After nearly four decades serving diner staples in San Diego, Perry's Cafe is set to close its doors this summer to make way for a new residential building.
Perry's Cafe has been serving the community near the junction of Interstates 5 and 8 in San Diego's Loma Portal/Old Town area since its inception in 1985. Founded by Greek immigrants Constantine "Costas" and Margaret Georgakopoulos, the cafe quickly established itself as a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike looking for classic American diner fare, generous portions, and friendly service. The cafe's iconic retro decor, featuring leather booths, a diner counter bar and nostalgic memorabilia, creates an ambiance that harkens back to a bygone era.Perry's Cafe is expected to close its doors after end of service on Thursday, August 15, following a decision by the San Diego City Council to allow Viewpoint Company to develop the 1.74 acre property into a 224-unit, seven-story residential building. There was an appeal of the city's decision that was recently upheld, paving the way to the restaurant's closure and eventual demolition.
Plans for the new building include five stories of residential units, including 15% set aside as affordable housing, with a mezzanine level over a two-story podium, an above-grade parking area and one partial level of below-grade parking. A portion of Perry’s Café is expected to remain and will be repurposed as part of the project.
During the development of the new apartment tower, the property will have to be remediated due to soil containing low concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, metals, and organochlorine pesticides, according to an environmental site assessment. The property was first developed in the 1920s and was occupied by a gasoline station from at least 1950 through the mid 1980s. The site is also located in a heavily industrial area that has been used to support military operations since the 1930s.
Throughout its history, Perry's Cafe has remained a family-owned and operated business, with the original owner's children taking on roles within the establishment. This family-centric approach has contributed to the cafe's reputation as a staple in the San Diego dining scene. Most recently, the restaurant is operated by Perry Eulmi and her son Patrick.
In 2010, a fire occurred at Perry's Cafe, causing approximately $300,000 in damage. The diner was once featured as a set location in the TV show Veronica Mars and has served as a stage area for the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. There was also once a second location sited in El Cajon, but that branch closed in 2022.
Perry's Cafe is expected to continue operating under normal hours at 4620 Pacific Highway in San Diego's Loma Portal/Old Town region until its final day in business on August 15. For more information, visit perryscafesd.com.
