San Diego Reader

• Restaurant | American | Linda Vista

Ryan's Cafe

• 5201 Linda Vista Road, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92110 | Directions
• 619-294-5755 | Website

It’s the kid. Kole. Three years old with a giant cheeseburger in his mitts. Tries to take a giant bite. Gets ketchup and mayo all over his nose and cheeks. Then looks up to his mom for a victory wipe.

I’m looking on from a nearby table. Man, he makes that burger look sooo good. If I were in advertising, I’d sign the kid up for a national campaign.

’Course, this ain’t no national chain. It’s just a nice little joint about halfway up Linda Vista Road from the Green Line trolley’s Morena/Linda Vista stop, and halfway down from those important institutions, USD and Ballast Point Brewery.

I was heading for that cheap USD eatery at the top of the hill, where I ate the other day in the Student Life Pavilion. ’Course, many a slip twixt cup and lip: got as far as Napa Street when I saw this sign, “Ryan’s Cafe.” And, more important, “Breakfast Special, $3.99. Egg, potato, bacon, and toast. Served all day.”

Now that’s talking my language. The place has two tables outside and windows splashed with deals. “Breakfast burrito, $4.19.” “Omelette, $4.99.” “Pancakes special, $4.49.” “USD Campus Cash accepted.” Huh? Oh, yeah. Their students would roll by here every day.

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