Clayton's Coffee Shop — Restaurant in Coronado

I am saddened to have to share such a heartbreaking experience here. I want to start by saying that the food was delicious, and our server (Angel) was absolutely wonderful, but how I was treated by the hostess Sunday at around 10am Sunday 6/26/2022, was disrespectful, and left me feeling discriminated against due to my race. The hostess only greeted and made eye contact with my white husband even though we both were standing there. We gave a name and waited. For a moment I thought she'd called us, and while my husband had stepped away I chose to approach her myself to double check the list, at which time she made it a point to not make eye contact with me, lower her voice in an annoyed fashion while answering my question and sent me on my way. Minutes later were called up, she made only eye contact with my husband again, we were seated by someone else, and we very much so enjoyed our meal. When leaving I attempted to say thank you and goodbye to her, at which she AGAIN ignored me, but said goodbye and smiled at my husband who walked behind me to the exit.

I did not get her name because I was lost in my own head about the ideas of being mistreated no matter how nice I was. But she had Short bob-like brown hair, and blue eyes, approximately 5'7". For being the face of this establishment that morning she most definitely did NOT make me feel welcome. Minus this encounter I would give this place 5 stars, but if this type of behavior is accepted, we will be saddened but take our business elsewhere. We visit Coronado almost every other weekend.

I would like to think that perhaps she was overwhelmed, but I also hope your staff is well educated on the importance of being kind and welcoming of everyone.

Overall, we love this place.

2 week update We returned 7/10/22, around 10am. We were greeted by a different hostess who once again only made eye contact with my husband, but I’m not sure she knew we were together at first. Our server was Hope, and she was very kind, friendly, and attentive. I’m very happy she took the time to acknowledge the both of us and made sure our experience was a delight. We both ordered things other than our regulars that were enjoyable. The hostess I’d originally had the issue with was working, and after seeing her again in a different working position, I am going to assume on my own that her initial behavior wasn’t intentional, but perhaps coincidental.

With all of this, I’ve decided to raise the star status from 1 to 4.

We hope to continue to enjoys this place for...

Clayton’s cafe is a quaint little diner on the corner of Orange Ave. Little did I know it has been around for 80 years and is considered a historic landmark. I learned this fact and so many more about the friendly establishment when I struck up conversation with my server Emilio. He was patient and well spoken. He knew the menu extensively and answered all my air-head questions about the atmosphere, brand, and even the decor(which has remained unchanged since it’s opening). Each booth is unique and charming, even sporting a cute jukebox. Red leather seats are well taken care of and foster a nostalgic 50’s feel while enjoying 1 of many menu items. I had steak and eggs, my dad had a smoothie, and my mom, a big plate of fish n’ Chips. All dishes were great. My server, Emilio, a hard worker and 2nd generation immigrant offered me a free sample of a Shirley temple when I inquired about what the ingredients of it could possibly be. He explained the drinks simple components and went as far as to give me a taste. A kind gentlemen who deserves a raise. The prices were good, the family friendly ambiance was better. You can sit at the semi circle bar that wraps the diner and get drunk off of Carmel shakes, or you can get cozy in the low riding booths. Either way you like it Clayton’s will not disappoint. If you ever find yourself on Coronado Peninsula and are in need of sustenance hit up Clayton’s. Cheap and accessible. I went with a party of nine(a hectic party at that) and Clayton’s accommodated my party with ease....

Food was good...like old fashioned diner food. Milkshakes are FOR SURE THE BOMB! Also really cool that they have working jute boxes at each table. Only negative was the seating. I understand that we got there at 10:30am on a Sunday, however when we were told that it would be a 30 min wait and instead it was over an hour and a half it was pretty ridiculous. The hostess did not go down the list properly. Several groups of people left as they were tired of waiting. The only reason we ever got seated was because I asked twice. We were standing right next to the door where they were calling from and never heard our name once, however when I asked the first time our name was no where to be found, had been crossed out instead of a different party. Then 9 people left from the bar area, we were a group of 4...but again skipped over for a couple of groups if 2 and 3 that arrived WAY later than we did. Only reason we waited that long was because it was the one place one of the people in our group wanted to go to, otherwise we would've left. The booths are EXTREMELY small and there are no fans or A.C. so being in there mid-day in July wasn't very fun. Overall the food made up for the beginning service - would definitely try the place again but would do a few things...