I found myself at The Lazy Hippo in San Diego for a much-needed breakfast break. The vibe is laid-back and casual, the kind of spot where you can stroll in half asleep and immediately feel at home. The menu leans classic breakfast but with portions big enough to fuel another day of taco hunting. I went with pancakes and eggs bc it was simple, but they nailed it. Fluffy pancakes, eggs cooked right, and orange juice that kept coming (a true blessing on a food road trip). It's not flashy or "Instagram famous," but that's exactly why I liked it. The Lazy Hippo does the basics really well, which makes it the perfect pit stop before diving back into California's endless lineup of tacos, burgers, and desserts. read more

The vegan enchiladas were amazing! They remind me of my mother's enchiladas. I went with the salsa roja and added soyriso. I love the whiskey bottles that add to the decor. It's a cute place. I also enjoyed the music. Our serve was attentive and kept the drink refilled coming. I was happy with the vegan option and would come back. read more

Lazy Hippo - Vegan options - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'm so sad that our favorite breakfast place when we're in SD folded into the Whiskey House in recent years, but at least they're still around serving the best Enfrijoladas ever! They're only serving their brunch menu from Friday-Sunday now, though. Service is wonderful, and the surroundings are cool with all of the whiskey bottles displayed around us. read more

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VEGAN REVIEW Was in SD for the weekend, staying near the convention center. We walked here thanks to Yelp search of "vegan breakfast"-- did not disappoint! Had the breakfast enchiladas & pancake. Both tasty. Blackberry & peach mimosas were a little sweet for my liking, but HUGE Great to sit outside & enjoy the sunshine. Attentive server. read more

Lazy Hippo - Vegan chocolate chip pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Ugh it was all SOO GOOD. Husband and I were looking to get breakfast for at least an hour of searching. All the restaurants were so packed. Thankfully we came across this gem. It was so lowkey with maybe two tables being taken. We were easily sat down and ate. The pancakes are to die for. We will be back!! read more

Came here Saturday morning for breakfast. My friend suggested this spot and I'm glad he brought me here. The Whiskey House and Lazy Hippo are the same from what the host told us. There was no line and we were seated promptly inside. The inside was really cool with a huge selection of whiskey. Kicked it off with coffee ($4.25 - free refills) and freshly squeezed orange juice ($6) which were both very good. I ended up getting the Super special, which came with my choice of two eggs, bacon, crispy home fries and Nutella banana waffles. It was so good and so filling! I really enjoyed my meal. If you are in the mood for a big breakfast, I highly recommend this spot. read more

Lazy Hippo - Fresh squeezed orange juice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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We had the lazy hippo food at whisky a go go. Service was great, food was not. I was excited by their vegan options, but the food we got was soooooo bland. This is why people think vegan food sucks. I was super disappointed, definitely will not be back unless just for drinks. read more

Waiter was kind. Location was a C bit confusing as they utilized the bar next door. Food was fine

Update your hours online when you're closed for a private event. We paid for parking nearby and then walked over to find a closed sign.

Lazy Hippo at the Whiskey House! I was visiting over the weekend in SD and wanted to have a nice outdoor brunch around the gaslamp area. This place was around the corner from my hotel and in a somewhat 'quieter' spot, plus they had a nice outdoor seating area. Ordered a traditional bloody mary and it was fine, not the best, not the worst, but I liked it was served in a large Hofbrauhaus glass. The hostess was very friendly, you know, one of those people you start talking to and you feel like they listen and you want to keep talking to. The server was also great and made recommendations. I had the breakfast enchiladas with verde sauce. the portions were great, thank goodness cause I was hungry and ate it all. So overall it was good. I think the tricky part is there are so many food places in SD that even though it was good, that next time I want to try other brunch places! read more

I browsed for a new spot and came across lazy hippo reeled in for the name lol, I was confused that I arrived and it was actually closed they share with the Whiskey House I was lost for a while before a waitress came to attend. While inside the Whiskey House the display area was beautiful, we were seated outside where the weather was nice and gloomy prices were excellent and the food was very well portioned and well cooked.! read more

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This place was really enjoyable for breakfast with the family. I ordered the vegan burrito which took a while to cool down but it was good. The breakfast enchiladas were delicious with the green salsa. As well as the pancakes. Server was kind and attentive. There's also sitting outside which is nice when it's not too hot. read more

Lazy Hippo - Tofu scramble , very healthy bfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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Katie was a fantastic server and made excellent recommendations! Kind and quick service with EXCELLENT food!

My 2 sons and I walked to this restaurant for brunch because it was close to another spot we visited. Brunch was held in the whisky bar next door. It had a super cool vibe and decor. The waiter was really nice. They have fresh juices, great coffee, and a wide selection for brunch. We have been shocked by our bills for other meals while we've been in town, but for $15 each, our meals weee huge and tasted amazing. My boys got pancakes and I got the breakfast sandwich with egg, basil, tomato and mozzarella. We walked away very happy. I only wish they'd had a hippo coffee mug in stock! read more

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Went to brunch before the Padres game, location is perfect if you want to walk right over after. There's outdoor seating and a pretty big brunch (and drink) menu. For two, I shared the chilaquiles (verde with chicken) and the lemon ricotta waffles. The food was good, service could be better. We ordered drinks and food together and it took a while to not only get the drinks we ordered, but also the water. We ended up having to ask for our drinks. One order ended up getting missed and their food had to get made after we got the rest of the dishes. Everyone was friendly but I don't think it's enough for me to come back. read more

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It was really confusing for us, but apparently the lazy hippo and the whiskey house are the same spot. I wish it was more clear on the website. Luckily outdoor staff helped us and we sat ourselves on the patio. Service was quick. I got the vegan pancakes. They were Definitely chewy, but still tasted nice. I had fresh juice that was also very tasty. Ample seating room. Lots of street parking surrounding. Food was prepared in under 10 min. We would love to come back again. read more

Lazy Hippo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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A downtown San Diego hole in the wall brunch spot! Wasn't our first, second, or third option... but everywhere else had 1+ hour wait times on a Sunday (makes sense)! I called Lazy Hippo and there was no wait and we were seated right upon arrival. Service was averagely fast and food was nice and fresh! I ordered the veggie scramble. Don't be alarmed, on weekends or when there are events, they use the facility of whiskey house next door. read more

Lazy Hippo - Veggie Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

The only way it gets better is if A) everything was free **certainly not gonna happen or if B) I was being fed delicious morsels of Lazy Hippo's food by bronzed, beautiful surfer boys while being fanned by palm fronds **maybe in my dreams! On a serious note - this place is fantastic. We just happened upon Lazy Hippo while in the area and despite it being Sunday morning at 10am, we managed to get a wonderful table and be served by a wonderful young man (NOT my bronzed surfer boy) who was genuine in his service and made us feel very welcome. My husband's breakfast was somewhat basic but still delicious and he really enjoyed his mimosa. I ordered the Chilaquiles (roja with 2 over easy eggs) along with a Chamoya Michelada. My eggs were cooked to perfection and my dish was excellent! The Chamoya Michelada tastes exactly like I make them and the chamoy candy stick in the drink was the perfect touch. Prices reasonable, location/cleanliness fantastic, waitstaff amazing, food even better. Love this place! read more

Lazy Hippo - Chilaquiles are delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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Food was well cooked and well served. Great ambiance of top shelf spirts surround the room. Not overly crowded and good variety of breakfast choices. read more

Awesome spot with quick and great customer service. These were incredible vegan pancakes! My only complaint is that you have to pay for real maple syrup. read more

Lazy Hippo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

My friends and made our way to the Lazy Hippo after a 4-mile run across the Bay Bridge. Famished, cranky, and in dire need of alcohol--we were greeted with a 20 minute wait to this bumbling brunch spot (we did show up on a Sunday honestly not that bad of a wait). Lazy Hippo was worth the wait. My friends got the Micheladas but went for the Bee's Knees gin cocktail. I sipped my refreshing cocktail as I worked on the House Burger and Banana Nutella Waffles. Everything was delicious and worth the wait. The only gripe I had with the visit was that--the wait. Service was kind but incredibly intermittent. Getting the attention for a refill of water or ordering another drink became a running joke at the table and definitely caused a hiccup in the vibes. But, other than that--Lazy Hippo was an overall great experience that I'd be glad to have again. read more

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It's open! It's the same spot as the Whiskey House! I know it's a bit confusing just go with it. The store fronts are right next from each other. First time here, super excited after seeing the reviews. The vegan menu is a bit small 3 items but the vegan enchiladas with soyrizo (+$2) is delicious! It's topped with fresh avocado, pick de Gallo and shredded lettuce. Put a few dabs of Cholula hot sauce and it's perfection. I cleared that plate so quick. I love vegetables on everything I eat, even if it's a side dish. I really liked the avocados on top and the shredded lettuce it added a fresh crisp crunch to the soft enchiladas. The soyrizo added that extra flavor. I would order that again. Might try the vegan breakfast burrito next. Indoor and outdoor seating available. It's inside the whiskey house so there is a bar and comfy couch seating area. Inside is very dark and chill. Loved the music it was on point that morning. Service, was good. A bit slow when it comes to the check. But they kept checking in on us and made sure we got everything we needed. Hostess was super accommodating we moved 3 times since it was cold. Will be back! Parking is paid metered street parking. read more

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It kind of breaks my heart to give only 3 stars because the seemingly owner was very nice at the end. We decided to do breakfast just my husband and I on my birthday and we saw Lazy Hippo was nearby and decided to try it out. Upon arrival there was a wait, that's no biggie considering it was a Sunday. We were told about 15 min, it was nearly 40. Once seated, we fixed our own table as the bottom part on one of the stands had come out and it was wobbly. I'm not one to try and stir the pot especially before our food come out BUT we were SOOOO thirsty and after 20 min of waiting without a server my husband finally went to the back little area and asked if we could order drinks. We ordered drinks and we waited again. Finally got them and eventually the server came back to take our order. Their menu was different there then it is online, so when I asked to build my omelet they said they only did scrambles but "I guess you could make that personalized." I am adamant about checking menus before arriving places to ensure I'll like something. We waited 40-45 for our simple breakfast. As we waited we noticed how there was really no system to when people were taken care of-it definitely wasn't by when they were seated. We never did see our waiter again after we ordered. My husband had finished his drink right after we ordered so he never got another. When the guy who brought us our food (not the server) came by we asked for another soda, he said yes and never came back. A woman who we assume was the owner came by once we were done and asked how it was. I told her that I was missing an item from my meal and that we'd never seen our waiter again, nor had we had the ability to get a refill. She seemed defeated and went on to say they were short staffed etc. I can totally appreciate a mom and pop place and the struggles of being understaffed but at $3/soda (yes, per soda bc they are cans) you'd think that they'd be on it-that's a great profit margin! The food was good, nothing out of this world. Wasn't a fan of the service obviously. It may be worth going and trying for a first time but I'll continue trying out new places! read more

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Stopped by for a late breakfast. If you're looking for a table find the little black host stand out front of the Whisky spot next door. I ordered the strawberry French toast. It was fine. Not a fan of whip cream on French toast, so I got that on the side and dipped my strawberries. The best way to go. What we really need to talk about is the cinnamon roll pancakes my husband ordered. What even are these? It really is like a delicious homemade cinnamon roll had a baby with a giant pancake. I should say 3 or 4 babies, because this was a huge plate of food. I didn't need to order French toast, I could have split this meal with my husband. (I obviously stole several bites at the table, and then again on the train home as we nibbled the leftovers) Enjoy! read more

Lazy Hippo - Cinnamon roll pancakes, strawberry French toast, bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

We went for breakfast and loved the food. We are both vegan. They had plenty of options! The enchiladas were fantastic! Breakfast was served in the whiskey bar, which was cool to be in. We found the staff to be friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Highly recommended read more

Lazy Hippo - Vegan enchiladas with salsa verdes! Yum! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Tried this spot whilst on vacation recently. Enjoyed the scenery and decor. The food was quite delicious. I ordered the California burrito. The carne asada was some of the best i've had. The value is amazing as the portion sizes are great, the taste of the food is delicious and the staff is friendly and efficient. Def recommend!! read more

Lazy Hippo - California burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Wifey and I stopped in last month for a quick breakfast before heading home. We had been there once before and enjoyed it. It's a fun place that has good food. We got there and the Lazy Hippo itself looked like it was being remodeled but they were using the whisky bar next door. So we were having breakfast with all these lovely bottles of whisky staring at us. That was fun. Service was a little slow but very friendly. I think they're a little understaffed and the kitchen takes its time to get food out but it came out tasting really good. That was nice. The Lazy Hippo is definitely worth a try. Good job folks. read more

I stumbled upon this restaurant while downtown during ComicCon and left surprised and satisfied. The restaurant shares a patio and restrooms with the bar next door, which is closed during the Lazy Hippo's business hours. The menu is pretty small, though it might've been limited due to ComicCon. I ordered the standard breakfast which was $14 for eggs, bacon, potatoes and sourdough. It was a hefty plate of food that I couldn't finish but very good. My husband got the same but with sausage. Their sausage is homemade and very flavorful; the bacon just as good and has a sweet candied taste. The service was exceptional, interior was clean, bathroom immaculate and food was quite good. read more

Lazy Hippo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here on a Sunday morning last month with a friend who came from out of town and the wait time wasn't long at all which was surprising considering it was a Sunday! The Lazy Hippo is located across the street from the convention center but the parking here wasn't bad which was also surprising. My friend ordered the breakfast enchiladas and I got the steak and eggs. Additionally we both ordered iced coffee The iced coffee here is RATCHET AS HELL. Literally they gave us black coffee that was cold and those little french vanilla/hazelnut creamers and sugar packets you find at your work's lunch room when you make coffee in the morning LOL. I thought their iced coffee was gonna be fancy or something but nahhh its ratchet. I don't recommend the iced coffee here AT ALL. It really ain't it. Additionally, how u guys gonna be a breakfast place in SAN DIEGO, and NOT HAVE CHOLULA HOT SAUCE LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL F? I was so confused. I asked for cholula and they only had tapatio which is hellaaa nasty. I honestly need Mayor Todd Gloria to pass a bill in SD that requires all restaurants to have cholula at their restaurant bcuz tapatio and other hot sauces aint it. But as for the food, my friend really enjoyed her breakfast enchiladas. But she asked for no avocado and still ended up getting avocado in her meal. She ended up giving me the avocado to eat which was super fresh and creamy and not old at all. But I find it strange when they still gave her avocado when she didn't ask for it. My steak and eggs plate has super tender meat. The eggs were OK, not the greatest in the world and that's where cholula could've came thru but sadly they don't have cholula here. But the meat, it was absolutely delicious and I enjoyed it a loooot. The breakfast potatoes were super crispy but I def would've loved some cholula on them. If you couldn't tell I am a cholula addict LOL. Anyways, overall the food was good and I would prob come again if I'm in the area but they need to get some less ratchet iced coffee and get some cholula. read more

Great service and great food. The tomatoes mozzarella sandwich was delicious, I love the fresh squeezed juices. My niece loved the chocolate chip pancakes and fresh lemonade. Very nice place to dine outside. read more

Stopped with my family while traveling to SD. I have a wheat allergy and it's tough to find good gluten free pancakes. These may be the best I've ever had. Or at least top 2. Nice crisp texture on the outside and not doughy in the middle which can be typical with GF. Outdoor seating was nice and they had a great brunch drink menu. I got a great Irish coffee. read more

Lazy Hippo - Gluten Free pancakes trio with sausage. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

I mean when you see a place called the Lazy Hippo, you have to try it. That is exactly what my boyfriend and I did & we are so glad we did. We stumbled in on a Saturday morning around 11am and there was no wait and we couldn't believe it. This place was decorated so cute, why weren't they busy?! Let me tell you, if you haven't been here then you are certainly missing out. We shared the sweet potato fries as an appetizer and they pair it with a chipotle aioli that was delicious. Then for breakfast I had a breakfast sandwich that was much bigger than anticipated with some potatoes that were fantastic. My boyfriend had the meat lovers breakfast skillet with fruit on the side with toast. He liked it so much, he wanted to go back the next day. The waiters ensured we were well taken care of and the staff was very friendly. Of course we left stuffed and feeling like a couple of lazy hippos! read more

Lazy Hippo - Sweet Potato Fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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We came here on a Saturday morning. The wait was about 5-10 mins to get seated. Outdoor dining available. The food is amazing and they have a wonderful staff! I really enjoyed our breakfast here. Highly recommend!! read more

Lazy Hippo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

I came to this place to try their Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancakes after seeing many reviews talking about it and was not disappointed. It comes with three pancakes, so it's a very well-served meal. It's naturally a very sweet dish since it's drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with chocolate chips, but it's the right amount of sweet in my opinion. I also had their Vegan Burrito (and asked to replace the tofu with potato) and it was also really good and very well served. I came to this place for the first time a few months ago, and the actual Lazy Hippo place has been closed since then for some reason, so they sat us at the bar next door where there are plenty of seating (both indoor and outdoor), and the atmosphere is pretty chill and the service is always great and quick. My husband is not vegan and also enjoyed his meals. I really recommend this place! read more

Lazy Hippo - 3 Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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We've had breakfast here twice and not only was it great but they also have huge servings. You could definitely share a plate with someone here. service is good and getting a seat outside is nice with the weather. I would definitely come again. read more

The wait was worth it on VDAY. There was only outdoor patio dining available. It was my first time so I was confused about the restaurant situation- I'm assuming this spot was linked to the Whiskey house. There was a sign-in sheet when we went for brunch. After walking to multiple breakfast/brunch spots, it seemed like the wait time was about the 50-2 hr long in surrounding areas since it was a holiday maybe. We all enjoyed our food. Service was quick & didn't feel rushed. Table was cleared once we finished our plate. I'm glad we were seated near the doorway cuz they were blasting the good reggae music :) I'll definitely recommend this spot for anyone new to this area. read more

Lazy Hippo - Combo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Brought my wife here for a birthday brunch on a Sunday morning. Sat outside near the road and enjoyed the weather, I personally can recommend the atmosphere as well as the food. Also Patrick who seated us is stationed near where eat outside and he is essential to the experience. I can say we have a memory my wife and I will look back on and continuously laugh. Whether it be large or small, the best times on outings like this is when those in charge of things add to our experience, Patrick did that. He himself is 5 stars. Get here, eat some food, enjoy yourself. read more

Lazy Hippo - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

On my list of best meals and spots to consume... ever!! Theee absolute fluffiest french toast. Brioche is the key. Thought I would have to put my hand over it to keep it from floating away. Bacon was thickcut like I love it. Done well. The breakfast potatoes needed no ketchup. For me, for me toconsider a dish truly good, it has to be good without me adding condiments. The french toast needed not one drop of syrup. The favor was perfect as is. The potatoes needed no extra salt, just a touchof pepper because I am onvacation from Texas, not my senses. I still need a bit of heat. Notone drop of ketchup. My eggs...oh my eggs. Daaaaang light. Ordered cheddar on them, they came out with this luscious gooey, melted covering of rich sharp cheddar and still, creamy light scramble you see Bobby Flay whip up. Sold on this place. Nice quiet spot with tons of character. Marvin Gaye, then the O'Jays followed by Otis Redding. How does this place have so much heart and leave room for a true soul? Dunno but they did it. Yelpers, when in SanD, the pleasure will be yours to eat here... to relax your palate and float through the flavors. read more

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The hostess never explained for us to put our names down on a waitlist, and seeing the line outside the front we assumed it was a queue. Then we reached the front and waited for fifteen minutes before she called out for another name, that's when we realized we had more waiting ahead as we needed to put our name down. She actively avoided eye contact prior to our name being put down. Inside the waiter delivered a burrito (which was modified) to another table, the table corrected him, and he took it back. Five minutes later the same burrito finds its way to our table and we notice its incorrectly modified. On top of this, one of our party's plates was missing. Upon noticing this the waiter said, "Huh, we're still missing one... it was a..." we told him it was another burrito, when it arrived later it was cold. Our burgers were cooked to the wrong temperature but they were still good. It seems like a hit or miss kind of place, so take your chances. The decor is very nice and the drinks are very very good. I'd still give it a shot if you're looking for an "adventurous" night. read more

Service:1/5 not helpful the waiter didn't know people were waiting for a table so us and another couple waited 25 minutes for a table this was in the morning when there was no one. Waiter was nice tho. Food: 3/5 not the best but also good enough to swallow Ambiance: 3/5 alcohol bottles everywhere is okay decor but also the tables are set up in a weird manner. Might be suitable for someone with a more chic style. read more