08.08.26 In town for a work conference next week, and…read morestaying at a nearby hotel. Arrived early from Sac so after checking in, I needed breakfast. Hotel receptionist recommended Swami's, saying "they've got everything". So, after confirming rating, menu, and seating via Yelp, I decided to give it a whirl. Only a couple blocks walk, easy-peasy. Located near light rail, it was a cute, unassuming spot with a few patio tables for al fresco dining. I walked in and read the sign that for dining in to grab a menu and a seat and order will be taken at the table. Great! Knew they had a specialty menu and a regular menu, I grabbed both and found a nice 4-seater by the window. I love a nice view with my meal, especially when solo. Almost immediately I was tended to by my server, asking if I've been in before. Told her "no" and she proceeded to let me know there was a self-serve coffee bar in the corner by the fountain drinks and if I wanted a 'specialty' type drink they would prepare it. Then offered to start me with water. Right off the bat, I appreciated the efficient way of greeting a patron. Looking over the menu more closely, it was hard to decide. Do I go with one of their many amazing benedict options--my typical go-to for an enjoyable breakfast? Or my good ol' standby and basic breakfast of eggs, bacon, hashed browns & toast? The benes I was eyeballing were their specialties avocado Florentine and the Swami's Waffle bene--a twist I've not seen before. With it having their namesake, it'd have to be good, right? My server came back with my water saw I needed a few more minutes. I was also wondering how much adding bacon to a dish would be since it wasn't listed anywhere on the menus, and I was considering that for the Florentine. But then there also was another breakfast favorite of mine, Chilaquiles. Too many great choices! My server came back for my order and I had to ask about the most popular dishes. She started rambling off omelets, but I'm not a big omelet girl. She then suggested the Chilaquiles, said she really like the El Paso bene (another I eyeballed), then I told her that I'm just in the mood for my basic breakfast and didn't see anything that quite fit the bill. She pointed out the Swami's Combo, but choice of side would've only been either hashed or bacon and I'd have to add the other BUT it came with coffee included (normally $4). I wanted to try the coffee, as the selection variety was intriguing. She then brought up an 'off-the-menu' item, the Big Breakfast. It basically had everything I wanted but coffee would be extra. I asked how it compared to the Swami's Combo and added stuff I wanted price-wise, and she said it's pretty much equal. So, I just went with the Big Breakfast cuz, gotta love those off-the-menu orders, right? She said it came with bacon and ham but I could get all bacon if I wanted at an extra $1 charge. Not a ham fan, I went with it. Ordered eggs runny yolk and cooked white--whatever they think that is LOL and chose english muffin option. Asked for my bacon & hash browns extra crispy. While I waited for my order, a hostesses ask me if I was eating alone and politely asked if I would move to another table to accommodate a party that arrived. I explained that I really wanted a window seat and with that, she said "No worries at all". I heard her explain to the party that it would be a little wait. THAT was quite amazing and I honestly appreciated her acceptance of my decline. I then took time to check out the restaurant. Noticed the kitchen was busy but running like a well-oiled machine. Patrons were a plenty, a constant busy, with several waiting for seating by the time I left around 10:30a on a Saturday. There were a few TVs with the vibe feeling very, diner-ish. I also noticed that it was a bit, stuffy inside, and was thankful I had my portable fan to keep me cool at my table the entire time. Surprisingly, the food came out quick and it looked fantastic! Runner asked if I needed anything else, and after a quick glance at the table condiments, I said with a smile it's already covered. I asked him later for a few extra napkins and he was appy to bring some. I tell you, the service here is super friendly and great! It matched with the meal, food was sooo good! Perfectly cooked, bacon was thick, PERFECT! Oh!! It also came with salsa that tasted homemade--and confirmed is made in-house! I could tell and would have NO issue eating with chips. Guys, if you're in the area and looking for great, friendly service with amazing food, give Swami's a shot. I would no doubt return!!

Staying in downtown San Diego and the hotel offered a discount card for various lications close by…read more We went on the 2-hour San Diego Harbor Cruise (highly recommend) and decided to go to Swami's Cafe based upon the recommendation of one of the staff members at the hotel. Swami's was just up the street from the hotel, so we decided to give it a try. This is a small, very unassuming restaurant that appears to have a good thing going as people were coming and going the entire time we were there. Service was very good and our server was very attentive even though the restaurant was quite busy. We ordered an Ahi Tuna salad and the Swami's Pitaya Smoothie Bowl. Unfortunately, the Ahi Tuna Salad came to the table as the Ahi Tuna Wrap. To make up for the mistake, a side salad with all the fixins in the ahi tuna salad was provided. Both these items were enjoyed. The Swami's Pitaya Smoothie Bowl looked amazing and tasted much the same. Based on our experience, and the quality of food, we will be back.

Yummy crème brulee French toast, crispy breakfast potato's and fluffy goat cheese omelet! Server…read morewas awesome, he handled a huge section! Ordered the Bloody Mary with bacon and it was the right amount of spicy :)

Came to The Breakfast Company for a simple birthday brunch and really enjoyed it! The restaurant…read moreitself is so cute, and we were able to get some really cute pictures while we were there. I got the breakfast burrito, and my cousin got the steak & eggs. Everything was really delicious! Overall, I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a cute but chill brunch spot. Good food, cute atmosphere, and a nice vibe!

We been coming since 2018 for especial occasions.. but this time we're just having a lunch date…read morehubby and I. And we wanted to try something different THE GERMAN PANCAKE!!! loved it! Street parking only

Loved that they have this location after frequenting the La Jolla one…read more There is still a wait, but the line moved fast. Service was quick and friendly. We were seated outside and had a great view of the bustling street. As always, loved their hash and coffee.

We stopped by Breakfast Republic for breakfast while we were in town for Comic-Con, and it quickly…read morebecame one of my favorite breakfast spots in downtown San Diego. My wife ordered the sampler plate, and I had the Eggs Benedict. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Don't skip the specialty lattes--they were outstanding and easily one of the highlights of the meal. The prices were also very reasonable, especially compared with many of the restaurants near the Convention Center. The combination of great food, fun atmosphere, and good value makes this place an easy recommendation. I heard they're closing a few locations, so I'm really hoping this one stays open because it's a total gem. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in San Diego!

I was visiting SD for the Padres game and a little R&R. We found this nice little place. My first…read moreimpression, wasn't that great. We visited this established on a Sunday, I expected the wait to be a bit long. There was a lot of confusion about, where stand to check in. The host wasn't as helpful with where to stand, as he allowed others to jump in front of us in line. I didn't care for the outdoor seating area. I believe it's too close to people walking around. Once in side, our waitress was AMAZING, which caused my irritation to calm down. The food was delicious Overall great experience .

We walked to three different places around 10 am on Sat, and the wait times were too long. Chiefy…read morewas nearby and came to the rescue! You order at the counter, and you pick up your food when called. We shared the avo toast, acai bowl and WOW sandwich (bacon & egg on croissant or bagel). First of all, the WOW didn't look very big, but it packed a punch. It was so filling. Secondarily, the avo toast had uber fresh avo, and the arugula & balsamic vinegar provided nice contrast to the creaminess of the avo. Lastly, the acai was nice & cold on a hot day. The fruit was fresh and plentiful, making the bowl worth the price. Valentine, who took our order was super nice as was the owner and remainder of the staff. There is a small amount of seating inside, and a few tables outside. I would definitely return to Chiefy, vs waiting in the long lines in the places around the corner. The food is very good, and the service is excellent.

I've delivered groceries to this business several times now and have received a whopping $0 tip…read moreevery single time. Not once. Not "a little low." Zero. The place looks nice and the staff seems friendly, but repeatedly ordering grocery delivery and never tipping the person bringing it to you is certainly... a choice. I actually considered bringing my girlfriend here sometime, but I think I'll spend my money somewhere that shows a little more appreciation for service workers. And a little tip for their customer reading this, apparently tipping for service isn't necessary here, so maybe keep that same energy when your check comes. One star from this delivery driver

The food was amazing but even better was the service we received from both Emily and Jacob…read more(waitress and dim sum cart guy respectively). They took such good care of us, everything came out as ordered and in a timely manner. Emily's suggestions were spot on. The energy both of them brought to our table was just what we needed this morning.

The food was delicious and the service was amazing! Emily was so sweet and Jacob was the best…read morebrunch Dim Sum cart person! Definitely recommend - this place is worth the hype!

I went in today. It was a little busy but everything come out fast and the staff was great.read more

We have passed by this spot in Little Italy every time we go and finally got around to trying it!…read moreIt was such a unique place and experience! When you walk in, you do have to order at the counter, but they do bring the food out to you which was great! They have a pretty good sized menu with lots of different options for various types of food and drinks! It was so hard to pick what to eat! We ended up getting the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl and Poke Bowl. They were both really flavorful! However, our favorite was the Poke Bowl (we also just really love poke!). Both bowls were also a decent size -- I couldn't even finish the Poke bowl! Also, there were plenty of seating options available, both inside and near the entrance with open air. However, I have seen the restaurant get pretty busy on weekends! Overall, the whole experience was wonderful and if you're ever in the area, you should definitely give this spot a try! The only downside for us was that the woman at the counter seemed to be in a bad mood. It felt like we were bothering her anytime we asked a question about the menu. Could've just been a rough day so it's not a big deal. But it's certainly important considering it's the first impression with the staff when you walk on to order.

I found myself at The Lazy Hippo in San Diego for a much-needed breakfast break. The vibe is…read morelaid-back and casual, the kind of spot where you can stroll in half asleep and immediately feel at home. The menu leans classic breakfast but with portions big enough to fuel another day of taco hunting. I went with pancakes and eggs bc it was simple, but they nailed it. Fluffy pancakes, eggs cooked right, and orange juice that kept coming (a true blessing on a food road trip). It's not flashy or "Instagram famous," but that's exactly why I liked it. The Lazy Hippo does the basics really well, which makes it the perfect pit stop before diving back into California's endless lineup of tacos, burgers, and desserts.

The vegan enchiladas were amazing! They remind me of my mother's enchiladas. I went with the salsa…read moreroja and added soyriso. I love the whiskey bottles that add to the decor. It's a cute place. I also enjoyed the music. Our serve was attentive and kept the drink refilled coming. I was happy with the vegan option and would come back.

If you haven't been, you're missing out! Food has always been consistent and good. My go-to is the…read morechicken friend steak but decided to switch it up this last time around and got the veggie hash with carnitas. Let me tell me, I did not regret. The potatoes were roasted to a perfect crisp while still soft on the inside. The veggies were a good mix and didn't overpower the dish. Since the carnitas was an add-on, I wasn't sure what to expect on the portion but they were quite generous. Great place for breakfast or lunch on Sunday if you're also looking to catch a game!

Great place in Chicano land downtown San Diego for Mexican classics- sopa azteca and agua de…read morejamaica. Great prices, happy hour deals and nice vibes.

The invigatorium has been on my list for quite some time. I've seen pictures online and the reviews…read morewere also pretty good. It's street parking only, so can be challenging depending on when you come. I stopped in during the week, as I walked from the nearby Padres stadium. It wasn't very busy when I came in around 11:30, but after I ordered it really picked up. They do have a counter where you order the food, and also a bar that you can sit at that appears to have a pretty good selection of alcohol. There are a few tables to sit at. After I place my order I decided to sit at the table with the Ronald McDonald statue, because why not? I asked the very nice server about the menu, and she let me know what was popular and answered my questions. I decided to go with the muffaletta as it was on focaccia bread, which I really love. The sandwich was huge, and I definitely needed someone to share it with. They do cut it in half, so it is actually perfect for sharing or taking the other half home. It is filled with several different types of Italian Meats, including salami, sopressata, mortadella, some cheese and arugula and onions, and a sauce they use. I've never had a muffaletta before, so I can't speak to how authentic this is, but I can tell you it was a very good sandwich. I loved all of the flavors and the way they came together, and the fact that it was on focaccia bread just made it all the more perfect. Overall this is a very cute place to grab breakfast or lunch, I believe they are only open until 3:00 p.m.. The decor is very cute, with several different statues, disco ball, and a music area , and I think kids would love it as well as adults. I also enjoyed the food, and would like to try some of the other things on their menu as well. I could see myself going back if I'm in the area.

Cute spot with a really unique ambience and decor. We live nearby so we walked, and luckily the…read moreline was short with a spot available outside. Service was a little slow and our food actually came out before our coffee, which was strange, but they do make each coffee to order. The cold brew was just okay and tasted watered down. The avocado toast with an added egg wasn't anything special. The breakfast tacos were definitely the highlight though. Three tacos for a great price and the hot sauces was delicious! Overall, the ambience is what makes this place stand out, but the coffee and food were hit or miss for me.