The Girls Diner


There is a joy to visiting a family run restaurant. Everyone who walks in becomes kinfolk and we get to see the dynasty pictures adorning the walls. If you need some comfort food and hospitable spirits, then the place to eat is The Girls Restaurant in Arroyo Grande (located on Grand Avenue in front of the Cookie Crook). Who, in my humble opinion, has unsurpassed home cooked diner food with the best values in the area. Now they have lowered the prices to support the community, and to help introduce this food to a whole new generation. They even lowered the price of a cup of Joe to under $2.00!

This family run enterprise has the finest in comfort food, breakfasts, and pies in the area. Owned by Scott and Cynthia Harrigan, who started out as a dishwasher and bus girl and moved their way up to owners, this is restaurant with real family style. The Girls has the classic counter look of a townie diner with the menu of a restaurant that offers everything from basic and traditional to upscale and healthy. The entire restaurant has a wonderful feel to it, as the waitress, cooks, busboys all seem to enjoy what they are doing (and have worked here happily for decades) and the cuisine is down-home perfection. They have rolled out a new menu with healthy choices, lower prices and amazing offers for the over 55 set, while not changing the quality of the food or service.

As Scott told me, “We found as the economy has taken a turn and people are eating out less often, it has become mandatory that we have a wide variety of affordable offerings on the menu, without cutting quality” His dear wife Cindy added, “It allows guests to experience The Girls in a new and affordable way.” They are also offering a free 7-night Mexican cruise to anyone who wants to enter. “This is just our way of thanking both old and new customers”, Cindy explained.

The menu is vast and varied with breakfast served all day. My daughter discovered homemade biscuits and country gravy here and swears it is the best, anywhere. I like that they have added eggs benedict to the everyday menu along with homemade chili verde omelets. They added a healthy choice menu with salads, vegetarian and delights including chicken ceasar salad, with chopped lettuce (this is the most important element of a good salad), diced chicken breast that is sliced first then grilled to maintain moisture, hard boiled eggs, croutons and parmesan cheese all with a delectable ceasar dressing. I also liked the oriental chicken salad with mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, oriental hard noodles all accessorized with a tangy sesame dressing.

New appetizers will appeal to the adventurous and include Chili Cheese Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, and a trio of Buffalo Hot Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, and Quesadilla. These were the perfect accouterment to the meal and such a value!

Gary loves the home-style dinners that come with soup or salad, real whipped potatoes or a baked potato, vegetables and a biscuit, cornbread or a dinner roll. Entrees included are Salisbury Steak, Golden Fried Chicken (prepared fresh and cooked to order), Flame Broiled Rib Eye Steak (hand cut) and more; and the pies- he lives for these pies.

The menu is huge, with everything from fish and chips to steak combos to spaghetti platters. All is house made with the feeling and attention only a family can give to food. Seniors get a fantastic, full meal for two, Monday through Thursday for only $15.75, including dessert. I like being part of The Girls family, just keep the pies coming! Open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday thru Friday; Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Girls is located at 1237 Grand Avenue in Arroyo Grande, call them at (805) 473-1069.