Staff is so kind and food is great. Love this homestyle cafe. Meals are big enough for two if a light eater.

We had breakfast here for the first time and our experience was awesome. The food was excellent and server and entire staff friendly and professional. The menu has lots of options, including substitutions and sides to accommodate dietary restrictions too. They make their own salsa with was wonderful. We also took a slice of pie to go. They have a wonderful selection and make fresh daily. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Great breakfast! Also the pies look fantastic, but I don't dare!! I love the California stuffed hash browns. The veggie scramble is definitely my go to! Lots of staff on hand, so coffee refills are a plenty. And let me tell you about their pancakes.. fluffy buttermilk and so yummy. I rarely pancake, but when I do this is the spot! No real maple syrup is probably the only drawback here. Friendly, helpful staff. read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Pies and pies - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

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The food is above average but the coffee was horrible!!! They charge you 4 dollars for watered down coffee. Worse than a k cup. Please fix the coffee! The food is over priced for what it is. I wouldn't go back. read more

Food was awesome. Loved the chilaquiles. Portions are good. Restaurant was busy but the food was fast. Our server Rose was outstanding!! She provided quick and attentive service. Glad we took her recommendation to home a coconut cream pie. Will be going back for again. read more

Karen, we are on my food. I ordered something to go when I get all the way home. It wasn't in there and it was too late for me to call back that wasn't right. I spent a lot of money there and I expect to have good service that wasn't right I'm really mad about that. That was my first time going there. read more

I called 10 minutes before we walked in for a party of 20 from our Richey/Frost Beach Wedding. They said they could only seat us on the patio. We got there and they were ready for us. I can not say enough good things about our waitress, Jennifer. She was the best! Very fast! So nice! Now let's talk about food. I had a Big J's omelette and a bite of one of their "tiny" cinnamon rolls. I forgot to take a picture of the roll, but got an omelette picture. The food was amazing. The roll was warm and fresh. Not too much frosting. It had good flavor, nice cinnamon and buttery taste. The omelette was not the typical flat folded eggs. Had a nice fluffy appearance. It was amazing tasting. I sub Jack cheese for the pepper Jack. Lots of cheese and fillings, they didn't skimp on the fillings. This should be a stop for anyone in Oceanside for Breakfast. read more

Start Fresh Cafe - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

As usual the food and service were amazing we love coming here during each trip to Oceanside. read more

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The food was good, we all weren't really that hungry, there were really no small things on the menu. Large portions and expensive for what it is. If they dropped their prices I would probably come back more often. Service was okay. read more

Came here with my boyfriend to try out yet another brunch spot. I had my go-to chilaquiles (red) and he had the chorizo burrito. They ended up not being my favorite chilaquiles with way too much cheese though he enjoyed his burrito. We finished with a slice of blueberry pie a la mode. The pie was tasty but the ice cream had crystals as if it had been sitting for a while. Very friendly place with multiple servers who stopped by to check on our water and if we needed anything more. read more

We found this gem by searching "Bloody Mary" on Yelp And we just hit the jackpot with the drinks, food, and service! We sat on the patio since it was a beautiful breezy morning, and enjoyed perfectly blended/balanced Bloody Mary's - one with bacon, which was pleasantly crispy instead of soggy! We had the country stuffed hash browns and CA omelet with home fries. BEST home fries I've ever had at a restaurant. They were cooked with chunks of white onion and green bell pepper, seasoned well. The country stuffed hash browns were also delicious, cooked perfectly with lots of flavor. Service was genuinely friendly and unbelievably quick! This will be a must-have every time we visit Oceanside! read more

Start Fresh Cafe - CA omelet, country-stuffed hash browns, and two Bloody Mary's - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

Good variety and prices! Size are good and service is too! It was a little warm in the morning sitting inside close to the kitchen. Might try the outside dining area next time and the Baked Goods looked amazing! The fresh salsa is tasty and nice because not every restaurant offered fresh salsa! It seemed like the owner was coming around to check on everyone so that was nice! read more

Ordered oat meal and orange juice paid $40 couldn't properly take my order put me on hold for 15 minutes to pass me to someone who could actually speak proper English read more

I loved the cozy ambiance of this diner. Staff was so friendly and kind. Lastly the food was good!! I got a veggie omelette with English muffin and fruit. Our biggest surprise was when the in house baked cinnamon roll arrived! It was massive and my husband and I have never seen such a massive roll!! He didn't like the butter on top of the roll though. We recommend this cozy diner!!! read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Cinnamon Roll - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

I spent most of the morning driving down from LA to SD and was hungry by the time I got halfway through. My quaran-teammate looked up spots and suggested Start Fresh. While it was busy it wasn't packed and parking was pretty easy. We walked up and requested to sit outside and we got seated underneath a big tent near the side of the building. At this point, I was super hungry so when our server came by I already knew what I was going to get. The Texas scramble-it was like having biscuits and gravy and egg and bacon and sausage at the same time. I also got their strawberry lemonade and a diet pepsi-for the caffeine; not a coffee guy. The lemonade was good, super tart but balanced about by the strawberry puree-make sure you stir it up a little so it gets diffused. The breakfast was hot and filling-and the sausage was nicely browned. The gravy though was ok-it wasn't as rich as I would have liked but I basically wolfed it down anyway. If I come through next time, I'll ask what their specials are before ordering. When I went to use the bathroom I saw the 'Lowrider special' on their chalkboard above the bar and I would have gotten THAT if I knew it had existed. read more

The best breakfast ever!! Fresh, hot and delicious. Amazing and friendly service. Lemon cream pie to die for.

Food The coffee was good. The biscuits and gravy? not great for a family style restaurant. I could not find any meat in the gravy and there was no meat taste. Isn't it customary for biscuits and gravy to have meat in the gravy? The gravy also had an unexpected oniony taste. The menu lists chicken fried steak with sausage gravy. Do you use a different gravy for your biscuits and gravy? I left half my order. I definitely wouldn't order biscuits and gravy here in the future. All in all, it was not a $27 breakfast for two. Family atmosphere. Pretty loud but to be expected in a big open room . The service was excellent. It was busy but things arrived within a reasonable time. The pies looked amazing going out the door. They were hovering at $20 or a couple bucks North. Next time read more

Great morning breakfast! I tried the California Benny with homefries. Hit the spot. Others in our party had the avacado toast. So many choices to choose from with this traditional classic American style with many options. The service was amazing made you feel like home. We will definitely be back! read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Welcome sign - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

What a wonderful local gem. Walked over for a late breakfast on a Saturday. We were seated right away and ordered a bottle of champagne w/OJ while we decided what to eat. We ended up trying the California Benedict and Veggie omelette, both so good, very flavorful in a traditional way. The cinnamon roll (baked fresh daily) had a crispy texture to it, not too sweet, and it's big! The service was outstanding, we had several servers checking on us and the food came out quickly (and hot). Impressive because this place was busy. The ambiance is traditional and laid back, with booth, tables and counter seating inside and a patio w/booths and tables outside. There was an assortment of fresh pies and other baked goods for sale that looked incredible, will try next time. If you're a foodie and looking for an elevated food experience, this place is not for you. But if you're in the mood for some good food and friendly service, stop by, you will be glad you did. read more

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We had breakfast here last Sunday and I am still ranting and raving about it! The friendly staff, ample amount of parking for my lifted truck, and the food was to die for! They had outdoor seating for the pups that my daughter loved to watch! Best spot! Cinnamon rolls not too sweet just perfect! read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Country hash! So good over medium and solid amount. Of gravy and cheese! - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

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We were tired of looking up places on Yelp for breakfast in the area for our drive home from San Diego, and decided to get off the freeway and stop at the first place we saw. What we weren't expecting was for this breakfast to be all kinds of delicious. Everything we ate was so good and reviewing photos of others' means the rest looks great too. There was no wait for a Sunday morning. The service was top notch, as I was offered a refill of coffee every 5 minutes. Definitely recommend coming here and I will definitely be returning to try one of their pies or cinnamon rolls! read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Lumberjack breakfast - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

What a jewel this cafe is! Right there on PCH; easy parking, Very Friendly & attentive staff but what's most important: the food. A+ on the three dishes my daughters and I ordered. Coffee abounds too. We will return. read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Eggs Benedict = perfection - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

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The Start Fresh Cafe offers big breakfast portions that are sure to please! I can see why so many yelpers have rated this place as highly as they have. Mel J. and swang by the Cafe for our first visit based on so many glowing yelp reviews. These are essential in picking really good places, and Yelp once again did not disappoint. I ordered the Veggie Omelette without cheese, and it was big and full of fresh veggies. Topped with a generous half avocado, I completed my breakfast by getting refried beans instead of potatoes. Absolutely delicious. The ice tea was tasty, and the ambiance was nice - diner style for sure. I am a definite fan and will return next time I am in the area and hungry! read more

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Sooooooo. I had the not most welcoming visit. The food was mediocre and I had 2 small mimosas. My daughter had a burger and my husband had steak and eggs I had a burger too but the bun was bigger then the patty so I ate just the meat. Not worth the visit read more

The best pies known to man! Fresh pies, cream, pies, and fruit pies. Homemade the crust is delicious. Friendly and great customer service! read more

Would have given four stars if not for the catastrophe of trying to split the check. Somehow it took 4 people, mischarging both of our cards, and 20 minutes to check out. Besides that extremely frustrating dilemma, the food was 4 stars. The bread really stole the show in my opinion. Was super thick and buttery and complimented my burger really well. I ordered the California bacon cheeseburger, no pickles or onions. Was super delicious and then halfway into my meal I realized they forgot to add the avocado!! I didn't say anything because I was almost done and should've realized it sooner. My friend ordered a chicken sandwich which also came on a nice hot roll. We both chose our sides to be fries. Place had a nice homey vibe, was overall clean. I would come back and try a breakfast item. read more

Great change of pace to 101 or Beachbreak cafés. Less busy, slightly easier on the wallet and excellent food. Plus, they have mimosas that the other spots don't have, and let's face it, eho doesn't want a breakfast drink whilst on "staycation?" My only disappointment was not saving enough room for the great looking pies. read more

We are outside. Started with a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven. Delicious. I had a mimosa which was good. The Irish stuffed hash browns were wonderful with a decent size portion. I got my eggs poached easy and they are only cooked right 50% of the time. Cooked perfectly here. Hubby got a scramble which was on point. Coffee was just ok. Great food. Fast friendly service. 4.5 stars. read more

Loved this place! I can't believe that I lived in Oceanside for 3 years and never been here. It's a very family oriented place. They staff make you feel like family. I had the chicken fried steak and it was really good. read more

BOMB!!! And I'm not even bring extra lol The food here is really delicious, freshness is guaranteed. One thing I have not tried yet that I'm really looking forward to coming back and trying, are their pies. They look so good!! The service is always great, they also have indoor and outdoor seating. We never have to wait over 10 mins to be seated. I really enjoy the food here and can't wait to go again . read more

Start Fresh Cafe - Grapefruit Mimosa - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

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BEST FOOD IN OSIDE! Yesterday we came and ordered the French toast combo and huevos rancheros and were so blown away by how good it was that we came back today. Again we were so pleased with our food we will definitely be back. Today we got the red chilaquiles with steak and the special which was California stuffed hash browns. We also got a slice of apple pie to go and ate it at home with some vanilla ice cream. It was very tasty but a little pricey per slice, so more of a special occasion kind of treat. Not only is the food better than any breakfast diner I've ever been to, but the service is also so fast and friendly. With it being a holiday weekend, the host kindly let us know they were understaffed and appreciative of our patience if it took longer than usual, but we still got served faster than expected for even a normal day. Overall, this is our new favorite breakfast and lunch spot and we plan on becoming regulars! read more

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Such a fun and cozy atmosphere. Just a little classic cafe you need on the weekend. They have a huge selection of classic breakfasts. Definitely a go-to spot for an easy, quick, breakfast. Also very dog friendly :) read more

Oceanside has plenty of cool breakfast spots that will remain nameless from new and hip to old school staples. As I cruise down Coast Highway on the weekend mornings I always find myself stopping by the Start Fresh Cafe. I've only had breakfast here, so I need to come back and try some lunch. The breakfast is plentiful and fairly priced. I usually go with an ABC omelette which is always satisfying with a biscuit on the side drowned in gravy. This last time I tried the country stuffed hash browns with a biscuit drowned in gravy of course! Damn was that filling. Stuffed with sausage, bacon and cheddar cheese then topped with 2 eggs and some gravy. The owner came out for a talk and is a real nice guy. He explained how the hash browns start from whole potatoes fresh made every morning. You can always find some cool cars in the parking lot from some of the other patrons. As many great places to eat as there are in Oceanside, Start Fresh Cafe is my quick go to super chill breakfast spot. read more

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Let me start off by saying breakfast is normally not my jam. I have never been a breakfast food lover. I don't have a huge sweet tooth, so things like pancakes, french toast or waffles have never been a huge draw. I am usually fine grabbing a bar of some sort of calling it a day meal. The hubby, on the other hand, loves breakfast food. He would happily eat breakfast for dinner (or any meal) and be in heaven. As per usual, I jumped on Yelp to see nearby spots to give a try. We came across Start Fresh Cafe and thought we'd pop in. When the reviews mentioned the "small time diner vibe" I was picturing it in a different spot, but once the hubby and I jumped in the car to head down we both realized where we were going. We drive by all the time {and comment about the "holiday pies" they're always advertising... not sure which holiday ;)} and although it usually looks hoppin', have never gone before now. It was definitely a diner vibe, with a counter that felt like it was right out of the 70s (obviously there is NOTHING wrong with that, just thought using the decade might help you visualize the interior). We opted to sit inside (since the pandemic they have added outdoor seating {more of an open sided tent situated in their parking lot}, like most of the restaurants in SoCal who could afford to do so) since it was still a little gray and chilled when we arrived (around 8am on a Saturday). All of the employees we came in contact with seemed super friendly and welcoming. It also seemed like there were quite a few "regulars". I always smile when I hear people ordering "the usual". Oceanside isn't a 'small town' persay (the population from 2020 says it's over 175,000 people), but I like that there are still places where folks feel at home. When you walk in, there are a few cabinets of their fresh pies/ loaves/ muffins/ etc. Of course, the hubby, who has a MAJOR sweet tooth, started drooling almost immediately ;) I wasn't sure if we would get out without a pie in tow. We sat down and had a look over the menu (which was rather large). I knew I could rule out the sweet breakfast stuff (like pancakes, french toast, waffles, etc), so that did make the menu a bit more manageable. I was left with mostly egg meals - scrambles and omelettes. I normally don't eat eggs, but that was sort of what I was left with, so I decided on a veggie omelette (spinach, mushrooms, onions and avocado) with a side of fruit. (It also came with a bread option, but that's way too much for me, so I asked the hubby if he'd want any of the choices and picked the homemade biscuit right away.) The hubby went with a breakfast sandwich (without the meat of course) on a croissant and a side of hashbrowns. {I don't like croissants or hashbrowns either... I know, I'm probably pretty weird ;)... Like I said, breakfast food isn't my fave.} I remembered seeing folks mentioning the cinnamon rolls on the reviews. I thought I'd see if the hubby would prefer one (and maybe I'd have a few bites) rather than a pie and he decided on that (but did say afterwards that had we not gotten the cinnamon roll he definitely would've ordered a piece of pie and it "might have" made it home to go with his lunch). The food was all good (although I think my omelette had sat on the counter for a while because it wasn't very warm and we had originally asked that the cinnamon roll come out before our meals but either the waitress forgot or the kitchen was 'just that fast' ). When I asked the hubby, he said he would give the place five stars. He loved the vibe and enjoyed everything he ate (along with the standard drip coffee). Although everything was fine, I told him that I wasn't sure I'd come back. Again, there was nothing wrong with the restaurant or the food, but if we only eat out once a week, I would prefer eating out a lunch or dinner at a place I really enjoyed. I could see us coming back if people were in town or if friends really wanted to do breakfast, but other than that I don't really see me picking a breakfast spot to eat out in general at (especially since I'm normally up 3+ hours before the hubby and don't prefer to wait that long before I eat). read more

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Huge plates of food. Very great service. Always meet the owner while you're there. Couldn't ask for much better for breakfast.

The hubby and I love this place. Our go to for a breakfast date. Customer service is on point and food has always hit the spot. Thank you! read more

Start Fresh Cafe - American Near Me - Oceanside, California

I ordered a hamburger $12.00, topped with Chili. The waitress charged me $ 18.95, because $6.95 for the chili topping. Be careful there, you will get overcharged. $18.95 for a hamburger! read more

Great find! Traditional old school looking diner. Friendly, clean and large menu and specials. So much to chose from but our great server Tracy made some recos. I dived in head first and chose Honey Bunches of French Toast accompanied w sliced bananas a dollop of butter and cinnamon n powdered sugar. Came with crisp bacon. Yum. This is crusted with the cereal and perfect grilled and bread was thick. Wow! Super satisfying. I'll burn it off at the IM on Sat. My honey chose traditional French toast with bacon. Both came fresh and hot to the table. The coffee was fresh and hot too. Our server checked on us regularly. We also saw some fab looking eggs Benedict being served. Forget the chains and head here. Thanks for the great service Tracy! Great job today loved the spinach scramble and home fries. Great service Chip! Back again today post race. Chip was our server again. She's a pro. We brought friends. Two orders honey bunch French toasts, Greek scramble n biscuit and omelette. Yummy! See you next year! read more

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Good food. Interesting menu options and good pancakes. Iris's Stuffed Hashbrowns were really good. Cute diner atmosphere. Service was good too. I would go back. read more

Great chilaquiles! Traditional not too spicy. It's hard to find chilaquiles that are traditionally made so I appreciate that this location makes them that way and that they are really good. The restaurant is cozy and smells like fresh baked goods. I ordered pick up and the person helping me was very attentive and considerate. Will be back! read more