Coastal Cafe — Restaurant in Ocean Park

One of those rare times I give a 5 star when there are weird rules in the place that would be borderline unacceptable, but they got it!

After leaving the Berry Patch across the street due to its uncleanliness I looked at the reviews from Anita’s. For the most part they were good, with the exception of repeated comments about how they sat people telling them where to sit based on the number of people in their group. I actually saw it first hand when a couple came in and were told to sit at a table for two. The place was not crowded and they asked if the could sit at a table by the window which sat 4. They were told no they had to sit at the table for two that’s why they have tables for two.

But the place was extremely clean and in order. Even though it wasn’t on the menu I asked if they could make a shrimp omelet. They did so with a smile. I had to say it was cooked perfect! My brother had biscuits and Gravy. Again, the gravy was excellent. It defiantly had a flavor that was their own touch. It was tasty and creamy.

Unfortunately, my wife ordered a basic dinner salad for $4.50. She ended up with a small plate with a few pieces of lettuce and a small cherry tomato. We sent it back for the price.

All and all though, the waitress was extremely nice, the place was spotless and the food was fresh... a Lille on the pricy side. My major suggestion, if you say you have a 3 egg omelet , make it out of three jumbo eggs and not medium. For me though I was filled up on the omelet....

The menu seems to be a replica of another Mexican restaurant in near by Long Beach, and there are many combinations to choose from. I ordered the same meal that I would at the other restaurant. The food tasted fresh and the portions were ample. I would have liked it more had the food been heated longer so it would remain hot and steamy as I ate. The decor is not that of a Mexican nature, and the table and chairs are more that of a diner, but it was comfy enough. The staff were attentive and pleasant. Maybe a bit too chatty and the conversation was shared loud and across the room, but our waitress had a challenging experience the night before and since this is a small community I think it was more the customers questioning her and to not respond would not have been good on her part. And everyone was smiling and joking with her, and if that had gone on all her shift, she remained kind and smiling as she worked. The restaurant hasn't been open very long, and they may still be settling. Our experience there was pleasant, relaxed and unpretentious. I liked it, just would have enjoyed it more if the food were served hotter....steaming on the plate as...

This place could soooo be improved inexpensively by getting adult sized ceramic plates on real, not steel stamped, silverware. I mean with their prices it is the least they should do. Small plastic plates? Wow.. as penny pinching as it gets. Also, had the fish and chips with coleslaw and it was very good but the serving of coleslaw, yes cheap ole coleslaw, was a joke. It came in a little 2" round bowl, which is fine, but they fill it about a third of the way up! It is literally, two, maybe three bits of coleslaw. The problem with this place is basically no competition.. I'll be taking my business ten miles down the road to Long Beach. BTW, try the restaurant at the golf course in Long Beach. They know how to do it. Apparently Anita's will continue to be taking advantage of it's lack of competition in Ocean Park as they have never changed their cheap policy since establishing the business...