Peter’s Café
Price: $10-$15/person
Location: 10 El Camino, Millbrae

Facing rather stiff competition with In-n-Out Burger and Panera down the road, Peter’s Café sits quietly on the corner of Millbrae Avenue and El Camino Real, and there it has sat for over 20 years.

Unlike the aforementioned favorites, it’s unlikely to spot long lines outside of Peter’s on a weekday afternoon. It was this detail (and an intense hunger) that encouraged me to give the neighborhood eatery a first try.

My first impression of the restaurant was open to question. When you walk in, it’s almost as if you stumbled into the 50’s with a combination of vintage décor and easygoing back of house staff. The only thing missing was The Fonz snapping his fingers and pounding the jukebox.

Flatscreen TVs were conveniently placed throughout the restaurant, which appeals to sports fans. While this is quickly becoming a standard for even the more modest diners, the staff at Peter’s was kind enough to ask if there was a channel I’d like to watch while I ate. Although this was a small detail, it definitely left a lasting impression. This was a whole new level of customer service I’ve yet to experience.

The menu specialized in American classics like steak sandwiches and corn beef hash making it an easy sell to first timers. There was even a weight watchers category for the more health-conscious food goer.

We started off with an appetizer of aged mozzarella sticks with homemade ranch dressing, which tasted like victory. Unlike the usual cheese stick where the cheese stretches too far beyond the outer break, Peter’s sticks instead had a much cleaner bite that was rich in flavor. The seasoning wasn’t lost in the deep fryer, which had my taste buds wishing I hadn’t shared.

My lunch arrived shortly after the sticks were gone. I had the B.L.T. sandwich with a side of fries in what could have fed one other person. The portions here are huge! My visit was getting better by the moment and hit a climax after the first bite.

The bacon strips were thick and tender, still simmering from the grill. The fresh lettuce and tomatoes made for an impeccable presentation; they were picture perfect. I had taken it upon myself to add avocado to the masterpiece, as I firmly believe that it is a necessity when creating kingly sandwiches.

The fries on the other hand weren’t anything out of the ordinary. They were nice and thick but were clearly overshadowed by everything else on the table. They were enjoyable, but not worth highlighting. In the end, the satisfaction of a full belly called for a siesta to return to reality.

Peter’s Café proved to be a noteworthy pig-out spot. Friendly service, great location, and a massive menu all work in favor of this low-key treasure off the Millbrae Avenue exit.

This article has been update to fix formatting issues. 2/15/2013 12:05 a.m.