Fat Cats Cafe

3920 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA 93405

Hours

Open Daily 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

(805) 595-2204

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About

When vacationing in Avila Beach, one place that you can't miss is Fat Cats Cafe. This charming eatery combines old-school diner fare with a mom-and-pop eatery serving Cali-inspired classics.

Established in 2004, Fat Cats Cafe quickly became known for its warm atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and using locally sourced ingredients. Over the years, the restaurant has earned a reputation for its laid-back vibe, attentive service, and a menu that evolves with the seasons, highlighting the area's freshest produce and seafood.

Breakfast is available all day, and their signature fluffy pancakes and hearty breakfast burritos have become favorites among regulars. Since they open at 7:30, Fat Cats Cafe is your go-to before teeing off at Avila Beach Golf Resort.

The diner also offers robust lunch and dinner options, featuring everything from gourmet burgers to fresh salads and seafood. It offers a wide range of options to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.

This attention to detail and customer satisfaction has made Fat Cats Cafe a star in the Avila Beach dining scene.

Vibe

The exterior of Fat Cats Cafe resembles a ranch-style home more than it does a diner. The Spanish tiled roof and adobe architecture blend with the Avila Beach community, while the wooden sign with a painted playful cat hints at the good times awaiting inside.

The craftsman-style interior of Fat Cats Cafe is open and airy, making the eatery welcoming and warm. Large picture windows face the ocean, offering picturesque views and allowing light to fill the dining area.

Comfortable seating arrangements allow intimate meals at booths while larger tables are perfect for families and groups. The bar area has stools and a tiled counter, ideal for solo diners or grabbing a cold brew after a day in the sun at Spyglass Beach Tide Pools.

The outdoor seating area offers al fresco dining in the fresh coastal air, where diners can savor their meals. Lush greenery and colorful flowers surround the patio, creating a serene dining experience.

When visiting this coastal haven, stop by Fat Cats Cafe and indulge in its offerings.

Fat Cats Cafe: Menu & Drinks

Where do you begin highlighting a menu where every item is enticing and delicious? While seemingly impossible, here are some favorites to consider at Fat Cats Cafe.

Any of the Early Bird Breakfasts, offered from 7:30 until noon, will power you for a fun-filled day in the California sun. Whether you order the Diablo Special with two eggs, two pancakes, and two strips of bacon or the Banana Granola and Coconut Pancakes, you'll get a stick-to-your-ribs meal.

Plenty of other breakfast options can be ordered anytime, making them an ideal choice for late risers or those craving late-night pancakes.

The tacos are popular for lunch and dinner, with your choice of ahi or fish. All tacos come with cilantro and crispy cabbage and served on a soft or fried corn tortilla. The tacos are crowned with a creamy sriracha sauce, adding the right amount of spice to these tasty handhelds. You'll also find an assortment of burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.

Dinner entrees are on par with the other menu offerings, with Coco Shrimp being a top favorite. The fresh shrimp are fried to a golden brown and coated in coconut, pineapple guacamole, and sweet chile sauce. The meal includes veggies and a baked potato, rice pilaf, or French fries.

After a day with the kids at Avila Valley Barn, satisfy their thirst with lemonade, soft drinks, juices, and floats. They also serve coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Should mom and dad need an adult option, they can choose from classic cocktails, beer, and California wines.

Fat Cats Cafe offers classic and creative cuisine in a charming atmosphere, making it a top pick by Avila Beach vacationers.

Local Tips

Arrive early to beat the weekend brunch crowd for a more relaxed experience.
Check out the daily specials on chalkboards inside the restaurant.
Take advantage of the outdoor seating area for a scenic dining experience.
The homemade cinnamon roll with cream cheese and frosting is a favorite!

Location

3920 Avila Beach Drive, Avila Beach, CA 93405

Frequently Asked Questions

If someone only had one day in Avila Beach, what should be on the itinerary?

Avila Beach is a small seaside town with a big-time charm that’s hard to condense into one day. But if we had to choose, our perfect day would start with breakfast and coffee at Fat Cat’s Cafe on Harford Pier. With classic breakfast food anyone would enjoy and located right next to the pier, it’s easy to walk off that delicious meal while enjoying the morning coastal air and listening to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean waves. You might even catch a glimpse of the local herd of sea lions. Being outside is a must, whether it’s walking the beach or taking a hike through the hills. Bob Jones Trail is highly recommended for people a leisurely biking/walking trail that goes from the land to the sea and can be accessed right from Downtown Avila.

After breakfast, take a drive down the famous Highway 1- a great way to experience the rich biodiversity of the central coast. Explore other nearby coastal towns like Morro Bay and Cayucos, each with its own unique charm.

However, the main thing to do in Avila Beach is relax. Spend time on the incredible beaches, get your toes in the sand, and enjoy the serene environment. Don’t miss the chance to shop the boutiques, go wine tasting, or dine at the ocean-side restaurants.

To wrap up the day, Mr. Rick’s offers a lively scene with great drinks and live music. One of the most popular places in Downtown Avila, hangout out with the locals and get a feel for what life is like in Avila.

What are the top 3 restaurants I should visit in Pismo Beach?

While exploring the culinary delights of Pismo Beach and its surroundings, there are three top-tier restaurants you simply must visit. Each offers a unique dining experience that’s a testament to the area’s rich gastronomic culture.

First up, venture a little south to Arroyo Grande to visit Ember, renowned for its commitment to seasonal fare and artisanal wood-fired cooking techniques. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfectly complementing a menu that’s both innovative and comforting. Each dish reflects the chef’s passion for farm-to-table philosophy and the rich agricultural bounty of California’s Central Coast.

Next, Nate’s on Marsh in San Luis Obispo is a gem that locals and visitors alike adore. This eatery prides itself on a creative menu that pairs classic comfort food with a modern twist. The ambiance combines casual elegance with a touch of historical charm, set within the vibrant downtown scene of San Luis Obispo, making it a delightful culinary stop.

Lastly, Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo is a modern take on the classic steakhouse, serving up prime cuts of meat alongside fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The chic and sophisticated decor sets the stage for an upscale dining experience. The wine list is as impressive as the menu, featuring local Central Coast vineyards and beyond, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal.

Each of these restaurants is a destination in itself, promising not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that captures the spirit of the region.

What are the biggest events in Pismo & Avila Beach area?

When vacationing in Pismo Beach, CA, there are two main events that are absolute must-sees, each offering a unique slice of what makes this coastal city so special. The first is the Monarch Butterfly Arrival, a natural spectacle that takes place from late October through February. During these months, Pismo Beach becomes a temporary home to thousands of vibrant Monarch butterflies. The sight of these delicate creatures fluttering en masse is truly mesmerizing and one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Visitors from all over gather at the Monarch Butterfly Grove to witness this annual migration, which has become a beloved and awe-inspiring sight in the community.

Another event steeped in local tradition is the Pismo Beach Clam Festival, a hallmark event since 1946. This festival is a celebration of the city’s clamming legacy, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy a weekend full of festivities. With a parade, live music, food vendors, and a clam chowder cook-off, it encapsulates the heartwarming community spirit and the gastronomic heritage of Pismo Beach. The Clam Festival not only pays homage to the city’s past but also offers a delightful experience for all ages, making it an unmissable event for anyone visiting Pismo Beach.