Honestly, They have a GREAT menu but this is the THIRD time I've eaten here and for the SECOND time in a row my food has been cold and mishandled. I drove to the other side of town for this AFTER speaking to the owner who was a complete witch when I asked about online orders lol like if you're having a bad day that's fine but I'm still a customer and spending $30 on something I could make at home. Then when I get there, the witch busts through the back door and looks at me with a screwed up face like ?? Wth. Restaurants are for convenience right? Clearly wrong. Not only was my food cold, there was a hair in my French toast and when I called the nice server must've checked with the witch; they asked me to drive back across town or I could have a certificate mailed to me. What options! The server who met me at the counter was sweet-- I didn't catch her name but that's about the only positive experience I had from here and that's sad. You're in Hillcrest with a literal rainbow all over town but you're not matching the decor with your poor attitude and terrible customer service read more

Crest Cafe - The hair in my orange marmalade French toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

We had intended to grab some breakfast and had the absolute worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. The moment we sat down the waitress was short with us and did not make us feel comfortable. We ordered our food and had bugs, hair and soggy food. We kindly asked if we could return the food and the owners son and waitress yelled and argued with us about the food. We asked to leave a tip for our food to have the waitress throw a fork at us and tell us to leave. read more

The service was lovely, but the food was lacking. I ordered the Works to split, two poached eggs, two buttermilk pancakes, hash browns, and chicken sausage. I ordered a second chicken sausage so it would be a more even split. While we both agreed that the pancakes with warm syrup were delicious and the poached eggs were cooked perfectly, the hash browns and chicken sausage were so bad that I was forced to write this review. The sausage was extremely dry and the hash browns floated in a pool of oil and water. I notified the waitress but her only response was that of incongruity, as if that couldn't possibly be the case. She didn't offer any solutions to the issue and left the table. We finished what we could, paid, and left. I would definitely return for their pancakes, but nothing else. I really hate leaving such a bad review for any restaurant, so I hope this makes to the owner to institute changes to these offerings. read more

Came here to pick up a take out order, and was treated extremely poorly by a tall waiter. He didn't hesitate to let me know that he didn't really care if we got our order, and his priority was the party of 12 people that he just seated.. Rule of thumb, whether it's a party of 1, or party of 12.. You should treat all costumers the same. read more

Food and service was great first time coming. Out here in Sand Diego coming from LA. Had breakfast twice here

One of the best breakfasts around! Gotta try the pancakes and Benedict's. Fast and friendly service

I love the food and have been coming to Crest Cafe for 9 years. However, you might expect a delay when ordering for pickup on their website though. This is the second time that I have arrived at the restaurant 45 mins later, and they haven't even seen the order. I checked in when I got here. Waited 10 more minutes. Then stopped another server to ask if my food was almost ready. This is when he invested and found that the iPad was down. Shouldn't they be checking for new orders all the time. I mean it's not busy. Most of the tables are empty as I sit here right now. I will continue to come back. But my advice would be to call and confirm that someone has seen your order. read more

Went early for Mother's Day. It was our first time there. Service was very friendly and efficient. Prices were a little higher than the menus on Yelp, but still reasonable ... everyone is feeling the pinch of inflation. Menu is sooo BIG. Wow! Something for everyone. Cuisine is Americana with some homemade Mexican dishes mixed in. Breakfast was the Crab cake Benedict with hash browns. AMAZING. For the first time in a long list of breakfast restaurants I finally had a real crab cake, not a bread crumb crab flavored patty that so many competitors try to pass off. Eggs poached to perfection: a bit runny with some soft cooked yolk. Yum! The hollandaise sauce was 5 star, not overbearing in amount either. Just the right portion. Normally I order hash browns to see if the kitchen really knows their stuff.... Crispy on both sides, not oily and very potato chip like crunchy edges. You guys, they NAILED IT! Cute decor, very cafe diner-like. Potential to be noisy when full. Appreciate their request for customers not to be on cellphones talking or watching videos. Outdoor seating on sidewalk is an available option I will try on a warmer day. Plan to return next week with my sons and their spouses. I might even sneak in this week to try one of their outrageous hamburger creations. See you soon. read more

It is amazing this Blueberry Biscuit Bundt French Toast was tasty and made me good weekend. I ordered from this restaurant couple times by Uber eat. Everything is really tasty. 5 stars and A+ Try Sam the Cooking Guy's Blueberry Biscuit Bundt French Toast from Crest Cafe (San Diego) on Uber Eats and use my code for a discount on your first order: eats-zkjs6ue https://get.uber.com/open_app/store/browse?client_id=eats&storeUUID=c2076300-cba9-48b5-be1a-acb5c91da21a&itemUUID=505ff85a-6784-46ca-8df3-52eccb90de10 read more

Crest Cafe - Blueberry Biscuit Bundt French Toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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found this for breakfast on our last day of traveling. was a great meal to end the trip on. service was awesome & food was equally as awesome. all in all very awesome place. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Great food. Great service. Tasty bloody Mary. I had the lite egg breakfast with mango salsa. Came out fast and was loaded with yummy. read more

Crest Cafe - Fried chicken and beer. Yummy - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

We had an amazing breakfast here! The food and coffee is really good and not terribly expensive for San Diego. We shared the lemon ricotta pancakes and meat lover's' omelette, and both were great! It's quite a small place, but it's situated right in the middle of Hillcrest. Although they seemed short-handed when we were there, our server was attentive, quick, and kept our drinks filled. Would definitely return! read more

My first time here I was neared right away and got coffee on a Saturday at 9am. I ordered the crab Benedict when I got the crab Benedict the eggs were pretty much hard boiled I sent them back the poached eggs came back cooked correctly. The only problem with that was it seem like they put the eggs back onto the plate with the crab patties and spinach which made it runny so I just mixed it in together with the hashbrowns and made the best of it. So I guess it made the crabcakes soggy and not very tasteless. I thought I should've opt for the crème brûlée waffles if I'm back in town I will give them a try and that's what I will try. The waitress service was really good she was attentive she kept checking back I kind of felt like I was getting mediocre service because I sent the eggs back. read more

Crest Cafe - Crab Benedict eggs not poached - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Crest Cafe is so cute, absolutely love the decor. Service was speedy and very sweet. I had biscuits and gravy as well as chicken and waffles. The biscuits and gravy had a strange soapy flavor, I couldn't stomach another bite. The chicken and waffles were very good, nice crispy chicken seasoned to perfection. The waffles could be better but the chicken really stole the show. read more

I love this place for breakfast or brunch. Never had bad food until having their linguine today. Number one it's udon noodles not linguine and it was just bland. I just did not enjoy it at all. The staff is amazing, their breakfasts are delicious and my favorite item is their pastrami hash. Try the mango quesadilla too! Love this establishment just disappointed today in my food choice. Definitely worth a it, but steer clear of their "linguine". read more

Crest Cafe - Garlic chicken linguine - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Cute spot to fight the monday scaries and they serve beer. I wish we hade one in Bankers Hill. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I had an early lunch on a slow Friday and I will definitely be back. This dish was one of the most flavorful dishes I've had since moving to San Diego. This Caribbean woman was HAPPY AF for some seasoning! LOL This cafe is located in very gay friendly Hillcrest area so I felt super comfortable here. The tangerine juice was hitting as well! I ordered the pan fried catfish with mashers and green beans. I didn't care for the green beans because they were a bland but the mashed potatoes was DELICIOUS! The catfish was fresh and full of flavor! It was a satisfying lunch for sure! Their menu is extensive so there are lots to try! read more

We had breakfast and tow of us shared two different egg Benedict's and both were delicious! Can't wait to go back

Huge burgers! We went here because we have a San Diego dining passport and I'm so glad this is in the booklet! The burger portions are huge! I got a stuffed bbq burger and had to take the onion topping just to pack it down and be able to bite into it lol. I did eat it as a side and it was yum. The burgers aren't gourmet. If you're here, don't expect some fancy, elevated burger. It is amazing for its genuine burger taste, with added yummy toppings. The sides were also big portions. The homemade potato chips was good! As I'm writing this from last night's experience, I really wish I have this chips right now. Pricing per portion is reasonable. It looks pricey from the menu, but you get your money's worth. The service was good. The waiter was pleasant. Parking can be tough. They do offer a voucher for the parking on the 6th and it's good for 2 hours. You just have to go to their shop to claim it and go back to your car to put it on your dashboard. It's a minor hassle, but you get to save upto $6 for parking in that lot. It was overall a great experience (having no expectations) and I'd go back here again and tell others to check it out! read more

Crest Cafe - Stuffed BBQ burger on my side ($14.00), the ultimate burger on his side ($15.00) - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

The Crest Cafe hasn't really changed much in decades, still great food and ambiance. The service was quick and attentive.

Amazing!! Excellent service and delicious food. Originally planned on breakfast bitch around the corner but came here instead (no line). We had the blueberry bunt biscuit thing. Idk what it's called exactly but you'll know it when you see it. My boo had the chicken and amazing banana macadamia waffle. If you're looking for good food in the area come here. It's totally worth the wait. I don't think breakfast bitch would have been this good. read more

Crest Cafe - The after math...banana waffle and blueberry bunt thingy - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

One of the best breakfasts I have had!! The chili verde is a perfect top to an amazing Cabo quesadilla... and the hangover is a MUST! read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I ordered Apple pecan pie via DoorDash and it wasn't something that we've expected. It's not even a pie, just a small spit of apples, bread crumbs or something like that and syrup. And I can't believe that I have paid $7.50 for this freaking pie (see picture attached). I don't recommend this place read more

Crest Cafe - Apple - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

2/14/15 DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT COME HERE! WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM STAFF & BUSINESS OWNER CECELIA! Waited 20mins to get served... Only got served because we asked for a waitress. Never got our water while we waited. Others got served before we did. Makes me think the owner is racist... 88% of the customers were white, My friends and I are not white. The owner did not apologize for Keeping us waiting. My friend asked to follow up on our drinks and All she said was "different server (while pointing at the table next to us) different server (pointing at another table)" The least she could have done was apologize and give us our water/coffee --- she was just walking back and forth pretending to work. We were nice and waited patiently. We didn't deserve the slow incompetent and rude owner! We left! DO NOT PLAN TO HAVE BRUNCH HERE! GO TO DBAR, FIG TREE CAFE OR SNOOZE DOWN THE STREET! Definitely worth the wait and better customer service! read more

Crest Cafe - LOVE - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've been here twice now, I had the chicken and waffles and the chilaquiles (not pictured). the chicken and waffles is sooo yummy, 1. they give you a LOT of chicken pieces which are tossed in their hot honey sauce which is just *chefs kiss*. and 2. left me not wanting for more but not overly full. i've also had the hazelnut latte and the vanilla caramel latte which were both super good. the chilaquiles were spicy, hot, and tasty. i got mine with corn tortillas and made little tacos with them, i also inhaled those lol. my friend had the apple pancakes i think, and she didn't finish them because there was sooo much food BUT they were also really sweet so if you're not a sweet breakfast person, i won't recommend. service was quick and friendly both visits and i definitely plan to come again! read more

Crest Cafe - chicken and waffles and the apple pancakes - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

This place makes some pretty good food. I stopped in for breakfast and ordered the vegetable omelet which came with avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms, and Monterrey Jack cheese with a side of crispy hash browns and wheat toast for $9.50. The omelet was good and the egg portion was well prepare which was light and fluffy, but a little under seasoned, so I added some salt and pepper (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crest-cafe-san-diego?select=voCIiQO-E8h4rAJjJ5Pgyg#NIYkwji8wB_GGk2SEnzblg). The veggies inside were also under seasoned but fresh. However, I do suggest they drain them a little after sauteing because they released a lot of water content into omelet (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crest-cafe-san-diego?select=voCIiQO-E8h4rAJjJ5Pgyg#voCIiQO-E8h4rAJjJ5Pgyg). The omelet came with a good amount of avocado, mushrooms, and tomatoes. I do suggest they chop up the tomatoes better because there was some large pieces in the omelet. I asked for the hash browns to be extra crispy, and extra crispy is what I received, and after adding some beloved Cholula, I was ready to dig in (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crest-cafe-san-diego?select=voCIiQO-E8h4rAJjJ5Pgyg#0DHMWR0nPmMgr10OIi3rfA). The wheat toast was great with a crunchy texture and lightly buttered. Some natural preserve would of been nice with this (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crest-cafe-san-diego?select=voCIiQO-E8h4rAJjJ5Pgyg#kNx6SZzs2E09w_e8NTkJTQ). I ate at their small bar and service was good. I was served by a veteran of the place, and she was nice and well mannered with her service. Overall, my gut tells me a solid 3.5 for this experience.. read more

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I came here for brunch today outstanding food, and service was great for being how busy it was, I would highly recommend to any one looking for a delicious brunch or if your in the mood for outstanding food swing by and check it out read more

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I've come here a handful of times in the last year and I've always had great experiences. Great food, great shakes, and a cute diner like atmosphere. Service can be a bit dodgy sometimes but I think it's because they're understaffed. Would recommend if you're in the area! read more

Stopped by for a late breakfast-- this place is packed but we were seated pretty fast. Once you enter your greeted by a warm decor that makes you think of a friendly diner. I will say, the french toast was just okay. It wasn't amazing, but it also wasn't poor. I would give it a 6.5/10. My friend had the chocolate chip pancakes and said they were good! Unfortunately our waiter only filled our waters once after a while of waiting. On the bright side, we were seated promptly and our food was a short wait. read more

Crest Cafe - Creme brûle french toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Open till midnight. Food was 10/10. I've been to the famous roscoe's chicken and waffles, and I thought this was better. Service was a 10/10, Betsie was awesome. Classic diner spot read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

What happened to my Crest Cafe? I am a regular and am especially fond of the meatloaf. Last evening, around 7 on Sunday night before labor day, I decided to get one of the $14.00 burgers. Maybe the regular cook wasn't there. But, my burger was burnt and tasted like charcoal. I had gotten takeout, so I didn't notice till I got home, unfortunately. I had the lingering taste for hours. read more

The absolute worst service in the world. The server was annoyed that we were eating at this restaurant. We will never return and never recommend. read more

Crest Café makes disgusting pork loin. First of all, the Bacon wrapped pork loin, let's talk about it... The bacon is RAW! The pork loin is UNDERCOOKED! There is so much FAT on it, its inedible. The carrots have green stems on them, what pesto on the carrots? The potato balls were BURNT, DRY, OVERCOOKED! The avocado in the salad is BLACK!!! Linese LOVES to hang up on people, she has no interpersonal relationship or customer service skills, she needs to find a different place of employment and learn common courtesy and just be polite to customers. Your food was MEDIOCRE for what you are charging. I wouldn't feed this to my DOG! #Nasty read more

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Went for breakfast today with my wife and a friend. My wife ordered a pot pie when it arrived the top was just raw dough and the inside was cold and extremely soupy. When I asked the waiter if we could switch her order to a salmon burger because the pot pie was cold, soupy, and the dough was raw and inedible, he just grunted and looked visibly annoyed and took the plate away. Never once " Hey sorry your food was not edible we will take care of that" or any semblance of an apology. He then brought the replacement and dropped it and ran never asking if we needed anything else " I did not have the toast I ordered". BTW They were not that busy. There was no sauce or dressing on the burger so my wife waited for him to show up and flagged him down. She asked, "hey my husband did not get his toast, and what kind of sauce is supposed to be on this? "He again looked even more perturbed and said we don't have sauce on our sandwiches, and sped off before we could get a word out. Not " Hey we usually don't put sauce on our sandwiches but I can get you some condiments if you like how about some mayo or tartar sauce" He came by and dropped the toast before we could ask for the sauce so wife just gave up and made a sandwich when we got home. The waiter was totally dismissive and made us feel like we were completely unwelcome. The good news is there are plenty of other great restaurants in the area that love our business so no need to ever come back here again. read more

Cute little diner in the heart of hillcrest. Saw this on diner's drive in and dive so we gave it a try. They have a lot of lunch and breakfast items which was a plus. But we came for the butter burger which did not disappoint us at all. read more

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My go to on a Sunny Sunday! Literally love the food here! The home fries are to die for!

Love Crest Cafe and have for years. They do breakfast perfect. Everything always looks and tastes beautiful, the service is fast and friendly. If you order a side of fruit, you'll be happily surprised to see berries, bananas, pineapple...all the good stuff and super fresh. They have a gingerbread spice pancake that is to die for!! Great coffee too! My most recent visit was on a weekday for lunch. There was no wait and we were in and out in less than 45 minutes. It was perfect. read more

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Food was good and service decent. THEY ARE IGNORING COVID GUIDELINES!!! Tables all crowded together and way past the capacity limit. I felt unsafe and won't go back during covid. read more

I came in for lunch today, and ordered waters and food, both of the waters we got had what seemed to be mold sitting at the bottom, when I told the waiter he seemed dismissive and brought us new ones that ALSO had floaters in it. The people sitting next to us shoved their plates away a few minutes later and told the waiter there were bugs crawling on the plate. The waiter grabbed their plates and put them in the back without saying much. I've had better service at Denny's and a lot less wildlife amongst the food Probably won't be back here, at least until they call the exterminator read more

What can I say about this place? Beyond the great food, it's the excellent service that brings me back. When it comes to excellent service, Heath is a golden unicorn in a world of dirty donkeys. When he serves my iced tea, it reminds me of when Jesus changed water into wine. Miraculous! He's truly found his calling for mankind and the world. I hope and pray the gods will supply Heath with the same lifeblood they graced our beloved Cher with, so he may continue to provide us with his touch of service for many years to come. It's like God sent him to Earth on a silver cloud of customer service. read more