Tom's Famous Family Restaurant (number 23)(Escondido) (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy while Kirk takes a break.

I wrote about Tom's Famous Family Restaurant in 2018 and it's time to post some revisits to this classic California diner (the first location opened in 1962).   There is a menu at the drive through, if you park at that end of the lot.

 But there is also the full menu taped in the window next to the door (and another above/behind the ordering counter). There are also posters in the window and a White Board next to the cash register advertising special prices. 
 The original 'open kitchen' is in view when you order and pay. Food is brought to your table.
 One of the window posters had a "Strawberry Pancake Meal Deal" ($8.99) Two bacon (crisp!), two sausage (good quality; skin on), two eggs (perfectly made over easy) and hash browns (a good crisp, not a 'raw' interior)...
Along with a choice of pancakes or French toast.  Thick piece of eggy bread, crispy exterior and a proper fluffy interior topped with that wonderful frozen then thawed strawberries in sugar sauce, like Mom used to put over ice cream.  The White Board next to the cash register had "Chili cheese omelet, includes coffee" ($7.99).  I had to.  You can see it is a well made plain omelet topped with two slices of cheese (one Swiss, one cheddar (not American)) smothered with beanless (hot dog) chili.  Great flavors! The home fries were wonderfully crisp, topped with onion and bell pepper.  What a great breakfast! 

The Mister was craving pastrami so we were back the other day.  Tom's Pastrami sandwich ($8.99) was ordered.  Not the combo (which is only $1 more). The hand cut, smokey, flavorful pastrami on a toasted bun with mustard and pickles hit the spot. 
 I ordered the three piece fish dinner ($9.99). The lightly battered, perfectly fried flaky fish pieces were very well prepared.  I chose onion rings and vegetables on the side. The whole slices of onion, fried crisp after being dipped in cornmeal batter were just so good (no uncharge!).  The "Normandy"steamed vegetable medley was a good choice this cool day.

 Also included were toasted bread (a hamburger bun, as I would make at home) and a choice of soup or salad.  This day, lentil soup the choice.  It was amazing.  Lentils, tomatoes, celery, onion, herbs and spices.  The bowl of soup could have been a meal in itself.  

Tom's Famous Family Restaurant #23 505 West 5th Avenue (at Centre City Parkway) Escondido 92025 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Breakfast served all day

 

Comments

[kat]

the fish looked so flaky & the cheese chili omelette…mmm!

[Soo]

Tom's looks good!

[Joy]

For all the years I've lived in San Diego, I've never actually gone out and done a sit-down breakfast. Sounds (and looks) like I'm missing out!

[TFD]

I think this one is much better than the one in San Marcos. Everything looks good and fresh.

[Cathy]

The fish was really great, Kat. The omelet was unexpectedly wonderful; we always have hot dog chili in the cabinet or refrigerator and never thought of using it this way, but now we will.

Tom's is a great diner, Soo. A lot from scratch items combined with old fashioned ways Mom used to cook for us.

We probably go out for breakfast more than other meals, Joy. Usually less crowded and we can get what we want. There are days when he wants sweet French Toast and I want savory cheesy chili (or fish like in the Perry's Cafe post).

We've only been to the San Marcos location once and it was OK, TFD. This location is a bit closer for us. Everything was made to order and there was a slight wait.

[caninecologne]

If only they were closer to me...I would so love to have their fish (meaty portions I noticed). We always lean towards onion rings if given a choice...My husband may like that chili on an omelette (never thought of that combo before).

[Cathy]

We had passed here so many times over the years and finally stopped in 2018, cc. Everything we've had so far is great, made to order and everyone working is so friendly. We like that it is a California local chain.