Getting Your Money’s Worth: Nostalgic Dining in SAN MARCOS

Counterfeit… or counter service? You’ll have to decide for yourself when you drop into The Money Pit, a cheerfully nostalgic burger joint in San Marcos, California.

Dining in a remodeled bank is a fun experience, especially when the food is tasty, plentiful and inexpensive. The currency theme at The Money Pit is everywhere: tables are topped with coins, poker chips and stocks and bonds, while the walls are covered with framed movie posters (“How to Marry a Millionaire” and “Fistful of Dollars”), license plates and old tin advertisements.

Near the table with old cash-themed records (Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard for the Money,” Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing,” “Money,” by Pink Floyd), an old vault door juts out crazily from the center of the floor.

The only thing here that’s not about the money is the menu: we ordered a burger, garden burger, huge combo platter of crispy, lightly battered onion rings, zucchini strips and juicy mushrooms, French fries and two hand-dipped single scoop ice cream cones, all for under $14… practically a steal!

The menu boasts ten kinds of hot dogs, a wide selection of healthy wraps, salads and sandwiches. Plus, breakfast is served all day long. The Money Pit is a favorite with couples and families looking for good vibes and good value in a fun atmosphere. The restaurant has a drive-thru window, but why miss out on experiencing all the cool loot inside?

Kathy Ault, a frequent patron of the restaurant 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 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.