Breakfast in SD

[honkman]

We have many lists on this board for best steakhouse, Italian etc. in San Diego but I couldn't find a recent list for favorite breakfast (not brunch) places in SD.
Any suggestions ?

[mswan]

my take:
thanks to everyone's recommendations, just tried Park House and yes, I have to highly recommend it-avocado benedict is outstanding
Big Kitchen - consistently good
Brian's - also
Hash House-good but not worth lining up or waiting more than 10 minutes
Crest Cafe-okay
Daybreak in O.B. (across from 3rd corner) solid breakfast menu, service used to be AWFUL, but I think they've figured it out recently and are now able to handle more than 10 people
Tower Two in O.B.(across from main lifeguard station) - really good biscuts & gravy
Shades also in O.B. in same bldg as Tower Two - has been good since it was called Cecil's with the same menu-calamari & eggs are great
Broken Yolk - P.B. cliche complete with loud, still drunk SDSU crowd "dude I was so f'd up last night" but worth it for the long list of creative omlets, even the burgers are good
Harry's Coffee Shop in La Jolla - old school diner always full of locals

[domino1]

I didn't see anyone comment about Tip Top Meats in Carlsbad. I like it for meat and eggs - haven't tried anything else! Plus you get a chance to shop for pickles in their market (who knew they had so many types???).

I still haven't found a good replacement for Hershels in the north county after they shut down. I want Milton's to work - but it just isn't the same. Same goes for Elija's (who took over Samsons in UTC).

[honkman]

You can get most of the pickles also at the russian deli at Regents Rd.

[foodpuppy]

I definitely second Hob Nob Hill!! The old feel of the place is endearing and the food is consistently good, I especially love the coffee cake and omlettes there...but I would say breakfast is the only meal worth eating at Hob Nob Hill..the dinners are a bit bland...but the breakfasts are yummy!!

I also love Hash House a Go Go...although the portions at HH could feed a small country....but I do believe the food does not only look good, it tastes great. But the long lines are killer at 8AM...and no one loves to deal with something that hectic early in the morning.

[sd4life]

My breakfast of choice is the Bread Basket in Alpine. They a great menu. You can eat indoors or outdoors. The patio is really nice in the summer time. If you get when the
lunch crowd shows up thats when thye start up the outside grill and you get all those great smells.

RICH

[sd4life]

NOTE TO SELF: learn how to type.

[littlestevie]

I will add my 2 cents. I really do not get Perry's or HH a go go. I would prefer quality over quanity. I think one of the best breakfasts is at four seasons aviara. The Argyle has a wonderful breakfast. The cooks can actually poach an egg to the correct doneness not some hockey puck. I have had most everything on the menu, and I have never been disappointed. Also on a sunny day the patio is a beautiful place to watch the golfers and the birds in the lagoon. It is pricey, gee it is a four seasons afterall and they don't know what moderate is. If you want cheap, MickeyD's has an egg macmuffin watin for you.

[long_ballers]

ah words of wisdom. well said littlestevie. QUALITY, OVER quantity. quantity places usually are pretty greasy in my opinion. which i hate.

im def going to try the four seasons after reading this. why is poaching an egg a lost art anyways?

i hear that place has an awesome dinner menu too with the fireplace and all.. thanks for the rec.

[Spike Costa]

I agree about preferring quality over quantity. I think HH quantities approach obscene. But the food is among the better for breakfast joints in SD. And I take two breakfasts home.

[Food snob]

No question in my mind- Hash House A GO GO in Hillcrest. Huge portions, really creative, and amazing drinks.

[mangiatore]

Their bloody mary is the best around.

[Charlie SanDiego]

Aloha Fellow Locals
Here is how breakfast plays if you’re in the central SD area (in no special order):

Big Kitchen for Biscuits & Gravy or Tofu Rancheros, or simply need a hug because you're so damn hung-over it hurts.

Cafe on Park if you need a Hangtown Fry

Jimmy Carter's Mexican Cafe if you like chorizo on your huevos rancheros

Las Cuatro Milpas if you like your chorizo in a bowl with whole beans, pepper rice, and scrambled eggs

Rudford’s if you're eating your breakfast between 2-5 am.

The Mission, Cafe 222, & Cafe on Park if atmosphere means more to you than the food, and you're up early

Special shout to "Normal Heights Foodie" for Cafe 2121. Nice new spot, good people making honest food

Future Tip: Check in with Cantina Mayahuel @ 2934 Adams (by the popular but nasty Antique Row Cafe [people who like Hash House, Hob Nob, Richard Walker's etc. should go there as well]) as they may be adding a brunch soon

[Green_Turtle]

Has anyone tried the Spice House Cafe on Clairemont Mesa? It looks like it's been around for a long time and it seems to always have customers, even on the weekend when that part of Kearny Mesa is pretty dead.

[Cathy]

Was pretty good; had a lot of stuff made with gyros. Prices seemed to go up every 2 weeks this year. The Mister went by there last Friday at about 6 p.m. and it was closed. Unsure if that is just for dinner or permanently.

[bythenumbers]

Has anyone mentioned Kono's in PB yet? Good, filling, cheap and right on the water. I little more expensive is JRDN next door. I will second, third or whatever, any of the Mission's - they have the best breakfast potatoes ever!!! Hob Nob remindes me of the smorgasbords (sp?) my excentric great aunt used to take me to as a kid. Cafe Italia in Little Italy does waffles on Sundays although I haven't yet gotten over there for a try. Does any place make thier own bagels - I haven't had a goot bagel in San Diego since Baltomore Bagel sold out.

[jturtle]

Baltimore Bagels were the best. I was so upset when they sold out/closed. Think we could convince the owners to give up the recipe.

[mikec]

Big City Bagels (on University near Richmond) is my favorite indy bagel place.

Langer's (in the Campus Shopping Center at 63rd and El Cajon) used to be quite good, but it's been several years since I've been there.

I'm not sure if Donut Touch on Mira Mesa (behind the SDCCU) makes their own bagels or not. Regardless, they're pretty good.

FWIW, all the Einstein Bagels have ovens and bake their own bagels...

[jturtle]

Baltimore Bagels were unlike any others. I believe it was their boiling process. Einstein bought them out but doesn't taste any thing like them.

[bythenumbers]

They might put them in the oven, but the real question is what ingreidents do they use to make the dough and how, where and when is it made? Einstein Bagels are passable but no where near Baltimore Bagels or any other indi bagel place. Chains like Einstein tend to use alot of chemicals, fillers, extenders, etc., that take away from the fresh flavors.

[long_ballers]

everyone always posts the same spots? i dont like greasy food so here are my recs.

the bacon spinach benedict at Cavaillon. there is never anyone there either.

world famous omelets.

[ibstatguy]

as Cavaillon is only open for breakfast on Sundays, it really doesn't, IMO, fit into the category of this thread. its a terrific restaurant, to be sure, but the wrong fit here

[long_ballers]

well i dont know. they serve breakfast on weekends. i dont go to breakfast at restaurants during the week. i work.

world famous in pb for omelets doesnt fit either?

[IrishChef]

Recommended Places:
Big Kitchen (my favorite biscuits & gravy and vegetable gravy is good too!)
Park House Eatery (Avocado Eggs Benedict)
Original Pancake House
Hash House (Huge portions)
The Tractor Room (same owners as Hash House)
Ortega's Cocina
Crest Cafe
The Mission
The LumberJack Cafe (best pancakes and sweet potato pancakes)
Rudfords

I won't recommend Perry's, (Sorry everyone that loves the place, just look at it as one less person ahead of you on the wait list) service is really good, standard greasy spoon atmosphere, big portions, but I have never been impressed with the food! Blueberry pancakes come with pie-filling blueberries wrapped in a standard pancake?! What? It's not a crepe! Give me a break! And to short cut making real banana, blueberry, etc. pancakes by dumping gross canned pie-filling or sliced bananas on a standard pancake and rolling it up is really unexceptable! Chorizo & Eggs there are horrible and a shame that they do such disservice to such a great dish! I could go on and on on the food I've gotten there and attempted to eat and never finished. Now I just avoid the place and enjoy better breakfast elsewhere.
Long lines, Long waits, etc. Welcome to the restaurant world and the awful fact that if it's good, people will come! Plan accordingly (weekends are busy b-fast days), enjoy the wait and anticipation of good food to come, or stay home.

[DiningDiva]

Long lines and long waits because it's a lot of food for very little money, which is what a lot of people crave and equate with something being "good". Blame the fast food providers who have trained generations of people to think that something is good if it's cheap and you get lots of it. As for Perry's, I think a lot of it depends on what you order. I've had mostly the straightforward egg dishes and they were pretty good; the hash browns really good. The biscuits and gravy or big ol muffin that are offered along with the toast choices, not so good, so I stick with the toast. My frequent dining companion for divey breakfast joints has had the regular pancakes, which are decent and better than some others. The key to Perry's is to stick to the menu items that don't require a lot of fussy preparation.

[Josh]

Ortega's has some good breakfast, I had forgotten about them. Their machaca is exemplary.

[mangiatore]

Are we talking about the Ortega's across the street from where Chilangos used to be?

[Josh]

No, it's a little hole-in-the-wall in Ocean Beach on Newport St., between Sunset Cliffs and Cable. They have a second location (also in OB) on Niagara, between Bacon and Cable.

My breakfast favorites there are the machaca, and the fish and eggs (sounds weird maybe, but very tasty). They also do a carne asada benedict with jalapeno hollandaise. It gets busy, so be prepared for a bit of a wait.

[mangiatore]

Cool, thanks for the rec.

[susan3733]

Another little hole-in-the-wall that we love in OB is the Village Kitchen on the main drag. Very basic and old fashioned. I usually get the standard egg and toast, but they have lots of options. If you're looking for a fancy or creative breakfast place, this is not it, but where they really shine is with some amazing Mexican breakfast specials. My husband and kids always order those, and I end up stealing too many bites.

[ac3197]

I'll second Village Kitchen, with a couple conditions. One, this isn't a destination restaurant, so unless you live or are vacationing in OB, don't bother. Don't get me wrong, I adore the place (I live 1/2 block away), but it is your typical greasy-spoon diner....which are some of my favorites. Come early for the local atmosphere, and the very competent service. I agree that the Mexican breakfasts are great. Buy a Sunday paper, get here early, people watch and enjoy!

[ibstatguy]

Perry's; Waterfront (exceptionally greasy bar food but heck, that's what I want sometimes)

I regret to disagree with other posters but Hob Nob isn't up to its billing. I eat there periodically as it is close to my office. You still see the the "movers and shakers" but who cares?

[Josh]

Yeah I share your lack of enthusiasm for Hob Nob. I used to live a block away, and having given it probably half a dozen tries (all those people lined up can't be wrong, can they?) concluded that it was one of those San Diego spots that is surviving based more on reputation than anything else. That being said, they *do* make some righteous coffee cake.

[mangiatore]

Park House Eatery is my favorite by far.
Mission Cafe
Cantina (PB)
Perry's (if you want a true greasy spoon)
Kono's (if you're into the beach scene and like cheap food)

Avoid Brockton Villa at all costs. The food is awful and they get away with it due to the amazing location. I was also very unimpressed by the food at The Cottage.

I'm going to have to try Hob Nob Hill. Sounds cool.

[Josh]

I predict you will be underwhelmed by Hob Nob.

[calla lilly]

I'll tell you where NOT to go: Richard Walker's Pancake House in Downtown. I live in Downtown and wanted to try this place out. They sent me a coupon in the mail. I got there on a Monday morning at 7:50 am. The food did not come until 8:30--I ordered a bacon waffle, the waitress got me a bacon omelet. Last time I checked those two words did not rhyme. We had to take our breakfasts to go since we clearly didn't have time to finish it (had to go back to work). The manager compensated us by giving us coffee to go. Big deal. To make matters worse, they didn't even use our coupon in the bill. We had to get this fixed. I'm still waiting to see if my credit card bill was double charged. Service: Poor. Food: Okay Wait: Horrible (there is always a long line outside...probably because you have to wait an hour for your food).

I suggest:

The Mission
Hob Nob Hill
Brian's on Washington Street

[Alice Q]

We had an order mixup when we were there too, but it wasn't that much of a problem. I liked the dutch pancake, and the hashbrowns with cheese and jalapenos (though heart stopping) were very good. The line was pretty outrageous, but I thought the food was pretty good, and would go back if I lived in the neighborhood. To the list of recommendations in the Hillcrest/North Park area I'd also add Cafe on Park. We were there last weekend and there was no wait at all. I also like the Mission and Hob Nob, but am not a fan of Brian's.

[daantaat]

I'd have to agree w/ calla lilly on RWPH. Went there during lunchtime and ordered a crepe and potato pancakes. Potato pancakes were so underseasoned that even salt, pepper, Tabasco and/or ketchup did nothing to make them flavorful. Crepes were ok, also underseasoned and underflavored. I left hungry and unsatisfied. Cafe 222 a few blocks away does better food.

[DiningDiva]

Scroll up to January and Richard Walkers was discussed back then and not fondly. In fact, I think you even commented :-)

[daantaat]

yeah, I probably did. I think I'm this board too late at night and not paying attention to the date of the OP. :-)

[mswan]

is Cafe 222 really that good or is it just the only breakfast place Downtown-my experience is that I don't even remember eating there, but I know that I've been there...

[DiningDiva]

Yes, it is really that good, especially the pumpkin waffle, though the 5-grain waffle can give it a good run for it's money.

Stay away from Richard Walker's Pancake House, it's not that good. There are any number of good to very good places to have breakfast in the downtown area

[Alice Q]

I've actually had a couple of pretty mediocre breakfasts at Cafe 222. I don't like pumpkin though, so can't judge the waffle. I remember that the plain waffle I had was soggy, and the service was slow.

Richard Walkers' is essentially a clone of the Original Pancake House, right down to the specialty apple pancake. I don't think the atmosphere is much to write home about, but the food is pretty good once you get past the line.

[DiningDiva]

Too bad you're not fond of pumpkin, the waffle is extremely good. Sit at the counter and watch the 2 short order cooks in action. That show alone is worth the price of the meal.

[jennywenny]

I have to say we really love Pannikin in La Jolla. Favourites include the breakfast burrito and the breakfast bagel with tabasco will knock your socks off. They also do a nice mexican hot chocolate. I've noticed the portions are bigger in La Jolla than encinitas...

My husband likes City Deli in Hillcrest as it is a close walk. More of a traditional diner style.

[logovo]

Our semi-secret hole-in-the-wall place, for those weekends when we don't want to wait for a table. It has not dissapointed yet.

Nate's Deli
3090 Euclid Ave

[Dagney]

If you get anywhere near east county, try the Country Benedict at Janet's Cafe. And bring heart medication.

Dagney

[normalheightsfoodie]

WE just tried Café 2121 on Adams Avenue yet?. The place is brand new. It is much more than a coffee house.

The owners are from Azerbaijan and they bring a unique spin to their dishes.

We split a blueberry muffin and their Morning Star Twice Baked Omelet with spinach. You also get a choice of mashed potatoes or spaghetti squash. We had the squash.

The omelet is cut into four sections and displayed as tower with the squash nested in the middle. The plate is also decorated with balsamic syrup. It was great. I told my friend about it and she has been back four times in 2 weeks.

We were overwhelmed with the flavors and presentation the omelets.

[phee]

I know there's one on Jamacha and one on Greenfield. I believe she reported one in another thread located in Alpine, too, but I never got a response as to whether they had opened a third 'Janet's Cafe'.

[DougOLis]

Yes, there is a "3rd Janet's" in Alpine. It's been open for a few years now and has the best atmosphere of all of them. I'm not sure if one has better food than the other though.

[phee]

Thanks, Doug!

[daimyo]

I'm not a big breakfast person, but I do like biscuits and gravy. I haven't really found much that I really like in San Diego. Any suggestions?

[phee]

Hash House A-Go-Go makes pretty good biscuits and gravy. So does Rudfords on El Cajon Blvd. I believe Hob Nob HIll does, also, but I can't speak for theirs, having not tried them. However, I'd trust them to do a good job!

[daimyo]

Hob Nob Hill sounds like its a pretty good place to try. Its mentioned a lot in the posts above. Thanks for the tips!

[mswan]

best is Tower Two in O.B., authentic (I think the cook's from the South) and very tasty without being a big gluey glob

[normalheightsfoodie]

I have to give my vote for the Big Kitchen. Be aware they do not take credit cards, but they do take checks. This is a funky neighborhood place with a great selection of dishes. I like the Chili and Rice for breakfast.

The Big Kitchen
3003 Grape St
San Diego, CA

[1HotTomato]

Nice people, but food is mediocre at best. (IMHO)

[Dagney]

Hob Nob Hill in Banker's Hill is true classic. The Mission and Cafe 222 downtown are just plain fun and hip. Try the Omelette Factory in Santee on your way to the mountains. Al's Cafe in Carlsbad is good for the diner thing. Oh! Park House Eatery in Hillcrest, the Eggs Benedict with Avocado Hollandaise, gotta have it.

I tried Richard Walker's twice. The food and the service are just bad bad bad.

Dagney

[Spike Costa]

Mostly North County coastal:

Beach Break (O'side)

Honey's (Encinitas)
Americana (Del Mar) if they're serving carmelized peach waffles
Hash House except for the crowd and noise
Original Pancake House (In Encinitas, too) for apple and dutch pancakes.
Swami's Cafe has some interesting dishes

[JSchwo7]

Am I the only one who thinks Hash House is overated? You may get big portions but of under seasoned, bland food with a tree of rosemary stuck in the middle.

Big fan of the Mission, Crest Cafe, Ticasso, and Rudfords

[honkman]

Where is Ticasso ?

[JSchwo7]

In the former Old Cottage Shop location on 5th ave.

[Josh]

You are not alone.

[jora]

I don't think you can beat Hob Nob for breakfast. Their coffeecake (changes daily) and corned beef hash (not on the menu) are outstanding!

[chitowngirl]

My vote is for Hideway Cafe in Solana Beach.

[br8thw8]

My vote goes to Cafe222. It's a little place on Island Ave downtown, close to the Horton Grand Hotel. The address is 222 Island. It can get busy so you might have a little wait for a seat inside. They say it's quirky american fare and I say it's delicous. They have won many awards and they have a cool website: www.cafe222.com

[amyzan]

I was completely surprised by Original Pancake House. Their pancakes taste as good as my homemade ones--they're light and fluffy and the batter is clearly made with good quality flour and made ahead so there's no taste of raw flour. Really outstanding. Good coffee, real maple syrup is available, and real butter, can't ask for more. They also seem to handle the crowds well, but I'd recommend going early. It's so nice to get homemade quality and not have to clean up!

[Josh]

OPH is an interesting beast. They aren't really the typical franchise establishment. My favorite thing on their menu is the potato pancakes. Far superior to any I've had. For a real treat, next time you're there try the hot chocolate. It's excellent.

[ohm86]

Good postings! Breakfast may be my favorite meal to eat out (probably because I don't like to spend all that time making an elaborate meal right after I wake up!).
My two cents:

The Cottage (La Jolla)
The Mission (North Park, East Village, Mission Beach) - My FAVORITE!!
Perry's (Old Town @ Pacific hwy and Taylor)-HUGE portions
Orig Pancake House
Studio Diner (off of Aero on Ruffin Rd, right by Stu Segal's lot, where they film Veronica Mars. I always secretly hope I run into Kristen Bell there =)

Any other suggestions for places in La Jolla? I have heard that Pannikin (sp?) is supposed to be good, but I haven't made it over there myself.

[jpschust]

Mission Coffee Cup on Wall. I adore that place.

[daantaat]

Mission Cup Cafe in La Jolla (they are closed b/c of a fire right now)
Nine-Ten might be a good bet if their dinners are any indication of how good they can cook!

[stevuchan]

Just around the corner form Cantina is Cass St. Bar and Grill. I'm a big fan of the "Authentic Mexican Breakfast", w. a side of Potatoes. Carne Asada, eggs, chilequelies (sp) and salsa, runs about $6.

[1HotTomato]

I second the Authentic Mexican Breakfast at Cass! Has nursed me through many, many a nasty hangover. Only downside is no hard liquor, so you have to settle for beer or mediocre mimosas.

I love the food at Cantina, but think they have an attitude problem. The Dragon Potatoes are fantastic. You can add steak for another $3...but if you want a second tortilla, it will cost you $2. For a f'ing tortilla. Reason enough to boycott the joint until they come back to earth.

I also like Hash house A GoGo in Hillcrest. Huge plates...but if you ask nicely, they will make you some of their sage fried chicken and lay it lovingly on a bacon waffle for you. YUM-MERS!

[Josh]

I used to live up the hill from Hob Nob, and apart from the coffee cake, I've always been somewhat mystified by how busy they were. Maybe I had a few off days, but I never felt their breakfast was anything special.

[Alice Q]

We had actually stopped going there too, but a recent visit was really good and there was no wait at 10 AM on Sunday morning. I also want to try the new Richard Walker's Pancake House. Anyone have any feedback on that?

[DiningDiva]

Don ́t bother. There is usually a line out the door and I am at a loss to understand why. The pecan waffle had a distinctive and extremely unpleasant aftertaste and eggs arrived literally SWIMMING in grease. Menu is interesting, decor appealing, but the execution of the food and the EXTREME noise level inside needs work.

Staff is harried, curt, short and not always pleasant.

I guess it ́s evident I didn ́t care for the place too much.

[normalheightsfoodie]

Which place don't you care for, Hob Nob or Richard Walkers?

[DiningDiva]

Richard Walker´s

[normalheightsfoodie]

Thanks.

[rotie77]

I'll second Dining Diva's comments on Richard Walker's, both as to the food and service. Don't know what the fuss is about. You can get a much better breakfast elsewhere for less. An upscale Original Pancake House, but the OPH does it so much better.

[daantaat]

I'll third the RWPH comments. Went there for lunch and found the potato pancakes extremely tasteless, despite various combinations of applesauce, sour cream, salt, pepper and even ketchup. Crepes had an odd "spongy" quality to them, reminded me of the spongy bread in Ethiopian cuisine. I don't recall crepes are supposed to be that spongy. Service was ok. You can get better bang for your buck elsewhere. Plus, Cafe 222 is within eyesight from there.

[LaurenZ]

I agree that Hob Nob is the best! Their coffee cake is really amazing. Also, I think that Lavache in Hillcrest has really nice breakfast offerings. Omelets smothered in creme fraiche (sp?) is good enough for me most mornings. Plus, their bread is really good.

[Alice Q]

Honey's in Encinitas
The Hob Nob in Bankers' Hill
Brockton Villa in La Jolla
Crest Cafe in Hillcrest
Cantina Panaderia or the Mission (North Park or Mission Beach)
Big Kitchen in Golden Hill
Original Pancake House in Clairemont (but prepare to be STUFFED)

[filberk]

One of my faves is a little dive in Cardiff by the Sea called Pipes. Great, inexpensive breakfast food (think eggs, pancakes, home fries) right next to the beach - can't beat that (in my humble opinion).

[willinsd]

I'll second Pipes. Everything about it, food, atmosphere, location, view, price: all outstanding. It gets crowded (with good reason). So if you don't want to wait, get there early. Not haute cuisine, but everything you want for breakfast: Hot, delicious, cheap - just like the perfect girl.

[phee]

Cantina Panaderia in Pacific Beach.
Cafe 222 downtown.

[daantaat]

Mission Cup Cafe
The Cottage
Ricky's (for the Dutch apple pancake)
Americana
Pacifica Breeze Cafe

want to go to Cavaillon and Nine-Ten--if their dinners are any indication of their breakfasts, I'll bet they're good!

[normalheightsfoodie]

HOB NOB HILL
Hob Nob is an old stlye place with a lot of history in San Diego. They offer great coffee cakes with their omlettes. The juice is fresh and they have increadible choices and for breakfast. In the AM, it can be a whose who of San Diego.

Original Pancake House, not the IHOP.

IMHO, they have the best bacon and coffee.
I often by a pound of their coffee to take home.

They are located in Poway and Kearney Mesa.
I like the basted eggs and bacon.

They make some fun things too, dutch baby and apple pancake, which is like a giant fritter.

The Dutch baby comes with powdered sugar and lemon, it is great.

[mstinawu]

I love Original Pancake House's bacon too! Where the heck do they get it? I'd like to buy some and cook it up myself at home. Drool..

[Josh]

Seisel's sells similar bacon, IMO. It's very thick cut, and quite lean.

[mstinawu]

Too bad I live in the South Bay (LA). =(

[srk]

Not sure if late-2005 is recent enough for you, but here's a pretty good thread:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/88023...

[Josh]

Perry's Cafe
Original Pancake House
Ortega's Cocina
People's Co-Op Deli (Good tempeh "sausage", breakfast potatoes, scrambled tofu, biscuits and mushroom gravy)
Super Cocina (huevos salseados and chilaquiles are awesome)