Cancel

Open app

Search

Pipes Cafe

4.4 (716 reviews)
Open 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Pipes Cafe Photos

Business Info

PIPES CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Pipes Cafe

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Outside seating area!
Phil R.

Always a must stop when in the area... can't go wrong with scrambled eggs, fantastic home style potatoes with a bit of shredded sharp cheese, and toast!!! Usually a line so come prepared for a small wait... and definitely worth it!! Love the outside seating and local vibe! If you are in the mood... the pancakes are "to die for"!!!! Breakfast burrito as a grab and go is a great option too!! The picture of the the little plate is from 2018 and my visit in 9/5/2025 looked nearly identical... that's amazing consistency! Give these guys a shot. You won't be disappointed!

Seairra D.

I love this spot! I've walked past it several times and always see the outside seating completely full in the mornings so I had a feeling it was going to be a good spot! I work in the neighborhood and decided to give a try one morning. I got the breakfast sandwich and it was so good! I also stop in there for coffee sometimes - the barista is always so nice even though he stays very busy. I love supporting a local establishment rather than a chain like Starbucks.

Local legend..... cool spot
Peter I.

Sort of a Cardiff legend place known mostly for their breakfasts, so I think I shocked them when I read the burger was good so it was lunchtime. I want burger and thank you Yelp. It was a good burger. Basic but great bun and really good beef patty. Nice big deck pretty day. Great service can't wait to go and try breakfast cause it looked. Epic.

Three Eggs Tacos
Nell C.

Long time North County residents, we have only come to Pipes once before many years ago. The long lines deter us from dining but today we took a chance. Parking is always a challenge but if you park further north along San Elijo you can get a short walk and by the time you got to Pipes, you have worked up an appetite! Many customers favorites marked by a hibiscus flower on the menu. We went with the 3 Egg Tacos and BLT&A! Great choices and very tasty. Indoor atmosphere and patio space is very relaxed and dog friendly. Host and service is very friendly. Skinny Latte was just enough of a pick me up for a Sunday morning! The Ice Tea was amazing, full of passion fruit taste. Love it!

Souvenirs
Danielle B.

Me, the hubby and our friends were visiting the San Diego area and on our way we were looking for a good breakfast spot and saw Pipes had great reviews on Yelp. We were able to find a parking spot right in front. The vibes of the restaurant are a good mix of surfer SoCal / Hawaiian laid back vibes. The hubby and I decided to share the Big breakfast with French toast ($15.75) and I ordered an orange and spice tea while the hubby had a coffee. Our breakfast was delicious and it was more than enough for both of us to share. The staff was very friendly. I wish this place was closer to where we live but we will definitely be back when we come to visit!

#2 Breakfast Burrito no cheese add avocado
Anola S.

This place is a staple. Huge portions for an epic price. Staff always so happy and are so FAST! Love sitting on the patio while enjoying my massive breakfast burritos. One of the best breakfast burritos in north county (although they are very potato-ey HOWEVER they are cooked and seasoned perfectly so I'm not mad.) Ordered the #2 breakfast burrito no cheese add avocado. Bacon is cooked perfectly. Tortilla is fresh and warm. Proper amounts of all ingredients (besides the avocado, I'd like a little more plz! ) also did they change their salsa?! It's not bland pico anymore and it has a nice chipotle spice! I'm in love! Let me move in so I can eat here for every meal

The patio
Jon K.

Just as advertised. Laid back atmosphere, nice patio, great friendly staff and good food. We had breakfast tacos and a ham scramble. The three tacos were very good but too much food for my wife. The ham scramble with cheesy potatoes and English muffin was very tasty. Again lots of food, this is a must visit gain and again.

Pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon
Brenda S.

This is a Cardiff staple. Such a great spot for coffee and breakfast. Definitely a locals spot, everyone knows everyone and is so friendly. The food is good, not bad. But not the best thing I've ever had. Just a simple generic breakfast place. I'd say it's the location and vibes that get people to really keep coming back. Ocean front view, Southern California weather in the cutest town.

#1 Burrito add potato
Sydni S.

I love Pipes Cafe, it's one of my favorite spots to get a breakfast burrito in San Diego! I love that they have different burrito options so you can mix up what you order each time. I also love their salsa, it's not super spicy but it has a nice peppery flavor that pairs well with breakfast foods. The food is always ready pretty fast, despite being busy. Even though there's almost always a crowd I can normally snag a seat on their patio which is the perfect spot to eat on a nice day.

Gary H.

This is our first time as locals coming here and we were pleasantly surprised. It was packed with people but seemed that by the time we booked our order, tables opened up. The food was delicious and ample! We both orders scramblers and this is probably the first time I could not finish my meal. Overall clean place, great food, fair price, and fast service! My daughter wants me to post that the "bacon is great!"

Coffee bar menu
Sara B.

Love this place. When I'm in this area I always come by. They have great food. I usually get a breakfast burrito. I've heard their cheeseburgers are amazing but I don't eat beef so I don't know. I ordered the tuna sandwich with lettuce added and it was tasty and filling. The service is friendly. It's a small surf shop vibe inside. There's an outdoor patio to catch some sunshine while you eat. They also have a coffee bar with a ton of choices. I definitely recommend you check it out. They also have cool merch. I may grab a hat for myself on the way out.

Bacon egg and cheese burrito
Cora S.

Food was overwhelming. They give you a lot. Neither one of could finish our breakfast. Hubby had veggie scramble. I had bacon, egg, and cheese burrito. Service was quick and friendly for such a busy place. Had to wait a few minutes for a table on the patio to open. Pet and kid friendly. Definitely has a beach vibe.

a table with a basket of food on it
Justin S.

Great local breakfast spot recommended by my Airbnb hosts. That was one of the biggest breakfast burritos I've had in a long time. And delicious too! I skipped lunch lol. Friendly people and a fun space with surfer decor. Lots of locals. The coffee was just ok. Everything else was amazing!

Egg scramble

See all

Photo of Joe D.
0
125
3

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Arrive Hungry. I suggest the Bacon Scramble or the Bacon Breakfast Burrito. Coffee was good.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jen D.
57
90
72

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 13
Thanks 0
Love this 9
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Juan L.
0
47
15

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Rae P.
0
16
4

3 years ago

Local favorite! Sit outside with a breakfast burrito or a coffee from the espresso bar. Bring your dog and enjoy the atmosphere!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Trish S.
4859
1041
3247

6 years ago

Helpful 27
Thanks 0
Love this 22
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

An awesome spot to grab a quick breakfast. Has a nice view and is walking distance to the water. The breakfast was good!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jen P.
4
72
8

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Stayed in Cardiff for a week around Thanksgiving. Ate at Pipes almost every morning. Always delish.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Love their coffee cart food and Love the coffee service there is always very friendly.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great food, fun atmosphere. Huge portions so come hungry or bring a friend. It got crowded on the weekend morning.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Karen C.
855
1098
3713

17 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Liz Z.
32
52
3

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 4 of 18

Pipes Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Pipes Cafe

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for American 11,216 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Waverly

Waverly

4.2
(1.1k reviews)
0.1 mi
$$

Awesome. Came for…read moreMother's Day (with reservation) and it was great all around. It's coastal, cool, breezy, a little upscale but not snooty, chill. Good food and strong drinks. Yours truly had a Bodega Boy; mezcal cocktail with sort of a horchata vibe. I also had the double double burger and it was delicious, perfectly cooked and amply portioned. Btw: get the butterscotch pudding. You're welcome. I left stuffed and slightly wobbly. Fun place, good service. I'd go back.

My boyfriend and I visited Waverly for the first time Sunday, June 14th, for brunch, with a…read morereservation. I had called earlier that week inquiring about a corkage fee, as well as if there were any brunch drink/mimosa specials (like a bottle w juice type thing most brunch restaurants do on weekends). I was so discouraged by the hostess I almost cancelled my reservation. I purposely made sure to call at an "off time" so as to not be disruptive, and the best answer I got was "ummmm i think the corkage is $25." And to the mimosa question, "yeah I mean, we don't do bottomless but we have mimosas and I think we have a bottle special." So unhelpful- if she didn't know, she should confirm. I believe it was the same hostess when we dined, who, because we ended up seated right next to the dj (more minus points, who wants to be seated there, let alone when he is setting up, and while we made a reservation and were celebrating his birthday), moved us to outside at the front and we could see on her phone texting more than once. So, we sit. Taylor starts our order (very nice!), and we ask about drink specials, she cites of course we can have a bottle of mimosas. But there are no specials. So the bottle of prosecco is $63 plus $5 for orange juice. INSANE. But again, this is why I had called. Had the hostess shared there was nothing offered other than what was online, we coulda brought our own and paid corkage. Since we were led to believe otherwise, we had no alcohol and instead just had coffee. Cue Miles: he took over for Taylor almost immediately. He was AMAZING! So nice, so helpful, really accommodating and just the right amount of suggestions and check ins. Truly, amazing. As was the food. We had the ricotta, the french toast, and the Benedict. All were great. And great prices for the food too. The coffee came out lukewarm and had apparently been brewed quite awhile ago but Miles was happy to bring out fresh. I had put on the reservation that it was a birthday, and Taylor had asked if we were celebrating anything, and I told her it was my boyfriend's birthday, to which she eagerly explained they love celebrating birthdays at Waverly. Imagine my surprise when ultimately it was not again acknowledged or celebrated in any way. Perhaps because Miles took over for Taylor, but if it's on the reservation, you'd think I wouldn't have to address it again, much less multiple times. All in all, a very mixed review- there were some exceptional pieces of our experience (Miles, Taylor briefly, and the actual food), but there were a lot of misses too. Super disappointing that this was a birthday brunch because the misses really impacted the experience.

Photos
Cute decor!
Cute decor!
Avocado Toast
Avocado Toast
Bloody Mary

See all

Bloody Mary
Sunny Side Solana

Sunny Side Solana

4.4
(533 reviews)
2.2 mi
$$

Super good! The house coffee is great (not burnt or old tasting!) and the food was delicious! So…read moreglad I found this place

Our family loves coming here when we are on a staycation. Service is always friendly. We have…read moretried a variety of food and have enjoyed it. There's free parking in the back and street parking in the front. This place is known for their breakfast but their other items are just as good. We recently found out the Chicken Fettuccine Al Pesto is the owners Italian mother's recipe. My youngest son enjoys getting this dish. My favorite breakfast dishes are the chicken and waffle, country fried steak and french toasts. They perfectly bread the chicken and the homemade country gravy it adds that extra goodness to the meal. I also love their fresh-pressed juices, and I usually request a plantation iced tea -- iced tea mixed with pineapple juice. So refreshing! The decor is adorable too. It has a cozy farmhouse café vibe that makes the whole place feel warm and inviting. And the bread pudding from Sunny Side is definitely worth mentioning. I usually don't like bread pudding, but this is far from ordinary. It's made with croissants and chocolate, drizzled with chocolate sauce, dusted with powdered sugar, served with raspberries, and strawberries. You have to add the ice cream...cause why not? Absolutely indulgent and perfect for sharing. Totally worth those extra calories! Overall, we'll definitely keep dining here. Great service, delicious food, and so many good family memories every time we visit!

Photos
Sunny Side Solana
Sunny Side Solana
Cute little cup

See all

Cute little cup
101 Diner

101 Diner

4.4
(872 reviews)
1.8 mi
$$

Who doesn't love a good diner? Peek inside and the place looks like it stepped out of the distant…read morepast, maybe the 1950s or the 1960s. Surely they are masters at greasy bacon and eggs, day old coffee, and probably little else. Wrong. Very wrong. This place may look a little ordinary from the outside but there is nothing ordinary about it. It may look like a classic diner inside but it does not sling food like an old diner. The menu is well-written and the food is high quality, excellent, and borderline gourmet. Do not order eggs, bacon, and toast here. Swing for the cheap seats. We tried the Ham, Avocado and Tomato Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise sauce was fantastic. If I didn't care about remaining somewhere under 350 pounds, I would return every Saturday and eat my way through every single eggs benedict concoction on the menu and there are many such benedict creations from which to choose. The Banana Nutella crepe, with "whip" cream (not "whipped," apparently, we're gentle with our cream here, folks), was decadent. If you like your breakfasts on the sweet side, you will enjoy this one. The Tres Porkitos omelet (made with ham, bacon, sausage, and cheese) was hearty and just as good as it sounds. The breakfast potatoes were very nicely done but could have used a little more seasoning. There is a salt shaker (and numerous hot sauces) on the table for just these types of emergencies. Do NOT leave here without getting a freshly-made biscuit with butter and honey on the side. You have made a serious error in judgment if you leave without getting one of these. Even the freshly-squeezed orange juice was delicious. Our server was wonderful. No complaints. They have dining inside or on the patio. Encinitas is a delightful community. While I loved the old school diner feel inside, you cannot go wrong with the people watching outside on one of our almost always sunny days in So Cal. If you live here, you already pay the Sunshine Tax so get your money's worth and sit outside, if you can. 10 stars.

Food and service with a breeze of the ocean, it was amazing. Who could ask for anything moreread more

Photos
101 Diner
Strawberry cream cheese pancake
Strawberry cream cheese pancake
Half Garden Benedict

See all

Half Garden Benedict
Claire's On Cedros

Claire's On Cedros

4.3
(2.5k reviews)
1.9 mi
$$

Great food!! Welcoming to families with small kids and dogs. Wonderful place for weekend brunch or…read moreweekly lunch dates.

I don't hand out 5-star ratings very often, but Claire's on Cedros absolutely earns it for its…read morepancakes. My family was vacationing in Encinitas and stumbled upon Claire's on Cedros on our first morning while searching for an early breakfast spot. Pancakes are usually not something I get excited about - I tend to think most restaurants use the same premade mixes from the same suppliers, resulting in pancakes that are ultimately forgettable. That changed the moment I tried a bite of the pancakes my daughter ordered. I was genuinely surprised to discover what may be some of the best pancakes I've ever had. Since then, Claire's has become a breakfast tradition whenever we're in the area. Buttermilk Pancakes (OG) - 5/5. These pancakes completely changed my expectations of what a pancake can be. What makes Claire's buttermilk pancakes stand out is their depth of flavor. They have a rich, buttery character and a subtle fermented tang that give them a distinctive personality. Add a little extra butter and real maple syrup, and the flavor reaches another level. The texture is equally impressive. Unlike many restaurant pancakes that are either soggy or overly dense, these strike a near-perfect balance. They hold their shape well while remaining tender and fluffy, with just the right amount of air pockets. They're substantial without being heavy and soft without falling apart. The finishing touch is a thin ring of golden-brown crispy edges that adds both texture and extra flavor to every bite. Seasonal Lemon Ricotta Pancakes - 4.5/5. Our server recommended the seasonal lemon ricotta pancakes, and I'm glad I gave them a try. They are every bit as well-executed as the original buttermilk pancakes, with a bright citrus flavor and a richer, creamier profile from the ricotta. While I still prefer the original buttermilk version for its subtle fermented tang, these are excellent in their own right and well worth ordering if they're available. Eggs Benedict with Crispy Parmesan Risotto & Honey-Cured Bacon - 4.5/5. Once I find a favorite dish, I have a habit of ordering it repeatedly - which was becoming a problem thanks to those buttermilk pancakes. On a return visit, I made a point of trying something different and was glad I did. The standout pairing here is the crispy hash browns. This is one of those dishes where the individual components really shine when eaten together. Combining the arugula, poached egg, hollandaise sauce, and crispy hash browns creates a wonderfully balanced bite. The hash browns contribute crunch, the egg and hollandaise provide rich creaminess, and the arugula adds freshness and brightness that keeps everything from feeling too heavy. It's a thoughtfully composed dish that delivers both flavor and texture. Drinks - okay. The juices, teas, and coffee were perfectly fine - nothing remarkable, but nothing to complain about either. They do their job and complement the food well. Here are my final Thoughts. I'm so glad we discovered Claire's on Cedros. It has given me a new benchmark for what great pancakes should taste like. Even as someone who never considered pancakes a favorite breakfast item, I find myself thinking about them long after the meal is over. If we're back in Encinitas or Solana Beach, Claire's will be one of our first stops. The pancakes alone are worth the visit.

Photos
Inside seating
Inside seating
(Pass) Blackberry stuffed french toast
(Pass) Blackberry stuffed french toast
Grapefruit mimosa and waters

See all

Grapefruit mimosa and waters
The Cottage

The Cottage

4.0
(238 reviews)
2.3 mi
$$

So good. I loved both my brunch and my friend's…read more I had a roasted veggie egg white omelette with a delicious fresh scone and potatoes. My friend had the Chile Lime Shrimp Bowl. My tea was also delicious. Service was friendly and professional. The restaurant is really cute and well laid out, from the interior to the patio seating. I'm looking forward to having brunch here again.

My friend and I stopped by The Cottage for brunch after a Pilates workout, and it was exactly what…read morewe were craving. Since it was a weekday, it wasn't too busy and we were seated right away. The restaurant is so cute and adorable. The interior feels cozy, charming, and very homey, just like the name suggests. It has that welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. Our server was incredibly friendly and attentive and took our orders right away. My friend ordered the Roasted Vegetable Omelet, which came with cottage potatoes and a vegan scone. She really enjoyed her meal, but the star of her plate was that scone. OMG, it was so good! Easily one of the best scones I've tried. I ordered the Chile Lime Shrimp Bowl, and let's just say there were no leftovers. It was light, fresh, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients. It felt like the perfect post workout meal, and I practically devoured the entire thing in record time. To go with brunch, I also ordered a hot matcha latte, which paired perfectly with my meal. If you're looking for a cute brunch spot in Encinitas with healthy options and homey vibes, The Cottage is definitely worth checking out.

Photos
Indoor Seats
Indoor Seats
Chile Lime Shrimp Bowl
Chile Lime Shrimp Bowl
BEES KNEES espresso, honey, cardamom, almond milk shaken drink

See all

BEES KNEES espresso, honey, cardamom, almond milk shaken drink
Ki's Restaurant

Ki's Restaurant

3.9
(892 reviews)
0.6 mi
$$

Great place to grab brunch on a weekend without having to make reservations. Took a walk around the…read morerail trail and then brunch with a friend here. This was my first time after living in the area for 30 years. What I wasn't thrilled with: The tip. The lowest tip they recommend was 18%. I clicked 18% because we waited in line order. We had to get our own water, forks, knives and napkins. They gave us our food, then we asked if they could bring us a fork and napkins. The waiter just told us where we could get it. It's fine, now that we know. But it's not an 18% tip for just handing us our food. Thrilled with: the view and the many options. The poke bowl I ordered was good. Will I come back?: Yes! Would be fun to try the happy hour and the other options on the menu.

We had such an amazing experience at Ki's Restaurant. We went for breakfast/lunch and loved it so…read moremuch that we came back later for sunset and happy hour. It was absolutely worth it. For Breakfast/lunch, I had the California Grill and it was delicious. Our friends ordered the French toast and the carnitas scramble, and both were fantastic. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. We returned in the evening for happy hour and to catch the sunset, and the view was perfect. Truly breathtaking. During happy hour, we ordered the seared ahi and crispy cauliflower, and both were incredible. Great flavors and perfect for sharing. Melody made us Expresso martinis and they were yummy! A special shoutout to Melody, the manager. She is amazing. She told us the story of the owners and made sure we were having a great time. You can tell she genuinely cares about the guest experience. All of the servers were fun and sweet, creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to come back again. Between the delicious food, great happy hour, perfect sunset views, and outstanding service, Ki's is truly a gem. We will definitely be back.

Photos
Ahi poke bowl
Ahi poke bowl
Juicebar guys ready to serve organic coffee
Juicebar guys ready to serve organic coffee
The friendliest staff.

See all

The friendliest staff.

Pipes Cafe - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...