By Genevieve A. Suzuki

With Coco’s Bakery Restaurant on Lake Murray Boulevard closed down, many local residents are stuck looking for alternative dining plans around town. One such La Mesa Courier reader asked us to present local alternatives to the shuttered pie-and-coffee diner, which had been a favorite among seniors and families with children.

Here are some ideas for the hungry:

Lake Murray Café
5465 Lake Murray Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-433-0180

Lake Murray Café, a member of the San Diego Home Cooking chain, serves up traditional fare, such as omelets, eggs Benedict and pancakes. The restaurant is a little noisy — probably attributable to the wooden floors — but the friendly servers make the racket almost worth it. The best part about Lake Murray Café is its proximity to the defunct Coco’s location. On the downside, parking can get a little complicated in the restaurant’s small lot.

The Omelette Factory
5270 Baltimore Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
619-460-4423

The Omelette Factory, another spot just down the street from the old Coco’s, is a family-style restaurant that features a variety of egg dishes, griddle creations, burgers and sandwiches. Locally owned, The Omelette Factory has garnered quite the loyal following, thanks in part to its fresh coffee and baked goods.

Marie Callender’s
6950 Alvarado Road
San Diego, CA 92120
619-465-1910

When it comes to ambiance, Marie Callender’s is probably more similar to Coco’s than anything else in town. Once diners walk in, they’re greeted by a host and a case of mouthwatering pies and desserts. Equally delicious is the free cornbread with honey butter, a treat that gives any slice of pie a run for its money. Kids also like the spot as they have access to a free small bag of popcorn at the entrance as well as an old-fashioned Pac-Man video game machine.

DZ Akin’s
6930 Alvarado Road
San Diego, CA 92120
619-265-0218

DZ Akin’s is another local favorite. Bubala, it’s hard to pick a favorite at this traditional Jewish deli. Whether you’re in the market for potato latkes, savory matzo ball soup — the perfect antidote to whatever ails you — or some of the best pastrami in San Diego, DZ Akin’s won’t disappoint. Many members of the staff have been there for years and can easily recommend a special to keep you from kvetching over losing Coco’s.

Denny’s
6970 Alvarado Road
San Diego, CA 92120
619-461-2862

Denny’s on Alvarado Road has remodeled, giving a fresh look to what has been tried and true for decades in the Unites States. The young staff is eager to help patrons select good eats, and the menu doesn’t leave anyone out — a nice surprise, considering it’s home to cheesy favorites such as “Moons Over My Hammy.”

—Reach Genevieve A. Suzuki by email at [email protected].