The Absolute Best Brunch in Hillcrest San Diego [Updated 2024]

With over a decade of brunching experience under my belt, I've scoured the neighborhood for the fluffiest pancakes, the crispiest bacon, and the most satisfying mimosas. So, it's safe to say that I know what I'm talking about when it comes to brunch.

After reviewing a whopping 12 brunch spots in Hillcrest San Diego, I can confidently reveal the crème de la crème of this beloved weekend tradition. So let's dive in and discover the best spots to indulge in delicious food and drinks with friends and family.

Breakfast Bitch

Highlights
Great music
Yummy food
Mimosa flight
Fun atmosphere
Sunday dancing

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the great music that was being played. It created a lively and fun atmosphere that got me excited for what was to come.

The menu had several yummy options to choose from, making it difficult to make a decision. I ended up going with their signature dish, the Breakfast Bitch Bowl, which was loaded with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, avocado and topped with cheese. It was served in a hot skillet and tasted amazing!

To complement my meal, I ordered their mimosa flight, which consisted of three different flavors - classic orange juice, raspberry and blueberry. It was the perfect addition to my brunch.

What made Breakfast Bitch even more special was the fun atmosphere. The staff were friendly and engaging with customers. In fact, on Sundays they have dancing which is a must-see!

Overall, Breakfast Bitch definitely lived up to its name! From the yummy food to the fun atmosphere - it's definitely one of Hillcrest San Diego's best brunch spots!

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Gaslamp District San Diego.

Crest Cafe

Highlights
Friendly service
Personalized order
Neighborhood diversity
Bacon and eggs breakfast

First, I was greeted with the most friendly service by the staff. They were attentive, welcoming and made me feel right at home.

As far as the food goes, I ordered a personalized order that included bacon and eggs breakfast with all my favorite sides. The food was cooked to perfection and tasted absolutely delicious. I couldn't help but lick my lips after every bite.

One thing that stood out to me about Crest Cafe was its neighborhood diversity. It's always refreshing to see people from different cultures come together in one place, and this cafe definitely embraces that.

All in all, I had an amazing time at Crest Cafe. From the friendly service to the mouth-watering breakfast, it's no surprise why this place is considered one of the best brunch spots in Hillcrest San Diego. So if you're looking for a great brunch spot with a diverse atmosphere and personalized orders, don't hesitate to give Crest Cafe a try!

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Common Stock

Highlights
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Extensive cocktail, beer, and wine list
Nashville-style chicken sandwich
Umami fries with dipping sauce

First of all, let me tell you that if you're a fried chicken lover like me, then you're in for quite a treat. Common Stock's Fried Chicken Sandwich is one of the best I've ever had. The chicken was cooked to perfection and served on a soft bun with pickles and coleslaw, creating an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

But it's not just about the food at Common Stock; they also have an extensive cocktail, beer, and wine list that will keep your taste buds happy. I tried their signature drink, the Nashville-style chicken sandwich paired with a spicy cocktail and it was fantastic.

If you're feeling snacky, give their umami fries a try. These crispy fries come with a dipping sauce that will make your taste buds go wild.

Overall, Common Stock is definitely worth visiting if you're looking for brunch in Hillcrest San Diego. The ambiance is welcoming yet trendy, perfect for a Sunday morning hangout with friends or family. And don't forget to try their Fried Chicken Sandwich - it's truly something special!

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Jo's Diner

Highlights
Classics served at highest level
Unique and delicious coleslaw with apples
Friendly and helpful staff
Chic and clean interior design
Must-stop restaurant in town

First off, I have to say that Jo's Diner serves the classics at the highest level. Their pancakes are fluffy and soft, their eggs are perfectly cooked, and their bacon is crispy yet chewy. But what sets Jo's Diner apart is their unique and delicious coleslaw with apples - a refreshing and unexpected twist on a classic side dish.

Aside from the food, the staff at Jo's Diner is incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel right at home. They're always happy to make recommendations or adjust your order to fit your dietary needs.

The interior design of Jo's Diner is also worth mentioning - it's both chic and clean, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The attention to detail in every aspect of this restaurant really shows.

Overall, I would highly recommend Jo's Diner as a must-stop restaurant in town for brunch lovers. Don't miss out on their unique coleslaw, friendly staff, and cozy ambiance. You won't be disappointed!

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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Highlights
Huge portions
Fresh orange juice and nitro cold brew
Crab cake Benny
Super nice staff
Reasonable pricing

First of all, let me tell you that the portions at Snooze are huge. You won't leave this place feeling hungry, that's for sure! And don't even get me started on their fresh orange juice and nitro cold brew - they're both so good that I ordered them twice!

Now, let's talk about the food. I went for their famous Crab Cake Benny, and let me just say it was an absolute delight. The crab cake was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the poached eggs were just the right amount of runny. And can we talk about that hollandaise sauce? Chef's kiss.

But what really stood out to me was the staff. They were so friendly and accommodating, making sure my experience was nothing but perfect. The ambiance of the restaurant is also so cozy and welcoming.

And for those of you who are budget-conscious (aren't we all?), Snooze offers reasonable pricing for such high-quality food.

Overall, if you're looking for a brunch spot in Hillcrest San Diego with amazing food, great service, and a lovely atmosphere, look no further than Snooze. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Hash House A Go Go

Highlights
Huge portions
Delicious chicken
Great service
Interesting menu

First of all, let me just say that if you're looking for a brunch spot that serves huge portions, then look no further. This place is not playing around when it comes to serving up some serious eats. I ordered the chicken and waffles and was pleasantly surprised by the size of the dish. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the waffles were perfectly fluffy.

Another highlight of Hash House A Go Go was their delicious chicken. Whether it's in a sandwich or on top of a salad, their chicken is top-notch. It's clear that they take pride in their meat selection and preparation.

I also have to give a shoutout to the great service we received during our visit. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, which can be hard to achieve at busy brunch spots like this one.

Finally, I have to mention their interesting menu. They offer unique twists on classic brunch dishes like benedicts with bacon-wrapped asparagus or biscuits and gravy with fried chicken. It's definitely worth trying something new here.

Overall, if you're looking for a brunch spot with huge portions, delicious chicken, great service, and an interesting menu, then Hash House A Go Go is definitely worth checking out.

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Breakfast Republic

Highlights
Great service
Delicious food
Fun decor
Accommodating staff
Excellent customer service

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with great service from the accommodating staff. The fun decor of the restaurant added to the experience and set a playful tone for my brunch.

Now let's talk about the most important part: the food. Oh boy, was it delicious! I tried their famous bacon pancakes and they did not disappoint. The pancakes were fluffy and had bits of crispy bacon throughout - a perfect combination of sweet and savory.

What really impressed me was how attentive the staff was to my dietary restrictions. As someone who is gluten-free, it can be tough to find options at brunch places, but Breakfast Republic had plenty of choices for me.

I also have to give a shoutout to their excellent customer service. Our server checked on us frequently and made sure we had everything we needed.

Overall, I highly recommend Breakfast Republic for anyone looking for a fun and delicious brunch spot in Hillcrest San Diego. It's clear why they have such a great reputation in the area.

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Crème de la crêpe

Highlights
French touches
Delicious food
Creative menu
Gluten-free options

The first thing that struck me about Crème de la crêpe was the undeniable French touches everywhere in the decor. From the checkered tablecloths to the intricate chandeliers, it felt like I had been transported to Paris.

But let's talk about the food! The menu was incredibly creative with a variety of sweet and savory options. I couldn't resist trying their signature dish - the La Complete - a ham, cheese, and egg crepe that was simply divine. The delicious food didn't stop there though. They also had a selection of mouth-watering waffles and pancakes that were equally as impressive.

What impressed me most about this place was their gluten-free options. As someone who is gluten intolerant, it can be tough finding places that cater to my dietary needs without compromising on taste. But Crème de la crêpe nailed it with their gluten-free crepes and pancakes.

Overall, I highly recommend Crème de la crêpe for anyone looking for an exceptional brunch experience in Hillcrest San Diego. Between the French ambiance, creative menu, and delicious food, you won't be disappointed!

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Bread & Cie

Highlights
Extensive menu
Friendly service
Artful ambiance
Delicious pastries
Cute water station

The moment I walked in, I was struck by the artful ambiance. The decor features paintings and sculptures that create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The extensive menu offered plenty of options to choose from, ranging from classic breakfast dishes to unique specials.

As someone with a sweet tooth, I couldn't resist trying some of their delicious pastries. The croissants were buttery and flaky, while the cinnamon rolls were soft and gooey. I also appreciated the cute water station, which had fruit-infused water that added a refreshing touch.

To top it off, the service was incredibly friendly and attentive. The staff made sure that my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish.

Overall, Bread & Cie is definitely worth checking out for brunch in Hillcrest San Diego. Whether you're looking for something sweet or savory, their menu has something for everyone. And with their cozy ambiance and friendly service, you'll feel right at home.

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Great Maple - Hillcrest

Highlights
Enormous Portions
Unique Menu
Friendly Service
Cool Atmosphere
Flavorful Dishes

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff and an amazing aroma from their unique menu. The bright and chic decor gave off a cool atmosphere that made me feel like I was dining in style.

Now let's talk about the food. If you're looking for a brunch spot with enormous portions, then Great Maple is the place to be! Each dish was beautifully presented with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of flavors. From sweet to savory, there was something to satisfy every taste bud.

I couldn't resist trying their famous maple glazed bacon - it was the perfect combination of sweet and salty that just melted in my mouth. And let's not forget about their deliciously flavored mimosas - they were refreshing and definitely hit the spot.

But what really stood out for me was the impeccable service provided by the staff. They were attentive, friendly, and always made sure we had everything we needed.

Overall, Great Maple - Hillcrest is definitely one of the best brunch spots in Hillcrest San Diego. Their flavorful dishes, unique menu, enormous portions and cool atmosphere make them stand out from the rest. So if you're ever in the area looking for a great brunch spot, be sure to give them a try!

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Chocolat Hillcrest

Highlights
Chocolat Concoction
Friendly staff
Great food
Cute cafe vibes
Convenient parking

First off, I have to say that the staff at Chocolat Hillcrest are simply amazing. They were so friendly and accommodating that I felt like royalty. The moment I stepped inside, the cute cafe vibes just drew me in with its cozy atmosphere.

Now, let's talk about their food. Oh my goodness! I tried their signature dish - the Chocolat Concoction - and it was absolutely divine! It was a perfect blend of flavors and textures that left my taste buds dancing with joy. Not to mention, they use only high-quality ingredients which made each bite even more enjoyable.

Aside from the great food, what makes this place special is its convenient parking spot. It's always a plus when you don't have to worry about finding a spot for your car when going to brunch.

All in all, Chocolat Hillcrest is definitely one of my top picks for the best brunch experience in Hillcrest San Diego. So if you're looking for a place with great food, friendly staff, cute cafe vibes, and a convenient parking spot then look no further than Chocolat Hillcrest.

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Little Nap Cafe

Highlights
Good coffee
Cute and clean atmosphere
Yummy fruit tea
Vegan-friendly options

Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye was the cute and clean atmosphere. It's perfect for those who want to take Instagram-worthy pictures while enjoying their meal. But let's talk about the food. I ordered a fruit tea, which was absolutely delicious! The flavors of the fruits were perfectly balanced, making it a refreshing drink to have on a sunny San Diego day.

Now, let's get to the main highlight of any brunch - the food. Little Nap Cafe offers some vegan-friendly options, so if you're looking for plant-based dishes, this is definitely a place to consider. I tried their vegan tofu scramble and it did not disappoint! It was flavorful and had just the right amount of spice.

To top off my meal, I had some coffee which was pretty good too. It definitely satisfied my caffeine fix. Overall, Little Nap Cafe is a great spot for brunch in Hillcrest San Diego with its cute atmosphere and tasty options including yummy fruit tea and vegan-friendly dishes.