Penguin Cafe -- Laguna Beach, California

Welcome to the iconic Penguin Cafe, a beloved restaurant located off Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.
Its doors first opened as a charming malt shop in the 1940s, a menu item that is still served today. In the 1960s its owners changed, and the offerings were expanded to include breakfast and brunch.
The Penguin Cafe quickly grew into a haven where guests could savor homestyle breakfast that feels like dining at “grandma’s house.” They are proud to be one of the oldest family-run establishments in Laguna Beach and continue to be a local and tourist favorite.

The inside of the restaurant is very quaint, with just a few tables, booths, and a breakfast bar, so it fills up quickly. One of my favorite things about Penguin Cafe is the art that adorns the walls. They have various artworks that feature penguins, they really live up to the name. My favorite menu item is the breakfast chorizo, it’s the best! Even after all these years, the food tastes the same as I remember it when dining here as a kid.