Dorn's Breakers Cafe — Restaurant in Morro Bay

I recently visited Dorn's Breakers Cafe and unfortunately, my experience left a lot to be desired. From the long wait time to the subpar service, there were several issues that hindered my enjoyment of that morning.

First and foremost, the wait to get seated was completely unacceptable. Despite being told initially that the wait would be around 25 minutes, my party ended up waiting for a staggering hour and 20 minutes. To make matters worse, when I inquired about our status after 45 minutes, I was informed that my name had already been called. It was perplexing, as we were waiting directly in front of the restaurant and hadn't heard our name being called. It seemed that the host's lack of volume when calling out names contributed to this confusion. Moreover, it was frustrating to see other patrons who arrived after us getting seated before our party. The lack of organization and fairness in the seating process was disappointing.

Once we were finally seated, our experience with the server didn't improve much. The service was lackluster, especially considering the restaurant's beautiful ambiance. Our server checked on us only once during the course of the meal, and even then, it seemed rushed and impersonal. To top it off, the server accidentally spilled coffee while pouring it into a cup, splashing it onto one of our dishes. This lack of attention to detail further added to our frustration.

On a positive note, the restaurant itself is undeniably gorgeous, and the food was good, albeit not outstanding. However, these factors alone couldn't compensate for the disappointing service and the disorganized seating process.

In order to improve, Dorn's Breakers Cafe should address several key issues. Firstly, the host needs to speak louder and clearly when calling out names to be seated, ensuring that all customers are aware of their turn. Additionally, there should be a priority system in place that respects the order of arrival, ensuring that those who have been waiting the longest are seated first. Finally, the establishment should focus on raising the bar in terms of serving tables, providing attentive and prompt service throughout the dining experience.

Overall, I was left disappointed by my visit to Dorn's Breakers Cafe. With improvements in these crucial areas, the restaurant could truly live up to its potential and provide a better dining experience for...

By far the most bizarre dining experience I've had in a long time. We drove into town specifically for a bowl clam chowder for our oldest boy. The place we were going to was closed. We walked around town and decided to try this long time local establishment, which oddly we had never been.

I'll cut to the issues. They never took our drink orders. They dropped off 4 tiny glasses of water and darted away. At some point after we placed our food orders the wife noticed our server did not ask if we wanted anything to drink. When the server returned, my wife asked for iced tea and before another word could be said the server was gone. It left the rest of us wondering if she might ask about our drink needs. She never did.

The edible food: I ordered the patty melt. It was okay, not great. They used red onions and they weren't grilled thoroughly. So, they were tough. My wife ordered the tuna salad. It came as described. A unimpressive dollop of tuna salad in a large tomato that had been partially sliced through, all setting on a bed of lettuce.

The inedible food: The chowder was by far the worst impression of clam chowder I've ever tasted. When the 16 year old boy is just poking at it and not eating, it raises an eyebrow. It tasted like rue. I mean gravy. It was bland and horrible. He dipped the sourdough in it and lost his appetite and possibly his will to live.

The steak sandwich was ordered by my youngest. I lament not taking a picture of this abomination. It was as though someone served him a do-it-yourself plate of ingredients. When I picture a steak sandwich I envision thinly sliced steak on a roll or some nice bread with lovely tomatoes, onions and a dressing of some kind. He got a cut of steak on a large slice of toast with a slice of tomato, a slice of red onion and lettuce leaf along with a bottle of steak sauce. The end result was me watching a sad hungry 14 year old chewing on a dry piece of meat with the consistency of boot leather.

While there were other strange things about this meal, like the bread, I won't go on any more.

I can honestly say it was the most bizarre lunch I'd had in a LONG time. I will not likely be back. There are plenty of other places that serve clam chowder that tastes like clam chowder.

If this is your place? If you love it? I'm glad. Like one of my surrogate fathers would say, "there's a butt for...

This place is incredibly amazing! I've been coming here for several years. I know the menu intimately well. The quality and consistency of this establishment is practically incomprehensible given the random pop-ins I make. Andy is a multi-talented mixologist who's BRANDY Manhattan is thoughtfully paired with the delectable 'Filthy Cherry'. Melanie is an enthusiastic and incredibly attentive server with charisma and energy to raise even the lowest spirit.

Now for the food...

... Lord have mercy did I eat well last night. Truly one of the best meals I've ever had the pleasure to gently weep as I ate... seriously. Fortunately the ambiance is dimmed and subdued to provide ridiculous views of the bay and the famous Rock, thus my damp eyes likely went without much notice.

I began with the zesty and tangy house made Ceasar salad. Fresh grated parmesan cheese and ground pepper added lovely pallate notes that danced wonderfully with the light anchovy tone and bright lemon juice within the dressing.

Second course was the rich and lightly battered deep fried artichoke hearts. Quartered, seasoned, and delicately battered fried slightly crisped preserving the tender petals within. The creamy house Dijon aioli provides a welcome texture and profile doesn't overpower.

Main course: Seared ahi, quite rare. Now... this dish... damn... THIS DISH WAS OFF THE CHAIN SLAP YO' MAMA, HOW DO I EVER EAT AGAIN??!?? kinda good. Cherry red interior. Luscious and fork-tender THROUGHOUT. Exterior boldly flash- seared barely visually noticed save the exterior which was perfectly prepared. But then: Top that with a fresh mango salsa-chutney deal with bright floral pops of cilantro, thyme, pickled ginger, sesame, and soy...

...I just CAN'T!!! 🤪

Just remarkable.

Sides of fresh squash and Brussel sprouts sautéed and garlic mashed potatoes were my choice.

In closing, if you ever go to Morro Bay, you MUST try this place. The menu is very broad; moderately priced. Family atmosphere feel and pleasantly staffed throughout.

Dine before Nine, and all is fine.

Check out the photos of my...