Ocean Beach, California, better known to locals as OB, is a small beach community with a classic, albeit quirky, Southern California beach vibe. It’s a bit bohemian and a lot, funky. And don’t try to take the funky out of OB, they like it that way. You can like it or leave it, but don’t dare try to change it! Newport Avenue is considered the main street of Ocean Beach. It’s lined with antique stores, beachwear and surf shops, organic groceries stores, gift shops and of course, a head shop. A few breweries have opened in OB in the last few years. Since the 70’s, the community has actively opposed chain stores from opening in Ocean Beach, although there are a few that have managed, though not without a fight. Coffee, Conversation and Community Nestled among these shops is The Old Townhouse Restaurant (Old Townhouse). An all-American (sorta) diner serving breakfast classics like biscuits & gravy, pancakes, french toast, corned beef hash, omelettes as well as some Spanish favorites like breakfast burritos, machaca plate, chorizo and eggs and the Spanish Omelette that saved the Old Townhouse from closing its doors, way back in the day. For lunch, enjoy a good ol’ country fried steak, a BLT or Meatloaf, just don’t show up for dinner. The Old Townhouse is only open for breakfast and lunch. If you enjoy an old fashioned diner that serves a good hot cup of coffee, a hearty breakfast, a place where you can show up with your hair tousled and can stumble down for breakfast like you would at home…you’ve come to the right place! Regardless of what your judgemental mirror thinks of you when you first get up in the morning, you are family at the Old Townhouse. No judgement and always welcome! My father and mother wanted to evoke a down home country feeling so they came up with the name The Old Townhouse, opening in the summer of 1973. Chris and Soula strived to make quality and hospitality their main priorities. Because of this dedication to service and quality, the business has grown over the years to welcome repeat customers. These regulars have epitomized the meaning of the word family in the Old Townhouse Family Restaurant. Ted Caplaneris Nothing Fancy The decor is what you should expect from a classic diner. The Old Townhouse still has that 70’s decor; no fancy industrial metal or urban wood walls, just a long counter, vintage booths and lighting. Ted Caplaneris, the oldest son, resumed the family management in the spring of 2003. Ted continues to pursue the aspirations of service and quality to which the customers of the Old Townhouse Family have grown accustomed. Thousands of people have walked through our doors and eaten our food and tried our delicious coffee…and just as we’ve left an impression on them, they’ve left an impression on us. We invite you to make us a part of your family, please enjoy some old fashioned comfort food and hospitality along with a great atmosphere and professional staff. The Old Townhouse This is NOT a sponsored post. Please see Java and Jaunts Disclosure Policy regarding affiliate links. Hollywood Comes Calling Hollywood has come calling, on several occasions, requesting the use of the the diner. Visit Ted at the Old Townhouse and he will gladly share with you, the names of all shows that have been filmed at the diner. (The attached link is to an episode of Terriers on FX – be advised, adult content). Everybody Loves “Ted” Ted Caplaneris was five years old when his parents immigrated to San Diego, from Greece. He is the oldest of three children. This is a man with a huge heart and a genuine love for his customers and the community of Ocean Beach. Just don’t tell him how nice he is. He will most likely grumble something under his breathe and you might regret it. HA! I remember on one occasion when I was at the Old Townhouse for breakfast, a customer wheeled his bicycle into the restaurant. A few customers, including myself, looked at the guy like he was nuts! There’s no room for a bike in the Old Townhouse, especially on a busy Sunday when the line is out the door! The customer seemed comfortable bringing the bike in and obviously didn’t want to leave it outside. The bike was old, but it seemed like it meant the world to the rather disheveled owner. Without hesitation, Ted took the bike and found a place for it in the back of the restaurant. When I asked Ted about it later, not being one to boast, he shrugged his shoulder and simply said, “no big deal.” Why do I make mountains out of mole hills? Makes me wonder. Real Family Ted and his friendly staff will treat you like family. Ted may even cop a squat at your table, if there’s room. Don’t let his serious look fool you. The guy is full of horrible jokes that will make you wonder why the heck you’re laughing. Once in a while (just ask my oldest son, Nick) you might even be the subject of a little prank, all in good family fun. Ted’s also full of advice when you need it and “knows a guy” that just might be able to help you with something or another. I can’t say you should ALWAYS take his advice, but over the years I have come to realize that sometimes, what he says makes sense! The love is equally reciprocated for Ted, by the community of Ocean Beach. I was honored to be invited to ride on the Old Townhouse’s Christmas float in the Annual Ocean Beach Christmas Parade, twice. When Ted and the Old Townhouse float were announced, a loud cheer of “T-E-D!” broke out in every pitch imaginable, followed by a huge round of applause and whistles. Of course, I did the Princess Diana wave and pretended it was all for me. (So what if my name isn’t “Ted!” Don’t burst my bubble)! Bring a Friend The Old Townhouse is always on my to-do list when I have guests visiting from out of town. So far, they’ve all enjoyed Ted’s company and good old fashioned breakfasts. I especially like it when Ted talks me into a mimosa (or two). The food is classic comfort food and the prices, well, like I said, the line is out the door on Sundays. Even though over the years, suppliers have increased their costs, the Old Townhouse strives to keep their prices affordable. Both my sons, Nick and Chris, have frequented the old Townhouse. Now that she is old enough to eat eggs, Nick is bringing his new daughter there. As a new dad, he appreciates the affordable menu and hearty portions. He claims it’s his favorite breakfast restaurant, but secretly, I think he enjoys Ted’s company. Coincidentally, Ted and his wife Kathy, also have two sons named Chris and Nick. You know what they say…great minds… 😁 On Your Visit to San Diego If you are ever in the San Diego area and in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned greasy spoon breakfast (or lunch), make time to stop in and say hi to Ted. It’s a lot of fun when the place is packed, as crazy as that might sound. And mention to Ted that mini chocolate chips are FABULOUS in pancakes (I will forever be a thorn in his side – LOL)! Thanks for reading and please hit the LIKE button, if you made it through the whole article! I appreciate it! 😆 ~ Holly Ted has many passions outside of the Old Townhouse. One of them is photography. Check out some of his photos. Ted Caplaneris Photography. Please follow and like us:
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