Cell-phone photo of a partly eaten calzone. Yum!

If you’re the typical college student, then you are probably out partying late and eating at Denny’s at 2 a.m. But if you are looking for a little more variety rather than the normal Sampler or Grand Slam Breakfast, you may want to check out this 24-hour restaurant at the corner of Main St. and PCH in Seal Beach.

Shore House Cafe — the sign says “outstanding food and spirits.” I can’t vouch for their spirits since I’ve never been there to drink, but their food menu is pretty extensive. There are several pages of American and Italian entrees, a few Mexican and Asian items, a lot of breakfast food, and a small dessert menu at the end.

The Location

Located on Pacific Coast Highway, Shore House Cafe is just a short walk away from the beach. Easily spotted from the road, this corner restaurant looks rather generic, nothing spectacular, and and it doesn’t seem to have any of that beach-y charm like some of the smaller places in the area.

Walking inside, it looks very much like a normal family restaurant, the bar to the right and the dining areas show some noticeable aging. The walls are decorated with old signs and posters, adding a little bit of character to the place, but still seems to be lacking.

What To Eat

Now, I admit that it is pretty difficult to mess up breakfast food, so by saying their breakfast is great would not be saying much at all. But if you are looking to stuff your face with good food, let me tell you about their pastas and calzones.

These are some of the largest portions I’ve seen (and I eat a lot). The pastas run about $12-15 and are served on a platter. That’s right, not only is the entire platter filled with pasta, but it is piled on with enough pasta to form a heaping mound.

The traditional calzones on the other hand probably size up to my 17-inch laptop, stuffed thick with Italian meats, cheese, eggs, and dipped in a side of marinara sauce. But they may also be customized by choosing from a long list of ingredients with which you can stuff your calzone.  This massive meal, served in a hot, crescent-shaped bread outside has been shared among three people and yet still a large chunk is always taken to go.

To Sum It Up

The restaurant may not be the most attractive or charming, but I don’t visit these types of restaurants for their lovely atmosphere. I go for the late-night/early-morning eats, and for the huge food portions to share with friends. I go for the pasta and breakfast, two of my favorite foods. And I go because I love the beach. If these are things you are also looking for, give Shore House Cafe a try.

Shore House Cafe
941 Pacific Coast Hwy
Seal Beach, CA 90740