Since 1987
Our story
A mother, a daughter, and a little cafe on El Camino Real.
There has been a little roadside diner on this stretch of El Camino Real for as long as most of San Clemente can remember. In 1987 the Evingham family took it over, put Rose and her daughter Christina at the heart of it, and added Rose’s name over the door — and The Sugar Shack became Rose’s Sugar Shack.
Not much has changed since, and that’s on purpose. The family kept the cozy roadside rooms the way the regulars love them and built the back deck themselves, so you can eat outside in the ocean air under the surf mural. Inside it’s wood trim, walls full of photos and local memories, and a surfboard over the counter — old school, and proud of it.
Rose still greets her guests personally, usually with a quick joke, and runs the kitchen’s traditions with Christina and George and a small crew — many of whom have been part of the family for more than twenty years. The motto has not moved an inch since 1987: fabulous food, good service, and an at-home ambiance equals a great time.
Ask the third-generation regulars — the kids who grew up in these booths now bring their own kids. Come in once and you’re a friend; come in twice and you’re family. Open every day, 7:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon, inside or out on the deck.
“Fabulous food, good service, and an at-home ambiance equals a great time.”
— the motto, unchanged since 1987
Good questions
Things people ask us
What are your hours?
We're open seven days a week, 7:00am to 2:00pm.
Where are you located?
2319 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672 — right on El Camino Real, just off I-5 and a short drive from the San Clemente beaches. If you need directions, call us at 949-498-0684.
Do you serve breakfast all day?
Breakfast is the heart of what we do, and we're open 7:00am to 2:00pm. If you're coming in later in the morning with your heart set on a particular dish, give us a quick call at 949-498-0684 and we'll let you know.
Do you take reservations?
The easiest way to get a table on a busy morning is our waitlist — add your name from your phone before you head over, then check in when you arrive. For a large group, call us at 949-498-0684 and we'll help you sort it out.
Can I order online?
Yes. You can order takeout for pickup, order from your table by scanning the QR code, or pre-order so your food is ready when you walk in.
How do I pay, and can I add a tip?
Online and QR orders are paid digitally from your phone, and you can add a tip for the crew right there. For payment options at the register, give us a call at 949-498-0684.
Is there a kids' menu?
Yes — we have a Children's Menu, and the Teddy Bear Pancake has been making kids happy for a long time.
Can I bring my dog on the deck?
Please call us at 949-498-0684 before you come so we can let you know the current policy for the outside deck.
Is parking easy?
We're right on El Camino Real. If you have questions about where to park, call us at 949-498-0684 and we'll point you to the best spot.
Do you serve beer, wine, or cocktails?
Yes — mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer, and house wine are served at the restaurant. Ask your server what’s pouring today. (Alcohol is dine-in only — it can’t be added to online orders.)
Anything else? Call us at (949) 498-0684 — a person will pick up.