Taylor’s Has Truck-Stop Portions That Can Fill Up the Whole Family

Just off the Santa Ana Freeway in Tustin is the kind of place that will make you think you’re in a small town in the Midwest. Taylor’s Family Restaurant serves homey comfort food in a friendly atmosphere at very reasonable prices.

Taylor’s, long a popular stop for truck drivers with big appetites, serves up delicious meals in ample portions. Which is good, because right now there is freeway construction going on near the restaurant and the Red Hill off-ramp is closed, so the view isn’t spectacular.

The daily fried chicken special is $4.99 for half a chicken, potatoes (mashed, cottage fries or hash browns), soup or salad and roll. It’s available from 4 to 9 p.m., and the senior/junior quarter chicken special is only $3.19.

The veal parmigiana, a breaded patty topped with tomato sauce and accompanied by a side of spaghetti, is $7.25. Other good items on the menu are a club sandwich of turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese for $5.95 (a half club is $4.95), French dip and Reuben sandwiches for $5.95 each, a chicken fried steak dinner with salad and potato ($7.25). A recent Belgian waffle platter special with egg and bacon was priced at $4.35.

As you might expect, this is an informal place. Three TVs are mounted in the dining area, and the next room has a video arcade. You can even buy your lottery ticket here.

Should you still have room for dessert, Taylor’s always has some delectable pies, cobblers, bread pudding or other goodies to tempt you.

Taylor’s, 1542 El Camino Real, Tustin. Open daily, 24 hours. (714) 544-9265.