By Laurie Bryant Daghigh
Drop into The Money Pit, a cheerfully nostalgic burger joint in San Marcos, California. The food is tasty, plentiful, and inexpensive and served in a remodeled bank.
The currency theme is everywhere. Framed movie posters (“How to Marry a Millionaire” and “Fistful of Dollars”) alternate with license plates and old tin advertising signs on the walls, and tables are topped with coins, poker chips, or stocks and bonds. Near the table with cash-themed records (Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money,” Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing,” and “Money” by Pink Floyd) the old vault door juts crazily out of the middle of the floor.
The only thing here that’s not about money is the menu: we ordered a burger, a garden burger, a huge combo platter of crispy, lightly battered onion rings, zucchini strips, and juicy mushrooms, and French fries served with delicious fresh ranch dressing, as well as two hand-dipped single scoop ice cream cones and got out for under $14… practically a steal!
They boast 10 kinds of hot dogs as well as salads, a wide selection of healthy wraps and sandwiches, fountain favorites, and breakfast served all day long. The place is a favorite with couples and families looking for good vibes and good value in a fun atmosphere, and there’s even a drive-through.
As Kathy, a visitor from nearby Escondido, said, “I love to bring people here for something more memorable and out of the ordinary than the usual fast food experience.”
The Money Pit serves up a light bite or a full meal… without breaking the bank.
The Money Pit, 1360 E. Mission Road, San Marcos, California, (760) 743-7775, open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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