Troy's Family Restaurant- American (and Greek) food

Hi, it's Cathy blogging for mmm-yoso!!! today.  Kirk  is under the weather and ed (from Yuma) is busy.

An ocean of time ago, The Mister and I moved to San Diego for the last time.  Our apartment was within walking distance of Clairmont Square, and we used to eat at Troy's Family Restaurant.  A lot.  Until we bought our home, about 25 miles East of here.
It's been in the Clairmont area since 1973.  The mall has expanded and been rebuilt a few times since then, but the owners and a lot of the employees are the same.  We were in the area on this sunny day a few weeks ago and wanted to see if things, like the decor and food,  were still the same.

The cool dishware is as I remembered. Curvy scratched water glasses and thick ceramic cups.  I love old, thick coffee cups; they make coffee taste better. ($1.75).  Served with real half and half in the container on each table.

 The Ranch dressing on the salad is homemade and better than any bottled stuff I have ever had.  The lettuce mix, with shredded carrots tomatoes and packaged croutons is standard crispy fresh.

The salad was part of the special of the day (Monday) - Tilapia ($7.95) which was dipped in an egg wash and then seasoned flour and lightly fried.  A light crisp crust enhances the flavor of the fish.  It is served with a vegetable of the day (no frozen vegetables here...these were fresh cooked, un-mushy carrots, hand sliced) and mashed potatoes-also fresh. The gravy is a standard brown gravy, smooth and not lumpy. There are at least three daily specials offered all seven days of the week.  
Since the restaurant is named Troy's and the font on the outside indicates some air of 'Greek' to it,  I wanted one of the Greek menu offerings... really, only two are available.  Gyros in the form of a sandwich and in an omelete and souvlaki with breakfast or a sandwich.  At this time, the souvlaki sandwich ($7.45) stood out on the menu.  Marinated, skewered pork, cooked lightly (it was just pink  on the inside, very moist and the char on the exterior of the pieces was just right) served on a piece of garlic toast, with cole slaw (instead of fries) and tossed salad (with Thousand Island dressing-again, made in house and excellent).

It was as we remembered it:  Good, home made food made with care and flavor. 

 Troy's Family Restaurant 4827 Clairmont Shopping Center San Diego 92111 (619)276-7651

Mon-Sat 6:30-9:00, Sun 6:30-8:00

Comments

[James]

Do you know if there is any relationship between that Troy's and the one in the shopping center with San Diego Brewing Co?

[Cathy]

No relation, James. The one on Mission Gorge is Troy's Greek, and the entire menu is Greek centered (and good). This place -Troy's Family- is more of a family and American centered menu of quality, homestyle food-on the level of Jimmy's, Janet's, Johnny's R and Mission Gorge/Miramar Cafe. All are really good. I've always been impressed by the house made sauces and dressings here in addition to the food preparation.

[Frrugal]

@cathy I agree this place isn't "authentic" Greek food and isn't artisan by any stretch of the imagination but it is very, good diner food.

I used to live behind the DMV by the Clairemont square and used to love this place!

BTW You should really check out "Fish Attack" down the street on Clairemont drive, new sushi place, very good!

[Cathy]

Hi Frrugal. We lived closer to the Post Office. Glad to 'meet' someone who knows the food from Troy's. It hasn't changed in all these years. Yes, I saw "Fish Attack" when we left Troy's and it is on my radar for the next time I am in the area. Welcome to our blog.

[caninecologne]

hi cathy - i will have to try this place with the husband and child one day. kinda cool how hardly anything has changed over the years. i really like these kinds of mom and pop places.

[Cathy]

Try the Troy Burger, cc. (I should have done it for Burger week.) General stuff here, like the egg wash on the fish, is just done right. They do have a counter/bar stool area to sit instead of a table-I like to that when eating by myself.