Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in North Island

"Crack Shack is one of San Diego’s most popular family-friendly restaurants for fried chicken on an otherworldly level. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais developed “Crack Spice” which is a proprietary blend of spices that he adds to locally raised, free-living, antibiotic-free chicken. Opt straight for the fried chicken with dipping sauces or one of the decadent sandwiches."

"What is it: This stylized outdoor coop slings fried chicken and good times. Why go: The adorable setting features picnic tables and red farm chairs set under strung Edison bulbs, a lively al fresco bar and kitchen housed in a modern barn structure. Yet, there’s some serious brawn behind all the playfulness."

"A flight is three pancakes, where you can mix and match flavors. We recommend the Oreo pancake with cookie crumbles and cream. Likewise, try the cinnamon roll pancake or pineapple upside down pancakes (family favorites)."

"Hash House is the place you go for a breakfast so huge it would sustain you for an entire month if you were a snake (shoutout to all the reptilian people out there). The guys in the kitchen are not only making the best breakfast you’ll ever shove into your face, they're also engineering geniuses who are breaking down the barriers between architecture and food by making everything on your plate as deliciously vertical as possible. Now, who's ready for a fried chicken Benedict on a biscuit with maple reduction and bacon mashed potatoes?"

"If giant plates of food are what you want, this is the place to get it!. Hash House is one of the best breakfast spots in San Diego, They have a lot of waffles, pancakes, and southern fares, like biscuits and gravy, and fried, chicken, mashed potatoes, and eggs. I have been here several times and I liked to get the sage chicken and smoked bacon waffles plate with a maple reduction, eggs, and fried leeks, it is amazing and I am so sad to be gluten-free now!"

"Modern diner Hash House A Go Go specializes in BIG "Twisted Farm Food" so bring your appetite. For breakfast or brunch (served a la carte), indulge in a plate of hash with meatloaf, salmon, or corned beef. Try flapjacks such as the traditional buttermilk variety, or something different like blackberry-granola or butterscotch-almond."

"The Great Maple is located in San Diego’s Hillcrest district and offers award-winning, seasonal American fare with European influences, delectable cocktails, and delicious pie. Stop into this unique “European dinette” for one of their fresh-made, maple bacon donuts, vegan hash or fried goat cheese squash blossom. Hash House A Go Go’s Johnny Rivera opened this chic eatery in 2013 with the same passion for entertainment while Chef Carmine Lopez mans the kitchen."

"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."

"This chic eatery serves a tasty American breakfast, delicious donuts and beignets served on a long slab of wood, and unique cocktails. there’s nothing that you can really go wrong with!. Located in University Heights neighborhood + UTC-area location."

"THE LOT is a high-end Mediterranean restaurant located in an exciting entertainment hub, which serves up some of the best seafood in San Deigo. Developed and created for the local ..."

"Movies and cheap eats equal an unbeatable evening in San Diego. Hit up both at THE LOT in Liberty Station. Take in the latest blockbusters or an Oscar-worthy favorite alongside the..."

"Last but not least, Bay Park Coffee is a great place to visit if you find yourself in Mission Bay. It’s not flashy and extravagant, but if you want some quality coffee in a quiet location, you really can’t do much better than this. Breakfast is also served until 1.30 PM, consisting of tasty and healthy dishes such as acai bowls, yogurt bowls, and stuff like that."

"This is one of my top three favorite coffee shops in San Diego. Sitting on a quiet street across from Mission Bay, Bay Park is an adorable coffee shop with a modern but homely feel and great coffee!. This is a super local spot and its definitely an up and coming hipster cafe making with super kind workers."

"Another one of the best places for coffee in San Diego is Bay Park Coffee. You can find here a large variety of coffee, which is great. These range from simple variants, such as a normal espresso, to more unique coffees."

"Location Terminal 2 - Sunset Cove"

"EncinitasSan Diegans can once again experience the cuisine of Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda, whose former restaurant in Liberty Station, El Jardín, was included on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list in 2019, at VAGA Restaurant and Bar, newly opened at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. Boasting expansive ocean views and a dramatic open kitchen, Chef Zepeda fuses diverse cultures with local ingredients from places like Chino Farms and Cyclops Farms in dishes such as heirloom bean soup, brisket buns, and Baja sea bass on a seasonal menu. The beverage program, led by Alexander Gregg, features rotating signature cocktails, local microbrews, and a dynamic wine list incorporating natural wines utilizing grapes from low-intervention/biodynamic vineyards.How to book: Reservations are recommended and can be made online via SevenRooms."

"The buzz:The Puffer/Malarkey Collective’s finally reopens with a dynamic new culinary director.The food: Now under the helm of acclaimed chef Tara Monsod, it has a lighter, more Southeast Asian focused menu. Sip a Chai Paloma (tequila, coconut chai, cinnamon, grapefruit) alongside savory uni shrimp toast or sweet and sour cauliflower. Then explore the sake menu while you indulge in A5 Wagyu, Shanghai crab noodles with snap peas, garlic chili butter, and cilantro, or Kare Kare Short Ribs with green beans, and eggplant.The cost: Hot and cold starters are $7-22, entrees go for $24-69, cocktails are $14-19, beer and wine by the glass are $8-25, and sake flights run $25.How to book: Make reservations for indoor dining via OpenTable."

"Make dinner a truly grand affair at San Diego's "it" restaurant, Animae. The 5.5 million dollar pan-Asian restaurant sprawls across 9,300 square feet and the ambiance is opulent and seductive. If you go on Valentine's Day, they offer a four-course menu for $95/person."

"Another great brunch spot that I used to go to all the time when I lived in North County. It has a Mexican food twist to all the dishes, but super CLEAN & fresh. I get the yin & yang breakfast which is rosemary potatoes, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, red bean, avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa, & a tortilla (I add poached eggs on top) & their golden fairy dust latte which is chai tea, ginger, cinnamon, sub the soy milk for almond milk… to die for!!!"

"First, choose between a basic buttermilk or organic whole grain gluten-free batter for your pancakes. Then, add the toppings of your choice from wild blueberry to toasted coconut and mango. Moreover, there are vegan pancakes too."