You have to understand some things about The A before approaching. First, the owner Liz (who is often the only worker) is a character straight out of Seinfeld, sometimes not too dissimilar to the one that sold soup. She opens when she feels like it, doesn't always have everything on the menu, and sometimes will tell you that you don't want what you try to order. She ONLY TAKES CASH and, if you ask her to change too many things on your order, she just might let you have it, and I don't mean your way! All that being said, if you are courteous and take her possible jabs in good humor, she will cook you a very nice burger, crisp fries, and good, solid onion rings or zucchini (if she has them). No, they won't be spectacular but they're still better than the famous chain across the street. She gets very friendly if you come by multiple times and begins to recognize you. If you are one that must nitpick about an order or have it ready in 90 seconds, this place isn't for you. On the other hand, if you like a place with character -- which both Liz and this old former A&W stand have in spades -- don't be afraid of Liz or the building. Liz is getting up there in years and one never knows when she might hang it up or finally get a buyer for this place she perpetually has up for sale. Despite being rough around the edges and limited in what it serves, Crestline will be a much less colorful pace when Liz is gone. Oh, if it's winter and Liz has soup, get some. It is as spectacular as that from her Seinfeld counterpart.
Take it from a local, this once-great coffee house is now absolutely awful. After having been coming here regularly since late 2012, I have given the new owners of Lake Gregory Coffee multiple opportunities throughout 2016 to get this place back up to its once great standards. Today was the last straw.
If you stop here now, you will get at least one if not all of the following: the weakest barely-hot coffee you have ever had the displeasure to drink, a botched sandwich order (even though you will give a card to the clerk that states exactly what you want), a terribly messy and poorly stocked pastry case, and service from an ever-changing merry-go-round of employees that will be disinterested in you at best.
There is another small coffee shop a bit to the east on the same side of Lake Drive and a coffee bar at the local supermarket across from the lake. These are now much better than what this place has become. I ask you to trust me as a local who normally tries to avoid totally bashing a San Bernardino Mountains business...until you see that Lake Gregory Coffee has changed hands again, you will be highly disappointed to the point of feeling ripped off if you come here.
The short version is...don't skip over Skipper's.
Skipper's Family Restaurant might not look like much compared to most of the other restaurants in Cayucos. I also has its oddities and quirks in regard to decor, hours, and not giving free water due to the current extreme drought in the area.
Don't let any of that deter you from eating here. While standard diner/coffee shop fare, the quality of the food is superb and you'll get plenty of it. Breakfasts are especially good with highlights being anything with their fantastic linguica sausage, excellent gravy, chicken fried steak that is to die for, and fluffy, flavorful "dollar cakes".
Skipper's has a wonderful dog-friendly patio in the back where you can enjoy the ocean view and breeze while protected by Plexiglas that keeps any sand from blowing in. For patio diners, order and pay at the front window then go to the back to wait for your food.
This place isn't fancy and the staff is friendly but not fawning. If you're like me and appreciate a good hole-in-the-wall type place as much as a fancy dining establishment, you should love Skipper's.
I have mixed feelings about Ruddell's Smokehouse. There is no doubt that Jim is a master at smoking meat. While I like to believe I'm open to different things, it is certainly unusual to get (for one example) a taco containing smoked pork that also has chunks of apples in a dressing that reminds one of something that might be served as a side dish at Grandma's house on Thanksgiving. It's quality food with good service and some tables out front to eat almost right on the ocean. Maybe this is like one of those bands one hears and doesn't know what to think of them at first before falling in love with them after a few more listens. The whole town certainly raves about this place so I don't want to rain on the parade. Just know a taco or sandwich here is going to be a different experience.
I cannot rave enough about the Shoreline Inn. The little woman and I have stayed here twice and it has been an excellent experience in every way both times. The grounds are extremely well-kept as are the rooms themselves. The beds are extremely comfortable and there's plenty of extra pillows and blankets. Everything in the room works and is clean as a whistle. There's a grill to use and plenty of play area not including the dog-friendly beach on which the property sits. The rooms are non-smoking but a convenient outside area for tobacco users is provided. The older building closest to the water puts one almost right on top of the waves. We prefer the larger Room 104 in the newer building which has a full ocean view as well.
For me, the best thing about the Shoreline Inn is that they are not just dog-friendly but actually FULLY PREPARED to be dog-friendly. This starts at check-in with a full overview of the rules and charges, continues with treats and a bowl to use during the stay, and -- best of all considering dogs get sandy on the beach -- special blankets to cover the beds (and couch if you have one) and special towels just to clean off your dirty critters before they get past the bathroom area into the sleeping/living area. There is even a sort of shower at the corner of the property leading to the beach where both dogs and humans can rinse off most of the sand before going into the room.
One might pay a little more to stay here as opposed to other choices. After the two stays I have had here, even if I didn't have dogs, I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Cayucos.
Top Dog has incredibly awesome coffee that is also very reasonably priced. I have been here on multiple occasions and the barista always gets it just right. If tea is your thing, they have a bunch of interesting menu items for you, too. They have a few food items as well. I've never been in here and not seen a smile on everybody's face. There's some chairs and tables inside with a few more outside where you can sit with your dogs and enjoy the ocean view. Big city or small, you won't find a better place for coffee than this.
Where do I even begin with Cayucos' wonderful Pieman? Well, of course, the made-right-there pies and tender, flaky pastries but that's not all. The bierocks are to die for. Come for breakfast or lunch (plenty of sandwiches and burgers) and you won't be disappointed. There are a few tables and seats outside shared with the coffee shop next door if you have dogs or just want to enjoy looking at the ocean while eating. The Pieman is always friendly and so are all the staff I have ever seen working there. This is a must-stop if you spend any time in Cayucos.
A nice, well-maintained rest area in a very beautiful spot. Two cautions, though.
1. Parking is limited so take the first spot you see.
2. If you're letting your dogs out, keep the leash tight and have them in your sight at all times as the warning signs about rattlesnakes are no joke.