Sweet celebration: The Cottage restaurant in La Jolla turns 30

The eatery will roll back its prices to the original 1992 menu at both of its locations and raise money for a good cause.

The Cottage La Jolla

The historic Cottage celebrates its 30th anniversary as a restaurant on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The Cottage La Jolla — part of the seaside town’s dining scene since 1992 — will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Tuesday, Dec. 6, by throwing it back and giving back.

For that day only, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., the La Jolla and Encinitas locations will bring back the original 1992 menurollback pricing and all. That means Brioche French Toast and OG dishes like the Mashed Potato Omelet will be available for under $7.50. 🍳

A portion of sales will benefit Day at the Beach, the Windansea Surf Club’s program providing underserved children with memorable water sport experiences.

With deep roots in the surf community, the restaurant is also raffling off a custom-made surfboard shaped by La Jolla local Rusty Preisendorfer of Rusty Surfboards, with glassing by pro surfer Jojo Roper and his Surfboard Repair Shop. Entries cost $10 and will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 22, with all proceeds donated to Day at the Beach. 🏄

The Cottage La Jolla 1990s SD

The Cottage on Fay Avenue in the 1990s.

Did you know? The structure that houses the eatery — originally known as the Columbine Cottage — was built around 1905 along Prospect Street. It was once the home of La Jolla’s second-ever doctor, Dr. Edward Howard, and his family, and was moved to its current location around 1914. 🏠

The home remained a private residence through the 1950s. In the 1970s, it became the Village Pet Shop and then a pastry shop. In 1986, local business owner Nanci Long bought it and renamed it “The Cottage” and it became a full-service restaurant in 1992.

San Diego native (and former Cottage employee) Jason Peaslee bought the restaurant in 2018 with plans to expand the brand. Over the summer, Peaslee did just that — opening the second location in Encinitas.

📍 The Cottage La Jolla, 7702 Fay Ave.

📍 The Cottage Encinitas, 127 N. El Camino Real

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