Top 18 brunch in North Park
Experience a culinary delight in San Diego's hippest neighborhood at "brunch in North Park." Indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of breakfast and lunch dishes, served in a lively atmosphere. From creative egg dishes to delectable pastries, "brunch in North Park" offers a vast menu to satisfy every craving. Don't miss the chance to unwind and enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee or a refreshing mimosa. Come and explore the vibrant "brunch in North Park" scene!
- 1. Breakfast Republic
- 2. The Mission
- 3. Swami's Cafe North Park
- 4. Cafe 21 University Heights
- 5. One Door North
- 6. Flap Your Jacks
- 7. Hanna's Gourmet
- 8. Rudford's Restaurant in North Park
- 9. Antique Row Cafe
- 10. Working Class
- 11. Café Madeleine North Park in North Park
- 12. Dunedin New Zealand Eats
- 13. MAKE Projects
- 14. Encontro North Park in North Park
- 15. West Coast Tavern
- 16. Lucky's Breakfast
- 17. The Seventh House
- 18. Eggies
1. Breakfast Republic
Pet-friendly sidewalk patio, weekly rotating specials

The overall experience of this breakfast joint was unique and enjoyable, especially for someone who loves breakfast. The cafe offers cold brew coffee and ginger kombucha on tap, which was a great start to the meal. The Croque Madame Eggs Benedict was a standout dish, and I'm already looking forward to having it again.
However, there were some issues with wait times that negatively affected the experience. At first, we were told that the wait time would be 30-35 minutes for a party of six. Unfortunately, we ended up waiting for 45 minutes and found out that smaller groups of two and three had been seated before us. This variable wait time was disappointing and detracted from the overall experience. Despite the wait time, the delicious and creative breakfast options make this a worthwhile breakfast spot.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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2. The Mission
Uses locally sourced ingredients, offers vegetarian and vegan options, dog-friendly patio

On a Sunday around 12:30, my group and I arrived at The Mission in North Park for brunch. Despite a number of groups waiting for tables, our party of three was promptly seated due to the restaurant's spacious interior. The service was commendable, and the food turned out to be excellent in quality.
Established in the late 1990s, The Mission has earned its reputation in North Park for offering delicious, abundantly-portioned food at reasonable prices. Although seating may require some patience because of the popular demand, the swift pace of customer turnover and service makes the wait worthwhile.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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3. Swami's Cafe North Park
Committed to sustainability and health with organic and locally sourced ingredients

During an Easter brunch, food was prepared in a busy kitchen, leading to a wait of approximately 32 minutes for the food and 10 minutes for drinks. Despite the delay, the kitchen's busy nature was understood given the holiday.
Visiting for an early Saturday breakfast, two individuals ordered different versions of eggs benedict and were pleased with their choices. The establishment provided good service and reasonable portion sizes for the cost.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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4. Cafe 21 University Heights
Cozy patio seating, locally sourced ingredients, homemade pastries

Cafe 21 offers a variety of dining options, including brunch and dinner, along with a full range of craft cocktails, seven days a week. They provide a memorable experience with daily Happy Hour from 3 PM to 6 PM and live local music nightly.
Based on 1246 customer reviews, Cafe 21 is highly regarded as one of the top restaurants in San Diego, located at 2736 Adams Ave, CA 92116. The restaurant has received impressive feedback, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for great food and drink in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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5. One Door North
Locally-sourced ingredients, dog-friendly patio

The ambiance at this restaurant is super cute and inviting, with attentive staff adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Located inside a tent, the decor creates a unique 'glamping' experience, complete with a mural of the woods and a cozy indoor setting. However, during our visit, it was unexpectedly hot as the windows were open with no air conditioning.
The menu at this restaurant is eclectic, featuring various dishes that cater to different tastes. I particularly enjoyed the flat iron steak, which was cooked to perfection and served with delicious gnocchi. The Chupacabra Margarita, a spicy drink, was also a hit. If you're a fan of spicy cocktails, I highly recommend giving it a try. Unfortunately, during our Bachelorette weekend brunch, the heat made it uncomfortable, detracting from the overall dining experience. Nonetheless, the restaurant's decor and menu offer a memorable and enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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6. Flap Your Jacks
Unique brunch items, Cozy atmosphere, Craft cocktails

A unique and delicious food experience involves a single batter that serves as a base for creativity, paired with various proteins such as eggs, bacon, and sausage. Guests have the freedom to create their own personalized pancakes by choosing from a variety of flavors, toppings, and sauces. This interactive and tasty experience has been described as both fun and cool by some guests, while others found it to be pricey for its value.
The opportunity to customize pancakes has been a highlight for many guests, offering a diverse range of flavors and toppings to choose from. However, some guests have expressed that the cost of this unique experience may not be justified. Despite the differing opinions on its value, the overall experience of creating and enjoying personalized pancakes has been a memorable one.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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7. Hanna's Gourmet
Family-owned and operated since 2004, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients

Brunch was a delight with exceptional service and tasty dishes. The Eggs a La France stood out as a delicious choice, with every bite offering an enjoyable experience. For those looking for something sweet, the berry ricotta pancakes are a must-try. They were incredibly moist and balanced just the right amount of sweetness from the berries.
Whether you're in the mood for a savory or sweet dish, this cozy brunch spot has got you covered. The Eggs a La France and berry ricotta pancakes were particular highlights, but every dish that was served appeared to be exceptional. The service only added to the positive experience, making this brunch spot a highly recommended destination for anyone looking for a enjoyable and relaxing meal.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
8. Rudford's Restaurant in North Park
Long-standing family-owned restaurant since 1949, known for comfort food and diner classics

Rudford's offers a satisfying brunch experience. The portions are generous and the pancakes are particularly noteworthy, with a fluffy and delicious texture. The French toast is also a highlight, with a high recommendation for both dishes. The retro diner vibe of the establishment adds to the overall positive experience.
The staff at Rudford's are friendly and contribute to the enjoyable atmosphere. The diner is a popular brunch spot, which is a testament to its quality. The customer mentioned intending to return, implying that they were very satisfied with their visit and look forward to returning in the future. Both the pancakes and French toast are worth trying for any brunch enthusiast.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Breakfast
- Dinner
9. Antique Row Cafe
Cozy vintage atmosphere, Local art displays, Outdoor seating

The diner is decorated with a variety of items primarily from the 1950s and 1960s, giving it a classic and quintessential feel. The menu offers large portions, and the service is known for being friendly and attentive. One standout menu item is the cinnamon roll or sticky bun, which is recommended to be shared due to its generous size.
During our visit, we ordered lunch and were impressed with the delicious food. However, we couldn't resist trying the famous cinnamon roll, so we shared it among three people. The breakfast menu is also reportedly delicious, and the helpful servers make for an enjoyable dining experience. The massive portions ensure that you will leave satisfied and with leftovers to spare.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Downtown Spots
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10. Working Class
Pet-friendly patio, locally sourced ingredients, and craft coffee

The breakfast food at this establishment is exceptional, with fresh and delicious options that make for a satisfying meal. The staff is super friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable, making for a great value. Both the front and back areas of the establishment welcome dogs, catering to pet owners. A good selection of beers on tap is available for those looking to enjoy a drink.
During my fourth visit, I stopped by for breakfast and found it to be simple yet satisfying. The portion size was nice, although I couldn't finish it all. Once again, the staff was friendly and attentive, providing great service. I'm already planning on returning to try their Mac and cheese, which I've heard is delicious. The only thing I thought was missing from the menu was a drink option like Bloody Mary's or Micheladas.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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11. Café Madeleine North Park in North Park
Adorable French-style café in North Park, SD

A charming new addition to the neighborhood is a café offering a variety of French dishes, including delicious crepes and paninis, as well as coffee, tea, and delightful croissants. The café provides patio seating, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal outdoors.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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12. Dunedin New Zealand Eats
Features New Zealand-inspired dishes, cozy atmosphere

I recently visited a restaurant over the weekend, which was having a 'tasting' or what I believe to be a soft opening, with the whole menu offered at 50% off. While perusing the menu, I noticed a striking similarity to the offerings at Queenstown Public House, which I later found out is also owned by the same people. Although I understand that the two restaurants are owned by the same entity, I had hoped for more variety in the menu items since they have different names.
Aside from the beautiful ambiance of the restaurant, this New Zealand eatery is also dog-friendly, and the service is always commendable, from the host to the servers to the bartenders. In addition to the dinner menu, they also offer brunch daily until 2 pm. During my visit, I tried the lamb skewers, wild boar burger, sliders, and sweet potato fries, all of which were delicious. Unfortunately, the lack of menu variety meant that I had to deduct one star from my rating. However, despite being a very new establishment, the food was excellent.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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13. MAKE Projects

TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
14. Encontro North Park in North Park
Patio dining, Eclectic decor, Weekend brunch spot

The restaurant in question serves delicious food for both brunch and early dinners, making it a great spot for a relaxing meal. The indoor-outdoor patio is a particular highlight, providing a versatile space that can be enjoyed in various weather conditions. Despite being a trendy establishment, families with young children, including one with four little kids, still enjoy visiting the restaurant.
In summary, the restaurant offers tasty food and has a great indoor-outdoor patio, making it a desirable location for a range of diners. Even families with young children find the restaurant appealing, suggesting that it caters to a wide audience. Though it may be considered a cool spot, people of all kinds can enjoy the delicious food and inviting atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
15. West Coast Tavern
Live music on weekends, Pet-friendly patio, Happy hour specials

The cinnamon roll stands out as exceptional at this brunch establishment. Other menu items enjoyed include the tuna BLT and the vegan breakfast burrito. Despite the music playing, the atmosphere remained pleasant and not overly disturbing. The interior design is stylish and appealing. The intention is to return for drinks during an evening visit.
Brunch is served with bottomless mimosas for $17, available Thursday through Sunday and on all observatory show days. This creates an excellent opportunity for a weekend treat or a pairing with a nighttime event at the observatory.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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16. Lucky's Breakfast
Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and local art decor

Lucky's Breakfast is a charming establishment offering a delightful breakfast experience. A single gentleman, both the owner and operator, runs the show with gracious hospitality. He has been serving customers at this location for approximately 50 years, providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
The food at Lucky's Breakfast is generous, fresh, and always served hot, along with excellent coffee. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the 1950s or 60s, adding to the overall charm of the place. It is important to note that only cash is accepted, as credit cards are not welcome here. Overall, Lucky's Breakfast is an excellent recommendation for anyone looking for a kind and experienced host, delicious food, and a step back in time.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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17. The Seventh House
Kid-friendly with coloring pages and crayons, Pet-friendly patio, Happy hour specials

Upon approaching the small restaurant located on the corner of Utah Street, the charming atmosphere and architecture caught my attention. The quaint establishment gave off an air of a French café, although I have never been to France, I imagined this is what it would resemble. A notable item on their menu is a champagne tower available during brunch. A true highlight, it is served in a style reminiscent of the Marie Antoinette movie, complete with flowing champagne, dry ice, and delectable fruits and desserts delicately arranged around the tower.
This charming café offers a unique and extraordinary brunch experience with their champagne tower. The setup is akin to the opulent and extravagant style of the Marie Antoinette era, with cascading champagne, dry ice, and desserts arranged around the tower. Despite having no personal experiences in France, I felt transported to a French café, providing an exciting and distinctive dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
18. Eggies
Locally sourced ingredients, Homemade sauces, Vegan and gluten-free options

Eggies, a popular grab-and-go breakfast spot, has recently opened a new location in North Park, adjacent to its sit-down brunch counterpart, Breakfast Republic. This new outpost offers delicious breakfast options for those on the go.
During a recent visit to the new Eggies, I tried the Eggies Classic sandwich and an order of churros. The over-easy egg in the sandwich was cooked to perfection, providing a burst of flavor that was simply divine. The churros were the perfect finish to the meal, offering a sweet and satisfying end to the breakfast. The service was quick, efficient, and delivered with a friendly attitude, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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