**** Island Style Cafe has reopened in Santee.
I've always maintained that I have a wonderful group of "FOYs" (Friends of Yoso), my own "coconut wireless" that keep me informed of what's going, or even share their stories and experiences with me via comments and emails. I always love hearing from them all. Though it's not always "butterflies and puppy dog tails"..... I recently received an email from "FOY" KarenM who informed me that a favorite of mine Island Style Café was closing! I know; it's hard to believe, it seems I was just there for Covid-19 takeout. Karen was nice enough to provide me with this Nextdoor post.
Man, what a bumma'......I've been going to Island Style Cafe for 12 years! Since I needed to pick up my dry cleaning in Tierrasanta anyway, I called in my order and wen hele over to Island Style Café.
Terri wasn't working the front counter, but the nice young lady did confirm that ISC was closing on the 16th.....I was told that this came on quite suddenly.
Sad, I took my LocoMoco home. I found that my usual favorite; the Kaloko Loco doesn't hold up too well for takeout, so I went with the "standard" Loco ($10.50). And of course, it was more than enough for me.
I enjoyed it as I always do....but of course it was bittersweet. It's always sad when a favorite you've been going to for over a decade closes.
On the bright side; the young lady informed me that they will start looking for a new location after taking a short break. I hope so.
I'm going to try to get another fix in before ISC closes. And, if you enjoy Island Style Café, make sure you visit by August 16th.
Mahalo for all the good meals Island Style Café, a hui hou mākou.
Island Style Cafe
5950 Santo Road
San Diego, CA 92124
(858) 541-7002
Current Hours (according to their website)
Tues - Fri 9am - 2pm, 430pm - 730pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sunday 7am - 2pm
And thanks so much for letting me know KarenM…..so I had the opportunity to have a Loco Moco from ISC at least one more time!
Oh wow.....I definitely need to hele on down to pick up some grinds to show my appreciation. Good luck to them and hope they can find a new location when they are ready to
Posted by: jack | Thursday, 30 July 2020 at 01:43 PM
Bummer! I haven't been there in awhile, but I will make a point of getting food before they close. I hope they enjoy their break and open up somewhere soon. Wonder how Homestyle Hawaiian is doing?
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, 30 July 2020 at 02:22 PM
Oh no. We haven't been a while but a favorite for sure. Loved me some fried pork chops with eggs and gravy.
Posted by: Janfrederick | Thursday, 30 July 2020 at 03:23 PM
Oh no! Haven't been there in a few years. Time for a re-visit before they close.
Posted by: Junichi | Thursday, 30 July 2020 at 03:52 PM
so sad! hope they find another place soon for you to continue to get your local fix
Posted by: kat | Thursday, 30 July 2020 at 05:14 PM
Oh no... Gotta visit one last time.
Posted by: Soo | Thursday, 30 July 2020 at 05:46 PM
What a bummer. I was just there earlier this weekend getting takeout. Hope they will reopen nearby soon in the future as it is my favorite place to get local food in SD.
Posted by: Jess | Friday, 31 July 2020 at 01:11 AM
Hope you manage to get your fix in Jack!
My Dry Cleaners is close to the HH in Tierrasanta Sandy; looksl ike they were doing take-out.
Maybe you'll get a chance to visit before they close Jan....though I'm not sure how the pork chops would do as take-out...hmmm.......
Check them out before they close Junichi!
I'm hoping they reopen soon Kat!
I know you like the place; so hope you get a chance before the 16th Soo.
I'll folks know if/when/where they'll reopen when I find out Jess!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 31 July 2020 at 06:09 AM
Aaaw, so sad to lose a small, family-owned business due to a difficult and greedy landlord :( so sorry they've been forced to close. I'll keep my fingers crossed that they can open up again!
Posted by: Lynnea Fleming | Sunday, 02 August 2020 at 09:24 PM
I'm hoping that after a short break to re-group that they'll find a great spot for their restaurant Lynnea!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 03 August 2020 at 06:01 AM
So sad to learn of their imminent closure. Such a warm and welcoming place. The food is consistently excellent. We will absolutely seek them out when they reopen somewhere else. What a lousy thing for the landlord to do under the current circumstances. My family wishes them the very best for a relaxing break and a speedy reopening (with a much better landlord!)
Posted by: Meghan | Friday, 07 August 2020 at 08:35 PM
I'm sad as well Meghan. I hope they reopen better than ever. Thanks for taking the time out to comment!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 08 August 2020 at 03:28 AM
Best Hawaiian food in San Diego. We ordered take out Friday and said a sad goodbye to Teri. Left our email on her list of contacts to notify us of new location. Before illness hit us we went very regularly and took family and friends to eat there, even our relatives from Hawaii approves its authenticity. We will return at their new location. For now Aloha!
Posted by: Judy Albert | Monday, 17 August 2020 at 10:14 AM
Hi Judy - Thanks for taking the time out to comment! I hope ISC finds a "home" soon....I'll be wanting a "Kaloko Moco" soon.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 17 August 2020 at 10:53 AM
We just found out about this today! We love ISC and hope, as has been stated here many times, that they are able to reopen after a break. They are wonderful people who make great food with lots of love and caring. Before we found this site, we had emailed them (the restaurant email account; does anybody have other contact info for them that is OK to share?) asking if they are OK and what’s up.
Hang in there, Teri and the family! We are ready to support you in any way we can!
Harrison and Susan
Posted by: Harrison Bolter | Sunday, 30 August 2020 at 11:34 AM
Thanks for stopping by Harrison. I'll try to keep things up to date as I find out about things. Perhaps one of our readers can provide that info.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 31 August 2020 at 11:15 AM