Once upon a time, pancakes were only ever eaten exclusively as a breakfast treat or around brunch time at the latest. After restricting our love for the fluffy delights to the constraints of the earlier hours of the day for too long, we’ve finally accepted that pancakes are perfect to enjoy no matter what time it is. Early morning treat? Pancakes it is. Suffering from a post-lunch dip? Nothing a pancake can’t sort out. Need a midnight sugar fix? Say no more. Dine in or get a takeaway pancake to save for a late night snack at one of these brilliant pancake places in San Diego.
Whether you’re a fan of thin crepes doused in sticky syrup or prefer watching thick stacks of flapjacks wobble on their way to your table, these pancake places in San Diego are serving up some of the tastiest treats in the city. Head to one of these unbeatable pancake joints and don’t miss out on indulging in the goodness of these delicious discs of joy.
1. Farmer’s Table, La Mesa & Chula Vista
Ever the champions of local businesses, Farmer’s Table only use locally sourced organic ingredients when cooking up their delicious dishes. When it comes to pancakes, this place prides themselves on their buttermilk delights with a range of tasty toppings. A standard pancake with syrup will cost you $10.95 and you can add chocolate chips, strawberries, banana, mixed berries or mascarpone cream for an extra $2 each. And thanks to their outdoor patio, visitors can take in the sunshine while enjoying a yummy pancake before washing it down with a strong bloody mary or two.
📍 8141 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
📍 330 F St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
2. Richard Walker’s Pancake House, Gaslamp Quarter
If family-run businesses and stacks of sweet goodness sound like your thing, be sure not to miss Richard Walker’s Pancake House. With 42 years of pancake-flipping experience under their belt, every pancake served up at this place is prepared to order and trust us, they’re worth the 20-minute wait. Whether you opt for the traditional buttermilk pancakes or feel like flipping out over their oven-baked Danish Harvest stack filled with onion, tomato, fresh broccoli, mushrooms and cheese, this pancake joint is sure to leave you drooling.
📍520 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101
3. Snooze A.M. Eatery, Hillcrest
Ever tried sweet potato pancakes? How about a pineapple upside down flapjack? If the answer’s no, then Snooze A.M. Eatery can help you out there. Their experimental and ever-changing menu keeps customers on their toes and always coming back for more. For a bit of insider knowledge, check out their Instagram every Thursday where they announce their delicious pancake of the week as suggested by customers, or, better said, snoozers. Open from 6:30am, this place is the perfect wake-up call and answer to all of your early morning pancake prayers.
📍3940 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
4. The Mission Café, Crown Point
On a quest to find an unbeatable pancake spot with ample pancake making experience? Well, look no further! The Mission Café has been there, done that and got the maple syrup stains to prove it. Founded in 1995, this place has been cooking up delicious grub for almost 30 years.
For the health-conscious foodies among us, their strawberry and banana stack is a great way to get some of your five a day while feeling a little less guilty about indulging in the sweet stuff. If you’re pancaking on a budget, then you’ll be happy to hear about their scrumptious 2+2+2 breakfast deal. Get two fluffy pancakes accompanied with two streaks of crispy bacon and two eggs any way you like them for just $9.99 (an offer that gives quite a literal meaning to ‘bringing home the bacon’).
📍3795 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
5. The Naked Cafe, Midway District
The Naked Cafe is a great choice for those who will only be really sure how many pancakes they want when the server comes and asks that all-important question. Choose between a vegan or buttermilk batter before deciding if you want one pancake for $4.50, two for $8 or three for $11.
Lovers of all things tropical will fall head over heels for their Tree Hugger – a delicious pancaked topped with sweet mango and rich coconut. Prefer things a little more traditional? You can get the naked pancakes and add chocolate chips for $3 or drizzle maple syrup on top at no extra cost. Whatever you choose, your pancake urges will be more than satisfied here.
📍3555 Rosecrans St Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92110
6. Claire’s on Cedros, Solana Beach
Although the pancakes at Claire’s on Cedros are delicious in their own right, it has to be said that their 100% pure Vermont maple syrup quite literally tops everything else on the menu. Drizzle the sticky and sweet syrup all over your pancakes and find out why frequenters rave about it so much.
Looking for a quick bite to eat? One pancake will set you back $8, but if you’re feeling extra hungry, you can go all out and guzzle down three for just $15. If you like what you’ve tried, then be sure to take home their very own pancake mix available to purchase while you’re there. Whip up these mouthwatering delights from the comfort of your own kitchen and let your nearest and dearest believe you’re the next Betty Crocker with the help of Claire’s On Cedros’ special pancake recipe.
📍246 N Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
7. Flap Your Jacks, North Park
At Flap Your Jacks, they have every topping and sauce you could ever think of. But what sets this place apart from other pancake joints is how they mix toppings in with the batter before cooking it. From toasted coconut to mini marshmallows, all sorts of delicious ingredients are whipped in with the gooey pancake mixture to create a stunning combination of flavors and smells.
Once you’ve got your base, you can then choose to top it with whipped cream, Nutella or mascarpone spread. Then get ready to drench the pancake in a range of drool-worthy sauces including cinnamon glaze, raspberry syrup and Baileys Irish Cream sauce. If you’re one of those pancake lovers who aren’t afraid to go all out, then this joint is the pancake spot for you.
📍3020 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104