Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

Bright and airy and just yards from the Pacific Ocean, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a happy place for breakfast. Opened back in 1961 when Manhattan Beach was a little-known surfers’ paradise, it is an indoor/outdoor café with a giant morning menu that ranges from basic bacon-and-eggs to such crazy-good inventions as potatoes Stroganoff. That’s hash browns crisped on the griddle and mixed with lots of bacon and melty cheese, served under a double dollop of sour cream. Potatoes del Riego is an even fancier version, with peppers, onions, and avocados added.

Waffles are small-tread, not Belgians, available plain or infused with cheese, pecans, raisins and cinnamon, blueberries, or bacon and topped with strawberries, whipped cream, or even ice cream. Pancakes come regular-size or dollar-size in quantities of six or twelve. As for eggs, name your pleasure. I have very much enjoyed a dish called Mitch’s Scramble, a mix of eggs, mild chilies, and cream cheese. Other interesting items on the menu include sourdough French toast with strawberries and bananas and a meal called “Body Builder’s Power Breakfast”: banana-nut buckwheat pancakes and five egg whites.

Breakfast is served all day (until 3pm closing). Lunch features half pound hamburgers (beef, turkey, or vegetarian), sandwiches on grilled sourdough, and salads made with guaranteed-organic lettuce.