It's not hard to find ink in Oceanside. It's not hard to find Hawaiian shirts either. It is hard to find Nostalgia in Oceanside and most of southern California...101 Cafe brings all of these to your table in the form of a diner on Historic Route 101 (aka South Coast Highway) in downtown Oceanside at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave. a few blocks east of the beach.
This gem opened in 1928 and it's amazing it has not only survived, but thrived. Today the 101 Cafe is back to its original name and use as a diner. It has gleaming stainless steel counters with authentic stools and booths just as inviting. The clientele is not stereotypical though you will see your share of "ink", motorcycles, and Marines as well as Hawaiian shirt clad tourists, families, and business attire (I don't think anyone wears suits other than the swimming kind in Oceanside).
I enjoyed gazing at the Historic HWY 101 nostalgia on the walls; the story of the location on the menu, and the true authenticity. Here the waitress served with efficiency and courtesy without a script and with her heart. She was cleaning the ketchup bottles and caps, and helping every customer, and keeping my iced tea full. It's rare to see this pride and service today.
My lunch was OK. Nothing to write home about, but I was never a diner fan. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and it was a notch above that of my childhood memories as the ham wasn't that kind came square from the deli case. My side salad was probably silly to get as fries would have been true diner food, but it was fine. I suspect they do a great job at breakfast and burgers and shakes. A diner wannabe, Ruby's, sits at the end of the Oceanside Pier, but really has little resemblance to a real diner. Both are fine, but if you remember or want the real thing, 101 Cafe should be your stop.
$13 including tip. Cash or small surcharge for ATM.
