Best of 2001: Best Place For A Cheap Lunch And A Chat With Old Soldiers

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2422

557 Orange Avenue, Coronado

619-435-6917

This is the biggest surprise in expensive Coronado. $2 lunches -- good, hearty ones at that. Of course, you do feel a little intimidated, entering an army-post-looking building with the Stars and Stripes and a black POW/MIA flag fluttering outside. Inside a bunch of vets'll be sitting round the bar, chewing the fat and looking up at you as you enter their space. But just ask for Yatsie, who's been volunteer-cooking for 30 years. She'll feed you burgers, Monday and Wednesday, and things like chicken-fried steak with fried rice, or liver, onions, and mash on the other days. And, of course, once you get to talking, you're going to hear some fascinating tales. For instance, ask about General Styer. Coronado boy. Commanded U.S. troops in Siberia, 1919. Watch the time, though: Lunch is 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. only.