the Sunrise Cafe

About Sunrise Cafe

A sun, some sunglasses, a diner.

The cartoon sun over “the Sunrise Cafe” has watched over this corner of El Camino Real for years — a red scalloped awning, a wall of vintage San Clemente photos, and a menu that never chased a trend.

The Sunrise Cafe's counter, under the red scalloped awning

The idea

An old-fashioned diner, done right.

The Sunrise Cafe is a San Clemente institution on El Camino Real — hand-shredded hash browns, generous omelettes, and a laid-back, old-school diner feel, right down to the wall of vintage San Clemente photos. Regulars know it for the friendly staff, the great coffee, and portions built to fill you up.

The dining room is hung with black-and-white photos of old San Clemente — a nod to the neighborhood the cafe has served for years. Hash browns are hand-shredded, omelettes are stacked generously, and the coffee never runs dry.

The Sunrise Cafe dining room, with terracotta tile and dark wood chairs

What we believe

Hearty mornings, friendly service.

01

Old-School, on Purpose

A wall of black-and-white San Clemente photos, a red scalloped awning over the counter, and a menu that hasn't chased any trend — this is the diner regulars grew up on.

02

Open Every Morning

Doors open at 7 and the griddle runs until 2:30, seven days a week — early enough for the surf crowd, easy enough for a slow weekend.

03

Hearty, Generous Portions

Hand-shredded hash browns, stacked omelettes, and plates built to fill you up — the kind of value regulars come back for.

04

Friendly, Fast Service

Even on a busy weekend, the staff keeps tables turning and coffee cups full — attentive without ever feeling rushed.

The Sunrise Cafe kitchen, hard at work on the morning rush

Behind the counter

Made by hand, every morning.

Hash browns are shredded fresh, omelettes are built to order, and the kitchen keeps the line moving even on the busiest weekend mornings.

Behind the scenes

A little glimpse in.

An egg and bacon sandwich, grilled to order at The Sunrise Cafe
Breakfast tacos at The Sunrise Cafe
A loaded breakfast scramble at The Sunrise Cafe

Come see for yourself.