mmm-yoso!!! the food blog written by friends Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy is back again with another post. Cathy is writing because the guys are adjusting.
Shirley's Kitchen, a quintessential Diner, open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. seven days a week has been in this location on University near 70th for at least 20 years.
It's not fancy. It is clean.
When you walk in, daily specials are on the wall. The decor is eclectic. Your waiter/waitress will be efficient.
Basic condiments are on every table: you can order breakfast until closing.
You might be bored with more photos of breakfast, since I tend to order the same thing everywhere (poached eggs, rye toast and whatever meat craved that day or the Shirley's Special ($5.99)-2 eggs, 2 pancakes and choice of 3 bacon, 2 sausage or ham), so this post will be about lunch.
The pot pie dinner ($7.49) is always a good choice here. The shortening-based house made crust, filled with turkey and vegetables in gravy is why it's called "Famous Pot Pie" on the menu: people drive here for this. Served with mashed potato, vegetable of the day and more gravy as well as a side of cranberry sauce, this is a filling as well as good tasting meal.
I always enjoy a simple salad ($2.99) because of the house made Thousand Island dressing and pair it with the house made reasonably sized cup of chili ($3.99). Meaty and made with a great variety of spices, making it mildly spicy, the chili here is comforting and so very good.
The people working here know the 'regulars' and are always welcoming to new people. It's like eating at a friend's home.
Shirley's Kitchen 7118 University Avenue La Mesa, 91942 (619) 462-5732 Open 7 days 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
The crust on that pot pie....mmmm! I also like the random wall art of the tiger, haha!
Posted by: caninecologne | Monday, 02 June 2014 at 07:14 PM
That pot pie looks awesome! I like how the crust cuddles the gravy like a Reese's peanutbutter cup.
Posted by: Dennis | Monday, 02 June 2014 at 08:38 PM
It's the little details that make Shirley's interesting, cc.
Yes, Dennis-excellent description!
Posted by: Cathy | Tuesday, 03 June 2014 at 04:06 AM
Do you like the pot pie better than Marie Calendar's? That's my fav place so far.
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 03 June 2014 at 10:40 AM
I like Marie's crust which does get soggy on the bottom, Soo. This version stays crispier longer and has no top crust, the filling is very good; about equal to Marie's...so it comes down to crust preferences I guess.
Posted by: Cathy | Tuesday, 03 June 2014 at 04:59 PM
Nice. I'm always on the lookout for diners and this one is near our friends' house.
Posted by: janfrederick | Wednesday, 04 June 2014 at 09:31 AM
Thanks for the clarification! I'll have to give it a try. :-)
Posted by: Soo | Wednesday, 04 June 2014 at 10:29 AM
I''ve been posting a few places on University/that neighborhood while Kirk and His Missus were on vacation, JanFrederick...just realized it when I looked back. I think diners (and a few other businesses) that have withstood the time test are the best iconic non-corporate bits of American entrepreneurism.
You'll probably like it Soo. There is a Marie Callendar's about 2 miles away, at the Lake Murray/70th Street Exit (SW corner)...and the locals eat here.
Posted by: Cathy | Thursday, 05 June 2014 at 03:15 AM
I was just recommended by a reader on my blog to try their chicken fried steak! I guess I'll have to do some "research" then! :)
Posted by: caninecologne | Wednesday, 21 October 2015 at 03:28 PM
A little birdie told me you did your research, cc. Then the birdie told me about 'the hair'...so sorry;(
Posted by: Cathy | Thursday, 12 November 2015 at 05:11 AM
Yes, it's true, sadly. Nothing is worse than enjoying your meal and then finding something "extra". :(
Posted by: caninecologne | Thursday, 12 November 2015 at 07:12 AM
Bummer. We like the food at Shirley's...
Posted by: Cathy | Monday, 16 November 2015 at 11:37 AM