Downtown San Diego Breakfast Guide
We all know the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, and I stand by that. Not only for health related reasons like fueling your body and getting energy, but setting up a routine and lets be real, coffee.
I also LOVE breakfast foods and even if I wake up past an acceptable breakfast time, I’ll still be starting my day with toast and eggs.
If you’re visiting San Diego and have some time to spend downtown, don’t skip out on breakfast. There are so many affordable, or luxury, breakfast spots for all appetites and tastebuds.
Casual Breakfast in San Diego
I get it, some days you just want a quick bite to get your day going. A place that won’t have a long wait, but will still satisfy your hunger until you have a second to stop for lunch. My #1 recommendation?
Eggies
Their location on G Street Downtown.
It’s a small place, with an even smaller menu, but with big results. They offer a handful of superior breakfast sandwiches including the Eggies Classic: “eggcellent sauce, maple-sage breakfast sausage, applewood smoked bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese”.
I got this sandwich the two times I went there and it was perfect for a quick but tasty breakfast. You can make it a combo with hash browns and a large coffee for $4 more. All sandwiches are only $9 by themselves.
Although after looking at the menu and their Instagram I wish I had branched out a little…
Parfait Paris
This was one of the first spots I went too with one of my roomies! We almost walked right by but totally glad we made the decision to stop.
Parfait Paris is a french bakery first and foremost with an emphasis on their macaroons and specialty desserts. They have multiple locations in southern California with more locations to come. It’s also a casual sit down spot with AMAZING breakfast food. You can order at the counter and there’s indoor and outdoor seating for your enjoyment. The portions are generous and the drinks are tasty. They have three locations right in Downtown San Diego.
At their location in Gaslamp (#555 if you believe in angel numbers) they had a full breakfast menu and pastries on display. On their website they also have a mimosa kit and lunch specials Monday-Friday and brunch is served until 2pm.
I got the avocado and goat cheese sandwich (far right) and Idol got the Croque Madame and they were both DELISH. We totally got spoiled this day because after our meal one of the employees brought over some free dessert! Overall a great experience.
Lucky’s Lunch Counter
Located less than a half mile away from Petco Park is this casual diner. Yes, it has ‘lunch’ in the name, but don’t skip it for breakfast! You can order at the counter where they have water and coffee available you can pour yourself while you wait. There are historical baseball pictures inside the establishment that will have you feeling like a local while you sit at the diner counter. I’m a firm believer that diner breakfast cannot be beat.
I got the breakfast burrito and I mean look at it! It was filled to the brim and perfect packed so every bite had a little bit of everything. To this day I still don’t know how to roll a burrito, but good thing I don’t have too!
I also came here for lunch one day and was blown away, again, by the food and the service.
The Broken Yolk Cafe
I have not personally been here, but when doing research it was a top recommendation. Also the name? Too cute!
They are located in the heart of the Gaslamp district, where all the action is and pride themselves on their huge portions, make sure you show up with an appetite!
You got eggs, acai bowls, skillets, avocado toast, burritos, and your sweets like pancakes and waffles. Just from looking at the menu, I’m hungry!
Next time I’m in town, this is on my list!
Downtown San Diego Brunch Spots
Breakfast Republic
In my opinion, this is the most sought after spot on this list. Every weekend there was a crowd on the corner and over an hour wait. Definitely make a reservation, or put your name down and explore the surrounding blocks. But we only had to wait about a half hour, there was just two of us, so it’s worth it to put your name down if you have the time.
The menu is the perfect size, offering a little bit of everything to choose from. You want savory? Sweet? Or a typical American breakfast? You got it, but they add their own personal touch.
I got the Mr. Presley, which was the peanut butter stuffed french toast. If you like peanut butter in any capacity, you’ll like this. It wasn’t overstuffed with peanut butter, but there was just enough to lightly coat every bite. If you’d prefer a more savory choice, then try the Breakfast Bacon Mac and Cheese (middle picture).
Anything that comes in a skilled is bound to be good. An although mac and cheese isn’t your typical breakfast food, if it’s topped with an egg? It can be added to the category.
So is it worth the hype? Potentially. If you have the time feel free to check it out, but there are plenty of other options.
Cafe 21 Gaslamp
If you are searching for a more upscale brunch spot, this is it. They are all about crafting the perfect experience for customers, in their mouths and minds. Everything is fresh and made from scratch and given in small plates with the intention to share. And the drinks? Pure art.
They are open 8am-3pm daily.
Brain’s 24
A hidden gem! And one of the most fun breakfast spots in the Gaslamp. As a party of two we were seated quickly for Sunday morning breakfast around 11am. The place itself is quite small and crowded but it provides a lively atmosphere. The decor might be the best part, with funky pink accents and trending hashtags a highlight of the place, definitely catering to Gen-Z customers.
But the best part? The staff! They were super chill and laidback, and provided a great experience.
Fig Tree Cafe
This is my #1 recomendations if you want a place inbetween takeout and sit down restaurant. I overheard from some of the employees that this location in East Village is still relatively new. The first time I came here was by myself. I still find it hard to go to restaurants alone, but breakfast is by far the best meal to practice. I sat at the bar instead of a table which helped to ease some anxiety and it was a great time. I read my book and chatted with the staff.
The decor was beautifully branded, the windows were open and the breeze was flowing in and it’s a great place to start your day. If the wait at Breakfast Republic is too much, this joint is right on the next block and is just as good. I came back here the next day for that very reason and sat in the same seat!
San Diego Coffee Shops
Spill the Beans
When I say I was here at least two times a week during my one month stay in San Diego, I’m not exaggerating. I really enjoyed the overall aesthetic of the small coffee shop. It was always filled with people working on the tables with the big open windows facing the street, watching the foot traffic, and the sounds of the baristas yelling out orders. It was a well oiled machine.
It was also only a few blocks from where I was staying the Gaslamp, so the location is prime, and there is another one in Seaport Village.
They specialize in coffee and bagels, the latter I unfortunately did not get to try. Their basic drip coffee does the trick and you can add in different flavors such as vanilla and hazelnut. And don’t be afraid to be basic, the Basic Stitch coffee is a must try.
They also have free wifi and plenty of outlets making it a great place to work!
Lani Coffee
This cozy Hawaiian inspired coffee shop is located Downtown toward the Convention Center. A great place to stop on the way to your next destination or sit down for a bit to savor every sip. There is seating inside and out, with the outdoor seating being shaded from the sunny rays of San Diego.
The menu is quite large with lots of flavors to choose from and an assortment of muffins and pastries.
The Invigatorium
It’s so common in San Diego for dogs to be…everywhere. In restaurants, coffee shops, etc. This quirky coffee shop was no exception! A lot of people will bring their dogs here and I had the pleasure of meeting two very adorable dogs when I stopped in. Inside it’s a blast from the past, with decor such as a life sized antique Ronald Mcdonald, dinosaurs, and disco balls.
The music is good and the coffee is strong, what else do you need?
Holy Matcha
An Instagram favorite! How could it not be? The floral pink decor is the perfect backdrop for some Insta-worthy photos. When I walked into their Downtown location to have it all to myself, I took advantage. Their Downtown spot is small, with their location in North Park being their main store where you’ll see most of the photos taken.
The baristas are so sweet and knowledgeable, I learned quite a bit about matcha while I was there!
This is only a small list of the amazing breakfast and coffee spots in Downtown San Diego, not even going into the surrounding communities. I hope you’ll try some of these out, and let me know what you think!