How is this a $ restaurant? A family of four with no alcohol came to $71.28 for lunch. That falls into the $$ easily. Terrible service. I'm ok with average food but service better be on point. She sucked. Plain and simple. When asked about special or what was good, everything was "great"! Really!? How about an actual genuine opinion? She left one straw for four beverages. Not busy, just steady. I asked about our soup and chili after 10-12 minutes or so and she said, "the chef puts up the chili but I can bring the soup". Cool, whatever. She didn't bring the cornbread I order with the chili (which showed up after everyone else's entrees) but had no problem charging me for onion and cheese that she admittedly said she forgot to ask me about but had already put it on. Food was overall solid, but service sucked. read more

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My daughter and I went here for breakfast one day while we were on California visiting my sister. My daughter got the pancakes and I had their acai bowl. The thing that I remember most about this place was how peaceful and friendly it was, even while being on what appeared to be the main strip. To be fair, we came in about 1:30pm on a Tuesday, and had the place almost to ourselves, save for a few scattered folks that sat in the booths and tables in the back, while we sat at the front counter. It was incredibly nostalgic, and reminded me of the counter restaurants my dad would take me to when I was a kid. read more

There's not much to say about The Encinitas Cafe. It's a solid breakfast joint. Mexican breakfasts, pancakes, eggs, decent coffee. While it's not going to be one of those breakfasts you'll be telling your friends about afterward, you won't be complaining either. The service is good. The food is good. The ambiance is good. The Encinitas Cafe is good. read more

The food here was your basic diner breakfast food. Nothing bad but nothing is too exciting either. The service was ok but the Spanish guy who seems like the owner wasn't friendly. Food was cheap if that's what you're looking for. read more

The Encinitas Cafe reminds me of some many other coastal diner - a dated restaurant, serving comfort food to a steady stream of breakfast-goers on weekend mornings. The service here was good and the food was tasty but in my opinion there was nothing particularly unique or exceptional about my overall experience. Since it was my birthday weekend we indulged and started with a homemade cinnamon bun. Any meal that starts with dessert is good by me. From there I had the eggs benedict and bf had some eggs and bacon with a yummy pancake. One of the servers there was particularly awesome because I think she is psychic. Although she wasn't waiting on our table she did come over and cheerfully say, "What do you need?" I guess we must have had that "Where's they syrup?" look on our faces. She soon came back with a bottle of Log Cabin, leaned in and whispered, "I heard syrup goes well with pancakes." I appreciated that she saw the quizzical look on our faces and pitched in to help. Another upside to this place is they do have a counter, which is great if you're dining alone. read more

You NEED to go here. LOVE LOVE LOVE their breakfasts and lunches right in the heart of downtown Encinitas. Awesome location, perfect outdoor patio, and huge yummy menu ranging from just-right comfort foods (six different grilled cheeses!) to weekend-perfect breakfast foods to other exceptional entrees from burgers to salads to tacos to sandwiches. Great value, large portions, great service. Have been there twice now. Had salmon tacos the first time. And had chorizo and eggs on corn tortillas this time. With spicy Bloody Mary's to boot. Oh, and their onion rings are to die for. This place ROCKS. read more

Amazing food and service! My husband and I decided that we wanted to start eating at mom and pop shops and the Encinitas Cafe has been around for years...even before I was born I think. The service is really great, everyone is super nice and they are really good at making sure you are satisfied with your meal. Over the years it's gotten pretty pricey but I've never had a bad meal there. There are some reviews complaining about the price, you're in Encinitas, what did you expect . Overall, one of my favorite diners to eat on 101 read more

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Very cozy restaurant and personable staff. We had a party of 9 and were seated right away during breakfast hours. Service was quick and friendly, they stop to take time and ask what brought out to San Diego. Plate protion were more then enough for one person. My favorites were the Avacado eggs Benedict and Chicken fried steak. Recommended this restaurant if you enjoy mom & pop shops. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Avacado eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Family run, consistent food, delicious. I recommend anything with turkey. They roast fresh turkeys for their club sandwiches, open-faced hot turkey sandwiches, Cobb salad. They have won local awards for the lima bean soup. The triple deck grilled cheese is my boy's favorite. Chocolate cake heated with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Kids eat free nights weekly. Wednesday, I think? Best burgers. They get their meat from Tip Top Meats. If I don't feel like cooking for Thanksgiving we have been known to go to the beloved Encinitas Cafe. It feels like home. I've been eating in this restaurant since I was a little girl and it was called the Coffee Mill. read more

Food is fine, not great but not bad. Service was slow and spotty. Other options with equal or better food and service, nothing special here read more

One of the best breakfast i've had in a while, visited back in the summer, it was so delicious!! The mimosa was great! Would definitely come back ! read more

Ate here for breakfast before taking our son to Legoland. This place is super close to our hotel. It looks small from the outside but there's a lot more space once you walk inside. It's pretty old, I noticed the seat in the booth was ripping apart. But I ordered banana walnut pancakes. Omfg! SO DELICIOUS! The service was good too and the people were really nice. I was so happy they had mimosas. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Banana walnut pancake!! Yum yum yum! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Refreshing to find a simple cafe in all the noise that is food establishments these days. Food is good. Coffee is good. Staff are friendly. Stop in today and pay a reasonable price for what is food read more

Best locally owned cafe in the area. I've been coming to this place my entire life and the waitresses have always been the same :) THEY ONLY TAKE CASH! read more

Definitely a breakfast spot to hit when you're in town. Food is great and staff is friendly. I upgraded to the banana walnut pancake for my breakfast and was certainly glad I did. It was so good. Sausage patties were flavorful. read more

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I was kinda lucky this Sunday as I walk in and the place is packed. I see four seats at the counter and I secure it. Our sever is really nice and immediately serve us water. She takes our orders in no time. We haven't had breakfast yet but its past noon so I order the fried chicken lunch and my friends still order breakfast. It now been over 20 minutes and still no food even for the easiest of the orders? I finally get my order and now realize that everyone ordered either from the breakfast or health menu. Lol This place isn't really the best for fried chicken but I wanted to try it anyway. I really came for breakfast but my foolishness compelled me to order something else. Overall, the place is a kewl local hangout in Encinitas and is really busy on the weekends. Foodies, this place is a must try but a no go for the Fried Chicken... Lol read more

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This diner is my favorite place to grab a bite and people watch. The food is always delicious, prices are perfect, and the people!! The staff is so friendly and have been working here for quite some time, and know their stuff. The atmosphere is quaint and comforting, and i love coming here on a rainy day. Highly recommend the banana bread and pancakes! read more

Came here a few times, but not for breakfast. this is probably better for breakfast. I wasn't support impressed with their other foods. I got the French dip. The beef was tender, but it wasn't particularly flavorful. They have good cornbread, and bottomless coffee (yay!) Their meatloaf is pretty decent, although I do have to say that I've had better homemade meatloaf. Service is extremely fast and friendly. This is a good place to pick up a quick meal. read more

Amazing food and service!!! My family and I, always come eat here when visiting the area. I love the Acai bowl, I live in LA and have yet to find a place as good. They use the perfect amount of fruit and granola. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all delicious. For breakfast, I normally have the Acai bowl. For lunch, I typically do the turkey avo sandwich. Their turkey is made in house and made fresh everyday, so tasty! For dinner, I always have the steak salad so gooooood! Service is great they check on you constantly. The owner Debbie is so sweet and always give wonderful recommendations. Servers we have had have been Erica and Eric. They are great with checking in with us and also giving suggestions on different things to try. Love this cute cafe, very old school style. read more

This spot is awesome. Great breakfast spot that you will love. I have been here at least 4 times. I had the delicious banana walnut pancakes. The most amazing breakfast ever. read more

Frickin delicious, reasonably priced, quick service, outdoor seating. What's not to love? I had the Cobb salad with housemade ranch and a $3.50 mimosa, boyfriend had the turkey avocado sandwich (grilled) with a MOUNTAIN of fries. Portion sizes were good and they gave nearly a full avocado in each dish, crispy bacon and house-roasted thick cut turkey (like leftover from thanksgiving style). Everything was undersalted but that might be a perk for some, and you can always add more. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Cobb salad ($14) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Great service and nice locale walking distance to the beach. Food was good wait staff were very attentive.

During these extremely difficult times, we have to support our local businesses; The Cafe needs our support. And why not? The tuna salad is perfect, no fusion food here, just great American tuna salad with fresh ingredients and wonderful service. Sweet Potato Fries are fresh and crispy. Wait staff has been together for 10,20,30 years, it's a family. A kind family with great turkey dinner any evening or meatloaf! Wonderful food!! read more

Fast service and tasty food. Perfect match for this cool town. Pancakes are Hawaiian style cafe sized. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Amazing açaí bowl! One of the best I've had. Great hash browns too. Service was quick & top notch. Jen took great care of me with a friendly smile. Will definitely be back! read more

Encinitas Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

You won't go wrong if you go here, the omelets are great, the potatoes are very tasty & the pancakes are just like the way my mom used to make em. This is my new breakfast stop! The service was 5 stars & everyone was very welcoming. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Vegetarian feta cheese omelet & home fries with a side of pancakes. Excellent! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Love this place. No waiting to get a table and the service was quick. Had the bacon, avocado and cheese omelette and it was the best! The banana walnut bread was delicious. Chocolate chip pancakes super yummy as well as the açaí bowl. Highly recommend this café read more

Mediocre breakfast, the waitress didn't bother what else we needed on our table. Food was not great. The omelette was over done. French toast was ok. Coffee was cold. I don't think I will come back again! read more

This was our first time here on our way down to San Elijo State Beach. Parking is tight as you might expect for the beach, but we got lucky and nabbed a spot right away. The location and interior are beach-quirky. We even brought an extra kid just to up the difficulty level. We were seated pretty quickly considering it was a Saturday at the beach. We started with mimosas. Always good :-). Hubby ordered the Denver Omelette with hash browns. Good sized portion and decent ingredients. Pretty tasty and he demolished it all. Kids split the Kids Breakfast with chocolate chip pancakes. Again, completely destroyed by the hoard. The pancakes were a nice size with plenty of scrambled eggs to boot. I had the Encinitas Breakfast. It was a good sized portion and super yummy. I would definitely recommend Encinitas Cafe if you are in the area looking for a bite to eat. read more

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Me and my Dad found this place on accident late at night on a Saturday. Absolutely amazing little diner, cozy, comfy, inviting, and friendly. Food is amazing and staff is just as extraordinary. 5 of 5 Highlights: 1. Friendly, open, and helpful staff 2. Well priced food, and very delicious 3. Cozy and convenient, old diner style atmosphere. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Old diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Undercooked banana bread, undercooked omelette, unripe fruit, overcooked hash browns, very nice server, but will not be going back. Almost $50 with tip for two for breakfast. Terrible. read more

We had a great time and really good food at the Encinitas Cafe. Sitting in their outdoor area was wonderful and it was great because we could bring our dog while we had our brunch. I highly recommend this business for a good reasonable meal. read more

I'm so stoked to have found this great little spot. Food was awesome, I loved that they served breakfast all day. I would recommend the cinnamon roll as a side with whatever you get. I am still thinking about it a week later. Staff was friendly, clean and very COVID conscious. Will be back soon!!! read more

Many times I have come with my husband for breakfasts to this place, I can really say it is one of our favorite places. The food is very good, the attention is fantastic but this last time we went we got an unpleasant surprise, the people who were next of our table lowered their dishes to the floor to feed their dog to eat from the plate. We were really impressed how can exist people with so little hygiene. We want to tell to the people who work in this place please be more strict and attentive to this type of situations since I would not like to know that in the plates that we eat . Those plates have been used by dogs read more

Encinitas Cafe - The dog eating in the plate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

A nice little diner style cafe, good for a basic breakfast stop in Encinitas. There is often a line, though I'm not sure if that's due to location, proximity to other places that are also busy, or if some people just really like the place. I mean, I enjoy it, sure, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Definitely good food, definitely decent prices, but nothing "wow." Hopefully that makes sense to someone other than me, and if it doesn't, well you had to read it anyway. Ha! Check it out if you're nearby and want to break the fast. read more

This spot is normally great with delicious food and friendly service. On this occasion, we were told to sit anywhere and had a hostess bring us silverware and waters quickly, to then tell us our server would be with us shortly. However, we sat for 20minutes with 4 separate servers walking past us to go to other tables and take orders. There were two other tables that arrived after us that got their orders taken. I would have been okay with the delayed service if it was busy or if they seemed short staffed but we were just blatantly ignored. We decided to get up and leave since no one cared to help. We even passed servers as we left without a word spoken to us. read more

Had somewhat of a chaotic vibe to it (granted, it was Sunday morning). They have a decent amount of staff, but they are a bit unorganized. It looks small from the outside but they have quite a lot of tables. Took quite a while for my order to be taken. At least the manager eventually noticed this and began taking matters into his own hands before my actual waitress remembered to come by. I sat at the bar and got coffee, two eggs (over-easy), and the homemade banana walnut bread. Free refills on the coffee so drink a lot to make the price worth it. The eggs were cooked as requested so no complaints there. The banana walnut bread was good, very moist. It was too sweet for my taste, but it was well baked. Used a lot of coffee to wash it down. Decent diner with normal prices for a beachside location. Nothing too impressive; it does the job if you're hungry for a traditional breakfast. read more

Encinitas Cafe - Banana Walnut Bread - VERY Sweet (depends on your liking I guess..) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Absolute hidden gem. Their French dip is to die for. Excellent service and prices. Only bummer is that their opening and closing times online aren't accurate. Will 100% come back read more

We come here every year when on our family vacation to SoCal, food is already great and people friendly. Highly recommended! read more

Encinitas Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Encinitas, California

Really nice place for breakfast! Hubby had the chorizo eggs and I had the French toast special. Hubby said he enjoyed the flavorful eggs. I loved the crisp bacon, tasty French toast and we both really liked the GOOD coffee! Fast and friendly service...wonderful! This is the kind of place we like coming to and coming back to! read more