This is my favorite spot for breakfast! I try to go before work at least a couple times a week. I've tried a variety the items from the menu. From a local's perspective here are the items worth a try: -Shaved ham benedict with their special jalapeno hollindaise sauce (any of the benedicts really) -Acai bowl: unlike many other place's acai bowls I've tried which are more soupy consistency, the diner's are more like a sherbert/ice cream -Chorizo scramble -Jalapeno turkey melt -Chicken and waffles -Biscuits and gravy -Fresh squeezed OJ all day!! read more

I was very disappointed after choosing this spot based on the almost 5 Star rating. Not sure if it was an off day. Everyone was very nice, but all of the utensils were dirty. We waited until after the meal was served before we got waters. The burgers which were ordered well done were brought almost rare. The bread was soaked in grease. Fries were also very greasy. Not sure if the 5 stars are more for the breakfast but the lunch was really below average. read more

Hands down the best breakfast in town! The food is excellent, the service is fast, friendly and efficient. They keep us coming back over and over again. Keep up the good work!! read more

So I've only been here one time, but I've often thought about moving to Encinitas because of the 101 Diner. No, that's not true LOL, but the food is really good. My wife and I had the Eggs Benedict (which rocked) and this special-of-the-day Acai fruit bowl. Amazing. I'd recommend you try it, and if it weren't for the distance between us, I would be there much more often. The wait was a little long, but we could see why once we took our first bite. The servers and staff are really chill and laid back and give great recommendations if it's your first time also. Give them a shot, you won't be disappointed. read more

I've been coming to 101 diner for years now. It is my go-to breakfast stop every time I'm back in town. It has a very authentic, family-owned feel. The food tastes very homemade. I try to stay away on the weekends since they get really busy. I always get the chicken and waffles when I'm here. The portion and price is more than generous. The chicken is very moist and flavorful, and the waffle is crispy. It makes for a really good combination in tastes and textures. Although this alone usually fills me up, I cannot resist the sausages. They offer a few different options, but Kielbasa with a little dijon mustard is my favorite. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, my sister really loves the acai bowl. Mind you, it's the 101, so parking can be tricky. You will be fine if you go during the week though. read more

My mom and I come here every so often about once a month. We love the food and the service! We practically know everyone by name and the food never disappoints! If your looking for a good place to eat breakfast that is reasonably priced give this place a try. You won't be disappointed read more

This is your typical diner complete with vintage signs that offer root-beer floats for 10 cents. They do a great breakfast and lunch in the greasy spoon style. Every time I have been there it's been very busy. On most occasions there is at least a 15 minute wait, but I've only been on the weekends for brunch. When I crave that cream-cheesed stuffed French toast this is my first choice. Tuna melt is scrumptious and they make a really great spinach salad believe it or not with homemade poppyseed dressing. Nice people, not terribly clean but fun nonetheless. Try to get the waiter that brings out the dinosaurs and then has dinosaur wars right at your table. read more

I love breakfast and it takes a lot for a diner to impress me... I had the "ho-made" hash and it was really tasty! The better half had a 3 egg omelette, not exactly sure which one, but I had a bite and that was tasty too! I guess you can't really go wrong with any item you order here! Next time I gotta try the Acai Energy Bowl! When we arrived, I would say there was about 10 groups of 2 in front of us, but somehow 101 Diner was able to get through the list in about 20 minutes. So if you see a lot of people waiting outside, I would not let that deter you from trying this place. I'm impressed, will definitely keep this bookmarked for when we come back to town! read more

So, so good. Why didn't we find this place sooner? Fantastic, well seasoned food ... Excellent recipes. Not your run of the mill breakfast spot. We had 2 things from their specials board: carne asada eggs Benedict, chorizo scramble. The food was so good! Each bite was a perfect bite. Didn't want it to end. Super staff! 2 things keeping it from 5 stars - parking can be tough and dining room is run down. read more

Good, hearty food with fast service. Casual, homey, in general a good place for some nice portions, in a hurry

This place is awesome! The service was great! They were super fast and very friendly. The food was a great size for the price and it was delicious. Would definitely come back for more and would recommend it! read more

101 Diner - Yumm yumm! Cali Benedict and chorizo scramble! - Diners Near Me - Encinitas, California

Always great on Sunday morns the only time I have gone and I always sit at the counter but service with a smile. Homey and friendly. Lots of regulars. Worth every cent. Good food read more

That's just it. No frills, delicious diner food. It's comforting - straight out of momma's kitchen. Yes, you can make any of the dishes at home, but when you're lazy and still want that taste of home, come here. My only complaint was the cleanliness of the plates and silverware; there was crusty food on the spoon (which I didn't have a need for but was still grossed out about). Parking can be a pain, but just look down a couple of blocks in the residential area. The walk is short and nice. Oh, and get the sausage links every time! There is something addicting about them... read more

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Very cute place, nice location. Strawberries in my crepes were frozen, soggy, and overall unappealing. Like fresh fruit, or would like something else. read more

First off, this place is very vegetarian unfriendly. Pretty much nothing on the menu for breakfast with no egg in it. Got the California benedict, which had avacado and tomato and egg, obviously, and covered in hollandaise. It was quite good. I liked the potatoes that came with it also because they were crunchy. We also got the breakfast combo #1, which had 3 small sausages, scrambled eggs and 3 pancakes. The sausages and eggs were not so great, but the pancakes were so light and fluffy. The diner is located on the 101, amongst all the other small breakfast restaurants, but this place definitely gets its share of love from the public. read more

I think this is a neighborhood gem. Love the ambiance. Hope they can survive this pandemic

Great breakfast food. Sat at the counter and saw them make my food and give to me right off grill. It's location is close to the resale shops I wanted to go to, which was convenient. read more

101 Diner - Diners Near Me - Encinitas, California

I've been coming here for years. My go to is the California Benedict with Louisiana sausage and bacon with potatoes for the side. By far the most AMAZING breakfast EVER!!!!! read more

Subpar savoury breakfast but the must order would be the Baked Apple Pancake - though this takes around 20 minutes to order so it's best to place an order as soon as possible as the other dishes come relatively quickly. Not the cheapest place to have brunch but that is expected. read more

Final Decision: If I had a long night of partying, I would definitely have the omelets here... So the GF and I desired some brunch and she heard of this spot from her sister, so why not give it a try. We arrived and found a couple of tables available so we sat outside and viewed the pedestrians that passed by gawking at other tables and the food ordered. Service - good, attentative, almost forgot the GF OJ, but apologized and got it out quickly. Food ordered: had some difficulty, fairly extensive breakfast menu and various daily specials that all seemed very enticing. Apple baked pancakes - sounds darn good, looks even better on the plate, but didn't taste like a pancake. Consistency tastes more like a pastry or doughnut. Though the consistency was unexpected the flavors were very tasty. The GF preferred my dish though. California omelet - had bacon, mushroom, green peppers, spinach, garlic, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. This was very tasty, great fresh ingredients. Omelet wasn't fluffy, but packed with all the above ingredients. Ordered potatoes and sourdough toast. The potatoes were made in a form of a hash which was nice and crisp all the way through. Probably one of the best breakfast omelets I had in the area. Food was relatively good, the location was nice, I would definitely come back again, for the omelet or a different breakfast pancake dish. read more

Needed a place to kill time before an appointment. Saw this place on Yelp and decided to give it a try. The Look: Some might be turned off by it, but for me it was perfect. It reminded me of home in the northeast. I love the small bar seating with the booths around the other side. Everything is cooked in front of the bar in full view. If you're looking for hipster new-age crap keep moving. The Food: I got the classic eggs Benedict. They were simply amazing. It's great to see someone still poach eggs the real way and not use those pans with the little egg holders. Huge amount of shaved ham and that sauce! Ohhhhhh that sauce! It was the best I've had, no lie! The potatoes were great. Not hash browns, potatoes! I saw other meals being cooked and they looked equally as great and even overheard someone say this was the best huevo rancheros they've had. The Service: Perfect. There when you needed them and let you be to eat and enjoy. Extremely well run kitchen. I believe it was the owner cooking and he treated everyone great and full of respect under him. Bottom line. Give this place a try. You will not regret it. read more

This place has excellent breakfast! We stopped in by chance and it turning out being so yummy! I have the half eggs Benedict's and half crepes and it was so good! I was very impressed and i will be coming back! read more

101 Diner - This was so good! With fresh fruit - Diners Near Me - Encinitas, California

Wow - this was probably one of, if not the best breakfasts I've ever had. I had the dirty Denver omelette, my husband had one carnitas and one Cardiff crack benedict and our waitress made the most awesome recommendation of sharing one cinnamon roll pancake - unreal. Too bad we live in Philly, and can't come here every day. read more

I've been seeing this restaurant whenever I passed by with bike, and finally tried it in this weekend. I ordered California Eggs Benedict with my friend's recommendation. I chose tomato and avocado instead of bacon, cottage cheese instead of french fry as side option. well, it was very light and healthy protein breakfast, yet still yummy. I enjoyed every bite of breakfast. I also liked the taste of ham which was served with other egg dish my friend ordered.. Well, most of time I suffered weird stomach feeling after eggs benedict and thought I might have an issue with Hollandaise sauce. but I learned today that it was not the case since I did not suffer any weird stomach feeling after this breakfast. still wonder why.. anyway, service was very gentle, nice, and prompt. Our waitress did not interrupt our conversation, yet provided attention as we needed. Price is very reasonable as well. read more

Took a trip to Carlsbad with my son. Wanted to find a "hole in the wall" for breakfast and came across this cute little place. Food was delicious, service good, decor adorable, and prices affordable. Would definitely go back! read more

101 Diner - Hawaiian pancakes filled with banana, pineapple and coconut with coconut syrup. Country potatoes.... - Diners Near Me - Encinitas, California

Love the beach- town diner feel of this place! Come here with my 2 y/o son as part of a burgeoning family tradition of breakfasts together. Food is great, atmosphere is great in Encinitas regardless. Really dig the pancake varieties and my boy loves the chocolate chip/raspberry pancakes a ton (go figure right?) 101 Diner will hopefully remain in our rotation of breakfast joints for a long time to come! read more

Excellent food, fair prices, good menu and great service with a can do attitude. We go often, and it is excellent every time. Thanks to all the hardworking team at 101 Diner! read more

I tried this place out thanks to our fellow Yelpers. Took a run on the coast with the girlfriend and stopped here afterwards. It was around 11:00am on a Monday so we had no problem getting a table outside. The place is quite small, but what in downtown Encinitas isn't? Located right next to El Q'ero which is also the bomb. I had the eggs benedict special(shaved ham with a jalapeno/cilantro hollandaise sauce) and the GF had a chili omelet and we ordered a side of corned beef hash. My Eggs Benedict was quite good and the GF raved about her omelet. The portions were quite big(the omelet was huge!). The corned beef hash was tasty, but it was a little on the mushy side...i like it crispier on the outside. We brought our dog with no problems(see review on Broken Yolk-Carlsbad). People at the outside tables were friendly, overall a great experience. The rest of the menu looked great also, i can't wait to try more of it. I think we found our Sunday regular stop off!!(sorry pizza port....i have met another!!) I"ll update my review if any other dishes are do not miss.... read more

What a great diner!! Food: Always perfect comfort food. Never a bad meal here. Big servings,, big jumbo perfectly cooked eggs, and the best potatoes around. I have no idea what they put in the home fries but wow, I gain 3 pounds every visit. It takes a lot to impress me for breakfast; guess I'm just a morning guy but this place never fails to impress. Corned beef hash is excellent too. Service: Fun wait staff and they're always waiting to fill your coffee cup. They always have a smile and are free to listen. I swear they moonlight as bartenders because they're all a hoot. Just like you'd find at a retro diner. Atmosphere: Small diner fare all around. Cool retro look and always busy on the weekends. You don't usually have to wait for a table during the week but it's still pretty busy. You aren't waited on by hot ladies in mini skirts or tie clad gents but still won't be embarrassed if you take your friend there after a long night of play. Prices: A little bit higher than the standard fare like Denny's but definitely not expensive. Well worth the price. read more

Cute diner on 101 in Encinitas with cutesy 50's and 60's decor, comfortable booths and a back patio area. Service is quick and friendly, menu has fair amount of various breakfast options. Good coffee. I had the California Benedict with avocado and tomato, no meat, and had scrambled egg whites instead of the poached eggs. Good flavor, really fresh tomatoes; my only suggestion is that they toast the muffin so it doesn't get soggy. My husband had the apple pancake, which was fluffy and full of fresh green apples. Smelled just like apple pie! Maybe just add a touch of allspice for a bit of tang. Will definitely try again! read more

THis place is great, food is good, the staff is super freindly,and the prices are right where they should be. My family goes here every weekend, and we wont be stopping anytime soon. Recommend trying the chicken and waffles, very tasty! read more

Amazing breakfast spot!! Hit the spot!!Love the service! Ordered an omelette, the tropical fruit crepes, and tried the Acai Bowl! Everything was delicious ! The bacon and cheese omelette had fresh avocado and taste great with an English muffin! read more

101 Diner - Diners Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Outstanding breakfast spot in Encinitas. Chorizo Benedict was top notch. Service was a 10 too. New favorite when we are in the area.

All I can say is the Hawaiian pancakes are the most amazing ever! It's almost as good as actually being in Hawaii sitting under the sun on the beach with a Mai Tai in hand! My friend and I shared the pancake plate and we both agreed it was absolutely delicious. Banana, pineapple with shredded coconut and powdered sugar on top. The coconut syrup that accompanies it was delicious as well. I also had the corned beef hash breakfast plate (minus the toast) which was just as great. I had read previous posts about how good it was and I have to say it IS really good! The best I've ever had...doesn't compare to the stuff in the can! LOL! Our waitress was very nice and checked in with us a few times. This was my first time at the 101 Diner and it definitely will not be the last! I'll be back! read more

Love this spot. Krista is awesome. The carnitas Benedict and veggie scramble are my go to. The food comes out insanely quick but still delicious. and service is always fast and friendly. read more

Nice atmosphere and great pancakes, sooooo fluffy. I got the Hawaiian pancakes, and the ho-made coconut syrup was a nice touch but unnecessary. You don't need the syrup in my opinion because the batter has a nice sweetness on its own. read more

101 Diner - Hawaiian pancakes and strawberry waffle - Diners Near Me - Encinitas, California

This seems like a cool locals spot. Nothing fancy, just good old fashion service with a plate full of delicious food. It was really hot when we went here. We sat out back on the little patio. It was nice and had a gentle breeze. I food was fresh and filling. read more

Hi - This is Will from Stratton Media Services. I asked the owner for a custom omelet, which he can name later. It had jalapenos, tomatoes, and chili with cheese on top. It also came with wheat toast and home fries. To me this is the best omelet I've ever had. If you visit there this week, tell him that Will suggested two new omelets for specials if he wants to go with them. The first is called La Bonita which has bell pepper, onions, and spinach with cheese on top. Instead of home fries, it should come with a fanned strawberries, fruit, and gluten free bread for the vegetarian lifestyle. The last omelet is called the hashperience which is a hash omelet with cheese on top and a side of sriracha ketchup. Hash could also be substituted with Machata. I am also partial to blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup and whipped butter. Being in SOCAL, they are also very accommodating when it comes to sides such as salsa, avocado, and sour cream. If you read this, tell them Stratton Media Services sent you. Support your local businesses and communities today by shopping local. read more

My favorite diner! Best breakfast and lunch! Great food! I love there pancakes. I love every meal. You can't go wrong with ordering something new. Everything is good. read more

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The baked apple pancake was beyond delicious! My husband had the shaved ham Benedict with jalapeño cilantro hollandaise and it was just as amazing. Prices were great for portion size. We will most definitely be back. read more