food an 18 and the service a 16 — both in the “good to very good” category. And the cafe is open 24 hours daily".


Long Beach's Gazette Newspapers

"The biggest omelettes you’ve ever seen are at the Harbor House Café across from Peter’s Landing on PCH. They’ve got 29 different kinds of omelettes, in addition to great lunches and dinners. Open 24 hours a day".


Coast Report - Orange Coast College
"The food at the Harbor House Cafe is satisfying and service is friendly. The prices are fair, which a college student can appreciate....The Harbor House Cafe keeps Sunset Beach alive with 24-hour service. It is one of several area restaurants offering late night dining". — Jordon Wilson - Staff Writer


AOL City Guide - Orange County
"Ask any Orange County insiders who've been around long enough what the best 24-hour eatery is and they're sure to mention the Harbor House Cafe. It's a no-nonsense American diner with a juxtaposed '60s cinema and beach theme. The menu offers traditional roadside diner fare along with a few unexpected favorites served in enormous portions at a surprisingly low price. The bustle of the restaurant is fueled by the young wait staff zipping back and forth between the patio and main dining room while classic rock gets piped in overhead. Afternoon and evening diners get a choice of classics like burgers, loose-meat sandwiches, steaks and seafood (along with select Mexican and Chinese staples), but it's the breakfast selection that keeps the Harbor House on the map. With over 75 breakfast dishes to choose from (including over 25 types of omelets), there's rarely a free seat during the morning rush. Good news for breakfast fans, too -- the Harbor House serves its morning nosh 24 hours a day". — Michael Alarcon - AOL City Guide Editor