The Cottage Restaurant

This home, originally built in 1917, has since been converted to a
restaurant in 1964, yet it's walls still retain so much wonder. I suppose if
you imagine hard enough you might hear again, children playing, or if
you're one of "them" some tragic moment. Nevertheless, the Cottage has
been a Laguna Beach landmark ever since. Photos of Laguna's official
greeter, Eiler Larsen, line the walls of the waiting area. Many of the photos
have won amateur contests all over the world. My grandmother told me
stories of Eiler and how she enjoyed seeing him, always wearing a red shirt
and a happy grin, waving to tourists every time her and my grandfather
came into town. Mistaken for a homeless man, he made quite a name for
himself. He was said to tend to the lawns of a doctor, how did he ever
found the time? Rumors even suggested that when he died he had
thousands of dollars tucked into his mattress. Nevertheless, there are
tributes to him all over town including an Eiler Street, an Eiler's Inn and the
Greeters Restaurant. He died in 1975. Others have tried to find fame,
following in Eiler's footsteps, but to no avail. The waitress here at The
Cottage says she thinks it's because people aren't as friendly as they use
to be. That sounds about right to me. The Cottage still embraces the past
whether it be "The Greeter", the original front door they found in the
garage which still has the original leaded glass and sideboard doors or the
original recipes for their home-style cooking. I've only been here once,
sitting outside at an umbrella covered table, enjoying a plate of deliciously
different Cranberry Orange Pancakes made with fresh chopped
cranberries. These were a great choice for those who don't like their
pancakes so terribly sweet. They also make blueberry, buttermilk or
buckwheat pancakes, as well as granola waffles. My husband was pleased
with his Trout Almandine which didn't pair well with my pancakes, so I
passed on a taste. We'll just have to trust him on that one! The Sunday
Brunch menu had tempting choices which included their regular menu
items such as omelettes and Huevos Rancheros plus a brunch menu with
several "Benedict" combinations; Crab Benedict, Filet Mignon Benedict
with eggs, sauteed spinach and sliced tomatoes, and Eggs Alaska with
smoked salmon and dill hollandaise. All entrees come with a glass of
champagne or juice for $11.95. It's no wonder The Cottage is such notable
part of Laguna Beach, they make everyone feel right at home.

Located at 308 N. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.

Telephone (909) 494-3023