Amazing Breakfasts in Escondido: Serving Smiles with Every Bite

155 S Orange St, Escondido

(760) 294-4450

I went into Sunny Side Kitchen on Monday around 10 am and was pleasantly surprised. Despite its small size, the place offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even better. I opted for the 808 panini and a dozen chocolate chip cookies. The panini was delicious, with soft yet perfectly toasted bread, and the combination of cheese, spam, and avocado was just right. As for the cookies, they were so soft I could have easily finished all 12 in one sitting! Having lived in the area for 5 years, I regret not stopping by sooner, but I'm glad I finally did. The reviews I've read are definitely accurate. I was greeted by Kate, the owner, who added to the warm atmosphere. I also tried the avocado, egg, and cheese panini, which was fantastic—crispy and literally melt-in-your-mouth good. It's no surprise I saw an article ranking this as the 3rd best place to eat in the entire US according to Yelp. The food was amazing, and the service was great. Though there's no table service, which my party prefers, the excellent panini more than made up for it. There was a minor hiccup at the end when I found a couple of hairs in my sandwich, but honestly, the sandwich was still incredible. Sunny Side Kitchen is a great hidden gem in Escondido, and I’m looking forward to my next visit!

662 Enterprise St, Escondido

(760) 743-2233

Home Sweet Home Cafe has been our favorite spot for over five years, and for good reason. The food is always excellent, and the service is both fun and friendly. The prices are great, providing tremendous value for every meal. This place never stops impressing me. I've tried so many dishes over the years and not a single one has failed to be beautifully prepared and delicious. On a recent visit for lunch, I decided to give the "Tuna Salad Croissant, side, and Clam Chowder" special a shot, even though it wasn't my usual fried food pick. I was blown away by the first bite—the croissant was soft, buttery, and flaky, the lettuce was fresh and crispy, and the homemade tuna salad was simply delicious. The fries were perfect, and the clam chowder was excellent. They never disappoint. Even when they faced a two-day closure due to a local fire, the owner made sure to pay the employees for those days. It’s that kind of spirit that makes me want to support them even more. The cafe is adorable, with cute window paintings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere inside. Our server confirmed the employees were taken care of during the closure, which speaks volumes. Our meals are always wonderful, and the service is consistently attentive. The place is a legit medium-sized diner with some parking challenges, but the food makes it worth the hassle—definitely carpool if you can. The biscuits and gravy might be the best I've ever had, with thick, tasty, meaty gravy atop perfect biscuits. I also popped in for breakfast and had a breakfast burrito before work. Despite the tight parking, the staff is willing to help find a spot if you call ahead. They're friendly and compassionate, treating every customer like family. I can’t recommend this place enough.

14905 Pomerado Rd, Poway

(858) 679-0186

After our hiking excursion, we stopped by The Original Pancake House in Escondido for brunch and had a delightful experience. The service was courteous, the food was superb, and the coffee was excellent. The Dutch baby was a highlight, and it was delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and I was satisfied until evening. We will certainly return! As always, the German pancake is the best. We always get one for the table, and it is everyone’s favorite. I pull off pieces and eat it plain or with butter. My breakfast also came with pancakes, and they were very good. The others got the potato pancakes, and they were delicious. I got the corned beef hash with two poached eggs. The hash was good and had more of a corned beef flavor than other restaurants. The eggs were cooked right. My wife got the California Benedict; the eggs were a little overcooked, and the bacon and English muffin were hard to cut. My son had the Crab Cake Benedict, and his eggs were on the hard side; although the waitress offered to replace them, he decided to eat them as they were. Despite those issues, the meal was very good. Everyone was super friendly, though the place was busy, being a Saturday morning. Our table was just inside the door, and a ton of people walked by. I came another time for brunch on Sunday, and it was great. There was a wait, but it went quickly because they have lots of seating inside and out. I ordered the Dutch baby with an order of potatoes and a vanilla cappuccino. Very delicious! My friend ordered the gluten-free pancakes with sausage on the side. The staff was friendly, and it was a great place to meet up. It's a nice spacious venue and not so crowded on a weekday morning. I love the Edgewater NJ location and have visited the Korean upscale version, but it’s good to visit in CA too. It's a shame that I can no longer find it in Fort Lee and Parsippany. The Dutch baby and omelets are as good as can be in all locations. Love The Original Pancake House. Hospitable service.

912 S Redwood St, Escondido

(760) 739-9265

Great food and service really stood out during my visit to Pegah’s Kitchen for breakfast in Escondido. The coffee was smooth, a pleasant surprise as diner coffee often has a burnt and bitter taste. Francine’s attentiveness was excellent; she kept refilling my cup, which I appreciated. The location is convenient, not far from the freeway, and the atmosphere was welcoming with a friendly staff. I found the place clean, and the menu offered plenty of options. The art on the walls, featuring copies of famous pieces, added an enjoyable touch to the dining experience. The potatoes were especially tasty. Despite how busy it was on a Sunday morning, we were quickly seated, waiting only about 15 minutes for a table for four. Our total bill came to $80 before tip, so you can expect to spend around $20 per person. However, the restrooms could be more spacious, as they are not particularly wheelchair accessible. One downside is the use of non-recyclable materials, which is disappointing in 2024. Despite this, I prefer this location over the one in San Marcos because of the overall better service and atmosphere.

126 W Grand Ave, Escondido

(760) 746-2644

Dining at A Delight of France for breakfast in Escondido is always a fantastic experience. The European vibe is inviting, and the breakfast and pastries are exceptional. The staff goes above and beyond, offering quick service and friendly interactions. The coffee is excellent and bottomless, which is a great perk. Portions are generous, ensuring no one leaves hungry, and there's a delightful selection of treats to take home for later. On a rainy day, the inside was busy, but the staff efficiently got us seated and served. There's also outdoor seating on the terrace, which would be perfect on a sunny day. The atmosphere is beautiful, making it one of the best cafes I've visited. The only downside was that sometimes the croissants didn't have the usual flavor and texture, but it's a minor issue in the grand scheme. Overall, this place is highly recommended for its delicious food and outstanding service. You haven't truly experienced breakfast in Escondido until you've eaten here.

925 W Mission Ave, Escondido

(760) 738-6188

If you haven't eaten at Farmer Boys for breakfast in Escondido, you need to give it a try. The food is incredibly fresh and delicious, with generous portions. The service is friendly, and there's even a drive-thru. This is the kind of food you'd feel good about serving your kids—it's the freshest "fast food" around! The fried zucchini is a standout, with a whole zucchini cut into four pieces and perfectly crispy batter. The quality of the food and the excellent customer service impressed me. Many places focus so much on getting customers in the door that they overlook the quality of their food, but not here. I live nearby and had been passing by Farmer Boys for too long. I'm glad I finally stopped in because this place is fantastic. The double cheeseburger was picture perfect, and the staff was super friendly. The seating area was clean, and there were plenty of condiments available. After my 5 am workout, I was looking for a protein-rich breakfast without having to cook at home. I found this place on Google Maps and decided to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by the convenience of scanning, ordering, and paying at the table, allowing me to check nutrition facts before ordering. I chose the Grilled Chicken Salad for its 55g of protein, and it was massive—I even saved half for lunch. My coffee was always refilled, and the staff checked in without hovering. Rocio and Isaac stood out for their kindness and attentiveness, especially during the busy breakfast rush. If there was one downside, it was that I couldn't leave a tip when paying—these staff members certainly deserved it! I'll definitely be back.

119 E Grand Ave, Escondido

(760) 738-8662

Kettle On Grand has quickly become one of my favorite breakfast spots in Escondido. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, making it an ideal place to unwind or get some work done. The coffee here is exceptional—full-bodied, rich, and brewed to perfection. You can tell they care about sourcing and preparing their beans, which is great for any coffee enthusiast. The food menu is diverse and creative, offering everything from fresh pastries to hearty breakfast options. Each dish I've tried has been delicious, with quality ingredients and generous portions. What really stands out is how reasonably priced everything is, which isn't always the case for places with this level of quality. The staff is friendly and welcoming, adding to the warm atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax or catch up with friends. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys great coffee, good food, and a welcoming vibe. Plus, there’s plenty of parking, which is always a bonus.

1215 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido

(760) 745-3710

Service at J & M's Family Restaurant in Escondido was excellent. We were seated and served quickly. I had a Belgian waffle loaded with banana, strawberries, and whipped cream, and it was delicious! My partner tried the Chef Combo with eggs, bacon, and pancakes, and while the bacon tasted a bit off, the overall meal was good. The raspberry lemonade was tasty, though a tad sweet. Although we spent a little over $50, which felt a bit pricey, the good food and great service made it worthwhile. I was in town for a softball tournament and loved this restaurant so much that we returned for a second visit! Kimberly served us on the first day and was incredibly sweet, showing genuine interest in us. On another visit, Shannon was attentive and on top of everything—she made sure our drinks were always refilled without us having to ask. All the staff were friendly and welcoming, making it a memorable experience. The food quality impressed me, especially the house-made soups and salad dressings. Our waitress Sara was amazing, even bringing out a dog bowl and treats for my old dog, Buddy, which was a lovely touch. The owner/manager was friendly, joking around and ensuring everything was perfect for us. This was my first time at J & M's, and I loved it! I can't wait to return and bring more people to this wonderful spot. Highly recommend!

316 W Mission Ave #102, Escondido

(760) 489-6420

Golden Egg Omelet House in Escondido is a gem for breakfast lovers. This diner offers a traditional family home-style atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at ease. The charming decor, with old newspaper-style tablecloths and wind chimes for sale, adds a unique touch. I particularly appreciate the personalized experience, like having the waitress' name displayed at your table. The menu is impressive, especially if you’re an omelet fan. There are countless options to choose from, and you can create your own with a variety of fresh ingredients. I opted for an omelet with vegetables, and the bell peppers were delightfully crisp, not soggy. The Mess, a massive dish equivalent to two omelets with potatoes, cheese, and customizable ingredients, is perfect for sharing. The coffee is decent, with vanilla creamer available, and I loved the Dudley's bread toast alongside the meal. The biscuits and gravy stood out, with the gravy being particularly excellent. I also treated myself to the enormous cinnamon roll, which was light, fluffy, and topped with delicious frosting. Despite the place being busy and the service slightly slow, the staff was friendly and attentive. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it a great spot for breakfast or lunch. It's a fun restaurant with a good atmosphere, and I'll definitely be back to explore more of their menu.

25484 Lake Wohlford Rd, Escondido

During a recent visit to Lake Wohlford Cafe in Escondido, I had a pleasant breakfast experience that's definitely worth sharing. I opted for the brisket sandwich, which was quite good. While I felt the BBQ sauce could have been a bit more flavorful, the salsas and guacamole were excellent. My girlfriend tried the tostada, and she enjoyed it too. The real highlight for me was the country fried steak and eggs with Texas potatoes. The steak was crispy outside and tender inside, and the eggs were cooked just right. The Texas potatoes were seasoned perfectly and crispy—just how I like them. The ambiance of the cafe is warm and inviting, with a view of the lake if you sit by the window. It's a charming spot with a "country by the lake" feel. Our server, Trish, was super sweet and added to the enjoyable experience. I also had a chance to try a red sauce carnitas wet burrito, which was enormous and packed with flavor. My 3-year-old couldn't get enough of the fried catfish tacos. Lake Wohlford Cafe truly feels like a hidden gem. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a perfect stop for breakfast before a day by the lake. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area.

210 N Ivy St, Escondido

(760) 738-1545

Charlie's Family Restaurant in Escondido is a great spot for breakfast. The food is delicious, with large and filling portions that really hit the spot. I particularly loved the prime rib—it was affordable and melted in my mouth. The restaurant has a classic feel, offering a wide selection of comforting dishes from breakfast through dinner. Whether you dine inside or outside, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The service was quick and efficient, thanks to our friendly waitress, Tina, who did a great job. Although the cook missed my request for crispy hash browns and the gravy wasn't to my taste, the overall experience was positive. The condiments were plentiful, so I didn't have to keep asking for more. Prices are very reasonable, making it a great choice for individuals, friends, and family gatherings. Plus, they have a large banquet room for bigger events. It's a place I would definitely recommend for a satisfying meal.

1260 Auto Park Way, Escondido

(760) 745-4825

When we arrived at Huckleberry's in Escondido for breakfast, we just walked in and could immediately tell it was busy. Despite the hustle and bustle, the staff remained approachable and were constantly attentive to our needs. The portions here are big, which is always a plus in my book. One thing I truly appreciated was how the food looked just like the pictures on the menu – no surprises there! As we were leaving, I noticed the line was quite long, which speaks volumes about the restaurant's popularity. The food was delicious, although we did have a few minor issues. The eggs on my crab cake Benedict were more soft-boiled than poached, and while the beignets were impressively large, two of the three were doughy instead of fluffy. Our server seemed a bit busier than the server at the next table over, and there was a slight mix-up with my wife's order initially. Nonetheless, the overall impression of Huckleberry's is positive, with promising potential. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service, while needing a few tweaks, was friendly. With sizable portions and tasty food, it's a great spot for a special breakfast outing, though it might be on the pricier side for regular visits. If you're in Escondido and looking for a hearty breakfast in a vibrant setting, Huckleberry's is worth a try. We'll definitely give it another shot. 🤙🏻 Shout out to John for his excellent service – he was attentive and managed our table with great detail and efficiency.

503 W Grand Ave, Escondido

(760) 294-1226

I had the pleasure of visiting Swami's Cafe in Escondido for breakfast, and it was a delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for a great start to the day. The menu offered a fantastic selection of dishes, and everything I tried was beautifully presented and delicious. The flavors were fresh and well-balanced, and the portions were generous. My omelet was so large that I brought half of it home. The stuffed French toast was also a standout. The coffee lovers in our group appreciated the coffee bar with its self-service choices. It's important to have your entire group present, as they only seat complete parties. The service was decent; the staff was friendly and ensured a good dining experience. One thing to note is that the self-serve coffee does have a charge, even though it might not be immediately clear. Despite some initial confusion, the overall experience was positive. The bread on the sandwiches, especially the sourdough, was soft and flavorful. A friend enjoyed the chorizo hash with potatoes, which was excellent. Although we were initially greeted by a grumpy hostess, the waitstaff was kind and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. I highly recommend Swami's Cafe for anyone looking for a memorable breakfast spot.

332 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido

(760) 839-2226

Signature Bagel & Deli in Escondido is a gem for breakfast. Their bagels are very good and reasonably priced. My first visit was memorable, with the owner taking care of us personally. On my second visit, his son was just as welcoming. It's clear they're proud of their bagels, and they have every reason to be. The shop is cozy, with a few people dining inside. The service is fast, thanks to the two ladies working there—one making sandwiches and the young lady handling customers and orders. The food is delicious; the bagels are toasted perfectly, the lunch meat is cold, and the tomato and lettuce are crisp. I can't believe it took me so long to find this place. For anyone in Escondido, there's no better spot for a quick, quality sandwich. The staff knows what they're doing, and the bagels are consistently fresh. I'm willing to travel 15 miles just for their sunrise bagel. This place treats you well every time. Strongly recommend! 10/10.

505 W 5th Ave, Escondido

(760) 737-2377

I visited TOM's Famous Family Restaurant 23 in Escondido for breakfast and had a pretty good experience overall. The food was decent, and I especially enjoyed my BLT. They got the bacon super crisp, just like I asked, which was perfect. My husband's tuna melt and side salad were both satisfying, and my daughter's chicken and waffles were the standout - the fried chicken was tender and crispy. The portions were generous, offering great value for money. What I found particularly charming was the cute cat robot that delivered our food. It added a fun element to the meal and was a hit with our group. Ordering at the counter worked well for us, especially since we were with a group. The young lady who took our order was friendly and attentive, making sure to repeat it back to ensure accuracy. She also provided lots of hot, fresh fries and ketchup without us even asking. Overall, the service was great, and the staff seemed genuinely enthusiastic about their work. While there were a few hiccups with some of the food, like my son's overcooked chicken tenders, TOM's is a solid choice if you're in the area and looking for a hearty breakfast.

1639 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido

(760) 735-2515

Skip the chain and give this hometown mom and pop cafe a try! The flavors and portions at Mikki's Cafe in Escondido are great, making it a perfect spot for breakfast. The homestyle potatoes are fresh, and the pancakes are delightfully fluffy. While the booth windows could use a bit of cleaning, overall, it's a fantastic family diner with fresh food and polite service. The service is super friendly, and the food is hot and made-to-order. The Pecan pancakes and Spinach and Vegetables Omelette were part of our meal. The pancakes were a bit dry and crumbly, but not overly sweet like many other places, which I appreciated. The omelette was perfect, and the home fries were lightly seasoned, allowing me to add ketchup and pepper as I like things less salty. The sourdough toast was perfectly crispy. Visiting during a parent trip to California, I understand why it’s a Sunday breakfast favorite. Mikki's has a very "family" feel, with great coffee, service, and yummy food at a reasonable price. Definitely try the banana pancakes! Located at 1639 E Valley Parkway, Mikki’s Cafe is a wonderful diner. It's an ideal spot for a Saturday date with one of the kiddos, offering generous portions and tasty breakfast options. We had a mini pancake combo for the kid and country fried steak with eggs, hash browns, and toast. While the hash browns could have been fresher, and the meat cutlet had a freezer vibe, the experience still hit the spot. It was nice to see the cafe bustling with locals starting their long weekend.