Louis’ is where I’d head when I needed simple pancakes and an unobstructed view of the Pacific shelf. When the Musee Mechanique was still housed in the rotting old Cliff House, the overall experienced comprised a very nice afternoon (if you could manage to hit the place between tour buses).
I appreciate what the GGNRA has done in spite of California’s economic conditions, but messing with anything “ye olde” and diner-ish is asking for it.
Despite being inclined toward vegetarianism, I don’t want the place to turn into something like the Warming Hut—as much as I love organics, I believe there’s room enough in this town for white flour and corn syrup: I’d reckon that the tourists do, too.
Admittedly, you’ll overpay for the omelette-accented view at Louis’, and as I rarely get into the Cliff House for a drink—weak diner coffee does me just fine.
Incidentally, I think if San Francisco had more simple diners, I wouldn’t want to fight so hard for every single one. I’ll be headed out there to sign the petition tomorrow.