El Mar Cafe — Restaurant in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

UPDATE The owner is the one who is lying here and trying to save herself and her business she embarrassed that kid for asking for a fork so he can eat. I get it that he didn’t purchase anything in there but seriously you’re going to give him attitude over a plastic utensil that’s like denying someone a cup of water . He didn’t do anything wrong and she said it herself she wasn’t obligated to give him anything . That right there shows that she was upset about it . Morale of the story is don’t be rude to random ppl especially over something so dumb like I understand your business is probably hurting and I’m not here to further that it’s just crazy how some ppl abuse power . Lady you know you were wrong .

Save yourself the headache and stomach ache! This place gave my family food poisoning 2 fam members had to be hospitalized! And we went back 2 days later just to let them know this happened to us just as a heads up and they literally ran us out the place calling us names and liars!… the lady in charge or owner is 100% racist don’t come here! And while we were there a nice gentleman came in to ask for a plastic fork I guess to eat! And the lady gave him a nasty attitude and asked why do you need a fork if you didn’t buy anything here? Like really your denying someone a plastic utensil? Incredible . Please stay away from here there’s...

Stayed in Lauderdale by the sea on our vacation multiple times and have eaten at multiple places throughout. Many places were good but just happened to try El Mar Cafe on our last trip and loved it. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the owner and sat at a booth. Immediately noticed the place was very clean. I have only ordered the breakfast so far but it was really good, the home fries were fantastic. The staff were incredibly polite and friendly. For being our first time there had numerous conversations with them including the owner. Not only was the food really good but genuinely felt welcome and not rushed like most diners/cafes I have been to. I am a huge coffee drinker especially with breakfast and I appreciated the staff constantly coming by offering top ups not to mention the coffee was really good as well. After first visit there we went back next morning on our last day in Lauderdale by the sea and the owner immediately recognized us and talked to us like her local customers. So if anyone is in the Lauderdale by the sea area or vacationing there it is a must place to eat. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a friendly place to eat with great food, great vibe and an...

5/23/25 Back in town and headed to one of our old faithful breakfast spots. Just a Little better than ok. 3.5 stars i'd say. I Did the western omelet with a side of grits. Large portions and filling. Grits were watery this time but other than that I feel a good value for the prices they charge. The wife did some bowl and she seemed to like hers also.

Edit 6/25/23 Still as good as it always is everytime we are in the area.

Wow, for a breakfast joint this place is top notch. we never had lunch here unfortunately, we probably should have.

We had breakfast here 3 time's, I Had the El Mar omelet, the burrito and finally the Lox Benedict. All were well worth the money in a touristy location.

Service was timely and good. The owner/manger was fun and personable with real knowledge of food. It was funny... we got talking about how to make a benedict sauce... and we both were of the same mind. Unless you are fine dining, the packets are worth their weight in gold.

A little higher than a usual breakfast place, but for the menu offerings, the excellent service and well made, delicious food it is well worth it.

Will...