Yum! The food is so good here and very large portioned (got the veggie omelette with potatoes and rye bread). The fresh squeezed orange juice is delicious and pulpy as well. The owner is so lovely and aware of the slow service (it was quite the wait but they would check in regularly). There is both outdoor and indoor seating; there was a musician singing outside when I was there. Street parking in this area. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Veggie omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

I lived in South Park for over 20yrs & Miss Judy's BIG KITCHEN is the place to eat. Classic food, crazy fun atmosphere & the freshest hand squeezed OJ you've ever had. It a neighborhood thing- IYKYK, so don't expect fancy froo-froo hipster food, just fabulous flavor & a great relaxing time. read more

Service was awesome. Very attentive n Judy ( owner) is very friendly n chatty caring that our experience was great. Had great stories of celeberties from her Resturant over her 45 years! Food was delishous and HOT! ( heat wise). I have been going there dince the 80's. Never wrote a review on her Resturant begore. We leave feeling very satisfyed food n like we matter to her. Gun memorbelia everywhere love that part of San Diego (South Park) read more

Why go here? The food is splendid and the owner Judy is the sweetest women you will meet. They have a variety of foods for breakfast and anything you get is going to be amazingly delicious I got the corned beef hash and it was delicious read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Walk in, and don't know how 20 people can eat here. It's like you're sitting in your grandma house . Old and not painted. It's clean, the server friendly, but the kitchen is open, and they play their music,so you don't enjoy your meal. The food was good, but like I said, you feel like you're at some one house. So why come out. Will not be back, sorry. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - This is the dining area , small place - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

BKC is extremely slept on, honestly. I've lived in the area several years and this is still a fav breakfast spot for us to hit up! The inside is small but they have outdoor sitting in the front and also in the back! The back is smaller but super cute, it feels like you're in someone's backyard. The outdoor sitting is probably my fav because it's right in the middle of South Park, it's such a nice local feel. Please do not skip out on the coffee! This is the only place I love to drink the coffee without anytime type of milk or creamer because it tastes so good alone; they serve Kona coffee! My go to are there tofu rancheros and this last time I added soyrizo- so fire! I love that for a small mom & pop shop they offer plenty of veggie options. Hubz always opts for one of the omelettes and they never miss. Service is always great, everyone is always super friendly and welcoming. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Tofu Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is rustic with old days warm hospitality and absolutely the sweetest lady owner. She's an absolute delight. Food was amazing and huge portions. Every Saturday there's live music from the owners sisters jazz band. It was a very wonderful find. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Damien's burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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The food was delicious! It is a cozy little restaurant with seating both inside and outside. Each visit can come with a history lesson as well. SO much decor and pictures from local and US history. It felt like every single inch of the restaurant has a story. The seating inside is mostly a large rectangle counter where I believe a lot of great conversations have happened. The swivel wooden chairs were a bit uncomfortable for me... but that's just me lol The Denver frittata was so yummy with the perfect amount of vegetables and ham. The side potatoes weren't my favorite, I just personally didn't like the herb seasoning on them. Overall, service was great. It seems like a restaurant where a lot of the servers know the regulars and there's a strong sense of community. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Denver Frittata - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

I lived in SD all my life and I just recently visited this restaurant... What is wrong with me. Judy the Beauty!!! Her and the staff are top notch! The place takes you back to what a diner is back in the days. I ordered the Andre special and my wife the cheese & chive omelette. Bomb! Would you go back you ask? Yes!!! Even just to see Judy the Beauty again. You should to! (well... I shouldn't be telling you what to do). Just a suggestion. read more

This place's service is horrible, they treated me like shit. The food took 40 minutes to come out with just me and my girlfriend. fick this place read more

I have to give my review an update since my last post was over 2 years ago. We have probably ate here at least 5 times since then but the most recent one was today and man we were in sticker shock with their change of prices. Most everything on their menu went up in price and I'm not saying $1-$2 dollars but more like $4-6 dollars. I get it food is more expensive but paying for something that used to be $13 dollars and now it's $18 dollars it hits differently. If it wasn't a Saturday and the music wasn't there I'm not sure if I would go back and pay that for the food. The food is good but I liked the price of the food before. read more

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Unfortunately it was a bad experience. Although the owner was friendly and seated us right away, 4 different people asked us if we had been served yet and we said no and they said they'd get someone. It seems like they have a lot of staff with no name tags and no system of how to cover tables. My iced tea had no ice in it and neither did my husband's water. Finally after taking our order, we waited 45 minutes for a pancake, and a meal of chorizo and eggs with potato. The potatoes were delicious but the chorizo and eggs were runny and saw no chorizo in it but just red color. We had to ask for silverware after the server gave us our meals and started walking away. We were there on a Sunday at 12:20 not crowded. You can tell it's an established place and has the usual neighborhood customers but I definitely won't return. read more

What a great experience! Really appreciate you Judy for taking care of our big 80th birthday party. Food was perfect.

We were going to the shawarma guys across the street but the music brought us and attracted us to this shop, with a cool little vibe. Felt like I was on a different planet, and or heaven. Everyone was friendly, nice, highly recommend recommend!! read more

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Big Kitchen Cafe has been a San Diego staple for more than 30 years... That's quite a while! With good reason too. Judy, the owner, is such a great lady. She showed us around her restaurant before seating us. Lots of patrons dining but there were quite a few tables set outside too so we didn't have to wait very long for a party of 2. Very casual, home feel, restaurant where the tables/seats don't match and if you're missing a seat, Judy grabs a chair from a different table! The food is great too! I honestly wouldn't say "5" stars for just the food, but the overall feel of the restaurant earned them this rating. Ordered the Denver Scramble which came with their infamous potatoes! Both were delicious, but I liked the potatoes a little more. The huge pancake was the star of the show! It was awesome! IDK what kind of batter they use or how they cooked it but it must've been one of the best pancakes I've tasted! The portions are huge here, so sharing is caring! We had plenty of leftovers. Fairly priced entrees (all on their website) and the staff are all really nice. Judy was definitely the star of the show, though! So entertaining and kind. Lots of street parking around the restaurant. Be prepared to wait a while though, it gets busy here, but it's worth the wait. read more

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Very friendly casual setting. They have not just one, but two outdoor sitting area - in front of the cafe under a shady tree, and a smaller, more intimate one in the back. Fast, friendly service, generous portions. Loved a delicious frittata with blue cheese. A very dog-friendly place. On the day of our visit, they kindheartedly hosted a mobile adoption event for the Friends of Tijuana Humane Society! Will be back for sure. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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Yikes. Definitely not what I expected from the reviews I saw here in yelp. The coffee was really watered down and it was serve lukewarm. Yuck. They were out off all French toast options so I swapped out the Laurels special with a waffle. The waffle tasted like it was warmed up from Eggo waffles, not the best. Bacon and eggs was something I could have made from home with more flavor and love. read more

Came here for the first time at the suggestion of a friend a few weekends ago on a Sunday and it was disappointing to the point that I will never go back. Just going to give my key points: 1. Cleanliness: We were the first people in for the morning and none of the tables, including our own, had been cleaned. It was just covered in syrup and other junk and our server didn't bother cleaning it when we sat down. There were already multiple people there, too, so someone could've, and should've, cleaned before opening (at the end of the prior shift if this place were run professionally). 2. Prices: I had a pancake with 4 strips of bacon and 2 eggs (I asked for 2 sausage links and 2 bacon but all bacon's what I was brought - he got my friend's order wrong, too) and it was $25+. That's wild to me, even in this economy, but I'd have just accepted this if the food was above average and if not for the next point... 3. Cleanliness, again: As I was finishing my pancake (which was fine, nothing special), I found a big ol' hair in it. I'm not an overly sensitive guy so this alone wouldn't have been enough to turn me off of the place (it happens, I get it) but just as I was commenting about said hair to my friend, the people in the booth behind us were making a commotion because there was a huge spider climbing up the wall between us. That, the hair, and the dirty tables all taken together led me to conclude that the place has some sanitation issues. 4. Service: Our server brought us our food and never came back the whole time, not even to give us the check (and it wasn't yet busy enough at that point to justify that). Having been a waiter for many years, myself, that's a big no-no. TL;DR: Average food that's too expensive at a dirty place with poor service. I'm sorry to sound so harsh, but there's just way too many legitimately great places to eat in San Diego to risk food poisoning at this one (and, as I mentioned, having worked in food service before, myself, it's very likely an above average risk there). The "cozy" and "charming" old school diner feel other reviewers have talked up isn't cozy or charming enough to make me give the joint a pass on its problems. read more

To start off Judy The Beauty is such a sweetheart she is very welcoming and loving to all her customers! I was recommended this place by a local I'm glad he did, the atmosphere felt like I was eating at home!! I had such a great experience. Food was AMAZING everything was so fresh! Staff were very friendly. I would visit once a day if I could! read more

"Judy, the beauty, on duty" is the hostess with the mostess!! "The Big Kitchen is a place where the body is nourished along with the soul." Big Kitchen is your home away from home, guaranteed to make you feel like you belong, and get some great grub! THE JAM ++++ home made and a secret recipe, this stuff is the jam of the ages. Like a croissant that I'm desperately craving when I get off the plane in Paris, this jam is the only thing I'm thinking about when I arrive in SanD. It comes in a jar normally (covid has it in smaller plastic cups), and you can just spoon it out and all over your toast or muffin until your glucose level goes off the scale. Do it. OTHER FAVORITES ++ whoopie's breakfast ($16) Whoopi Goldberg worked here back in the day) is your classic plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast and OJ ++ avocado, cream cheese and chive omelette ($14) tip: ask for it "easy" and you'll get a perfect, light and delicious cook on this beauty. PERSONAL -- THANK YOU, JUDY!!! My late brother Seamus (RIP) made the BigK his regular gathering spot on Mondays after the weekend theater runs, and bring so many folks together for a hearty meal, with the one-and-only Judy the Beauty as their host. God bless you, Judy!! Come and experience this wonderful local gem, "one of the 10 best breakfasts in the country" --Bon Apetit. read more

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So no one has the guts to say it? Ambience is important while eating whether it's outdoor or indoor. Indoor seating is historical, nostalgic, and leads to great conversation. Outside with natural trees and in South Park, speaks for itself. The problem is rickety poker folding tables, covered with stale smelling vinyl covers from somebody's closet and a mish-mosh of chairs that I'm sure were donated or picked up from "Free off the curb." Condiment jars are obviously not cleaned nor sanitized between diners and this alone makes one wonder about what is happening in the kitchen. It's quite easy to make the outside more inviting to the eyes and stomach. Big Kitchen-level up! And because I've been eating here for decades, I know the quality, flavor and portion of food the Big Kitchen can deliver. I ordered my staple, pancake and egg whites. Best egg whites comparable to many restaurants. The reason the pancake is a highlight is because it is large but light and fluffy. The only pancake I've eaten that is NOT heavy on the stomach. Yet, the most tasteless syrup. So I bring my own. And I enjoy every bite. Service is what is expected. I do appreciate that the servers each have an interesting story or hobby if you just ask. Cash is still preferred. And credit cards are now accepted. The variety of meal creations is creative and appreciated. Although I stick to my staple dish. If you're a local, Big Kitchen is in the heart space and you enjoy coming here. If you're a visitor, the ambience will be off-putting and you can get good food and ambience elsewhere. After all we are America's Finest City. read more

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Breakfast this morning was more than a good meal, it was a delightful experience! The food was good, (those breakfast potatoes tho!!) as was the service. The prices were a little high, but when you factor in the entertainment and joy that comes with your meal, you will find yourself planning to come back! read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Entertainment on the Sidewalk - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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The restaurant is mainly outdoors seating with live music. If you dont mind bar seating, you can slip right in and order with the servers there or talk with Judy about the day. They are always prompt and try their best. I had the sausage gravy with biscuits, eggs and bacon. I think k it's labeled Andres prescription. read more

Strongly don't recommend. Place does not have the quality and cleanliness to be charging $20 for a pancake and eggs. Found hair in my potatoes, a cigarette butt on the floor of the dining area, a hole rotted into my picnic table bench. Eggs were covered in oil, gravy had no seasoning. Save your dine and go somewhere else read more

What a little gem in South Park. We always pass this place when walking around on the weekends and finally stopped in. It is unpretentious with plastic tables outside and meals served on plain plates and utensils. I got the corned beef hash and we sat outside on the patio. There are shady spot under trees to stay cool during the summer. You can just tell this is one of those community restaurants that brings friends and family together. The environment was great, the staff was super friendly and the food was delicious! read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Corned beef hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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If I could give this place 10 stars I would. Food is home cooked and most definitely made with love. Judy makes you feel like she's known you your whole life; just like family. Great food, quick service, the sweetest staff and the best atmosphere. One of the best restaurants in South Park! read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - American breakfast and large buttermilk pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love this South Park staple! Such a great spot to grab some home cooked breakfast or lunch. The patio in back is charming and intimate, and the seating out front is great to people watch and enjoy live music on the weekends. Judy is a fabulous gem of a person! We've enjoyed many meals here and I love how they make their salsa in-house. The portions are very generous and the service has always been great! read more

The menu had vegan options, which I appreciated. The service was prompt, the shaded outdoor patio seating was lovely, and the prices were affordable. The veggie biscuits and gravy were very yummy--especially with added tofu and soy chorizo. The coffee was the only thing that was just average. read more

The food was 11/10, ambiance 11/10, the service was a bit slow but that's to be expected when the food is real home cooked and delicious! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!! The owner even gave us a tour of everything! She was super sweet! read more

Horrible service. Grouchy old lady owner telling us to leave if we had to leave when we asked how much longer our to-go order was. Only come here if you want to be treated poorly and have the slowest service of your life. read more

I've been coming here over 20 years and now my whole family is hooked. Judy is reason enough to come but the food and atmosphere are amazing as well. I always get the Cindy's choice and my wife loves the BK Frittata. The coffee cake is an absolute MUST! Enjoy! read more

This was a neat little breakfast spot in a quiet area of San Diego. It is a good mix of outdoor and indoor seating with lots of people eating with their dogs. We were greeted at the door after about 10 minutes by the owner, Judy and casually seated at a shaded table. Our server came out about 5 minutes later and took our order. The food arrived shortly after and was excellent quality and served from their quirky menu. You could absolutely enjoy food here and take in the vibe of the area. read more

There were too many weird comments from that old lady, and she was very rude to us. Thank goodness that the food was delicious. read more

I stumbled upon this place accidentally, walking a dog for a friend. This cute little restaurant is exactly what I picture a restaurant in a small town being like. I'm not sure if she's an owner or what but the older lady who seated me greeted me like family. She dances to their jazz music, with customers. She honestly loves being at work! And her sister was one playing the music. Food was good too! read more

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The portion sizes were huge and the food was delicious. It's small but cozy and the staff is really nice.

I am not sure where to even begin because we used to come here often. That being said, I don't know why Judy is still allowed to serve. When we first came in, she was overly manic. We know this is her personality, so we went along with it. We sat inside, and she took our order, serving us coffee in what seemed to be dirty, sticky mugs that were only halfway full. Then, nothing, about 35 minutes later, she brought us a crumbled, sad-looking cake that we didn't order and apologized for the slow service. *We assumed this was a complimentary item.* Then, a kitchen worker came out, and in an extremely aggressive manner, she pushed him and grabbed him by the shirt while shouting, "Out! Out!" The worker was shocked and yelled, "Don't touch me!" before going back inside the kitchen. Yikes, that was enough to kill anyone's appetite. We decided to leave right then and there so we asked for our check and realized she had even charged us for the cake she brought on her own to apologize for the slow service! Needless to say, we are never coming back. At this point is not even about the food but that the fact there's mistreatment of workers in this establishment. Not a nice healthy place to take your family. read more

Well, if you don't know JUDY THE BEAUTY, you haven't been in San Diego too long. We went on Sunday, just because, and sat outside. On Saturdays, there's music. Judy was there and came out to greet my husband Chris, who goes more regularly. We've been going 40 years! Hands down, best fresh squeezed O.J. in San Diego. Judy took a picture with Chris, I will hope to add it, it's adorable! And Judy saw my "grandma to bee" button and said "I'll be right back with a surprise for you". She brought three glasses of orange juice and we toasted our soon-to-be granddaughter! The French Toast I ordered was done perfectly and the portion was super generous. My husband had eggs, ham and potatoes with coffee. He ate the whole thing and it was huge. Come hungry, come early, ask for Judy, and be prepared to feel like home! read more

Breakfast burrito split for two. Perfect breakfast. On corn tortilla with chunky salsa...potatoes with rosemary and spices.. tasty Love the outside random tables with random chairs. read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Love the regular choices with sketches - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Waiters were just walking past my family and I and made us feel unwelcome. I had to go up to the front several times to ask for help.

I love Big Kitchen Cafe! The fruit and vegetables here are always fresh. The orange juice is fresh squeezed. The coffee cake is just like my grandma used to make. I'm always happy with the service even when they are busy. They are always there when you need them and not so much when you don't. This place is a local gem. Recommend read more

Big Kitchen Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California