Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    101 Diner

    4.3 (879 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 1:30 pm

    Order 101 Diner Takeout or Delivery

    101 Diner Photos

    Business Info

    101 DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - 101 Diner

    Unusual Activity Alert

    Unusual Activity Alert

    This business recently received increased public attention, which often means people come to this page to post their views on the news rather than actual consumer experiences with the business. We’ve temporarily disabled the posting of content to this page as we work to investigate the content you see here reflects actual consumer experiences rather than the recent events (even if that means disabling the ability for users to express points of view we might agree with). Please note that we apply this same policy regardless of the business and regardless of the topic at issue. Read more on Yelp Support.

    If you’re here to leave a review based on a first-hand experience with the business, please check back at a later date.

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Breakfast - sausage , Egg and biscuits and gravy.
    Pina P.

    Food and service with a breeze of the ocean, it was amazing. Who could ask for anything more

    A nice French toast breakfast
    Fernanda C.

    I got the French toast, eggs and hashbrowns and all of it was pretty good. The outside seating was very nice and the waitress was an absolute gem. I definitely want to go back and try more of the menu.

    Cardiff Crack Benedict
    Zan L.

    I grew up in San Diego and went to high school in North County but for some reason, I had never been to The 101 Diner. During my last visit home, I decided to change that and stopped in for the first time. I was pleased to see it's a traditional Classic American diner with very fast service, a large menu, and fair prices. Inside is pretty small, which adds to the homey atmosphere. They don't have a ton of seating options but the lines here never seem to be as long as Encinitas Café across the street. Parking in this part of Encinitas is pretty easy because if there's not a space available right on the street, it's easy to find one in the neighborhood behind the businesses. Our waitress was very polite and everything that we ordered arrived shortly after we placed the order. Being a fan of Seaside Market I saw that they have a new Eggs Benedict dish called the Cardiff Crack Benedict, which has the famous tri-tip so I had to order that. I was very pleased with it and the eggs were done just as I like them. I would definitely order it again and would recommend. I plan to be back again next time I am in town.

    French Toast
    Veronica W.

    We decided to dine in closer to closing time. Seemed quite busy trying to wind down and clean up. The service was good, and we got our food pretty quickly after ordering. Eggs tasted fresh, french toast was classically done exactly how I enjoy it. We also tried the banana Nutella pancake. I was surprised by this, they actually mix the banana in with the pancake batter rather than just using it as a topping. This made for a lighter, more refreshing pancake. I really enjoyed it as pancakes can be a little too sweet for me. Highly recommend this spot for a good breakfast! I will say there were a lot of flies and the floors didn't look to be swept at all but I'm guessing this was because they were about to clean up before closing...

    Chorizo Scramble with Cheese
    Trevor T.

    Never have had a bad meal here. In the heart of Encinitas, 101 Diner has everything you would ever want and more. I LOVE their breakfast that typically comes with crispy potatoes. The staff is so nice and friendly which is their calling card along with the excellent food. You can sit outside and enjoy the people watching or inside where you are almost transported back to a simpler time. Yes you are reminded of the present when you see a surcharge for eggs due to what is happing today, but you also look around and see connections. People talking and conversing. Chatting with the staff and ordering verbally. No iPad in sight and it's a delight!

    Kayla B.

    Was super excited to try this place out for the first time, but unfortunately ended up being disappointed. Food was COLD. Flavor was good but still it being cold outweighed the flavor for me. Everything from the pancakes to the omelette to the chicken & waffle was cold (I had to wait 10 additional minutes for my waffle but that thankfully was hot & good!) Pancakes were also thin. Wish they were fluffier. If the food was hot, I'd recommend coming here. However you can probably find better spots nearby.

    Cardiff Crack Tri-tip omelette
    Rick D.

    Delicious breakfast, friendly staff, great menu, solid choice for great food. It's an older restaurant, kinda small, can get busy during the normal rush but I really like this place, it's the quintessential hometown diner. I had the Cardiff Crack Tri-tip omelette (cheese, peppers, onions, mushrooms) and home fried potatoes. This place knows how to make the real fluffy omelette with great tasting fill and perfect home-fried potatoes. I thought I was in a Midwest diner. One of the best breakfast spots In Encinitas! I left full, content, happy and wanting to return.

    Traditional Eggs Traditional Benedict with Sliced Ham and potatoes
    Brian M.

    I visit the 101 Diner every time I visit Encinitas and the food, service (Katie), overall experience is always on point. The eggs Benedict is great and get the potatoes that feel more like hash-browns.

    Atul S.

    Went here for our breakfast before returnning back to phoenix. Got outdoor seating and had pleasant time. Here are my takes: Food/Drinks: Overall it was decent. The beef meat was very chewy and maybe overcooked so I had to leave that too when it was recommended by server for being locally sourced and I decided to try. The menu is extensive so it was somewhat overwhelming to choose from. Service: There was a delay but overall no major setback during our dine-in. Ambiance: Great outdoor seating and that was the primary reason to stopped here for breakfast. Hygiene: Very small restroom and not the cleanest but overall it was decent. Price: Reasonably priced food and drinks. Nothing that was overpriced.

    Bacon  cheeseburger !!! So good and fresh .

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks!!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    lol. Whatever

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Larry P.
    2187
    669
    6485

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 4
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sol C.
    205
    823
    1264

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks for the great, very kind review Sol!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Paul M.
    456
    185
    74

    1 year ago

    Love this place. Excellent food! Good value. Very nice people working here. The best breakie on PCH!!0

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks once again!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris S.
    102
    90
    12

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks Chris!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C H.
    0
    2
    10

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy H.
    5
    54
    5

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    You made some great choices! Thanks for the kind words!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    On point Andy! Thanks!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks Blane! That is the OG of reviews!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Yep. Thanks!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Great combo choice! Thanks!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Delicious Fresh peaches & strawberry crepes. Also biscuits & Gravy! All selections have been exceptional, including friendly service.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel V.
    155
    49
    10

    3 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 10

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Service was very fast and friendly, I barely said coffee and it appeared! Typical breakfast diner with a Hawaiian flare. OJ was good too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of zak b.
    6
    85
    55

    1 year ago

    Simple, delicious, easy to get to, and staff is very friendly. Nothing mind blowing but you will enjoy your Brekky.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Eggs Benedict with there potatoes is the best I've ever had. Service is excellent. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Well done Brian, well done!

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Excellent breakfast with exceptional service! Great outdoor tables to enjoy the beautiful SD weather.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks Carrie! Excellent review!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks Donald!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks Stacy! Biscuits & Gravy and Katie for the W

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric G.
    0
    16
    10

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Best breakfast in San Diego!! Been to many different restaurants and the food here is down home and delicious ..highly recommend it !!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Thanks Monica!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Scott S.

    Scott S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rudy M.
    128
    567
    2217

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 22

    Ask the Community - 101 Diner

    Is there a cut-off time for ordering breakfast?

    Breakfast served all day until closing!

    Is the Cardiff crack Benny always available? It isn't on any of the menus I'm seeing in the photos. Also, are mimosas available?

    Crack Bene hits the menu full time beginning this Friday! We do not have a liquor license as restaurant is small and serving mimosas would create very long waits for a table on weekends

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Encinitas Ale House

    Encinitas Ale House

    4.0
    (658 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    One of the great spots in Encinitas for lunch or dinner, if you love beer or ale this is your…read moreplace. They have an entire menu of six pages of different Beers. They know their stuff. If you go try to get Matt and hear our matt's famous phrases It's almost done Just a second Yours is next Almost ready I'm getting it now He was as fantastic as the burger! Glad to go back after a few years it is now back on her list. Thanks to matt

    Santana Burger medium rare was 5 stars all the way, and the fruits that accompanied it were damn…read moregood as well. The Kern brewing Chuuuch IPA was also 5 stars for my taste buds. And our server was fantastic. So why, you might ask, only 4 stars in my review. Two reasons: 1). Management has prohibited giving a splash of a beer for someone to sample. Bottom line is that I wanted to order a pint of beer, but I wanted a splash of a couple of beers to try to make my decision. They refused, saying that one must buy a 5oz taster if one wants to taste the beer. I find that policy offensive. In the end I bought a taster to taste the Chuuurch, and then bought an additional pint after. It just seems nickel and dimey, and would be asking to an ice cream place not allowing one to sample their ice creams before buying a cone. I hope management reconsiders this policy. 2. My wife got the Hot Mess Fries and was disappointed not only in the flavor, but also in the misleading advertising. On the menu it specifically said that there was bacon in the fries, but in fact what they put on the fries was either chunks of ham or "Canadian bacon" (which as we all know is a very different thing from "bacon"). If they were or of regular bacon, the kitchen should have told the server this so he could have asked her if she wanted ham as a substitute. And, of they always use ham instead of bacon, them the menu needs to be changed to reflect that.

    Photos
    Side of bar and bigger entrance for wheelchair accessible
    Side of bar and bigger entrance for wheelchair accessible
    Lava cake - big portion but no lava inside.
    Lava cake - big portion but no lava inside.
    8% Pliney Elder

    See all

    8% Pliney Elder
    Biergarden Encinitas

    Biergarden Encinitas

    3.9
    (1.2k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Came for a leisurely Sunday lunch and will definitely come again!…read more Thanks to Jessica and team for an amazing experience. We had a diverse mix of people across multiple age groups at our table and she was nothing short of fantastic. Questions were answered, recommendations were given, and drinks were never empty. The food matched Jessica's attentiveness. Our crew's meal ranged from the poke bowl to the loaded Cardiff Crack fries (a must, especially for tourists) to kids eats. Everything came out perfect.

    Came here with a friend on Easter Sunday around 9:30 PM and had a great experience overall. It was…read morepretty mellow for a holiday night with just a handful of people there with plenty of seating both inside, outside, and at the bar. We ended up grabbing seats at the bar, which was a great choice. We ordered the: *Fig Burger with Brussels Sprouts: the Brussels sprouts were phenomenal. They had what tasted like pecans, some kind of glaze, and cheese... seriously so good. The Fig Burger itself was just as impressive with such a unique combo and absolutely delicious. *Steak Sandwich with Onion Rings: this was also a standout. Perfectly cooked, super flavorful, and came with a great dipping sauce that really tied it all together. The onion rings were crispy and on point too. First off, I love that they offer a variety of sides (sweet potato fries, truffle fries, mac & cheese, Brussels sprouts, etc.), though most come with a small upcharge. We had a few drinks and even grabbed a bottle of wine from the bar to take back to our Airbnb, which was a nice bonus. The vibe was relaxed with TVs playing highlights from a basketball game, and the bartender/server was awesome. Parking was easy with free street parking, though that might've been because it was late and a holiday. Only heads up: definitely call ahead about kitchen and closing times, especially on holidays. Online said they close at midnight, but they were actually closing at 11 PM. We were told over the phone the kitchen closed at 9:45 PM, but when we arrived at 9:30 PM, it had just switched to last call. Thankfully, they were kind enough to still get our order in. Overall, phenomenal food, great service, and a solid spot worth checking out. Would definitely come back.

    Photos
    Biergarden Encinitas
    Cardiff Crack Steak Sandwich was delicious.
    Cardiff Crack Steak Sandwich was delicious.
    Biergarden Encinitas

    See all

    Viewpoint Brewing

    Viewpoint Brewing

    4.2
    (1.3k reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$

    My friend and I came here without a reservation on a Sunday at 5. Our mistake, we definitely should…read morehave made a reservation as it was extremely crowded! Others were given a 30-40 minute wait time but luckily they squeezed us in at a small counter which we were very grateful for! I was worried that because of the crowd the food might take a while, since we had a concert after, but the food arrived not 10 minutes after we ordered. We got the caesar salad, fries, and fish tacos. All were delicious! The caesar had a great dressing and I liked the addition of kale, and the fish tacos were humongous and very scrumptious, with the right amount of salsa/sauce as well as fish! We loved the ambience, the views out were incredible, the brewery itself was impressive, and it was very family friendly, we saw many kids running around and playing in the spacious back area. Our waitress was great and all the service was good, everyone was very friendly and helpful. There's valet parking. I think it was around $5 which was worth it to us for the convenience of not worrying about finding our own parking in the area. The valet workers were also very friendly and helpful. Hoping to come back soon!

    Came here for the first time for lunch. What an epic location for this place. It's waterfront right…read moreon the San Dieguito River. Has a rad view and the the open architecture is perfect for sunny days. Service was solid, absolutely no complaints. Our server was attentive but gave us space and didn't rush us at all. They have a great drink selection (obviously). We both got the Mexican Lager which was light and smooth. Followed that up with the ceviche. We mixed in the house hot sauce which in my opinion elevated it. I got the crispy shrimp tacos. They were good. Kind of overloaded with cabbage but all the flavors were there so no complaints. My cuz got the Thai coconut chicken sando which looked . He said it was good too. All in all. Epic location, great food, great atmosphere. I'll definitely be back. FYI, the only downside was parking is limited and pretty much only option is paid self parking or valet - worth it though

    Photos
    The bar area with the TV
    The bar area with the TV
    Burger - came with their homemade sauce that has mayonnaise so we had it on the side.
    Burger - came with their homemade sauce that has mayonnaise so we had it on the side.
    Outdoor seating with heaters

    See all

    Outdoor seating with heaters

    101 Diner - diners - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...