Rise & Shine: Best San Diego Brunch Spots
Springtime is here, and our hearts are turning to thoughts of brunch. Even though our weather in ”America’s Finest City” is always gorgeous, there’s something about spring mornings that seems to call for bubbly, Benedicts and bacon. Good thing we’ve got the inside line on the best San Diego brunch spots — and just in time for Mother’s Day, too!
Great Maple (2.1 miles away)
(Video: @thegreatmaple)
Decadence is the name of the game at this Hillcrest hotspot. When you go, don’t pass up the Johnny’s Lolliwaffles — on-a-stick confections drizzled in sweet and savory toppings reminiscent of the State Fair. The smoked beef brisket hash, salted caramel bacon, maple bacon doughnuts and Fruity Pebble pancakes are also playful, can’t-miss options. And you’ll want to wash it all down with one of their massive, over-the-top Bloody Marys. (Insider note: Great Maple always has a line around the building for brunch. If you plan to go, we strongly recommend making reservations ahead of time, or coming early)
1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
Hash House A Go Go (2.2 miles away)
(Photo: @sheena.does.disney)
World-famous Hash House A Go Go has locations in five states. But the flagship (and frankly best) Hash House is the original, which has called San Diego home for more than two decades. A Midwest-inspired menu offers hearty favorites with a SoCal spin. Expect to find legendarily huge portions of goodies like oversized “Big Ol’ Pancakes,” loaded-up egg scrambles, and the signature towering sage-fried chicken and waffles.
3628 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Breakfast and Bubbles (2.7 miles away)
(Photo: @breakfastandbubbles)
This new breakfast and brunch spot is ready to satisfy your appetite for sweet and savory plates no matter what time of day you’re craving them. Looking for giant stacks of fluffy pancakes covered in butter and powdered sugar? Check. Oreo-cookie-stuffed French toast? Count on it. Even the classic steak and eggs is made to order on both sides of the equation. The best part? They serve breakfast goodies all day, so late risers are welcome.
3831 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92103
Morning Glory (4.6 miles away)
(Photo: @ltstyled)
Morning Glory is another breakfast-only bistro, so you know you’re in for a fantastic feast when you drop in. There’s also no way to go wrong with the greatest-hits menu here, given the presence of favorites like avocado toast, shakshuka and soufflé pancakes, as well as unexpected surprises such as fried rice with pork belly. Plus, no less an authority than the Michelin Guide recently bestowed Morning Glory with a Bib Gourmand honor.
550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
Bali Hai (6.2 miles away)
(Video: @balihairestaurant)
The brunch at Shelter Island’s Bali Hai is a must-stop when visiting the area — for their Polynesian flair as much as their delectable menu options. Their buffet-style service of timeless breakfast favorites (with an island twist) every Sunday includes classics like bacon, sausage and build-your-own omelets, plus delicious surprises like crab benedict, Korean short ribs, and bottomless Mimosas. Reservations are recommended.
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (7.2 miles away)
(Photo: @tomhamslighthouse)
Although largely known as one of the area’s most popular seafood restaurants, Tom Ham’s on Harbor Island also has a Sunday Brunch that’s not to be missed. Fresh fruit, gourmet pastries and buttermilk waffles are just the beginning. Moroccan fried chicken, seared yellowtail with rice and tri-tip roast are also ready and waiting. And of course, the raw bar (featuring Maine lobster, ceviche and fresh oysters) is a big draw, as well.
2150 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Bunz, A Burger Joint (just steps away!)
As our guest at Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle, you’re never far from a satisfying sit-down any time of day. Our own Bunz may be well-known for gourmet burgers, but we also start serving all your favorite breakfast classics every day, starting at 7 am. Stop down for a two-egg breakfast with bacon or sausage, toast and a bagel. Or dig into a SoCal special, the breakfast burrito. We’ve also got made-to-order omelets, fluffy Belgian waffles and even a classic Mimosa, so you can start your day with some sunshine.