Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Hillcrest

"Crack Shack is one of San Diego’s most popular family-friendly restaurants for fried chicken on an otherworldly level. Celebrity Chef Richard Blais developed “Crack Spice” which is a proprietary blend of spices that he adds to locally raised, free-living, antibiotic-free chicken. Opt straight for the fried chicken with dipping sauces or one of the decadent sandwiches."

"With an all-star chef at the helm, nearly every menu item features free-range, organic chicken marinated to juicy perfection. You’ll also find sides like deviled eggs, Schmaltz fries, and mini biscuits. If you have time, you can hang out and play a game of bocce ball, or pull up to the bar for a craft beer."

"True to its name, this local chain with locations in Liberty Station, East Village, Encinitas, Ocean Beach, and North Park serves up a mean breakfast. Standout items include the cinnamon roll pancakes, shrimp and grits, and the Breakfast Sammie, made with thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon marinated in paprika and brown sugar with a sunny-side up egg (dubbed by us to be one of the best in SD). Owner Johan Engman (who also owns and operates three Fig Tree Café outposts) is looking to expand his breakfast brand even further with the debut of North Park Breakfast Co. this summer."

"What is it: This cheery Ocean Beach spot perks up mornings with friendly service and killer breakfast grub. Why go: The inclusive menu has something for everyone, from the healthy to the hungover. A full bar sends out bacon Bloody Marys and draft kombuchas, while kitchen serves breakfast hot dogs and vibrant veggie bowls."

"If giant plates of food are what you want, this is the place to get it!. Hash House is one of the best breakfast spots in San Diego, They have a lot of waffles, pancakes, and southern fares, like biscuits and gravy, and fried, chicken, mashed potatoes, and eggs. I have been here several times and I liked to get the sage chicken and smoked bacon waffles plate with a maple reduction, eggs, and fried leeks, it is amazing and I am so sad to be gluten-free now!"

"Hash House a Go Go is located in the trendy and popular neighborhood of Hillcrest. Since opening its doors in 2000, the restaurant has garnered a lot of attention in the breakfast scene and has found its way into several other cities nationwide. Piquing the interest of national media favorites like Spin Magazine, Man vs. Food, the Travel Channel, and the Rachel Ray Show, this is pretty much a mandatory stop when it comes to San Diego breakfast spots."

"Fuel up on silver dollar pancakes, maple bacon donuts, and scramble melts at this modern brasserie meets classic dinette. For lunch, the BLT and smoked beef brisket sandwich are satiating. Great Maple has locations in Hillcrest and La Jolla, or, if you’re in the LA area, Newport Beach and Pasadena."

"Great Maple, a small regional chain of upscale eateries, presents creatively elevated versions of classic American comfort food, including brunch seven days a week."

"The long-standing local favorite specializes in farm-to-table gastro style eats that take diners from lunch and happy hour through to dinner. Highlights from executive chef Ronnie Schwandt’s menu include the housemade charcuterie board, Black Sheep Farms strawberry salad, and Salt Spring Island mussels. San Diego microbrews are championed too with a range of on-tap options and craft beer flights."

"People come to the Ocean Beach Farmers Market in San Diego for the local music, the handpicked fruits, and the unique beach vibe. Guests will walk the market on their evening stroll, they’ll come from the beach in their bathing suits, and find local honey, flowers, food truck style meals, and more. Parking: There are many affordable parking spaces in the area."

"The second mid-week treat on our list, the Ocean Beach market is another San Diego favorite. Here you can find fresh produce, spreads, baked goods, honey, etc. With many pre-packaged and to-go dishes available, it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat for dinner after picking up your favorite local goods."

"Arredon Art has been committed to exhibiting local, regional, and international artists since 2013. Illustrating a solid stable of both established and emerging artists. They minister an energetic exhibition program that focuses on expressionism through paintings and sculpture as well as cutting-edge contemporary art."

"Therefore, it’s possible to walk into this museum to learn about California’s mission history (the museum sits on the first European settlement site in California) for free. If you did enjoy your visit and feel compelled to donated upon exit, this is possible. (Location: Presidio Park / Old Town)"

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"The First San Diego Courthouse, rebuilt in 1992, was originally the town hall. Constructed by the Mormon Battalion, the first brick building in San Diego became the courthouse when the city was incorporated in 1850. It also served as a school, church and polling place."

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"Built by William Heath Davis in 1850, many fascinating people, including Alonzo Horton, have called the William Heath Davis House 'home.' You'll get to tour the home, and its decorated rooms - each representing different eras in the life of the house and its various former (and rumored ghostly current) inhabitants. Getting in: William Heath Davis House tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass."

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"Built in 1825 to house one of San Diego’s earliest families, the building is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of prior residents."