Part 3: Cafe 126
by Jennifer Tipton
Located at 11033 Citrus Drive, Cafe 126 has been family owned and operated since 1965. Like the other “East End Eateries”, it has that small diner vibe, but several things set them apart, like having an undeniable sense of family. Surrounding photos show family members and one of Saticoy Grammar School dated 1932. The staff can tell you family member’s names and the history.
Another difference is they serve only breakfast and lunch.
Monday – Friday 6:00am to 2:00pm
Saturday 6:00am to 2:00pm & Sunday 7:00am to 2:00pm
We were there on a Sunday morning and there was a 15-minute wait to be seated. I asked our very nice server, Summer, if they were always this busy and she said, “actually this is slow!”
A large back room was added in the 1980’s and there on the back wall, hangs an old American flag. Summer tells us the flag is pre-Hawaii / pre-Alaska and was a gift to the cafe, but further history is unknown.
There’s an outside patio with several tables and a large sign reading “No Pets”. Usually it’s just a question of being dog friendly, but Summer said someone once brought their cat to lunch…
Also unique about Cafe 126, the patrons are a diverse bunch, we saw families along with motorcycle enthusiasts. Parking is plenty for vehicles with two or four wheels.
The menu lists “Comfort Breakfast Favorites”, and the selections are as diverse as the patrons with choices ranging from simple to a 14oz Ham Bone & Eggs –
“So big it’s served on 3 plates”! Prices $9.25 – $13.95
Simpler egg dishes are available, and each comes with your choice of hash browns or country potatoes, choice of toast, English muffin or biscuit. Prices $6.95 – $9.95
The “Highway Grill” offers Pancake or French Toast Combos served with homemade whipped cream, or the classic “Pigs in a Blanket” (sausage links rolled in buttermilk pancakes). Prices $5.95 – $9.95
There are nine omelets including a California omelet with avocado, fresh salsa and jack cheese, all come with the same side choices as above. $10.25 – $11.25
More sides are available like biscuits & gravy, or you can skip the biscuit and simply order a Cup of 126 Gravy $1.95.
The “Café Dinner Favorites” include a Turkey Dinner, “roasted daily and served with all the fixin’s” or Roast Beef, “right off mom’s table” and of course the classic, Country Fried Steak with “fresh USDA beef dipped in our handmade batter”. All selections come with vegetables, garlic bread, mashed potatoes and- gravy! $11.95 – $13.95
There are eight deli sandwiches, each comes with a choice of homemade potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, French fries, fresh or grilled tomatoes. $8.95 – $9.95
Burgers are made with fresh Angus beef and patrons can choose from a 1/3 lb or ½ lb burger $8.95 – $10.95, same sides but add $1.00 for sweet potato fries or onion rings.
There are twenty specialty sandwiches and dishes to choose from at $7.25 -$10.95 and a full page of soups, salads, chilies and chowders. Cafe 126 does not offer alcoholic beverages. Desserts are homemade daily.
I had the Spinach Mushroom Benedict with country potatoes, perfectly poached eggs on a crisp English muffin, with loads of spinach and mushrooms topped with a rich and creamy hollandaise and the potatoes were seasoned well. The only problem was there was way too much of it and I took enough home for breakfast the next day!
By the way, Cafe 126 has a sister restaurant, Flight 126 located at the Santa Paula Airport.
