Rise and Shine: Best Places for Breakfast in Encinitas, California

Encinitas, a small beach town in north county San Diego, is our go-to spot for breakfast. It has an abundance of amazing cafes and restaurants, including some of our all-time favorites. From laid-back beachside cafes to bustling brunch spots, here are my top picks that you must visit when exploring this awesome seaside city.

Small local spots you don’t want to miss

Local mom and pop spots are the best! Not only do they offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, but they also provide top-notch service and have a unique story to tell. We’ve been frequenting a few hidden gems in Encinitas for years now, and they never disappoint.

Pipes Cafe

Pipes Cafe is your beachy, surfer, local spot. It’s small, with views of the ocean in the distance. Despite its size, you get a lot of food that is always on point and delicious.

My favorites are their breakfast tacos and Sunday special with fluffy pancakes, diced ham, and eggs. But their breakfast burritos are a fan favorite. I love them, too, but I can’t stop myself from eating the whole thing, which is a problem since they’re huge.

Expect a line out the door, especially between 8 and 10 a.m. on the weekends. But you won’t regret waiting, as the line moves quickly. Once you’ve ordered food at the counter, you can grab a seat inside or outside. Finding a seat usually isn’t a problem, although sometimes, you may need to hover when a group is about to leave.

If you’re a coffee lover, stop by the coffee bar and say hi to Dana. She makes the best specialty coffees and always has a friendly smile to brighten your day. Even if breakfast isn’t on your agenda, you can always pop in for a caffeine fix.

Potato Shack Cafe

Potato Shack Cafe has the biggest and most scrumptious pancakes I’ve ever had, which they call Manhole Pancakes! You can choose plain, apple cinnamon, blueberry, banana, and chocolate chip! My absolute favorite is the chocolate chip, and honestly, it’s why we don’t go here regularly – I devour it. When I was nine months pregnant, I was that lady taking down the entire thing! My husband, on the other hand, always goes for the blueberry.

Apart from their pancakes, Potato Shack has a great menu with a variety of yummy options. It’s also a charming cafe with sidewalk seating and a comfy interior. The rustic wooden tables and high-wall booths create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a laid-back breakfast.

VG Donut and Bakery

We rarely indulge in donuts, but when we do, our go-to place is VG’s Donuts. If you’re craving dessert for breakfast, you’ll love their freshly baked donuts made with high-quality ingredients. They also offer a variety of other baked goods like muffins, cupcakes, cake pops, croissants, and more.

VG’s is also known for making the most delicious cakes. They made our wedding cake as well as our son’s birthday cakes. If you’re planning your wedding in San Diego, they’re a terrific, affordable option to consider. And the best part is, you get a complimentary cake on your first anniversary.

Garden State Bagels

Garden State Bagels has become a staple for our family. We visit almost every weekend after our son’s swim lessons since he’s a bagel monster! He always goes for the eight-grain bagel with cream cheese, and most times, his order is made as soon as they see us walk through the door. My husband and I love the bagels, too, but we’ve stopped eating them weekly since bagels are not so friendly to the mid-section!

The place itself is small but full of character. The owner, Mike, always greets us with enthusiasm and a warm smile. He’s a high-energy guy who enjoys interacting with his customers and making them feel valued. Since we’re regulars, he banters with my husband, which I find amusing.

Three hundred sixty-five days a year, you can drop by and enjoy a wide array of breakfast and brunch options. Their menu boasts egg, meat, cheese bagels, pizza bagels, Nova Lox, deli sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, and more. If there’s enough space, you can sit at one of their unique surfboard tables or grab your order to-go.

Mimosas with a side of breakfast

Bottoms up! We don’t do booze with breakfast very often anymore, but when we want some bubbly or a bloody mary, we head to one of these lively spots.

Le Papagayo

Le Papagayo offers daily bottomless mimosas that you can enjoy alongside their diverse range of Mediterranean and Latin American dishes. They also frequently host live music events to enhance your experience. 

This restaurant has a lively atmosphere with colorful artwork and an energetic ambiance. Although it can get busy, they have a reasonable amount of seating available, including indoor, back patio, and al fresco seating along Leucadia Boulevard.

If you’re not able to make it for breakfast, Le Papagayo is an excellent choice for happy hour or dinner. They have a full bar selection, and their Sangria is a must-try. The tapas are also perfect for sharing. Keep an eye out for their weekly specials, such as $10 martinis, all-night happy hour, 50% off glasses, $10 Titos cocktails, and 50% off Sangria Sundays. Be sure to check their website for the latest deals and offers.

Craftsman Tavern

Craftsman Tavern is a popular spot, especially on weekends when their brunch menu is in full swing. They offer a wide selection of tasty brunch items such as omelets, breakfast burritos, eggs benedicts, chilaquies, pub sandwiches, and much more.

But, the real star of the show is the bottomless mimosas that come with a generous pour of champagne! When you’re with a group of people, they’ll usually bring the bottle to your table so you can enjoy your brunch without worrying about refills. It’s a fantastic way to spend a leisurely brunch with friends or family.

Pacific Coast Grill

Pacific Coast Grill is our top upscale dining destination with an incredible ocean view. The lower patio seating is right at the beach’s edge, which makes for a remarkable dining experience.

Although they used to offer brunch every weekend, it stopped a few years back, and now their brunch is exclusively available during special occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Easter. As it is a popular spot, I recommend checking their website closer to the day and reserving a spot beforehand.

On these special days, they offer a creative brunch menu that caters to everyone, including kids. They also have an array of craft cocktails and mocktails to choose from, including mimosas and bloody marys. The restaurant’s magnificent ocean view adds to the ambiance, making it an ideal place to celebrate with your family.

Things to do nearby

• Take a walk along the Cardiff Rail Trail
• Play at Glen Park
• Explore Annie’s Canyon
• Visit the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
• Walk the Cedros Avenue Design District
• Get sandy – head to Cardiff Beach, Cardiff State Beach, Moonlight Beach, or any of the other neighboring beaches. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
• Check out San Dieguito County Park. There are multiple playgrounds, trails, suspension bridges, and more.
• Check out Downtown Encinitas