In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, breakfast burritos, or mind-blowing bloody marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the lines at times. 🍳
Luckily, you have us to scout things out. We listed a whole bunch of brunch options (50 total), along with menu recs, pro tips, and an interactive map to track ‘em. Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas. 🥂
Hours listed are when brunch menus are available, while price estimates are based on general entrees, and don’t include drinks, tax, or tip.
$ ~ $20 or less per person
$$ ~ $20-40 per person
$$$ ~ $40+ per person
Hash House A Go Go’s famous dish: Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken + Waffle Tower.
Photo via @hashhouseagogosd
Weekday wonders
Morning Glory | Daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Dripping in velvet + Instagrammable vibes, this “it” spot is known for its soufflé pancakes; slide in during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.
Madi | Daily, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | This hip, colorful eatery on Adams Avenue makes brunch a whole lifestyle, and we’re not mad about it. Pro tip: Those Waffle Churro Sticks are game-changers.
Hash House A Go Go | Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. + Weekends, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Huge hankering for brunch? Hit up this farmhouse-focused eatery in Hillcrest, order the Sage-Fried Chicken + Waffles, and for sure share with a friend.
Malibu Farm | Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | This Seaport Village newcomer serves farm-to-table meals inspired by California cuisine. You can sit down for brunch with views of San Diego Bay, or head to the cafe downstairs for coffee and a pastry to go.
Crushed | Daily, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (PB brunch hours) | $ | Go for the sweet stuff — aka “Bresserts” — like the French Toast Sticks or Blueberry Cheesecake Pancakes at two locations: Pacific Beach + North Park (open weekends only, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.).
Sheldon’s Service Station | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | This cute La Mesa café will help you fuel up with its mouthwatering menu — the Caprese Avocado Toast is calling our name.
Brockton Villa | Opens at 9 a.m. Monday-Friday + 8 a.m. on weekends | $ | The Coast Toast — a soufflé-style twist on French toast — has been this La Jolla restaurant’s jam for 30+ years.
Little Frenchie | Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | This beautiful bistro on Coronado Island will transport you to France for “le brunch” — housemade pâtiserries and all.
Queenstown Public House | Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. + weekends, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | The New Zealand-inspired favorites shine here — including the Breakfast Poutine + Meat Pie.
We’re howlin’ for brunch at Werewolf.
Photo via @werewolfsd
Werewolf | Daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Order a round of Breakfast Balls for the table — hush puppies with country gravy + bacon.
Pacific Del Mar | Daily, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | $$ | The brunch offerings are small but mighty at this upscale spot — we see you, Cinnamon Brioche French Toast + Sugar-Spiced Salmon Hash.
The historic Cottage celebrates its 30th anniversary as a restaurant on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Photo via The Cottage La Jolla
Truckstop | Daily, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Classics like Country Fried Steak N’ Eggs and Avocado Toast are calling our name on this robust breakfast menu.
The Cottage La Jolla | Daily, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | This seaside staple turned 30 in late 2022 and is beloved for its breakfast items like the famous Brioche French Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Southern California Omelet. Pro tip: If you’re in North County, try The Cottage Encinitas.
Three words: Maple Bacon Donuts.
Photo via @thegreatmaple
Pastry paradises
The Great Maple | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. + weekends, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $ | Elevated comfort food shines at the Hillcrest eatery — including those signature glazed Maple Bacon Donuts.
Sunny Boy Biscuit Co. | Daily, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $ | The cute café’s name says it all — the Southern-style biscuits with honey butter + jam should not be missed.
Blackmarket Bakery | Daily, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (North Park location) | $ | Loaded croissant sandwiches, cookies, muffins, tarts + other treats make this menu a sweet one.
Pâtisserie Melanie | Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | This cute cafe offers the French experience through its incredible pastries and brunch dishes (available starting at 9:30 a.m.) like the Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, and Quiche Lorraine. Get there early to try the fresh croissants, kouignettes, and chaussons.
Sugar and Scribe Bakery | Daily, 7 a.m.-2:15 p.m. | $ | Double-stacked Rice Krispie treats, cupcakes, cookies + pastries for days.
Claire’s Too | Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Don’t miss this sweet little Solana Beach spot — and its muffin tops.
Cheers to brunch.
Photo via @breakfastandbubbles
Bottomless mimosas
Breakfast + Bubbles | Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. + weekends, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | $ | Another Instagram-worthy brunch spot where the selfies + mimosas flow — and the menu shows up and shows out.
Duck Dive | Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. + weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | The weekday + weekend brunch menus differ slightly, but the good times roll daily at this PB favorite.
Bootlegger | Weekends, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | $ | Make your brunch extra bubbly with $25 bottomless mimosas — paired with plenty of solid eats.
GARAGE Kitchen + Bar | Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. + Weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Bottomless bubbly is a daily thing here — as is a menu brimming with variety — The Best Breakfast Sandwich Ever with wild boar sausage throws it down.
Baja Betty’s | Weekends, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Come for the yummy Mexican food + lively ambiance at this Hillcrest restaurant — stay for the $15 bottomless mimosas.
The kiddos will love Flap Your Jacks in North Park — you can make your own pancakes.
Photo via @FlapYourJacks
For the fam
Snooze: An A.M. Eatery | Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. + weekends, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | $ | Three words: Signature Pancake Flight; don’t hit the snooze button — it’s worth getting up.
Flap Your Jacks | Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. + weekends, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Each table is outfitted with its own pancake griddle, so you can flip your own pancakes — and add all kinds of toppings.
Breakfast Republic | Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | The kiddos will love the selection of pancakes — from Oreo Cookie to Churro — and French toast offerings at the 11 locations across San Diego County.
The Trails Eatery | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | This adorable café offers special dishes for kids 12 and under, including French toast + pancake combos, and a classic cheesy scramble.
Mama Kat’s | Monday, Thursday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) | $ | This restaurant + pie shop in San Marcos has a downhome family feel — and a great selection of comfort food and organic cold-pressed juices.
Veggie focused
Farmers Bottega Restaurant | Daily, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $$ | Fruits and grains, omelets, frittatas, pancakes + French toast, anyone?
Second Nature | Weekends, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | The brunch menu at this spot in North Pacific Beach features fruits, grains, omelets, and scrambles — we see you, Cali Brah Omelet with cilantro aioli and hemp seeds.
Kindred | Weekends, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | So many veggie standouts on one menu — for its summer 2023 selections, the Doom Bloom dish with fried mushrooms has our attention.
Donna Jean | Weekends, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | We spy tofu + breakfast potatoes in The Motherload scramble, Chicken Fried Shrooms, and Biscuits & Gravy.
Cafe21 Gaslamp | Daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | You had us at Vegan French Toast. The Gaslamp location is closed for renovations, but the University Avenue location is open.
Decisions, decisions. Are you a savory or sweet brunch person?
Photo via @thepresleysd
Weekend musts
The Presley | Weekends, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | This breezy Liberty Station restaurant with plenty of patio seating boasts savory + sweet offerings; start your meal with the Parker House Rolls.
Kettner Exchange | Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | This Little Italy hotspot offers a rotating brunch menu on Sundays only, always based on seasonal ingredients.
The Sunday brunch menu at Kettner Exchange is back + revamped.
Photo via @jtran_photos
Verbena Kitchen | Weekends, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | $ | Local, sustainable + seasonal — with a selection of must-try “Locals Only” dishes like Wagyu Beef Tartare make this a next-level experience.
Wolfie’s has us spinning — that’s a carousel fashioned into a bar top.
Photo via Wolfie’s Carousel Bar
Wolfie’s Carousel Bar | Weekends, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Yes, there’s a carousel in the middle of this hip hotspot, but it’s the French-inspired brunch menu that has us spinning.
Trust | Weekends, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | With shareable plates, Trust brings the closest friends closer through pancakes.
The Breakfast Enchiladas at The Whiskey House in downtown San Diego
Photo via The Whiskey House
The Whiskey House | Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | This downtown San Diego spot holds the Guinness World Record for the most varieties of whiskey/whiskey commercially available — and it also serves up a mean brunch. If you’re looking for savory, try the Breakfast Enchiladas; for a sweet treat, try the Trio of Pancakes Plate.
Voltaire Beach House | Weekends, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | $ | This breezy, dog-friendly beach spot welcomes pups to its weekend brunch + the menu offers everything from breakfast burritos to bowls.
Louisiana Purchase in North Park offers a weekend brunch menu inspired by The Big Easy.
Photo via Louisiana%20Purchase
Louisiana Purchase | Weekends, 12-3 p.m. | $$ | The North Park restaurant with New Orleans vibes offers a weekend brunch menu that’ll have you dreaming of The Big Easy. We spy Garlic Cheddar Biscuits with honey butter and jam, the Catfish Monica, and Gator Omelette.
94th Aero Squadron Restaurant | Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Like to graze? The unlimited champagne brunch buffet boasts a little of everything — breakfast classics, salads, seafood + more.
This downtown hotspot offers a 1980s-themed brunch on the weekends dubbed “Wake Me Up Before You Yolk Yolk.”
Photo via The Smoking Gun
The Smoking Gun | Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. + Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | This trendy downtown eatery offers a 1980s-themed weekend brunch dubbed “Wake Me Up Before You Yolk Yolk,” which focuses on stacked sandwiches inspired by songs of the decade. Try the “Loxxane” with smoked salmon and cream cheese, the “Don’t Stop Brielieving” stuffed with brie and cranberry, or the “You Smoked Me All Night Long” featuring Wagyu brisket with au jus.
The Corner Drafthouse | Weekends, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | While you enjoy libations like the Drafthouse Chilaquiles, check out the 70 draft beers on tap.
Beginner’s Diner | Weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Tucked inside the historic and newly renovated LaFayette Hotel in North Park, this diner gives 1940s energy and a weekend brunch menu that includes the Latkestrami Benedict (latkes and pastrami), Deviled Eggs, and the Grav Lax Tower — homemade gravlax, pickled herring, bagels, cream cheese, and accouterments, perfect for sharing.
Daytime party
Miss B’s Coconut Club | Daily, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | The sun is out and brunch is on with Miss B’s unforgettable Breakfast Tacos.
Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill | Weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | $ | Try the Hangover Burger to keep the party vibes going at this buzzy hangout in the heart of Hillcrest.
King & Queen Cantina | Weekends, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Mexican cuisine, mimosa towers, Pancakes Churros, Breakfast Tinga Taquitos, and Birria Benedicts — a brunch menu fit for royalty.
The Local Pacific Beach | Weekends, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Enjoy a bubbly 3-liter Champagne Tower with your friends to top off your weekend daze. 🥂
Quick and easy
Parkhouse Eatery | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. + weekends, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (closed Tuesday) | $ | Savory scrambles + so much more in the cutest little café atmosphere.
Atypical Waffle | Thursday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Waffles in every which way — don’t miss the Waffles & C.R.E.A.M.
Eggies | Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Stacked breakfast sandwiches + layered egg creations served in jars make this an egg-cellent spot to grab a laid-back brunch across four locations: PB, North Park, La Jolla, and East Village.
Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagel | Monday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.- 7 p.m., Friday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. | $ | Get there bright and early, order a bagel and specialty coffee (can’t go wrong with the Basic Sitch), and sit facing the waterfront or get some work done at the new, spacious Mission Valley cafe.
Public Square Coffee House | Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | $ | The Homemade Sugar Scones are always fresh — make sure you try the flavored butters.
DIY brunch
Prefer to stay in? Host your own brunch with crowd-pleasing spreads + supplies good enough for a chef.
- Arch charcuterie board | A decorative wood tray that doubles as a charcuterie board? Yes, please.
- Simple Times Mixers carafe bundle | Whip up your favorite cocktails or mocktails with these clean ingredient mixers.
- Adams Apple Co. apple pie jam | Spread on a biscuit or heat up with a scoop of ice cream for a sweet treat — this delectable jam is versatile.
- Yellow French press | Bring some cheer to brunch + make coffee for a group with a sunny 34 fl oz. French press.
- 3-tier wood serving tray | Arrange pastries, sandwiches, or treats on a stunning three-tier display that will be the centerpiece of your table.
- Fancy espresso cups | Upgrade your mugs with some orange glazed ceramic cups.
- Fried egg spoon rest | A cute kitchen addition that screams “brunch.”
- 24-piece black silverware set | A highly-rated silverware set in a sleek, stylish black finish.
- Elite Gourmet four-slice toaster | Make toast for a crowd with this best-selling toaster.
- Clear drinking glasses with bamboo lids | Iced coffee can now be served at your brunch, thanks to cute and convenient drinking glasses.
