3.5/5! We came in a big group and the wait did take a while. Parking was also a bit difficult in this area so consider walking further. It was a cute area with a little shop too. I thought the pink and green theme was fun and festive. We ordered a group of dishes and the food was adequate though I was most excited for the quiche and it was a bit dry. Overall, it's a decent place for brunch. read more

Such a beautiful restaurant filled with kind people. The staff really are the shining star of this restaurant. From the friendly greeting including dog treats for my pup at the hostess stand to thoughtful selecting seating so my pup could sunbath. Every staff member stopped and talked to my pup. I ordered the virgin pickle Bloody Mary. I was so happy to see a virgin option as I love a Bloody but not currently drinking. For my food I ordered the lobster Benedict. The hollandaise sauce was very lemon forward and the lobster was a tad over cooked. But was still really good. The potato's were amazing and I'm not a potato person. Get the potatoes not the salad. Trust me. They give you a large water pitcher on the water which is nice, no way ring for more water. The decor is super sweet and whimsical. We sat outside and they had a clear tarp next to our table I'm assuming to block the wind and rain. I was thankful until the sun hit it directly. I then felt like ant under a magnifying glass. There is a small for pay lot, less than 20 spots otherwise it's street parking I went on a week day at 11 with no wait, but I can imagine the weekends are another story. Overall a great local gem filled with great staff read more

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Visit Dec. 13, 2025 The whole Ohana came here after visiting my Dad at Miramar National Cemetery for the Wreathes Across America annual event. Our scheduled time was 7:30am so by the time we were all done we were famished not having a chance to eat bc of the early call time. Typically my Mom asks for something like Denny's or ihop. No offense but not if I can help it? Sugar and Scribe popped up highly recommmended on Yelp so off to Downtown La Jolla. There was thankfully a lot of parking available in the area including their own small lot. There were 12 humans and 1 dog so we were in their covered patio which was in the parking lot itself. Split tables and one very busy server who despite the morning crowd and our large party was very cheery and enthusiastic. For myself, I ordered a simple vanilla latte with oat milk. It was really cold so my hot foo-foo brew hit the spot. I believe they use Dark Horse roasters. It came with a surprise bear thingy. The waiter gave a very quick response to "What's your fave?" So ta-duh! The Blazin' Chilaquiles skillet with beef it is! Very hearty dish carrying some heat with some Fresno chilis. I asked for over easy eggs and perfecto. The chips, cheese, chili, creamy egg yolk, and very tender bbq beef made for an excellent bite. My wife ordered albondigas which we figured would pair well as we share our plates anyways. Idk if it passes the authentic Mexican taste test and she mentioned she liked the albondigas from the taco shop near her office in CV better. We also shared "Truffle Love" which was side dish of oven roasted potato's with shaved truffle in truffle oil served by a truffle hunting pig and just seeing if you read this far. I don't have a picture of everybody's meal bc...lazy. To be transparent it's pretty pricey for breakfast and we averaged about $40 per person. Upscale breakfast in La Jolla. So sometimes Denny's and iHop make sense lol. Worth a return visit? Yes. The food was overall very good and filling as shared by my family. read more

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Most would agree that if you are trying a restaurant for the first time, a strong indication of its popularity is the crowd of folks hoping to get a table, but what's an even stronger indication is if the line builds just before it opens. Such was the case for me when I visited Sugar and Spice very recently. I had the occasion to enjoy Sugar and Spice with a good friend who was dining there for the first time as well. The line of folks waiting to dine along with the very inviting displays in their windows of very skillfully prepared pastries was an indication of the quality of their dishes. We were not let down. You will find a wide selection on their menu that represents what one would enjoy at a French bistro. Although my friend and I (as well as the other customers) were there for breakfast which was our focus on this occasion. I ordered the Salmon Benedict, she the Sligo Scramble and both sampled the buttermilk blueberry pancakes. I'll start with the benedict and say that it was extremely tasty and was served with their rendition of buttery hashed browns. When it comes to benedicts, fresh ingredients and exceptional hollandaise are about the only discernable differences between one offering to the other. All of these marks were hits and it arrived hot and it took only a few bites to consider this a wonderful choice. The pancakes arrived hot as well with accents of rich flavors that really stood out. Not being a person that can eat a stack, only having a few bites made it well worth the addition. Although I did not sample the Sligo Scramble, my friend loved it and made a point of highlighting the special quality of the cheese which made it particularly memorable. Along with the great service, the food and atmosphere made Sugar and Scribe one of my new favorites to have breakfast. Very creative menu that included traditional dishes with tasty enhancements. I am looking to dining here again, perhaps for lunch, and if you are in the neighborhood or want a great breakfast or a place to enjoy a special meal, I encourage you to give it a try. The lines move very fast with their very ample seating, so don't be discouraged. Its 5 star rating by others is accurate and well deserved! Bon Appetite! read more

Sugar and Scribe - Salmon Benedict - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Though a bit pricey, we liked the food a lot. Curious names and the shelf's lined with pastry are a delight. The ambience was very "springy", pleasant. The service was not up to par. The place was busy, but the service was slow. I think that is the reason for the crowd outside. We got so delayed at every step, getting called, getting a server assigned, server to come and take our orders, ... and then to get the food - it took forever, we forgot how long we had been waiting. We won't be going there unless we have the whole morning or something free. read more

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If you're looking for a brunch spot in La Jolla, Sugar & Scribe has you covered. The ambience is whimsical yet quaint, with both indoor and outdoor seating and a separate bakery counter. I came with a few friends on a Sunday morning, and we were excited to finally try S&S! - Full Irish Breakfast - hearty and filling with sausage, pudding, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, toast, and fried potatoes - Blueberry Love Pancakes - fluffy with a bright lemon tang and blueberry compote; a must-try - California Skillet - mix of Irish sausage, eggs, and grits or potatoes - Brioche French Toast - crisp on the outside, soft inside, topped with strawberries and petals - Rose, OJ, Lemon Lavender Mimosas - light, bubbly, and colorful; flights available Some of these items are no longer on the menu, but everything we tried was delicious. Service was friendly, and we were seated quickly despite the no-reservation policy. I've heard good things about their unicorn-style whipped cream hot chocolate -- will have to try next time! read more

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The service was good. People are nice. The deco was really cute and the outside seating was comfortable with small fire pits around. The quality for the price did not make it for us. The waffles were good but the toppings weren't. The maple syrup is corn syrup and the whipped cream cool whip. Tried the lobster Benedict but the lobster was tough possibly pre-frozenu. The service was quick considering there was an event near by and many customers. For two dishes and two drinks plus tip was $80. I wouldn't mind if the quality was better. They have pastries and we heard those were good but we didn't try them. I don't think I'd come back unfortunately. read more

It's not a mistake that the pictures on reviews look great. We need to share more pictures of the staff, because they're over the top! I took my mom, dad, and aunt here for a weekend brunch. We arrived early, they had a handicapped space available right out front and it was a very short wait while they prepared a table. We sat outside on the lively patio. It was quiet enough at least that we could have a good conversation. Our server was really friendly and accommodating. Mom of course always asks "What's YOUR favorite?" - which can be tricky. She helped us decide between several of the choices that sounded great - ended up with lox and bagel for mom, shrimp and grits for me, and shakshuka for Dad. Coffee came out on pretty demitasse cups with plenty of milk and was very tasty (I'm becoming a coffee snob too!). We also had Bloody Marys which were well prepared. The salmon was very good, and generous enough to share. Shakshuka is out of Dad's comfort zone but he enjoyed it. The shrimp and grits were taking a little long, and then the chef came out and apologized profusely that the fresh frozen shrimp hadn't been defrosted and so they weren't cooking properly and she couldn't serve them, they were still frozen in the middle and not safe. So professional, and so polite about it! So I quickly picked another - the sausage rolls. The pastry and sausage were perfect. read more

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Lovely outdoor patio area to sit in, today was overcast and damp but there are light blankets to keep you comfortable. I was hoping the "glassware" was not plastic, the pastel colors went well with the decor and gold flatware. Service was wonderful, helpful with suggestions from the menu. The food was exceptionally good, especially their pancakes. I love a good presentation when my meal is presented. My toasted marshmallow latte was tasty and not overly sweet. My daughter's espresso was also tasty and not overly sweet. I would definitely return. read more

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Beautiful foods and delightful desserts. I especially love the molasses sugar cookies. I know I have the name wrong, but they are soft, brown, pillowy, gingery cookies that have sugar on the outside. We always bring back a few boxes when we go to spread the love to our children. I am a baker myself, and I know a good cookie. These, by the way, are not good cookies. They are TOP TIER, EXCELLENT, PERFECT cookies. In addition, their lunches and breakfast are delicious. I'm particular about food, and this is one place that is always a joy to eat at. Please never ever ever go out of business. read more

Food is fantastic!! Horchata latte was so tasty but not overly sweet. Tuna melt was hearty and fresh and flavorful. The bread pudding French toast is the second best I've ever had in my life! Cute outdoor patio, nice service and tons of great sweets and fun drinks with yummy food. read more

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I have mixed feelings about this place because the food was OK but I loved the atmosphere. It is a great place to have a causal brunch with some friends and talk. The wait was about 20 minutes which was not terrible because there are some small shops nearby. The food was a little heavy for my stomach. Ordered: - Steak and eggs (4/5): This was probably the best dish of the four. The potatoes were a little oily which made the dish really heavy in oil and flavors. - Crabby Royale Benedict (3/5): There was LOTS of crab cake which was delicious. The salad on the side was a refreshing in comparison to the dish. - Mac and Cheese (3/5) - Fried Chicken and Biscuit Skillet (?) 3/5: The biscuit was the main dish and the chicken was a little dry Service was great and the waiter was very attentive. read more

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Very atmospheric brunch spot right in the heart of La Jolla. By some surreptitious twist of fate, we had no wait! By the time we left there was about 45min wait at the door. The hostess seated us in the outdoor patio at a cozy table for two, beneath a vibrant ceiling of hanging flowering-plants (all plastic, of course). But the florals in combination with the colorfully whimsical table settings made for a memorable moment indeed. The menu is full of all your favorite brunch items, but reimagined by a top-hat wearing mad-hatter, or perhaps a fairy-godmother-chef! I'm honestly not sure which is more impressive... the menu descriptions or the fact that someone could actually prepare the food as-described. The creativity was endless. As a true lover of Benedicts, I had to go for the spicy crabby royal. The balance of flavors was just right; the crab cakes weren't too dry, the eggs weren't too runny, and the hollandaise was a perfect pairing with the spice of sriracha. Couple that with some delicious sliced potatoes, and we've got a winner! We noticed a lot of skillets, pancakes and waffles being delivered to other tables, and they all looked amazing. We're going to have to come back to try more of this ambitious menu, perhaps unicorn style? Service was friendly enough, but it was really the atmosphere and the food that shined. Make a reservation for busy weekends, or try your luck as a walk-in... which will be worth the wait! read more

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This may be my favorite brunch spot in San Diego. It's one of the few places where multiple items on the menu really seem to be calling my name at once. I have only been twice, though I cannot wait to come back next time to try more of the menu or revisit some favorites. At Sugar and Scribe, I have had the crab cake Caesar salad, crabby benedict, and the blueberry pancakes. Amazing crab cakes. FANTASTIC BLUERBERRY PANCAKES! One of the best, if not the best, pancakes I've had. Wait staff is great and the restaurant is so well decorated. The first time I went, there were flies all over the place (outdoor seating). I guess that's not something easily controlled, but it was annoying. The second time I went it was earlier in the morning and cooler, and I didn't notice any flies hanging around. Some menu items on my list to try next time: lemon curd pancakes, lobby roll, scotch egg read more

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I went here during peak brunch hours on a weekend and the service was still phenomenal. Our server was very nice and updated us on the wait time quite frequently. On top of that, the food was very well seasoned and was a large portion. The ambiance was welcoming and a little loud but still adorable and charming. read more

Adorable place!! Feels like you stepped into Candy Land. Came for breakfast and there was a wait, but while you wait you can order drinks inside, so we did that. They came out quickly and so did our table. I got the shakshuka and my boyfriend got a breakfast sandwich, we both really liked it. Our waiter was friendly and checked on us regularly. Would come back! read more

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The wait here is decent on a busy holiday weekend but we got there decently early and only waited about 30 minutes. The staff here is super nice. The host even explains how you can get grab and go coffee or pastries on the 1st floor as you wait. My wife got the naughty skillet and it was really good. The beef on the bottom was really good and paired perfectly with the cheesy potatoes. I got the sausage rolls and they were good but nothing mind blowing it was very basic. The vibe of this place is really interesting. My wife said it reminds her of the Madonna Inn. It's very quaint with mostly pastel colors on the inside. The outside seating is nice with lots of shade covering. read more

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Hands down one of the best places I have eaten. I was a little hesitant to visit bc there were no reservations, but even at prime-time brunch hour (11am-ish), there was no wait for three people. I'm sure if you have a larger party, that might be different. The place was packed inside and out, but I think service is fast, so they get people in and out. The restaurant is SUPER cute and offers a nice ambiance; it's great for families, friends or even couples. Food was SOOOOO good. My group shared the mushroom toast, a healthy skillet and their infamous S & S pancakes. You guys, this is ALL the hype and definitely lived up to our expectations. We had great service at the door and at the table, but I failed to get either people's names. Anyhow, this place gets 10 stars from me. read more

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Such a cute breakfast/brunch spot! The restaurant is decorated beautifully, and staff were nothing but sweet and welcoming. The food was great, especially the chilaquiles. While the food was nice, if I were to come again, it would be more for the environment. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Blazin' Chilaquiles Skillet - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

This restaurant is exactly what you see in photos but the photos do not do it justice. Everything - from the food to the decor - is thoughtfully placed and included. It all adds to the vibe of feeling at home, comfortable, and relaxed. I spent some time looking around the store/restaurant, and no one seemed to mind. Workers offered to help even though they were experiencing some plumbing issues that morning (I believe). The staff was communicative and still achieved treating their customers with kindness. I had their macarons and coffee. That first sip of coffee hit the spot and I loved that I could taste the espresso. Hoping to return when I visit San Diego again! read more

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A great option for breakfast, the pancakes were so beautifully decorated and they weren't super expensive either, about the normal price you would expect when dining in for breakfast especially with a nice atmosphere by la jolla, The outside decoration was very wonderful and the food was delicious. Everyone that came to the table and offered water or something to eat was very polite and respectful and I would love to return promptly. read more

Another outstanding breakfast Ordered: Smothered and covered skillet with BBQ Beef - over easy eggs smothered with cheesy chicken gravy. Beef was tender with balanced sour and sweetness of BBQ sauce. Butter Poached Lobster Benedict - Deliciously rich hollandaise sauce over perfectly poached egg. Great portion of succulent lobster meat on a toasty English muffin. Chicken Caesar Wich - buttery and flaky croissant with well seasoned and crispy buttermilk fried chicken and fresh salad on the side. 6" Dripping in Finesse Cake (Vanilla Cake w/ Strawberry Cardamom Buttercream) - $90 cake that is so worth it! Simple, elegant design and luscious cake! It was 915AM on Wednesday so I have to drive around the block to find a parking spot. Courteous and attentive staff. Highly recommended for brunch menus and desserts/cakes! read more

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OMGGGGG!!! Wow, this place was an absolute find!!! While visiting La Jolla for the weekend from the Bay Area, my friend and I stumbled upon this place on a Saturday morning after a class at Honor Pilates. The overall vibe and aesthetics were calling out to us. We were definitely hungry so we put our names down for the 35 minute wait. While we waited we walked through their bakery and store. There a lot of fun things to look at and buy! Once seated our server was attentive and kind. We made small talk and asked for recommendations. We each ordered a coffee to start and the açaí bowl to share. Super yummy!! I ordered the crispy clicker Benedict, and my friend had the basic breakfast with blueberry pancakes. Overall the food was amazing, incredibly filling and tasting. We didn't realize that we ordered so much as their portions were hefty, so just a heads up! I look forward to coming back! read more

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We were looking for a new place to try out while in the area and decided to try this out. There is a small parking lot but can get full when its busy. The staff is friendly, they have an open patio and small dining area inside. The décor is cutesy but a little old. Healthy Skillet - it was okay Strawberry Cloud - it looked better than it tasted Steak Eggs Benedict - the steak was good, dish was flavorful Corned Beef Hash Skillet - the corned beef was in chunks, it was okay Bread Pudding French Toast - love that you can make your own Overall, the food is okay, nothing stood out. read more

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Brunch with sprinkles on everything!!! Was like eating in a glittered rainbow of tasty goodness. Had learned about this restaurant before, and while visiting had to give it a try. Yes it's a bit of a novelty experience, and not sure what level of edible glitter qualities as too much, but there's always need for a bit of magic and happiness in the world. Food was tasty (though the waffles were cold when I got them sadly, all else was good), pretty fast, good service, and lovely magical ambiance. Great outdoor space too. Prices are as expected in La Jolla. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Mmmm coffee! - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

Favorite SD brunch place! My dad had come here previously and really wanted to take me after our early flight from Vegas. We were nervous that the wait would be long, but luckily we were sat right away around 9am. I loved the vibes and the decor. Super afternoon tea vibes and springy. I ordered a dark chocolate cappuccino which was delicious to start. I then ordered the mushroom toast with potatoes. This was sooooo good. If you love mushrooms, you'll love this. The mushrooms are so well cooked and seasoned and the potatoes are thinly sliced and also had great flavoring. I've never had my brunch potatoes cut like that, and I feel like they almost tasted better because of it, but that could just be me. We also had a really nice server! I can't wait to go back here on my next SD trip. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Mushroom Toast - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

Came here about 2 years ago with my parents for brunch and it was pretty yummy. Came here again recently with a friend and tried the Crispy Clucker Benedict - DELICIOUS Just seeing the photo is making my mouth water and want to go back there again. The chicken was a good size piece, and the biscuit was buttery. I liked the sauce it had a bit of a kick to it. Recommend coming here and trying this dish. Service was friendly. Ambiance was very cutesy and perfect for brunch. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Crispy Clucker Benedict: southern fried chicken, poached egg, buttermilk biscuit, arugula, BBQ hollandaise - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

Friendly place and beautiful from afar. They're located near the cottage and several other brunch places. Parking can be a challenge, but that's like that everywhere here. The food was a little underwhelming. Portions were good. The table beside us was really unhappy about their food. They complained to the server and I don't know what happened after. I'm so nosy LOL The place wasn't super clean. I had to use their bathroom, but it took forever. Maybe one of them was out of service. The one I went to was pretty dirty. The floor was all wet and sticky. I felt gross. Service was friendly, but it was difficult to grab their attention. By the time I wanted to order more and finally grabbed their attention, they've already closed to kitchen. It would've been nice if they did a last call or more frequent rounds. Would I come back again? Probably? If I have a friend that wants to visit. Place could be cleaner though. Chairs were also sticky. Decorations has layers of dust. It's beautiful from afar... read more

This place was a such a let down... got stuck at a weird table inside with only a booth side so we had to eat facing the dining room. Food was underwhelming. The bagel and mushroom/feta pastry were super dry and my boyfriend's skillet had onions in it, which was not listed on the menu and he has an allergy. The potatoes were yummy though. Seems a bit gimmicky with all the decor, pink and unicorn sparkles... but if that's your vibe, its a unique set up. Pretty patio. read more

Four of us came here just wanted some dessert. This place has a lot of outdoor and indoor seating. It was pretty windy so we grabbed a table indoor. The decor was whimsical. We ordered blueberry pancakes and some lattes and cocktail , the pancake was overly sweet and soggy. The lattes and cocktail were not as good as their look. I was disappointed. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Sparkling blueberry pancakes - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I really like this place, but sadly like lots of other places the prices are going up and the portion sizes are going down. Went in this morning for a pastry and they all have gotten 40-50% smaller and are the same price. They also are not nearly as flavorful. Why change a good thing?! Total bummer. Guess I won't be back in for a while... read more

Love this place. Came on a Sunday around 12:00 pm and they got us in within 10 minutes. The staff are so friendly and the atmosphere has a joyful vibe. The food and drinks are delicious and you will come back. Parking isn't the best. You just have to say a prayer as you search for that golden open spot. read more

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Ambiance is whimsical with Irish inspired decor. Our server Gweyn was kind and responsive. Since I have an extreme shellfish allergy, I have to inquire about cross contamination. Our server was knowledgeable and reassured me that they take allergies seriously and the kitchen will take care of me. We ordered the Cobb Salad and the Naughty Skillet. Both were delicious. The chicken was tender and crispy. The spicy skillet had the perfect amount of heat. My husband didn't need hot sauce for once. The pastry shop is magical, we definitely need to bring the grandkids. read more

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Food: * Blazin' Chilaquiles Skillet - flavorful. I ordered my egg over medium for a runny egg. It's not super spicy and I liked the combination of everything overall. * Kensington Benedict with potatoes - The potatoes weren't crispy or too flavorful. I prefer the side to be with the salad because it was a decent salad without an overpowering amount of dressing flavor. Service: We were one of the last ones left and the staff came out to ask how was our food and had a conversation with us! She also formally apologized for any long wait for food. The staff were so nice! Ambiance: The weekends are pretty busy with people waiting for eat brunch. The wait was about 25 minutes for us to be seated which isn't too bad. It's so lively and bright here. read more

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Had the best waiter of all time here. Friendly. Quick. Helpful. Amazing options. Healthy but not lame. Sizable but not gonna lean the table over. Worth it. Get the steak and eggs. Extra chimmchurri. Amazing. read more

5/5 - truly enjoyed our experience here! We ordered so many things because everything came out looking/smelling good... we definitely didn't finish it all lol. The place does get crowded and a long wait, but they do their best to accommodate everyone as best they can. Also while you wait there is a cafe/shop you can browse through. read more

Food needs definitely improvement, it used to be great I'm not sure what happened service is great everyone is nice and willing to help, but sitting outside is not that great inside is much better for ambiance needs less over the counter products and more tables in side. And Chef needs to watch their cooking staff for improvement and quality of the food consistency is the key. read more

Loved the overall vibe -- cozy atmosphere with friendly and attentive service. I tried the Cinnamon Roll Latte, which sounded amazing, but it ended up being a bit underwhelming. It was very milk-forward with not much coffee flavor coming through. I also had the Blazin' Chilaquiles Skillet -- it was okay, but a bit too spicy for my taste and didn't stand out much flavor-wise. Would come back for the ambiance, but might try different menu items next time. read more

Sugar and Scribe - blazin Chilaquiles skillet - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

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The food here is absolutely amazing! I got the butter poached lobster benedict and it was amazing! Minus one star because the server was a bit awkward and aloof and never returned to take our payment, so another server filled in. Really cute spot that cares about the food they make. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Lobster benedict - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

Stop by here for brunch before my bachelorette squad was leaving San Diego. We came on Monday for memorial Day weekend and it was about a 15 minute wait at around 10 AM which was not bad at all for a party of five. Overall, I would totally recommend this place!! Would come back :) very centrally located. there are many coffee shops down the street as well. PARKING: There is a small lot, but parking tends to fill up. Otherwise street parking only AMBIANCE: very lively, cute decor, indoor and outdoor seating available. The make it unicorn style reminds me of a millennial style restaurant take lol! FOOD: so delicious! I totally get the hype. My favorite were the Chilaquiles and the bagel with lox. We also got the blueberry pancakes and the bread pudding French toast and everything was so so so good. SERVICE: we got seated, but then it took 20 minutes for us to get checked in on by our waiter, we also asked for water because they were missing one for one person, and it took a while for them to service us... but overall okay service. Just slow and you have to flag them down several times. read more

Sugar and Scribe - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

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