Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Mission Bay

"For good cheap eats in San Diego, head over to one of the Crack Shack’s two locations—the main one in Little Italy, or the second spot in Encinitas. Both are egg-and-chicken-themed festive lunch spots serving chef Richard Blais’s inventive and affordable dishes like the senor croque sandwich, a fried chicken with pickled fresno chiles on brioche; and Mexican poutine, featuring schmaltz fries, pollo asado, and jalapeño cheese wiz. This is a casual indoor-outdoor eatery, and you can sit by the heater if you get chilly."

"Top Chef alum Richard Blais has crafted a menu of ethically sourced free-range chicken and egg dishes, so—even though you're not tucking into the healthiest meal—you can at least feel good about what you're eating. There are veggie-dense salads and power bowls packed with quinoa, but that's not what you're here for: Crack Shack is all about the fried chicken, both in sandwich and standalone form. There are also fried chicken adjacent items like deviled eggs and chicken fat fries."

"From Top Chef: All-Stars winner Richard Blais comes this Little Italy favorite, a fast-casual spot specializing in humanely raised chicken and eggs. Here, the fried chicken is crispy and not too greasy, and sandwiches like the Malibu Barbie Q..."

"True to its name, this local chain with locations in Liberty Station, East Village, Encinitas, Ocean Beach, and North Park serves up a mean breakfast. Standout items include the cinnamon roll pancakes, shrimp and grits, and the Breakfast Sammie, made with thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon marinated in paprika and brown sugar with a sunny-side up egg (dubbed by us to be one of the best in SD). Owner Johan Engman (who also owns and operates three Fig Tree Café outposts) is looking to expand his breakfast brand even further with the debut of North Park Breakfast Co. this summer."

"Breakfast Republic is spacious, stylish and trendy, with two lovely patios and a 20-tap chrome beer tower. It serves a spectacular breakfast from 7 am to 3 pm, hence the reason for beer on tap. Beer also goes very well with some of their creations such as Shrimp & Grits Breakfast, Chicken Wing Breakfast Bowls, and Breakfast Mac 'n Cheese."

"Hash House a Go Go is located in the trendy and popular neighborhood of Hillcrest. Since opening its doors in 2000, the restaurant has garnered a lot of attention in the breakfast scene and has found its way into several other cities nationwide. Piquing the interest of national media favorites like Spin Magazine, Man vs. Food, the Travel Channel, and the Rachel Ray Show, this is pretty much a mandatory stop when it comes to San Diego breakfast spots."

"Brunch in Hillcrest: Hash House a Go Go(3628 5th Avenue) Warning, don’t visit Hash House alone. The plate sizes are disgustingly large but the eggs Benedict and bloody Mary (hey, you’re on holiday!) are amazingly good (even if it is a chain)."

"Over in Hillcrest, check out Hash House A Go Go, which has earned four stars out of 7,198 reviews on Yelp. You can find the New American spot, which offers hashes, egg scrambles, French toast and more, at 3628 Fifth Ave."

"Where: 1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 This brasserie-meets-American diner is a favorite within the LGBTQ+ community and is loved for its comfort food with a twist. The neighborhood hotspot, popular for weekend brunch, serves up fresh bacon-spiked donuts and other treats passed around the dining room on large boards. You can also enjoy a wide selection of mimosas and Bloody Marys."

"It’s got a modern hipster diner vibe with great aesthetics & the food NEVER fails you. It’s just a classic spot that EVERYONE will like. I highly recommend the maple donuts, the squash blossom or brisket popovers, & a Bloody Mary (their bloodies are so good!)."

"7091 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115Make Your Reservation Now$$ | Farm-To-Table. This is one of my favorite types of restaurants. Their focus is to not only provide delicious food but for that food to be fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced."

"Terra American Bistro is offering bottles of wine, beer, and pints of cocktails like their Habanero Hibiscus Margarita and house infused liquors. Available for curb-side pick-up Tuesday-Sunday 4:30pm-8:30pm."

"This charming house-turned-restaurant looks like it was designed by Little Red Riding Hood after puffing on some Cali bud (example: there are sheep grazing on the ceiling of the dining room, for some reason). The semi-covered side patio and umbrella covered yard tables are perfect for a mid-afternoon sangria or a beer. If you choose to sit out a round, try the sun tea that’s brewed right on the porch."

"Address: 1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101Phone: (619) 546-0444Website. Queenstown Pub in Little Italy has one of the most charming outdoor patios in downtown. The shabby chic farmhouse decor makes you want to choose their patio year round."

"Not only does Queenstown Public House have unique dishes (they feature New Zealand cuisine), but their garden party decor makes for a great spring/ summer dining experience."

"Located just off coast highway in the heart of Downtown Encinitas, the Potato Shack offers something special for potato fans… All You Can Eat Fries!. And after breakfast, work off those carbs by taking a quick jaunt up the street to the I Street Lookout."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"True to its name, this local chain with locations in Liberty Station, East Village, Encinitas, Ocean Beach, and North Park serves up a mean breakfast. Standout items include the cinnamon roll pancakes, shrimp and grits, and the Breakfast Sammie, made with thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon marinated in paprika and brown sugar with a sunny-side up egg (dubbed by us to be one of the best in SD). Owner Johan Engman (who also owns and operates three Fig Tree Café outposts) is looking to expand his breakfast brand even further with the debut of North Park Breakfast Co. this summer."

"Breakfast Republic is spacious, stylish and trendy, with two lovely patios and a 20-tap chrome beer tower. It serves a spectacular breakfast from 7 am to 3 pm, hence the reason for beer on tap. Beer also goes very well with some of their creations such as Shrimp & Grits Breakfast, Chicken Wing Breakfast Bowls, and Breakfast Mac 'n Cheese."

"Although there are quite a few bakeries, donut shops, and ice cream parlors in San Diego that offer vegan options, Starry Lane Bakery is the only place I’ve found that offers 100% vegan desserts. And, might I add, really good vegan desserts. The great thing about this bakery is that it’s good for anyone who is sensitive to food allergens, since they make all of their desserts without the top 10 most common allergens."

"Born from the minds of two sisters – one with life-threatening food allergies – all of the bakery’s products are Top 10 allergen-free. Starry Lane values the health and safety of their customers, and they achieve that through transparency and delicious food."