Southshore Cafe

Southshore Cafe

531 S Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501, United States

+1 510-523-3663

Breakfast restaurant, Diner, Traditional American restaurant
(529)
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About This Place

Nestled within Alameda’s South Shore Center, Southshore Cafe is a charming breakfast restaurant and diner that delivers a nostalgic nod to traditional American comfort food. This unpretentious spot is perfect for those craving a hearty and satisfying start to the day, offering a menu packed with classic favorites prepared with care and served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

As you step inside, the cozy booth seating and simple décor create a welcoming, retro vibe reminiscent of a 1950s breakfast nook—an ideal retreat from the modern hustle. Patrons rave about the genuine, no-frills dining experience where the focus remains squarely on the food. The menu, printed on a humble piece of paper, is a treasure trove of comfort dishes—from the crispy, savory strips of bacon and perfectly seasoned sausage patties to mouthwatering specialties like the Loco Moco and the traditional French Dip with fries.

The signature dishes truly stand out: imagine savoring tender fried ham and bacon topped with melted cheddar cheese, paired with golden, crispy French fries. Or indulge in the sweet and fluffy banana walnut pancakes crowned with a dollop of whipped cream, evoking the warmth of a childhood Saturday morning breakfast. The sausage and mushroom omelette harmonizes earthy mushrooms with savory sausage, while the blueberry pancakes burst with fresh fruity notes, making each bite a delight. Even the avocado burger comes with a refreshing fruit side, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option.

Southshore Cafe is also known for their generous portions and delightful side offerings such as crunchy onion rings, creamy cottage cheese, and vibrant fruit plates, allowing guests to customize their meals to perfection. What truly elevates the dining experience here is the consistent quality—from the perfectly cooked hash browns to the piping hot breakfast plates that land on your table with comforting precision.

Reviewers frequently mention the attentive and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. One customer fondly recalls the unlimited coffee refills and the nostalgic feeling of Sunday mornings at their mom’s kitchen, a testament to the genuine care infused into every dish. And while the cooks are Thai, their mastery shines in delivering classic American breakfast staples with a special, heartfelt touch that keeps guests returning time and again.

Whether you’re a local looking for a reliable weekend brunch spot or a visitor eager to experience authentic American diner fare, Southshore Cafe offers an inviting, timeless haven. It’s a place where every bite feels like a warm embrace—comforting, familiar, and utterly satisfying.

Location: 531 S Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: +1 510-523-3663

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Locals
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  • Thursday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  • Friday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Donna Fong
    1 month ago

    The perfect hole in the wall breakfast nook. This is a delightful throwback restaurant. No frills. No avocado toast. Mugs are comfy. Menu is a piece of paper! My hot link breakfast was spot on. Hashbrowns were perfect. This place rocks.

  • H H
    1 month ago

    Hidden behind office depot a older breakfast hub, food was good, gets busy on weekend brunch time. The French toast was just right not too sweet, I'd probably ask for no powdered sugar next time personally. The omelette was made good potatoes where fresh. Good breakfast hub will be going again

  • Chi H
    3 month ago

    This is not the first time have been there. It is not a big cafe, but their location is right at the south shore shopping mall. A lot of parking space available. The food and service there is good. Breakfast is served all day. As of today, 09/17/2021. Same great taste, quality and quantity, and service. All sources, milk and cream becomes individual packages on each table due to covid. Every time I walk out of the place with full stomach and feel satisfied. ============================ Updated 1/22/2025 Still one of my favorite spots for breakfast and brunch. Their special menu got something good recently.

  • Karen V Chin
    4 month ago

    Great little cafe that will take you back in time 50 years ago. Booth seating. Reasonably priced tasty classic American breakfast and sandwiches (comes with fries). Yummy comfort food that people of all ages keep coming back for more. Food comes out piping hot. The cooks are Thai so there is also Thai and Asian menu too. Not too many restaurants left in Alameda that have the look and a good part of their menu that is still set in the 1960s. Go and patronize this mom and pop business. Opens 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch only. We need to keep Southshore Cafe in business. There is wheelchair accessible specific table close to the entrance.

  • Koko W
    4 month ago

    These mom and pop restaurants never cease to uphold to their standards. Very nice team and delicious food. I tried their chicken apple sausage and banana pancakes.... They were perfectly made, nice and warm, took me back to Saturday morning in my childhood with mom fixing breakfast . And the unlimited coffee the gentleman was refilling (I had 3 cups} was an added bonus.

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