The Penguin Cafe is nestled under a dark, navy blue awning on Pacific Coast Highway. The diner invites customers in with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and a crowded, homey atmosphere. It seems like every unassuming passerby is transformed into a cartoon character floating through the air, following the aroma of a freshly baked pie.

 From the moment you step onto the black and white checkered flooring, it is immediately evident why it is called the Penguin Cafe. There are penguin statues and paintings everywhere, from penguins raiding a fridge to penguins diving off of a glacier. This theme gives the restaurant a niche that not many others have, making it all the more memorable. There is only one painting that is not penguin-related, and that is a painting of the cafe itself – a testament to how loved the Penguin is in Laguna.

A true Laguna Beach staple, the Penguin Cafe was founded in the 1940s and has been owned and run by the same family since the late 60s. It has been a popular breakfast place for locals since it opened. You will always see someone at the counter having a cup of coffee or a family enjoying their meal at a booth. Since the Penguin is located just above Anita Street Beach, many surfers come to fuel up after riding the waves. The crowds mean that waiters are constantly busy, hopping from one table to the next, remembering and delivering on every request for extra maple syrup or more coffee; yet, they always pay attention and have conversations with each customer, contributing to the homey, close-knit atmosphere of the diner. 

If you decide to order the griddle combo off of the extensive, delicious menu, anticipate a stack of pancakes as large as your face (this is not a hyperbole), pooling with gooey clusters of milky chocolate throughout the pancake. The chocolate coats your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of sweetness. The pancakes themselves, fresh off of the griddle, let off a vanilla-scented aroma that draws attention to the golden brown rim, mimicking the appearance of a toasted marshmallow. The griddle combo also includes crisp bacon and fluffy eggs on the side. The bacon continues to gently sizzle on the plate, calling out to be eaten first. Crunch. The thin layer of grease coating the bacon overpowers the taste buds with a smoky flavor. The eggs beside the bacon fluff up like little yellow clouds on the plate. They are buttery and creamy, acting as a palette cleanser in between the decadent flavors of the pancakes and bacon. 

Other options like the omelets and french toast are also local favorites. The omelets are very customizable, and the majority of customers love to fill them with a variety of different ingredients. As you break the outer layer of the omelet, the ham, spinach, peppers, onions, and other additives show a beautiful array of colors. Not only are there different colors, but the mix of unique ingredients creates a new burst of flavor in every bite. The french toast, on the other hand, is slightly crispy with caramelized brown edges, masked by the generous dusting of powdered sugar. The toast is thick with a buttery sheen covering its surface. Biting into the toast, your teeth sink into the crispy outer layer, giving way to the soft, custard-soaked interior. The powdered sugar dissolves, providing hints of sweetness that complement the rich toast.

While the Penguin Cafe is typically frequented for breakfast, do not underestimate its lunch options. The malt shakes that the Penguin was founded for, rival even nostalgia-filled homemade milkshakes. Every option on Penguin Cafe’s menu is delicious, making it the best breakfast place in Laguna Beach.