As autumn leaves drift lazily through the air in Del Mar, California, there’s no better place to savor the season than Stratford Court Café. This charming eatery, housed in a 1900s Cape Cod-style home, has been a local favorite for decades. It’s the kind of place where the aroma of freshly baked goods mingles with the salty ocean breeze, creating a perfect fall atmosphere.
A Cozy Retreat
Imagine walking up to a grey house surrounded by a white picket fence – it’s like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, but with better food. The café’s outdoor patio is a sight to behold in autumn. Bright blue and red umbrellas pop against the changing colors of the surrounding trees, while garden flowers add splashes of color to the scene. It’s the ideal spot to sip a warm latte and watch the world go by.
Breakfast All Day, Every Day
At Stratford Court Café, breakfast isn’t just a meal – it’s a way of life. They serve it all day, which means you can have pancakes for dinner if that’s what your heart desires. Their menu is a treasure trove of comfort food, perfect for those chilly fall mornings (or afternoons, or evenings – we don’t judge).
Eggs-cellent Options
The Norwegian Benedict is a standout, featuring salmon that’s so fresh it might just swim off your plate. For those who like their breakfast with a kick, the Stratford Scramble is a spicy delight that’ll warm you up faster than a cozy sweater.
Sweet Treats
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the café’s got you covered. Their homemade pastries are the stuff of legend. Rumor has it that owner Terry Sonken bakes all the goodies herself. It’s like having your grandma in the kitchen, minus the cheek-pinching.
Lunch That Packs a Punch
When lunchtime rolls around, Stratford Court Café doesn’t disappoint. Their sandwiches are so big that you might need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite. The Turf Club turkey sandwich is a local favorite, piled high with avocado, bacon, and all the fixings. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner between two slices of bread.
A Family Affair
Owners Terry and Greg Sonken run this place like it’s their second home – probably because it is. They’re often seen chatting with customers, many of whom they know by name. It’s the personal touch that makes you feel like you’re part of the Stratford Court family, even if you’re just passing through.
Dog-Friendly Dining
In Del Mar, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family members with fur. Stratford Court Café gets this, which is why it welcomes four-legged friends with open arms and homemade dog biscuits. It’s not uncommon to see pooches lounging under tables, giving their best “puppy eyes” in hopes of scoring a bite of their human’s breakfast.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at Stratford Court Café is as relaxed as a cat in a sunbeam. It’s where you can show up in your pajamas (though we don’t recommend it), and no one would bat an eye. Friendly chatter mixes with the clink of coffee cups and the occasional bark from a canine patron, creating a symphony of coziness.
Location and Hours
This little slice of heaven is located at 1307 Stratford Ct, Del Mar, CA 92014. It’s tucked away on a residential street, like a delicious secret waiting to be discovered. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pro tip: arrive early on weekends to snag a coveted patio spot.
As fall settles over Del Mar, Stratford Court Café stands ready to welcome locals and visitors with open arms and steaming plates of comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to fuel your beach walk, a leisurely lunch with friends, or just a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the leaves change, this café has got you covered.
So next time you’re in Del Mar this autumn, skip the fancy restaurants and head to Stratford Court Café. It’s where good food meets good company and where every meal feels like coming home – if the home had good coffee and didn’t make you do the dishes afterward.
Source: visitdelmarvillage.com
Header Image Source: visitdelmarvillage.com
