Dad's Luncheonette

Dad's Luncheonette

225 Cabrillo Highway South at, Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

+1 650-560-9832

American restaurant, Restaurant
(1210)
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About This Place

Located just steps from the scenic Half Moon Bay coastline, Dad's Luncheonette offers a fresh and vibrant take on classic American fare, expertly crafted to satisfy both casual diners and food enthusiasts alike. This charming eatery specializes in hearty, soulful sandwiches that elevate familiar favorites into something truly memorable. Whether you’re craving a perfectly composed hamburger sandwich featuring grassfed beef, a soft egg, and melty cheese nestled between grilled Rosalind Bakery white bread, or opting for the equally indulgent mushroom sandwich starring succulent Hen of the Woods (Maitake) mushrooms, each bite bursts with well-balanced seasoning and carefully curated ingredients.

Complement your sandwich with their signature homemade potato chips—thinly sliced organic potatoes fried to crispy perfection, delivering that irresistible crunch alongside each mouthwatering meal. The menu, concise but thoughtfully diverse, also invites you to explore comforting daily specials like their velvety butternut squash or parsnip soups, as well as standout dishes like Mac & Cheese with puffed rice that strikes the perfect harmony between creamy and light.

Dining at Dad’s is more than just a meal; it’s an experience steeped in warmth and genuine hospitality. Many visitors speak fondly of the friendly, personal service—owners and staff who treat guests like old friends, creating an inviting, communal vibe that feels rare and refreshing. Unique to Dad’s Luncheonette is their dining area, nestled in a cozy tent attached to a vintage train car, infusing each meal with a blend of rustic charm and seaside casualness that perfectly complements the coastal atmosphere.

From the first satisfying crunch of their homemade chips to the layers of flavor packed into the "Dad's Hamburger," this spot excels at delivering comfort food with a refined touch. Reviewers consistently highlight the perfectly seasoned mushroom and hamburger sandwiches as standouts—not too greasy, not too plain, but just right, reminiscent of home-cooked favorites but elevated. The approachable menu, warm ambiance, and exceptional attention to quality make Dad’s Luncheonette a beloved gem along the Half Moon Bay coast, ideal for anyone craving a relaxed, delicious meal that feels both nostalgic and new.

Whether you’re stopping by after a beach stroll or seeking a laid-back lunch spot with character, Dad’s Luncheonette delivers delicious food crafted with care and a genuine smile, ensuring each visit feels like coming home to a place where great taste and good vibes meet.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Organic dishes Quick bite Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dessert Seating Table service
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Usually a wait Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    Closed
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    Closed
  • Saturday
    Closed
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Mitchel Long
    2 week ago

    Nice place to get good food near beach areas! I had the hamburger and my partner had the mushroom hamburger and homemade potato chips with a root beer to drink. Delicious! This place is busy on the weekends. They pump out the food pretty fast for a caboose!

  • Alexica Qian
    3 week ago

    I do like this spot a lot. Hamburger sandwiches and mushroom sandwiches has the perfect seasoning. Not too greasy, not too plain. The taste reminds me of the taste of home. I also like the Mac and cheese a lot. Not too sticky and cheesy, so that you can enjoy it one spoon after another.

  • Gavin “GJM_reviews” Meichelbock
    1 month ago

    Great vibes, unique burgers and friendly service make this restaurant a must visit. The guy who took my order was probably the owner and he was super cool. He treats you like a friend from the moment you walk up to the counter and he even remembered my name when I went up for more food. Also, the vibes are incredible. You eat in this tent attached to an old train car, so the dining experience is incredibly unique. As for the food, the burgers are a must. The patty had a great beefy gamey-ness and was seasoned well. Having the lettuce be chopped instead of shredded or in one giant leaf was so smart because it allowed for the crunch factor to be spread around the sandwich, not just in a few bites like most other burgers. Also, the addition of pickled onions and a fried egg are always a great addition. However, I will say I wish the bread was toasted more so it could, one, provide a texture and, two, hold up to the runny egg yolk. There was also some kind of special sauce on it but I couldn’t taste it, so I wish there was more. Onto the Mac and cheese, skip it. There was hardly any cheese flavor, the noodles were hardly coated. The only defining flavor were the charred puffed rice and chives. Dad’s Luncheonette is a fantastic spot for great vibes and good burgers and I will definitely go back next time I’m in the bay.

  • Eidmone Tagaca
    1 month ago

    4.3/5 for the hamburger sandwich. It was kinda pricey but taste wise it was really good. Definitely come here if you’re in the half moon bay area. The taste reminded me of beeps burger but a little but better and lighter. My photos dont do justice here lol

  • Natalie Krause
    1 month ago

    Everything about Dad’s was simply excellent. Great vibes, love a tight menu, and the best burger I’ve had in a long time. The salad was clearly super fresh and the dressing unexpected and delicious. The service was so warm and friendly too. Dad’s is such a gem, I can’t wait to return! 100% worth a stop up the coast.

  • Allison L.
    2 month ago

    Employees are amazing! Funny and personable, loved everyone and super interactive with all the customers. Food was delicious, fresh daily. Priced higher than expected but it's worth it given all the pluses of quality and service and atmosphere. The vibes were immaculate- cozy and unique too.

  • Matt Davis
    2 month ago

    We really enjoyed our lunch at Dad’s Luncheonette! The food is “classic California” the vibe is surfer, and the seating situation is precarious at best lol. I came here with my wife about a year ago on a Saturday and it was mayhem ordering/getting a table. But today we came on a Friday at 1pm and it was glorious. Got the happy meal which I split with my wife, and was very glad we did so. I would not sleep on the mushroom sandwich, I feel it is not only delicious but unique, using a wood ear style mushroom. The bread was great, quite buttery. And the sides hit the spot as well. Most people might gravitate towards the Mac n cheese, which was very tasty, but honestly I felt the herb salad brought the right amount of freshness and zing the meal needed. Overall a great experience and would highly recommend to anyone in the area! The staff is extremely friendly as well

  • John Howlett
    4 month ago

    I had the mushroom burger. I'm a beef person, but thought I'd give it a try since it's one of their specialties. I really liked it and was pleasantly surprised. I still prefer a beef hamburger, but would have this mushroom burger again if looking for something different. The homemade chips were also a winner and very good soup as well. I liked all of it.

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