Top 16 pancakes in San Diego
Pancakes in San Diego are a must-try for breakfast enthusiasts. This coastal California city offers a wide range of pancake options, from classic buttermilk to creative flavors like s'mores and banana Nutella. Foodies rave about the city's popular pancake spots, such as The Original Pancake House and Broken Yolk Cafe. Whether you prefer your pancakes fluffy or thin, sweet or savory, San Diego has a pancake dish to satisfy any craving. Come and savor the delicious pancakes that San Diego has to offer.
- 1. Richard Walker's Pancake House
- 2. Morning Glory
- 3. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
- 4. The Original Pancake House
- 5. Flap Your Jacks
- 6. Breakfast Republic
- 7. Broken Yolk Cafe
- 8. Breakfast Republic
- 9. The Mission
- 10. Hob Nob Hill
- 11. Lazy Hippo
- 12. Gaslamp Breakfast Company
- 13. Harbor Breakfast
- 14. Richard Walker's Pancake House
- 15. Breakfast Republic
- 16. Lucky's Breakfast
1. Richard Walker's Pancake House
Unique pancake creations, like bacon-embedded pancakes, since 1969.

Pancakes are a popular menu item, with many praising the apple pancakes in particular. However, a few reviewers have noted small portions and issues with burnt bacon. Despite these minor complaints, the food is generally well-regarded.
The pancakes are a highlight of the breakfast options, with both regular customers and first-time visitors expressing their satisfaction. The quality of the pancakes is such that waiting for them is considered worthwhile.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. Morning Glory
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, local favorite

Soufflé Pancakes are a highly recommended dish that should not be missed when visiting. These pancakes are renowned for their fluffy and pillowy texture, and are served with butter and syrup. Despite the wait, the taste of these pancakes is well worth it.
In addition to their famous Soufflé Pancakes, other menu items also deserve recognition. The Oeuf's Royale is a delicious option, and the morning glory fried rice is a must-try. Overall, the menu offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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3. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Uses organic and locally sourced ingredients, availability of unique pancake combinations

The pancakes at this establishment are not like any other - they stand out in texture and taste. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend trying them. I was initially skeptical due to the glowing reviews on Google and Yelp, fearing the pancakes might be overhyped. However, my skepticism was quickly put to rest after one bite.
The fluffiness and flavor of the pancakes were exceptional, surpassing all of my expectations. It's clear that a lot of care and attention goes into making each plate. I was pleasantly surprised and fully satisfied with my meal. I will certainly be back for more when I'm in town again. The pancakes are deserving of the rave reviews they have received, and I can confidently say that they are worth trying for any pancake or breakfast lover.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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4. The Original Pancake House
Family-owned and operated for over 60 years, using original recipes and techniques.

The German Pancake is a huge and popular breakfast item, often shared by my wife and daughter. The pancake is made even more delicious with a squeeze of lemon and a generous dusting of powdered sugar. While the German Pancake is the star of the show, the menu also offers other tempting options, such as omelets and the Dutch Baby.
My wife and daughter are particularly fond of the enormous German Pancake, which they share between them. This pancake is taken to the next level with the addition of lemon juice and a healthy serving of powdered sugar. Aside from the German Pancake, the restaurant also offers a variety of other breakfast foods, including omelets and the Dutch Baby.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
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5. Flap Your Jacks
Family-owned diner with a homey touch

Eating at this unique and enjoyable restaurant was a memorable experience. My family and I had a great time making our breakfast on the table top pancake griddles. This interactive feature kept our kids engaged and added to the overall fun atmosphere.
The service at the restaurant was commendable, with our orders being promptly attended to. The food served was not only delicious but also filling. Our teenagers particularly enjoyed the novelty of creating their own pancakes at our table.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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6. Breakfast Republic
Local chain with fun, eclectic atmosphere and whimsical decor

The Oreo pancakes were a standout dish, providing a delicious and unique twist on a classic breakfast item. Another memorable dish was the skirt steak with eggs and hash browns, which was skillfully prepared and presented. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the eggs and hash browns were satisfying and well-seasoned.
On the other hand, the lemon coconut pancakes were a bit too sweet for my liking. However, the house potatoes served as an excellent side dish, complementing the other dishes nicely and adding a nice, savory touch to the meal.
In summary, the meal included a range of dishes that offered a variety of flavors and textures. While some items were more to my taste than others, everything was skillfully prepared and presented, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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7. Broken Yolk Cafe
Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, locally sourced ingredients

The gluten-free pancakes are a delight, with a light and fluffy texture that makes them a joy to eat. The fresh fruit used in the dish is bursting with flavor, adding a natural sweetness that complements the pancakes perfectly.
If you're a fan of blueberry pancakes, you'll be pleased to know that this dish did not disappoint. The pancakes were perfectly cooked, with a delicious flavor that was elevated by the addition of fresh blueberries. This dish is highly recommended for anyone looking for a tasty breakfast option.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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8. Breakfast Republic
Kid-friendly atmosphere with a play area

The Oreo pancakes I tried were incredibly delicious, offering a rich, creamy, and chocolatey flavor with each bite. This new breakfast spot has quickly become a favorite, with an impressive selection of drinks such as cold brew coffee and ginger kombucha on tap.
The Croque Madame Eggs Benedict is another standout menu item, already causing me to look forward to my next visit. This restaurant offers not only tasty but also creative breakfast options at reasonable prices, making it an excellent choice for any breakfast or brunch occasion.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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9. The Mission
Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and locally sourced ingredients

Classic Buttermilk Pancakes are a highly regarded breakfast item, known for their delicious taste and texture. Many people enjoy the moist and fluffy consistency of these pancakes. However, some reviewers have noted that the pancakes can be gritty in texture.
This variance in texture may be due to differences in ingredient proportions, cooking methods, or individual preferences. Despite this, the overall popularity of Classic Buttermilk Pancakes remains high due to their delicious flavor and versatility. They can be served with various toppings, such as fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream, to suit individual tastes.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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10. Hob Nob Hill
Historic building with beautiful views, friendly service

The pancakes offered at the establishment were truly delectable, boasting a fluffy texture and perfect cooking. This dish is a standout and not to be missed. Additionally, the avocado on toast was another hit, featuring two poached eggs accompanied by fresh fruit.
In terms of the pancakes, their large size and airy, light texture made them a true delight. The avocado on toast also shined, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The poached eggs were cooked to perfection, and the accompanying fresh fruit added a refreshing touch to the dish. Both menu items were highly enjoyable and satisfied the taste buds.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
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11. Lazy Hippo
Cozy atmosphere with a unique fusion of Southern and Mexican cuisine

On a Saturday morning, I went for brunch and was fortunate to find no wait at around 10 am. However, as the hour neared 11, the crowd began to pick up. I highly recommend visiting this establishment for brunch, as the portions served are extremely generous. I ordered the Super Special, and the combination of waffle, Nutella, and banana was nothing short of amazing.
I also tried the Gluten free cinnamon roll pancakes during my visit, and they were absolutely delicious. I found that they were so tasty that I didn't even feel the need to use syrup. In fact, I can confidently say that these were the best gluten-free pancakes I have ever had.
TOPICS
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Options
12. Gaslamp Breakfast Company
Open early every day, located in the heart of downtown San Diego

The pancakes served at the establishment were delightful, offering a fluffy and delicious start to the day. The service provided during the experience was commendable, enhancing the overall positive impression. However, there was an issue with the multigrain pancakes that were ordered, as they turned out to be extremely dry. This dryness could be attributed to the pancakes being left on the grill for too long, and while the taste was acceptable, the dryness was a significant drawback.
Despite the friendly demeanor of the staff, the dryness of the multigrain pancakes was a disappointment that would discourage a return visit. Although multi-grain pancakes are known to be drier than other variants, the level of dryness in this case was excessive and unpalatable. Despite the exceptional service, the dryness of the pancakes overshadowed the positive aspects of the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
13. Harbor Breakfast
Features a cozy atmosphere with excellent customer service and is located near the waterfront.

The pancakes I had were incredibly delicious and cooked to perfection. They were some of the best I have ever tasted, with a fluffy and satisfying texture. The flavor was outstanding, making them a must-try for anyone who appreciates great pancakes.
If you're a fan of pancakes, you'll be delighted to know that the ones I tried were exceptional. They were cooked to perfection, resulting in a fluffy and tantalizing texture. Their taste was outstanding, making them a definite must-try for anyone seeking delicious pancakes.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
14. Richard Walker's Pancake House
Famous for pancakes since 1960, Fresh ingredients, Made-from-scratch recipes
The pancakes at this establishment are a must-try, with their fluffy and delicious taste. Customers have been very satisfied with the service provided. It is highly recommended to visit this place for breakfast.
One of the standout menu items is the Dutch Baby pancake. This particular pancake is a customer favorite due to its fluffy and delicious texture. If you are looking to try something new and delightful, the Dutch Baby pancake is worth giving a shot.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
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15. Breakfast Republic
Unique twists on classic breakfast items, cozy and lively atmosphere

The blueberry pancakes I had were exceptional. They were generously portioned and boasted a delicious flavor. The pancakes themselves were fluffy and cooked to perfection.
I highly recommend trying the pancakes with maple syrup. The combination of the two results in a delightful taste experience. Overall, the pancakes were a standout dish, and I would not hesitate to order them again.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
16. Lucky's Breakfast
Friendly service, cozy atmosphere, cash-only

Lucky is a single individual who operates a whole restaurant by himself, known for his exceptional kindness. The food served in this establishment is delicious, featuring a variety of options such as pancakes, eggs, omelets, sausages, home fries, bacon, toast, and French toast. There's nothing fancy about the offerings, but they are all prepared and presented in a way that makes for great meals.
One of the standout features of this restaurant is its affordability. Despite the high quality of the food, the prices are incredibly reasonable, providing excellent value for customers. Given the delicious offerings and low costs, this restaurant is highly recommended for anyone looking for a great meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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