Pit Stop Diner

Roll back in time at this classic American and Mexican-style diner, serving up breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and shakes amid retro-style, car-themed memorabilia.

Located at Mission Avenue and El Camino Real in Oceanside, this locals’ favorite also offers burritos, quesadillas, chili cheese fries, and healthy salads and wraps — all day long. Early risers and late sleepers can enjoy a variety of three-egg omelettes, all paired with hash browns, toast or biscuits and gravy and jelly, as well as three-egg burrito options. From the griddle, choose from fabulous flapjacks or French Toast.

Lunch and dinner selections are also impressive. About 20 satisfying sandwiches dot the menu, from the hearty Philly Steak or Pastrami, to various Melts – Patty, Turkey, Swiss and the restaurant’s own Pit Stop Melt with chili and grilled onions. Juicy burgers are also oh-so delicious and can be topped with everything from cheese to chili to avocados and mushrooms. Dinners — ranging from steak to chicken or fish & chips — come with salad, onion rings, French fries and a dinner roll. For another taste of nostalgia, drink in the frosty milkshakes, specialty sundaes or a root beer float — all made with real ice cream!

Order at the counter with table/number service (or for take-out), then claim a chair at a long table — great for large groups — or various other tables (pub style and lower) in the spacious interior. Need your food in a flash? Pit Stop’s servers are smiling and accommodating and bring out orders within minutes. Need to quench your thirst? Soft drinks ranging from Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew are available at the self-serve beverage bar.

While dining, check out the fun decor, such as stoplights, gas pumps, hub caps and license plates on the wall, plus street signs, intersection signs on the tables such as Roadside Junction and Fenderbender Boulevard, and the showstopper: a 1962 Chrysler New Yorker parked inside.

Also enjoy watching your favorite sports teams on six screens and live music the first and third Saturdays of the month. Senior guests always get 10 percent off their bill. The restaurant also offers online ordering, catering and a party room. Visit this family-friendly gem built on tradition, from 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily. The diner is at 3825 Mission Ave. in Oceanside. Call (760) 901-4299 or visit pitstopdineroside.com.