Crest Cafe
American · Coffee · San Diego, CA
About
Family-owned since 1985, Crest Cafe has been a Hillcrest breakfast and American comfort food staple for decades. It's open 365 days a year from 7am to 10pm, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert. The cafe was featured on the Food Network and is known for its unique twists on classics, like homemade potato chips and huge salads. The atmosphere is casual and art deco-inspired, with cramped-yet-cozy crowds that give it a neighborhood feel. It's also dog-friendly with outdoor seating, beer and wine, and free wifi.
Regulars know to check out the daily food deals during the week. Breakfast hours extend until midnight Friday through Tuesday, but Wednesday and Thursday breakfast ends at 4pm. Parking is validated on 6th Ave. It's LGBTQ-owned and BIPOC-owned, and a reliable spot whether you're grabbing a fast bite or settling in for a relaxed meal.
Located in Hillcrest, San Diego's historic LGBTQ neighborhood, Crest Cafe has been a local fixture since 1985.
Features
- ✓LGBTQ-owned and BIPOC-owned since 1985
- ✓Featured on the Food Network
- ✓Open 365 days a year, 7am-10pm
- ✓Dog-friendly outdoor seating
- ✓Catering and online ordering available
Cuisine
Practical
Best nights: Mon, Wed, Sat
What people say
Rated from 1,476 reviews. 19 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“It's Hill-CREST, after all”
It's great that this Hillcrest institution is still going strong after all these years. Whether you're there for a big breakfast, a late-night coffee and dessert, or anything in between, Crest Cafe has been as dependable as City Deli used to be and Harvey Milk's is now. With its art deco style, cozy but tight seating, and annual Thanksgiving dinners, it seems to evolve with the times while staying mostly the same, including its name.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Great food!”
I've always had a good experience with the food at Crest! My top pick is the Oui Oui Burger, and you should definitely order their homemade potato chips.
A guest · Over a year ago
The Chicken Piccata was excellent, and the mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever tasted. I plan to return.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Excellent Food”
Crest Cafe serves incredibly tasty food, with each classic dish given their own creative spin. It's a small place so you might face a wait, but the service is worthwhile.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“breakfast until midnight!”
New breakfast hours Friday through Tuesday until midnight, Wednesday and Thursday until 4pm. American comfort food with great value. Established in 1982! Famous for their burgers, pastas, and large salads. Quick and friendly service in a relaxed setting.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there vegetarian or vegan food? +
Yes, the menu includes lots of vegetarian options.
What type of cuisine does Crest Cafe serve? +
American comfort food with unique twists, including hamburgers, pastas, huge salads, and homemade potato chips.
Does Crest Cafe have a full bar? +
They serve beer, wine, champagne, mimosas, and coffee, but not a full bar.
Is Crest Cafe dog-friendly? +
Yes, it has dog-friendly outdoor seating.
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