Nini’s Coffee Shop has been in operation at the corner of Bayswater Avenue and North Idaho Street in San Mateo for nearly 50 years, and it has become a favorite breakfast and lunch spot for generations of locals. A firm part of the fabric of the community, the eatery serves up hearty comfort food with a variety of basic and signature dishes.

For a satisfying breakfast, order the Joe’s Special, a delicious scramble of Italian sausage, ground beef, eggs, mushrooms, onions, spinach, parmesan cheese, and flavorful spices. Lunch items include deluxe sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Nini’s has a kitschy and funky atmosphere with interesting tidbits of Americana – old Coca Cola ads, black and white photographs, sports memorabilia, and a classic chalkboard of the menu specials plastered up high. Enjoy your meal at the counter as well as indoor dining and outdoor courtyard tables with huge shades in the summer and heaters in the winter.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bex.Walton