I found this little cafe watching Guy Fieri's diners, drive ins and dives. This restaurant did not disappoint. The food was fantastic. I ordered a burger which tasted better than I've had in a long time. Friends ordered what was called Hog Heaven. Heaven it was. The customer service was fantastic. If you're in the area, I highly recommend it. We spent the morning at seaport village then drove over to here. read more

We chose Crest Cafe from a list of triple D visits in SD and were looking forward to an outstanding burger. The burger toppings were great but the patties looked store bought not hand made. No seasoning on the burgers, fries or lovely handmade chips. The service was good. We paid for parking at the Rite Aid. Overall a near miss - underwhelming. read more

Butter Burger for the win. Not for the faint of heart, or small eater. But super delicious. Also the Cheese sandwich with Bacon, PB and J is really good. Give it a try. read more

Crest Cafe - Butter Burger for the Win - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been here twice, mainly because of our lord and savior Guy Fieri's praises on DDD. The first time I came I had a raspberry French toast- it was good, nothing special, though idk what I expected since Guy was all about their butter stuffed burger. This time around I got the lox omelet. To my dismay, the omelet was somewhat overcooked and the lox wasn't smoked and tender. It was literally just overdone pieces of salmon. You know when salmon is overcooked and the white proteins emerge from it? Yeah, that was the salmon in the omelet. I ordered it with home fries and unfortunately they were undercooked. The staff here is always very accommodating and sweet but I just didn't have the best experience this time around. read more

Crest Cafe - Lox omelet w/ home fries and toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

*This is a Review or the "Thanksgiving Dinner"* We looked for a "per-made Thanksgiving dinner" and found the crest cafe had one going. I've had good meals there in the past, the description sounded good, so we ordered one. much to our disappointment the "dinner" arrives (vie Doordash). First issue: Portions: we weren't expecting a meal that feeds 20 or anything but what we got was a child's portion of a thanksgiving dinner. I'll provide photos. A small meal even for the tiniest person very disappointing. Second issue: Taste: This was the worst tasting T Day dinner we've ever had, bland, flavorless very cold food. Flavorless Turkey under some clear, flavorless gravy. The spoon full of dressing was bland and sad. The other side dishes were also...bad. Third Issue:Preparation: The sweet potatoes and the potatoes au gratin dish was really under cooked and not seasoned for any flavor, the bread roll was as hard as rock. The pecan pie was frozen it seems , I'm not sure but that was just ok. In short, state away from the crest cafe Thanksgiving dinner , it was a terrible and expensive (26$) mistake. Hopefully you read this before you order this meal, stay away! read more

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Small, Over crowded, cramped especially during Covid time. The person that seated us, didn't think of wheelchair in the back would be an issue. not wheelchair friendly and with customers seating...they had politely stood up to allow me thru. Food was good, coffee strong. Too crowded for me to enjoy the food more. Maybe if I we had been placed up front. read more

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This place is great. It's like being at grandmas house for a family dinner, nice selection on the menu. Good was cooked to perfection and plentiful. Food portions were good since size. The waiter was on top of everything! Be sure to stop in. You won't be disappointed. read more

We came here on a Sunday morning when no one supposed to eat out cause everywhere has long waits for a table. Well we lucked out because there was no wait when we got there! Unfortunately parking was a little on the tough side but I guess Diegans are used to it, so after 15mins of looking for parking we found one about a block away. I love the decor, is so retro and it has the coolest art on the walls. I mean I may be a little bias because I love pink and the place is pink but I mean who doesn't? Our server was fantastic and rather fast. It got pretty busy so she was doing lots of other tables but managed to offer to refill coffee and take care of us. The food well mmm lets see. I got the breakfast sandwich with fruit. The presentation could be a lot better. My sandwich was falling apart and the egg kept falling off. On a good note the flavor was delicious and the chef was generous with the avocado. The fruit was on the same plate, on top of a lettuce leaf what? The fruit's juice and the fruit itself kept getting mixed up with my sandwich and I did not like that at all. It took from the experience of the sandwich itself, chef please put the fruit on another plate or a bowl. I mean- what is an extra plate or bowl to wash right? My daughter had biscuits and gravy. She loved it! she also got a side of bacon but she did not loved it. It was slightly over cooked and dry. In regards of drinks, the coffee was good and the lemonade fresh. Overall, we may come back and try another time when is not a Sunday morning. I think is worth to check out if you are in town. The prices are not bad either. read more

Crest Cafe - Breakfast sandwich and fruit - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Today we went to Crest Cafe for their Valentines dinner. It was absolutely excellent. We frequent many restaurants in northpark,south park and hillcrest , I have to say Crest Cafe is one of our favorites. The staff are friendly, the music is great. Love crest for breakfast, lunch and dinner. read more

Have you ever wondered where unicorn chefs work if there were such thing as unicorn chefs? Maybe not but if there were such a place, they would work at Crest Cafe. This place is awesome! The Interior = Retro cafe The Service = Good. We came at an off hours and there was only one guy working the dining area. Super friendly and attentive though. The Food = So dang good! I will just write about the grilled cheese. This grilled cheese has cheese, bacon, berry jelly and wait for it!...peanut butter! It's not supposed to work but it is Fan F'ing Tastic! Crispy, buttery, chewy, rich and decadent all in one bite. I had it 3 x's on this trip to San Diego. *gluttony* Honerable food mentions = burgers are good and you have to try the onion loaf :) Would I come back? Heck yeah! Welp! Onto the next! read more

Crest Cafe - This hot mess is magical! Grilled cheese with bacon, jelly and peanut butter! - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Come here regularly. Always fair price, good food, good service. Also burger night is always good read more

We ordered take out from Crest Cafe and everything was super tasty! My partner ordered breakfast and I went with their lunch menu. We both were super satisfied. I have always wanted to try Crest Cafe but it's always busy which understandably so, the food was great. I got their turkey meatloaf, I wish it came with a sauce because it was a little dry but luckily I had many sauce options to choose from at home. The sides with perfect too, a medley of green vegetables and awesome mash potatoes with gravy. I'm guessing the way it's typically served in house the gravy would of covered the plate instead a little on the side. I would love to dine in next time and actually have their food fresh! read more

Crest Cafe - Turkey meatloaf take out - came with mash potatoes, gravy and a medley of green vegetables - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Food was delicious. I had the Monte Cristo Sandwich. Service was outstanding, had a very nice waiter named DJ! Would come back again.

Stopped in for a takeout order after having eaten at Crest Cafe several times previously with my wife and enjoyed it tremendously. Always been impressed with how many offerings they have that can be ordered all times of the day. And they are born from such a tiny kitchen. The service is always impeccable, regardless of dine-in or takeout. And they get the takeout order right, which is a pet peeve of mine. Hate getting home and find the order incomplete or incorrect. Highly recommend. Thank you, Crest Cafe! read more

This is consistently delicious American food. The service is always fast and friendly. The environment is welcoming and clean. We love Crest Cafe read more

Past few times I ordered thru Postmates the food quality has been poor! You overcooked the sausage looks like--it looked like it was cooked twice & was dehydrated. French toast also seemed like it was overcooked. One side was almost charred & the bread was just dry! See for yourself. This is your bad cooking & PM REFUSED TO REFUND, claiming it's the restaurant's fault, so I have to contest with the credit card The marmalade cream cheese looked weird & unappetizing. Guess it's not stuffed french toast. This is poor & unacceptable. Would you serve this to dine in client read more

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Crest Cafe is a cute little cafe in San Diego, but unfortunately, our breakfast was nothing special. I had French toast with greasy bacon. The kids had grilled cheese sandwiches, which were pretty good. The wait staff was friendly and timely. Would not recommend. read more

We decided to go to Crest a while back and it is honestly the cutest little diner in SD! Their egg benny and omelette were so good! And their crispy hash brown are to die for! read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

The food and the service are amazing. I had the chili, and it was the perfect comfort food for a cold day.

Had my credit card number stolen & used by a person at this location. Crazy how that is possible since I have the physical card on me. Food looks good though. read more

The food was average. The service was good. The ambience is like a colorful diner. Times visited: 1. I probably wouldn't go back. read more

Crest Cafe - Raspberry Ricotta French Toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

The coffee, the food, the service. This place hits the trifecta nearly every time we go! read more

Crest Cafe - Creme Brulee French Toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Our server was attentive and the food was good, albeit very greasy. I came in for lunch with some co-workers and we were seated near the bathroom, which had a strong, bad smell. I probably won't be back based on the ambiance and price point. read more

We tired to get some takeout. We sat at the bar and never were helped or acknowledged, so we left.

This place is awesome for breakfast and most likely all other meals. The service is friendly and attentive. Were very pleased with the quality, quantity, and how fast the serving of our food. A must place to eat in San Diego. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Super good food with really solid portions. We went during the middle of the week and we were the only ones there, but on the weekends it's packed. If you pay for parking they deduct it from your bill too. Overall a really nice place with friendly waiters! Nothing to complain about over here read more

Oh well one thing that was good as we could get a seat here while other places must use some sort of Internet reservations and told us would be an hour to two hours with no one in front of the store. I had a brisket burrito which was very good with avocado and a red sauce their beans were tasty my partner had the French toast marmalade she seem to like it the biscuits and gravy only ok. Service is pleasant but not exceptionally attentive and acceptable to better than average experience read more

I door dashed the butter burger since it was on triple D with Guy and it was really good! Would definitely try it again!

When you want good tasty food in a positively engaging environment in a beautiful neighborhood with good service, you can never go wrong with Crest Cafe. A foodie jewel of Hillcrest. read more

Delicious! We had the butter burger that was sampled by Guy Fieri and loved it. Super friendly and attentive wait staff. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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I enjoyed my lemon ricotta pancakes, they were paired nicely with the strawberries. I'd definitely sub out the bananas for extra strawberries next time though. Also got the budda bites (pear, gorgonzola and dried tomatoes) which were much larger than expected! We absolutely could not finish and it was nice warmed up later. The tomato combats the strong gorgonzola taste with a bit of sweetness, but you really can't eat too much of it, I would share it as an appetizer type. read more

Just okay. I enjoyed the cup of chicken tortilla soup. My biscuits and gravy were okay. Hash browns were okay. Ordered bacon but never got it so I guess I didn't need it. My companion said his food was just okay as well. Was missing a bit of the flavor/seasoning that's expected with comfort food. His glass of Coke had food residue on the outside rim of the cup. Kind of makes you question if there were food particles on the plates as well. read more

Did you ever have one of those restaurant experiences that started off bad and just continued to get worse? I have been going to the Crest Café for years 30 years. We were one of the first customers that would frequent this place. We loved the food. That was 30 years ago. Today, my husband and I walked into the Crest Café for breakfast like we have for years. Now mind you, my husband has had 3 spinal fusions and has spinal stenosis that makes it very painful for him to stand for ANY length of time. The Café was understaffed and right out of the gate the waiter had an attitude about making us wait. I was just getting ready to leave and try Breakfast Bitch across the street but the waiter finally relented and gave us a seat. My experience has always been that the staff greets you right away and gives you a seat. This, apparently is no longer the case. The waiter comes first and will get to you when he or she is good and ready! If you complain, you will wait longer! Next came the table and seat. After I sat down, I noticed the seat felt like it had dirt on it. I then ran my hand over the table and it came up with dirt. I had to go the their rest room to wash the dirt off my hands. The table was that dirty. The waiter did wipe off the table after my request! Maybe it was the open window, see below! Then their was the "Ice Queen" I will refer to her as. She usually has a cold affect. Just my opinion but I don't think she has a genuine bone in her body. Remember, I've been going here for 30 years and she has never been friendly. It didn't matter most of the time because the ALL staff were wonderful! This is not the case anymore. They still do have some caring staff but you will take your chances on this front. So, why do I mention the owner. She finally showed up and began helping the lone wait person who was struggling to handle the load. Sometime later while we were eating, I asked her to come over to our table. I had to call out pretty loudly to get her attention. The entire time we were there she avoided looking our way. Most owners will look around their restraint and smile at the happy customers. Not her. So, I had to call out louder than I would normally feel comfortable doing but this was the only way. She was not going to look. I asked her why the restaurant was so cold. It was 59 degrees outside and they had a window open just above us to the left. Her response was to lecture me about the weather. She said it would be 72 degrees in a few hours. That was her response. I let her know that I would not be here at 11 AM and I was cold now. She had a choice to make. She could have apologized for my discomfort and closed the window or ignore me! I'll give you one guess which choice she made. We continued to be cold during breakfast. The "Ice Queen" does not care! To the wait person's credit, they did appear to get through the rest of the experience admirably. My Café Eggs were OK. They give you a croissant with scrambled eggs and ham or Canadian bacon and potatoes or fruit. It's usually delicious. Not so much today. The eggs were not scrambles but folded like and omelette (boring). My husband had the Chilaquiles. It's always fabulous! However, upon leaving the restaurant. My husband and I turned toward the waiter as if to say no hard feelings and tried to smile at them. Bad experiences can sometimes occur in a restaurant. Even one you like. But, they did not look up at us even though we paused directly in front of them. Apparently the "Ice Queen" is having an influence over her staff as well! I will not likely go back. You can't forget how you are treated! They lost one Star for just for attitude! read more

Came into this location to check it out after passing for a few years now. Was rudely "greeted" by the host, I believe his name was Enrique and I wanted to take a look at the menu. The location was empty and didn't feel very welcoming after my first interaction but the eerie feeling I was getting from the host was enough for me not to want to stay. Who does the hiring around here? Stay away from here unless you like rude service and empty atmospheres. read more

Triple D's Guy Fieiri visited this place. Parking is street, so nonexistent. Expect to have to pay for parking. Ordered: East Texas - I really have to say Wow! on this dish. I have never had juicier chicken at a restaurant before. There was no hint of pink and it was amazingly moist. Flavor was saved by the jalapeño...otherwise it was kind of bland. The mashed potatoes were a let down as they were a little gummy and tasted like they might have had sugar in them? I was surprised they were such a dark brown. I did find a piece of aluminum foil in my dish which I'm hoping was the only piece. Vegetables were steamed nicely. Butter burger- it was incredibly salty and had a ton of sauce on it. It was cooked as requested and had a nice char to it. It was really juicy but probably just from the oil. It was okay. The chips were good with some salt added. Service: it wasn't bad per se but we could tell our waitress didn't want to be there. She slammed the condiments onto the table and disappeared until the end of the meal after we got our food. If I came back it would be to get something to go. They had TONS of to go orders while I was there. read more

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Nice little spot in Hillcrest. Vibe was good, service was really good. We all had breakfast, so will have to come back and try the other menu stuff because it looks pretty good. The portion sizes were pretty spot-on. Not too much food and not too little. They have an extensive menu which is pretty cool. Would definitely recommend giving this place a try. read more

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I'm so sad to leave this review I ordered the ricotta raspberry French toast on postmates and I cut into the raspberries and they had mold all inside them. Was so disgusting I had to throw it away. Like white and black mold was hard to notice because of the ricotta and butter is white but once I cut it open I saw it luckily didn't eat any berries. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Best chicken and waffles I've ever had. Truly perfection. Food came quick and we didn't have to reserve a spot even on a Sunday in peak breakfast times. Will def be back again. read more

Absolutely poor service here. Go somewhere else where you'll be treated with respect and valued as a customer. The guy that works evenings here usually, is super rude and snaps at customers so just go elsewhere. Also their food is cold and nothing special. Will never come here again since they like to hire rude employees. read more

Crest Cafe - Rude employee should be thrown to the curb - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I try. Local small business but it disappoints every time. Large portions but not tasty...ever. Soggy, oily and no flavor. Today I decided to try again and had it Door Dashed. I ordered crème brûlée and a burger. Nasty white stuff in a cup came. Not certain if that the crème brûlée but won't try it. Do not recommend. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California