Where to Get Brunch Near the Beach

Wake up. Coffee is calling, and waffles and eggs await. Each month, we shout out the places where we stuff our faces, and, this April, we’re focusing on the monarch of meals, the emperor of eats, the sultan of spreads: brunch. Hope you’re hungry. It’s time to go get some.

Shroomed + Chia Bowl

Trilogy Sanctuary

Caffeine keeps me alive, but the decaf “shroomed” infusion at this vegan La Jolla rooftop yoga café may resurrect me. With reishe, cordyceps, chaga, and cacao, it proved a comforting combination of mushroom soup meets hot chocolate, paired with a chia pudding bowl— fresh and crafted with love. Admittedly I only got one bite because my toddler inhaled it, so… two stamps of approval, I guess. –MH

Benedictos Veggie

Eme Restaurante

Next time you venture down the Baja peninsula, stop by Eme Restaurante. Perched on the Ensenada hillside, this trendy, pet-friendly nook features an espresso bar, cold-pressed juices, and an endless menu that warrants repeat visits. Their veggie Benedict—a melody of poached eggs, mushrooms, spinach, and feta, perched on a toasted English muffin and bathed in a zesty poblano sauce—justifies hours spent in border gridlock. –CN

The Calexxxican

The Naked Cafe

Proof that chilaquiles by any other name would taste as delicious. The Naked Cafe’s Calexxxican “meditation bowl” piles egg whites, plant-based chorizo, feta, black beans, avo, sour cream, and salsa over crispy tortilla chips. It’s not the healthiest thing at this Carlsbad hideaway for organic eats, but, hey, brunch is for sins. This just happens to be a lesser one. –AR

Pink Rose Waffles

Pink Rose Cafe

If Barbie decorated her dream house during a particularly manic episode, you’d get this La Mesa mecca of made-for-the-’gram photo ops. Think pink everything—from the neon sign to the wall of plastic flowers to the food and drinks. Even the receipts. The pink rose waffles are heavily rose-water-flavored, soft, chewy and, honestly, kinda good. Paint me pink and call me Ken. I’m moving in. –MH

Madeleine Omelet

Cafe Madeleine

I stumbled upon French restaurant Cafe Madeleine while meeting a friend for brunch in North Park. Decorated in art-nouveau style and featuring quaint sidewalk tables with umbrellas, you really do get a Parisian feel while visiting. Try the Madeleine omelet, made with mushrooms, brie, truffle oil, and breakfast potatoes, or the savory-sweet French onion soup, which can be made gluten-free. –NM

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich

Stratford Court Cafe

The breakfast sandwich: so simple, yet so easy to mess up. Key players: cheddar cheese, zingy-fatty sauce, fluffy eggs. In my opinion, all other components are arbitrary, a croissant is a plus. Del Mar’s Stratford Court aces the test; the charming cottage setting with plentiful sunny tables and endless coffee are extra credit. –SL

Manna Porridge

Atelier Manna

If you take one thing from our food critic’s review, know that the porridge at Manna must not be missed. Need a hug, but no human takers? Consider your Sunday-morning oxytocin needs covered. Mixed mushrooms, egg yolk, and seared scallop snuggle in a duvet of creamy, earthy buckwheat. Miso adds depth and balance. It’s divine, and I’m pining for my next embrace. –SL

Blue Whale Brekky Bowl

Blue Whale

Trying to find seating for Saturday morning brunch at La Jolla’s Blue Whale was a daunting task. After puppy-guarding a table with a passion only a helicopter mom could muster, I was rewarded with the Brekky Bowl. If the rabbit food–looking greens garner a side-eye from your hangover, I recommend crafting a DIY avocado toast with the other ingredients to ensure satisfaction. Bacon and hash browns, you were perfect. –AP

Tiramisu Brioche French Toast

Matteo

The best-named restaurant in SD has one of the best treats in town. With espresso-dipped brioche, coffee cream, fresh fruit, and a big ball of mascarpone, this caffeinated toast is worth a trip to South Park all its own. Hanging at this buzzy brunch bastion is just a bonus. –MH

Churro Pie

My Vegan Pie

Made in a North Park home, the pies from MVP are vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free (dates provide sweetness). Our advice? Treat the cashew-based churro pie like a breakfast pastry. It tastes like a satisfying mix of oatmeal and Cinnamon Toast Crunch and won’t take you on one of those donut-induced glucose roller coasters. –NP

Croque Madame

Feast & Fairway

One of Coronado’s best kept secrets, Feast & Fairway brings the flavors of Breakfast Republic to the island, minus the typical morningfood hustle. The croque madame, a tower of eggs, ham, gruyere, and béchamel sauce atop thick slices of toasted brioche, provides delicious fuel for a long day at the links. –CN

Yorkshire Cali Burrito

California English

We’re pretty serious about brunch around here. Every year, we dedicate a whole issue to it, and throw a pretty solid party to celebrate morningfood each March. So when it comes to Easter brunch, we have a few (many) ideas on where to spend your day knee-deep in gooey maple syrup, crunchy fried chicken, and at the bottom of a Champagne flute.

Whether you celebrate the holiday or just love a good reason to feast, these restaurants are offering everything you need for a perfect Sunday afternoon in the city. From breakfast favorites such as crab crakes and eggs Benedict to unique offerings like pork belly porridge and chorizo omelettes, here’s where to go for Easter Brunch in San Diego:

A.R. Valentien

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is hosting Easter brunch with three curated courses. At $145 for adults and $75 for children 11 and under, you’ll be treated to remarkable views of the golf course and an exceptional dining experience. Menu options include a spring asparagus soup, citrus ricotta blintz, roasted leg of lamb, prime eye of rib, and chocolate citrus cake among its dessert selections.

Avant

Turn up your taste buds at Avant with a four-course Easter brunch located at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Helmed by chef de cuisine Sergio Jimenez, Sunday’s Easter brunch menu will feature options ranging from pork belly porridge to brioche French toast, garden berries and cream, and Rosewood Ranches New York strip, and coffee and beignets topped with espresso ganache. Priced at $110 for adults and $55 for children.

Cafe Sevilla

Looking for a different holiday dining experience? Cafe Sevilla is offering “Brunch from the Other South,” featuring brunch classics with a Spanish twist. You can enjoy bottomless mimosas and live Spanish music while noshing on chorizo omelets and short rib hash. Brunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a six-course meal is priced at $18.95; the nine-course brunch is $25.95.

Covewood

Located at the Mission Bay Resort, Covewood restaurant is a great option for families. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., guests can participate in an egg hunt around the bay and will be treated to a surprise visit from the Easter bunny throughout the afternoon. Specially crafted by executive chef Roy Hendrickson, the menu will feature dishes like carrot and coconut bisque, lemon basil cavatelli, and caramel croissant bread pudding. Priced at $95 per adult and $25 per child 12 and under.

Dockside 1953

Spend Easter Sunday a Dockside 1953 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. Their family-friendly afternoon is packed with activities and a Champagne brunch buffet. Kids can partake in an Easter egg hunt, while the whole crew can enjoy a  menu Priced at $120 for adults and $60 for kids ages 5 to 12. Brunch reservations also include a ticket to the William D. Evans sternwheeler Easter cruise where you can take photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy live entertainment, cocktails, and arts and crafts.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Celebrate spring festivities at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar with your kiddos. On April 8, savor sweet treats and drinks at Easter Bunny Tea, at $125 per adult and $63 per child ages 4 to 11. On Sunday, dine at the Grand Easter Brunch Buffet, which will be followed by a complimentary egg hunt, live music, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Priced at $160 for adults and $80 for children.

George’s at the Cove

With mouthwatering dishes and unmatched coastline views, Easter brunch at George’s at the Cove is an event in itself. On Sunday, the La Jolla restaurant will be serving menu items such as avocado focaccia toast, classic eggs Benedict, and a trio of seasonal sorbets.

Herb & Wood

Nestled in Little Italy, Herb & Wood’s Easter brunch features a multi-course menu that includes lemon blueberry danishes, crab cakes, and chilaquiles from celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Priced at $65 per person, brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Herb & Sea

Sister eatery to Herb & Wood, chef Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Sea in Encinitas blends modern Californian fare and classic East Coast traditions. On Sunday, the menu will include plates such as oak smoked salmon, crab cake Benedicts, and lobster rolls priced at $65 per person.

Hotel del Coronado

At the legendary Hotel del Coronado, toast to Easter brunch in the lodging’s Crown Room. The menu features a seafood bar, carving station, and international cuisine, priced at $175 for adults and $95 for children ages 4 to 12. You can also enjoy a generous dessert bar featuring sweet treats such as passion fruit crème brûlée, espresso mascarpone verrine, raspberry & coconut diamonds, and peanut butter & milk chocolate pave.

Humphreys

For a vast brunch menu, visit Humphreys on Shelter Island this weekend for Easter brunch. While you’re tucking into bakery treats, a large carving station, and sweet desserts like carrot cake, take in the boats in the harbor for a perfect San Diego afternoon. The holiday menu is priced at $85 for adults and $35 for children ages 4 to 10.

Juniper and Ivy

At Little Italy’s Juniper and Ivy, Sunday’s menu will feature a three-course Easter brunch with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from chef Anthony Wells. At $70 per guest, satisfy your appetite with meal options such as brioche cinnamon buns, spring vegetable quiche, and macaroon cookies.

Mister A’s

Everyone’s favorite rooftop locale, Mister A’s Easter Brunch menu features dishes such as Hiramasa crudo, buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, Maine lobster pot pie, salmon Wellington, and citrus pound cake. Priced at $85 per person.

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is ready to serve up a brunch buffet for parents and kids alike. The restaurant at the Catamaran Resort Hotel will also host the Easter Bunny and arts and crafts for kids, while parents can take in live music and sip on mimosas. Each guest will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Easter cruise on the William D. Evans sternwheeler! The event is priced at $120 for adults and $60 for kids between ages 5 and 12.

Parakeet Cafe

Enjoy a springtime menu full of pastries like lavender chai loaves and specialty beverages such as blue mint magic lattes at Parakeet Cafe. Menu items vary by location but expect tasty options such as a Belgian waffle topped with bananas, fresh berries, homemade Nutella, granola and organic whipped cream. The eatery also features a variety of healthier choices for those wanting an alternative to a large buffet or prix fixe meal.

Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

From April 7 to April 9, indulge in Easter brunch at the Serẽa Coastal Cuisine, where you’ll be treated to a fine dining experience and beachfront views from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant, located at the Hotel del Coronado, will also feature special desserts for the holiday.

Tidal

Celebrate Easter Sunday with bay views at Tidal inside Paradise Point Resort and Spa. Their brunch menu includes dishes such as sugar pearl Belgium waffles, grilled citrus asparagus, paella de marisco, and strawberry shortcake. Priced at $129 for adults and $48 for children 12 and under.

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

On the tip of Harbor Island sits Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a bayfront restaurant with some of the best views of the city. For Easter brunch, their menu includes a raw bar, made-to-order pasta station, and classic breakfast favorites. Priced at $78 per adult and $24 per child between ages 6 to 12.

The Lot

For a day full of family fun, swing by The Lot for an egg hunt and brunch buffet before catching a new flick. Menu options include a selection of fresh-baked pastries, French toast, an omelet station, carved bone-in Iowa ham, black-pepper crusted New York strip sirloin, chocolate banana bread pudding, and tiramisu. The Easter Bunny will even make an appearance. Priced at $60 per adult and $30 per child 12 and under.

Wolfie’s Carousel Bar

If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy meal, there’s no better place to visit than Wolfie’s Carousel Bar. Their weekend brunch menu will include some additional Easter specials, including a spring-inspired cronut and Easter Egg Cake Pops.

Living with serious food allergies or limitations can feel like an unending nightmare haunted by tiny, eight-dollar loaves of bread, forbidden grocery store aisles, endless meal plans, and dirty dishes. As a mom of a daughter with celiac disease, I sometimes dream of brunch like a faraway, unattainable vacation.

The relentless search for dining normalcy is a stressful task for families with special diets. But food allergies and brunch are becoming more compatible.

We found restaurants that ensure everyone can enjoy a great brunch beyond salads. So, go ahead. Take that mini vacation. Top off your week with a dollop of decadent whipped cream (or without). These restaurants listen attentively and provide safe choices.

As always, before you order that mimosa, be sure to communicate your allergy needs clearly. These brunch spots have well-trained staff offering safe substitutions, but many of the kitchens are not entirely allergen-free.

The Trails Eatery

Stacey Poon-Kinney of Food Network acclaim has carved out a family-friendly neighborhood gem in San Carlos at The Trails Eatery. Her impeccably trained staff takes food allergies seriously and provides vintage-inspired service with hospitality. Guests love the extensive gluten-free menu full of homemade delights. Serious sweet tooth? Try the Lemon Berry Frenchie filled with lemon curd and crowned with light lavender cream. Or, get your savory kicks from the chipotle-infused, hearty Carne Bene.

Green Door Cafe

Dreaming of charming European sidewalk cafes? Chef Martin Hall infuses pride and care into every detail of daily brunch at La Jolla’s Green Door Cafe on Girard. Hall carefully sources local produce for his seasonal menu with equal attention to sweet and savory items. Everything at the cafe is scratch-made, and with Hall’s creativity and careful attention, safe substitutions are accessible for any allergy. Love it? Return to their delightful patio for a gluten-free high tea.

Barrio Star

Those of us who venerate gluten-free tacos celebrate weekend brunch at Barrio Star in Banker’s Hill. Come for the margarita flight, especially the roasted jalapeño blackberry margarita that packs a spicy punch alongside fresh lime and muddled berries. Stay for the vibrant vibe, hand-pressed corn tortillas, and gluten-free offerings such as the Avocado Omelette, Soy Chorizo Scramble, and tacos with rice and beans.

Nectarine Grove

North County’s Nectarine Grove makes dining with food allergies simple. Everything on the menu is gluten-free. Other allergens are clearly labeled so diners can pack away worries and nosh without care on house-made favorites like the Breakfast Sammie, a toasted bun piled with crispy bacon, egg, and creamy avocado. Or try the Farmer’s Market Scramble, filled with roasted veggies and served with irresistibly chewy house-made nut and seed bread.

Crushed

Ditch the ‘burbs and take your girlfriends to lively Crushed in PB or North Park for a savory brunch where a flight of mimosas is queen. General Manager Amy Ballester‘s consistent staff is knowledgeable about gluten-free and vegan menu items. Awaken taste buds with the caramelized sweet and sour Brussels nestled in a surprising bed of crunchy chickpeas. Try it with one of Crushed’s many cauliflower crust flatbreads.

Madi

Must Order: Waffle Churro Sticks

There are places with brunch, and then there are BRUNCH places. Normal Heights’ Madi holds down the latter title with a strong coffee, mimosa, and griddle game, as well as lunchy favs like a divine chicken pesto sando and build-your-own-bowl options. The waffle churro sticks are a crowd pleaser. Served with jalepeño-blackberry compote, maple cream cheese, and fresh berries, they might have you and your brunch date licking the plate.

The Rose Wine Bar

Must Order: Carnitas Hash

Surprise! Your nighttime Hinge date standby should also be your go-to for brunch with buds. Unexpected brunch options abound at South Park’s The Rose—think Thai curry chilaquiles, a vegan yogurt parfait, and a magical marriage of carnitas and kabocha squash. If you’re with a group (or drowning out last night’s rendezvous), order 28 ounces of grapefruit mimosa for the price of three singles.

Verbena Kitchen

Must Order: Not Avocado Toast

A brick-walled North Park joint with a shifting seasonal menu, Verbena shines for its commitment to in-house everything: sausage, pickles, even hot sauce. Instead of a standard avo-on-sourdough situation, the eatery stuffs California’s national fruit with poached eggs, mushroom hummus, bulgar wheat, and vinegary pickled shallots.

Common Stock

Must Order: Huevos Rancheros

For a comfort food brunch, look to Common Stock on Hillcrest’s Fifth Avenue. The evolving daytime menu hosts flavor-packed dishes like its take on huevos rancheros: bacon-infused beans and a fried egg topping crispy house-made tostadas, brightened up with a zingy lime crema. Pair it with the Ventura 75 cocktail, which combines local You & Yours Sunday Gin with grapefruit, lemon, and Angeleno Amaro, topped off with cava.

Flap Your Jacks

Must Order: THE CUBE

Mix it. Flip it. Top it. Drench it. The name of the game at this North Park family favorite is interactivity. Each table boasts a hot griddle to FYO (Flip Your Own) flapjacks. Pick from batters like Oreo, banana bread, and red velvet, and add toppings and syrups for truly unique p-cakes suited to your mood. Don’t feel like working? Order THE CUBE, French toast filled with choco-hazelnut ganache and other delicious stuff.

Crushed

Must Order: Carne Asada Benny

Sweet and savory are both covered at North Park’s Crushed (also in PB). Pancakes in various forms do much of the heavy menu lifting, like the cinnamon rolled cakes and Daddy Cakes (think breakfast egg tacos with a p-cake shell). The Bennys and salads are legit, and the sliders come correct with chicken parm, portobello, and vegan meat options. The cocktails don’t disappoint but can take a minute if the bar is backed up.

Hash House A Go Go

Must Order: Wild Boar Chilaquiles

Hash House A Go Go invented brunch. Might have invented eggs, too. And sugar cereal. Hash House in Hillcrest is the OG, Johnny Rivera and chef Andy Beardslee’s first hit single—sage fried chicken and waffles, hashes the size of whoa, Cap’n Crunch cinnamon flapjacks, a 24-ounce can of Budweiser in a brown paper bag served with a fistful of bacon. Twenty three years later, it is…still…awesome.

The Seventh House

Must Order: Blue Corn Pancake

Named for the astrology concept associated with cosmic connection, The Seventh House—a relatively fresh addition to North Park’s restaurant scene—serves French-adjacent cuisine amid funky, tarot-inspired decor. It lays down several inspired options for just about every brunch category imaginable, including Benedicts, crepes, and a ricotta- and honey-crowned blue corn pancake.

Lavo Italian Restaurant

Must Order: Wild Mushroom Benedict

We resonate with the arc of Lavo. Started as a really wild young thing in New York, never met a 2 a.m. it didn’t like or a table it wouldn’t dance on. The San Diego location in the Gaslamp is in its serious food phase—still lively, just more into umami than seeing the sun rise. For brunch, it still has got the classics (chops and branzinos and that globesized meatball), but it also has things like the wild mushroom Benedict on toasted focaccia and truffle hollandaise. (And still, cocktails, both wild and refined.)

Rustic Root

Must Order: Pork Belly Fried Rice

Rustic Root benefits from a rare setup. Almost all rooftops in downtown are sky high—great for recreational vertigo, but they remove you from the action of the streets. Root’s second-story perch puts you up, but also in the scene. Get the pork belly fried rice with kimchi and furikake and the monkey board to share—like croissant muffins drizzled with caramel and powdered sugar.

Morning Glory

Must Order: Morning Glory Fried Rice

There is nothing subtle about Morning Glory, an unapologetically pink icon in Little Italy beaconing brunch goers. Skip the Champagne vending machine and instead dive into its inspired cocktail list. For your meal, try the fried rice with pork belly, a rich and balanced dish decadent enough to stand up to the over-the-top decor. Share the soufflé pancakes for dessert and take your time savoring the expansive view and comical details crammed into every corner of the restaurant.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

Cardellino

Must Order: Prosciutto Hash

First order of business at muraled Mission Hills chophouse Cardellino: Get the cinnamon roll to share. Doctored up according to the chef’s current mood (past versions include Cap’n Crunch and a maple bourbon with poached pears), the pastry always sells out early. Chase it with prosciutto hash and caffeinated martinis on draft.

Lumi

Must Order: Kimchi Chaufa

Reimagining the rooftop of a historic Gaslamp building as a sun-kissed sushi spot from a Michelin-starred chef who used to be a pro snowboarder? Sounds like a vibe, and it is. Lumi by Akira Back is A-plus sushi—with Peruvian roots—and its spring brunch returns in late March. Souffle pancakes, yuzu avocado toast, pork belly– smoked salmon latke, kimchi chaufa, karaage, nigiri, sashimi, and craft cocktails aplenty.

Nolita Hall

Must Order: Roasted Bone Marrow

Bone marrow for breakfast. Yep. A charred, split bone, herb butter, salsa verde, pickled Fresno chiles, toasted French bread. Add two sunny eggs. Or try the venison and goat tamale. Skirt steak stuffed with parm and basil in porcini butter. It has plants, too—we’re just a little fixated on the omnivore treats. And Nolita’s parklet in Little Italy? With the domes and the lights and the foliage? Kinda fairytaley.

Mister A’s

Must Order: Savory Dutch Baby

Sundays are a showcase for this Bankers Hill mainstay’s pastry chef, Amy Simpson, and her decadent creations like seasonal scratch-made donuts. The Dutch Baby, however, is a special addition from executive chef Stephane Voitzwinkler using a crepe batter recipe passed down from his mother. The savory dish features European chanterelle mushrooms like the ones Voitzwinkler used to harvest in France as a child, along with caramelized onions and cave-aged cheddar, topped with a poached egg from Hilliker’s Ranch.

Trust

Must Order: Wood-Grilled Burger

While Trust‘s sticky buns often steal the show, savory lovers can look to another set of buns to fulfill their brunch cravings. The burger, grilled on red oak and topped with asiago, bacon-tomato jam, and pickled onions, is sandwiched between signature TRG buns. If it doesn’t feel brunch-y enough for you, order the burger ‘the Trust way’ and add on house-braised bacon and a sunny side up egg. Or forget it’s a.m. and select some of the standouts that carry over from Trust’s dinner menu, like the phenomenal cauliflower with golden raisins, mint, serrano aioli, and curry vinaigrette.

Cocina de Barrio

Must Order: Sopes Benedict with Lamb Birria

Cocina de Barrio in Point Loma boasts one of San Diego’s best Mexican brunches. Chef Jose Flores—originally from San Luis Potosi—crafts comida inspired by central and southern Mexican cuisine. Dishes include a Oaxacan tlayuda with eggs and a decadent sopes Benedict with birria de borrego (lamb) in chipotle hollandaise. It also offers American classics with a Mexican twist, such as arroz con leches pancakes. Brunch is seven days a week, so one doesn’t have to wait until Sunday.

Provisional Kitchen

Must Order: Everything Fry Bread & Lox

Provisional is special. The airy, modern, immaculate subway of it all, right in the heart of the Gaslamp. Chef Brandon Sloan is now doing a five-course brunch tasting menu (a long overdue concept). The Everything Fry Bread with house-smoked salmon and cream cheese is five-star Jewish deli food; for sweets, it’s the ricotta crepe with citrus cream, dark chocolate chip, and crystallized pistachio. Keep an eye out for when it serves the ostrich egg (what a wild, massive show that is).

Seaview Restaurant

Must Order: Tequila Sunrise (why not?)

Somewhere around the multilevel arena of baked goods…tarts abutting sticky cinnamon rolls, under the shadow of croissants…maybe on your second visit to this particular part of the almighty breakfast buffet (an art form not lost)…that vague annoyance at the email from your boss finally breaks loose. All you can hear from the patio are the boats lightly slapping the docks at the downtown marina (a few feet away), and the tiny come-hithers of danishes.

Cocina35

Must Order: La Bomba Chilaquiles

Most brunch restaurants dabble in the chilaquile arts these days, but Cocina35 is a house of chilaquiles—specialists, experts, obsessives. Owner Paulina Chaidez, who grew up cooking in her parents’ restaurants in Mexico, opened the first Cocina35 in Otay Mesa in 2012. It boomed. Now, also with a downtown location, Cocina35 has omelets, tortas, toasts, flautas, everything. Get the La Bomba (creamy habañero-cilantro) and the Los Rancheros (ranchero salsa and chorizo).

Craft & Commerce

Must Order: Duck Hash

If you’re serious about your midmorning cocktails, Little Italy’s C&C has been geeking out on the perfect drink for over a decade. With broken mirrors on the walls, books asunder, violent nature-channel taxidermy, the literature graffitied on the furniture—it’s still one of the most creative rooms in the city to do anything in. Good news is that “anything” includes eating a duck confit hash with potatoes, roasted peppers, pickled onions, duck gravy, and a couple eggs. With nerd-level good coffee.

Public Square Coffee House

Must Order: The Butter Flight

A bustling coffee spot with a built-out food menu in La Mesa Village, Public Square Coffee House has lighter fare as well as more robust savory options. The breakfast sandwich is good, but enthusiasts should go for the butter flight, which features a scone or two with a choice of three to six butters: cinnamon, blueberry, guava, maple cayenne, pumpkin spice, and nutella bacon.

Sheldon’s Service Station

Must Order: Sheldon’s Breakfast Bowl

A brunch spot by definition (it’s open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Sheldon’s Service Station in La Mesa is a mostly outdoors, casual restaurant with full breakfast and lunch menus. A must-order is the decadent breakfast bowl, which includes eggs any style, hash browns, cheddar, green onions, tomato, bacon, and chipotle salsa.

Giardino

Must Order: Breakfast Pizza

Lean into the novelty of hitting an Italian restaurant before noon and chow down on a pepperoni pizza loaded with crispy bacon and over-easy eggs at Lemon Grove cucina Giardino. And then, because it’s brunch, keep ordering. Go hard on the savory stuff here, like the benedict (wild boar sausage!) and short-rib-and-egg-topped fries.

Viewpoint Kitchen + Bar

Must Order: Biscuits and Gravy

Sycuan Casino, east of El Cajon proper, got a $290 million overhaul right before the world went dark, so it’s still spanking new, and it invested in food. Viewpoint is the place to participate in the sweetbread and egg arts as you regale friends with the gutsy gamble that paid off (ignoring the time you “hit” on 20). Craving sweets, for some odd reason? Here’s an apple cinnamon–stuffed French toast. Need a meal? A classic riff on biscuits and gravy with sausage gravy.

Lemon Grove Cafe

Must Order: Chicken Fried Steak

A no-frills hash house slinging American, Mexican, and Greek standbys, Lemon Grove Cafe (located, unsurprisingly, in Lemon Grove) offers everything you want in a diner: mega portions, wallet-friendly prices, and—bonus!—a shady patio where you can glug bottomless coffee in peace. Plus, the option to get pancakes instead of toast, as the good Lord intended.