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

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

Just ordered through DoorDash and while I recognize the challenges that comes with that, the restaurant has full responsibility of the quality, preparation and service in using a delivery platform. Just spoke with the owner Cecilia and just WOW! Thank you Cecilia for patiently and with the utmost understanding of NOT hearing my concerns. Please take responsibility for the failures of the food order and then at that point kindly deflect and refer me back to DoorDash. Please recognize the very moment we're in at a pandemic, one to uphold your business and the patronage that's given from folks like myself who want to support you but also need the same service and food quality. To clarify, there was no issues with DoorDash! Driver was responsive and delivered with no problem. The issue was solely the food - missing items apparently because "DoorDash" didn't provide the correct options to select. Apparently delivery platforms should know this . Food was incorrectly prepared despite insteguons - steak was well done instead of medium, and no creamer or sugar provided despite instructions. read more

This is my favorite place in San Diego. Comfort food, good people and a relaxed atmosphere. Has a new york feel to it. It is a slice of heaven. I strongly recommend it if you are looking for a laid back place. 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

Super disappointed. They forgot my twin sons order and didn't even add syrup to the pancakes. 9am on a Sunday and 2 9 year olds fighting over pancakes. Really sucks . I called and they told me they can't help me. I'd have to contact Postmates. What will that resolve for me? Steak felt like a dog chew toy. This place need to up their game. No flavor in the items we did get. read more

This was the first place I went after the quarantine and I didn't feel happy at all. Waiter was rude and impolite. Food was not worth the price. Place was dirty and old. Ceceline, the manager, is not friendly and belittled my purchase as you can see in the pictures (attaching conversation from Facebook page), looks like she doesn't need new customers. I live in the area for one year and I have never been disappointed in any business before. Thanks to my posts, several friends messaged me and told me that they worked for Ceceline, the manager, and looks like she doesn't know how to treat employees either. Save your day, don't go. read more

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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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What a wonderful cafe! When someone from Chicago raves about a dog in another city, you know it has to be good. We usually steam our dogs, and this one was a surprise when it arrived grilled. It was served on a soft pretzel bun, loaded the way I like it, with chopped pickles, onions, tomatoes and yellow peppers. The only thing missing was the dill spear. The fries were pretty good but were room temperature. Great coffee! My sister had the burger with sautéed mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese. She said it was very good, but the dry bun kept it from greatness. The decor is fun, reminiscent of an old waterside diner. We ate about 2:00 in the afternoon, and over half the tables were filled. It's on the small side, so I expect there are lines on the weekends, especially for breakfast (served all day). There are lots of organic, fresh, "healthy" items on the menu. We'll save those for another visit. Free parking validation, too (unusual for this University Park neighborhood). They're celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, so they must be doing a lot of things right. read more

Crest Cafe - Hot dog! - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

THE MENU IS AMAZING it was so hard to chose but finally I chose the chicken and waffles and yumm overall amazing experience and great customer service read more

Crest Cafe - Specials ! - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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

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

But more of a 3.5. Creme brulee french toast was extremely sweet, smothered in syrup, cream, and more sugar- way sweeter than I expected. I wasnt able to eat much of it. Raisin french toast was good except for the fact I don't really like cinnamon and raisins so I obviously couldn't enjoy it as much as my friend did. The chicken and waffles were the best. The chicken was pretty soft, juicy, crispy, and had a flavorful sauce - a little spicy. The waffles were also pretty on point. Good thickness, fluffy, a little crispy on the outside and it just went so well with the chicken. Service was fine. It's mostly paid street parking around there or there's a parking lot down the street around the corner and they validate parking. read more

Crest Cafe - Chicken & waffles, creme brulee french toast, three raisin french toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

This cafe has great eats! We got the lemon ricotta pancakes and the Mexican Benedict, both very flavorful. I'm big on pancakes that aren't dessert-like sweet, and crest cafe whipped up pancakes that hit the lemony-creamy flavor without being overwhelming. read more

First time here and I am very disappointed with the customer service. Seems like the worker "Enrique" was either having a bad day, under a lot of stress, or simply RUDE! I usually like to write positive reviews but I really did not appreciate the way I was treated. I walked in and patiently waited. I was polite when asking for my order (food delivery pickup) and he was very sarcastic and condescending. I also witnessed him treating other guests the same way so maybe this is just his personality and it's simply not my vibe. I will not be returning. read more

Popped in for lunch today. Friendly service, quick turn around for food, and I was in and out in about 40 minutes. The chicken and waffles platter is interesting. It's not your typical fried chicken. They appeared to be strips and were seasoned in a tangy and a bit spicy sauce. The waffles were soft and fluffy. Overall a good experience for me. read more

Crest Cafe - $13 chicken and waffles - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Please do your customers a favor and if the avocados are bad don't serve them, tell the customer that you are out rather than putting bad avocados in someone's omelette!!! It's disgusting! read more

Crest Cafe - Bad Avocados in omelette - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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I went to this spot because I saw it on an episode of diners and dives and had to try their butter burger. I was not impressed and actually disgusted not only with the food, but with the beer I ordered. It was expired and had floating sediment inside. You could see what looked like dirt and rust forming around the top like it's been in an old box from your grandma's attic. I am certainly not going back read more

I only give it a 2 because service was great! Otherwise the brûlée French toast was meh and dry. I guess anyone that actually goes is only because Guy filmed there and they are still monopolizing on that. Also $5 for some thin very thin bacon was not impressed read more

Parking - not great since location but we lucked out and got free parking (since it was Sunday) right in front. Environment - nice environment, friendly staff, floors could be sweep a little bit more throughout the day. Food - Food was pretty good, no complaints really, I was probably expecting more since it was on Diners Drive-Ins & Dines. Overall it was good. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Family owned restaurant. 1st time here and it will definitely not be my last. The food was incredible. The Mediterranean scramble was so good. I enjoyed French toast with pecans for breakfast dessert. James, our server, was upbeat and very attentive. Clearly they have mastered their business. Next time you are in San Diego head over to Hillcrest and sample their amazing food. read more

Crest Cafe - the front of the restaurant - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

By far and away worst experience I've ever had. Food was awful. "Chicken" was the worst fried chicken i've ever had it was on the level of cafeteria food. Mashed potatoes were way too salty and had pieces that were so hard they were inedible. The other three plates were sent back as well. Manager came out and got extremely angry with us. Got basically no service and then handed a bill of paying $5 per meal as the manager tried to make us feel bad about "just $5" even though none of us ate our food. This place is god awful, hopefully they find new management and new cooks. read more

Crest Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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4.122 stars. Sometimes you find a great restaurant by chance and sometimes by necessity. Sometimes you find it because of both, as we did when we dined here on Christmas Day for brunch when most everything else was closed. I've seen Crest Cafe many, many times on our walks in the Hillcrest neighborhood, usually when we are on the way to Pinkberry. I'd kept a mental bookmark in my head to try it one day, as the retro diner thing was appealing, but never seemed to make it for a meal. We found the food and service to be excellent. The fried chicken and waffles were solid (very healthy portion size) and the lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries were scrumptious. The lemon notes didn't get lost in the rest of the pancake and syrup, but sang brightly through. A wonderful combination. They were super busy because of the holiday but our waiter and the manager handled the crowd with aplomb. My only critique was that our coffee was burned, but given all of the positives, I can easily overlook this. read more

Crest Cafe - Lemon ricotta pancakes. Divine - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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First of all, Heath is not a waiter. The guy's some kinda Middle Earth MAGICIAN cause he makes everything seem effortless AND exudes an actual love for being there. Genuinely nice. He's basically earth-bound stardust and yeah I'm getting carried away here but, whatEV! Oh, yeah... the food! I've had maybe 10 different meals. Don't really wanna know how everything ALWAYS tastes home cooked great. Keep that secret. Anyway. Did I mention Heath? read more

I'm giving three stars only because the waitress (last day training )was very nice. The food was disgusting no flavor at all,one of the worst burgers I had, fries were saggy and had seasoning at all. It read more

If you like huge portions come on down to Crest Cafe. If you watch food networks DDD Guy put his stamp of approval on this joint! It's got a funky color scheme but it adds fun to the space. Their menu has a little bit of everything including breakfast favorites served all day long! Even found some vegetarian friendly options here too. We had to take half of our food home because the portions are just huge. I loved my veggie pesto hot sandwich with a side of fries. They offer a nice selection of different sides. The pesto is served on the side. And the sandwiches are left open face up. It's filled with grilled onions, bell peppers, basil and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Then you spread on the delicious pesto! Yums! I have to say it was a little on the greasy side.... which broke my bread. But I finished it with a fork. It was just smiles and silence around the table. Good food and fun atmosphere. The artwork inside is pretty fun too. I'll have to make another trip here to try out some other menu items. Check out their weekly specials! read more

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Super disappointed. They served us half raw hamburgers and didn't even offer to take some of the cost off the bill. They didn't seem to care even though they saw the meat was red and mushy. read more

Smallest and saddest biscuits and gravy I've ever had. C'mon... This should've been easy. There shouldn't be gritty and oily gravy. Biscuits have the same radius as an English muffin but thinner read more

Crest Cafe - Biscuits and gravy - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

This location was not packed. Could be because we came on Easter but otherwise it is underrated because of the hype at popular locations. Staff was kind and lots of breakfast and brunch options. Food was flavorful and location is cute inside. read more

Crest Cafe - Jalapeño poppers were very good! Not spicy at all! - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Great service during these difficult times! They have a quite a few outdoor tables, and the service was excellent! I had the cabo quesadilla , which I would highly recommend. My husband had the angus hash, which he said was also very good. It's a great spot for breakfast, and I would definitely return again for breakfast! read more

Crest Cafe - Cabo Quesadilla - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

We've been fans for many years. Just a fun place to get great food that goes well beyond the typical diner. My wife would want me to mention the chicken pot pie, the best she's ever had. The many breakfast specials are also great. read more

This place was really good, service was OK I waiter was a little off, but the food was excellent everybody liked their food. The tables wasn't clean as they could have been. Judy work harder at having cleaner tables read more

I'm so glad for Crest Cafe. Was there for lunch today, during Covid, and enjoyed a safe and delicious lunch. First- thanks for the validated parking at Pernicano's. Second- your waiter today was totally efficient, knowledgeable and charming. Looked like he was doing it all today- greeting, food orders, filling drinks, inside and outside, always cheerful and never breaking a sweat. Thirdly- ah the orange, achiote pulled pork did not disappoint. When I read the description it became my first choice; the waiter also said it was a fave of his. The only downside if you call it that, is trying to decide which dish to get. Breakfast, comfort food, a burger... to me they are all delicious. read more

People who have dined at Crest Café and Yelped about their "East Texas Fried Chicken" being the "best" or who have used similar superlatives to describe Crest Café's fried chicken need to BACK THE TRUCK UP. As Lloyd Bentsen (R.I.P.) may have said: I've been to East Texas, I've eaten fried chicken in East Texas, East Texas cuisine is a favorite of mine -- Crest Café's fried chicken is NOTHING like anything that's been served to me in East Texas. Unfortunately, this was a middle-of-the-road fried chicken cutlet consisting of a single boneless chicken breast with slices of jalapeños curiously embedded in the batter. The smooth batter, made up principally of cornstarch and flour (think typical Cantonese Chinese restaurant "sweet and sour chicken" fried coating) acts as a magnet to oil during the frying process, resulting in a greasy finished product. The previously-frozen chicken meat was juicy, but also seemed a bit undercooked and was rubbery. From Jasper to Beaumont to Houston, they'd kick your rear up and down the I-10 if you tried to serve people this while calling it "East Texas" fried chicken. Stop messing with Texas, Crest Café! The fried chicken, despite my issues with it, was much better than the other food I ordered at Crest Café: the mashed potatoes were waxy, the steamed vegetables were bland and unseasoned, and the biscuit (too sweet) with sausage gravy (too "blah") was also California-ized plate-filler that wouldn't be served in the areas of the country that have popularized that cuisine. And, yes, this is one of many San Diego restaurants that have attracted the attention of "food-bro" Guy Fieri. Like most of what you see on DDD, one should assume that this restaurant was presented in the best light possible for TV. Food/Décor/Service: 2.6/3.0/3.3 SDFC RANKING Fried Chicken: 40th of 63 See my other San Diego Fried Chicken reviews at this list: https://www.yelp.com/list/san-diego-summer-of-fried-chicken-san-diego read more

Everyone here is rude, they will walk right past you like you're irrelevant. Also very rude to delivery drivers coming in looking for assistance. Doesn't answer the phone when it's ringing even if they're arms reach away, which is extremely annoying wether you're dining in or trying to call in. No one is around to greet you when you come in. You'll Just stand there and look silly for a good 10 minutes read more

If I could do no stars I would. The service was trash. Worst cafe I have ever been to. Took such a long time to get our drinks, order, then food. The lady took forever to write up our check, I had to go to her myself to tell her we are done and want to pay to LEAVE. Also for three people I paid almost $100 for food that doesn't deserve that price. Just 2/10 experience for me. read more

Absolutely horrendous!! We ordered uber eats breakfast. 2 French toasts with topping on the side and they put all the toppings on top which made it messy, soggy, and inedible. The French toast was literally dripping wet. I called and notified the manager and they basically said too bad. We also ordered hash brown that was burnt. I will never order or eat here again. Customer service was as horrible as the food. read more

Crest Cafe - Apple cinnamon French toast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I would give a 0 if I could. Tasteless . How can you not season your food ?! Like seriously if breakfast items are not tasty I'm definitely not trying your extensive menu. Seems like they need to re visit recipes for each item and start updating . Idc if business has been open for 30 years in order to make 30 more years is to always stay updating / revamping to keep up with the times I don't think I've had such a disappoint breakfast burrito experience in my life . Also I order via Postmates and I'm left so damn upset that I spent a considerable amount of money for a trash ass cold ass tasteless ass breakfast. I'm so upset with my experience I had to share to other people before going in , or ordering in like I did. I got the breakfast burrito and a side of COLD ass dry hash browns. Help yourself and don't go here. read more

An underrated stop that will change the way you've imagined peanut butter and jelly. If someone would have ever told me to put back on in my pb&j I probably would have called them disgusting, but this was a game changer for me. My friends and I ended up ordering another one after finishing the first because it was that good, and then we ordered ANOTHER to take home for later. read more

Crest Cafe - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California