The Small-Town Diner Where Locals Catch Up Over Delicious Homestyle Breakfasts
By Natasha Kayes|Published October 24, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
We love our small towns for their quaint downtown areas, charming neighborhoods, and laid-back atmosphere. Whenever visiting one of these towns, one thing most of us want to know most of all is where the best places to eat are. The answer will depend somewhat on personal preference and what meal is desired, of course, but you usually cannot go wrong by following locals to their favorite spots. When it comes to a great homestyle breakfast in Ojai, CA, locals will lead you right to Bonnie Lu’s.
Bonnie Lu’s Country Cafe is located along the historic arcade in downtown Ojai. With many new places popping up around it in recent years, Bonnie Lu’s has been serving the town of Ojai for nearly 20 years and remains a local favorite.
Step through the cafe’s signature red door and you will find yourself in a cozy old-fashioned diner with classic 1950s decor and friendly service that will make you feel like a local.
Whether you grab a table with friends or a stool at the counter, you are in for a healthy dose of home-cooked deliciousness, and if you are here on a Sunday afternoon, a little live bluegrass music.
Bonnie Lu’s serves up classic American breakfasts, such as fluffy pancakes, golden hash browns, Eggs Benedict, and their famous biscuits and sausage gravy. Breakfast is available all day every day.
Whatever you choose to order, the portions are generous, and the ingredients are fresh. The menu is extensive (even the kids’ menu!), so there is something for everyone - from the basics to the more creative - and it is easy to understand why locals come back often and don’t get bored!
Although breakfast is served all day, you can also find plenty of delicious lunch items on the menu, too, from sandwiches and burgers to salads and soups, and everything in between.
Are you hungry? Any time is a good time for an amazing homestyle breakfast. Have you been to this charming diner in Ojai? We want to know what you think! Check out the cafe’s menu or even place an online order on the Bonnie Lu’s Cafe website. After a great breakfast, why not get out and explore the beautiful Ojai Valley on a hike?