This place is crowded every time I go by, so I thought it was going to be something special. But it's not. The menu is very basic, the coffee is decent (although my husband said his French roast coffee tasted like it was flavored. Gross. My Kona blend was good.) I have celiac (so, GF required), so I got the breakfast tacos, with avocado added. The avocado was more like guacamole, but unfortunately, not delicious guacamole. My husband ordered the #3 burrito, but he got the #2. It was decent but not what he really wanted. On the plus side, portions were generous. All in all, I don't think we will go back. read more

Excellent food and service as per usual. I got the French toast plate and it comes with a looooot of eggs but they were delicious. French toast was also amazing, and the bacon was perfectly crisp!! Everyones always so friendly here but i guess its hard to be grumpy when you're working across the street from this view 10/10 would recommend. read more

Pipes Cafe - french toast plate - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

Solid spot to grab a late breakfast. I really liked the English muffin egg sandwich, I'd give that 5 stars. Others in the group got a breakfast burrito and thought it was average. The French toast was good and the pancakes. Chill, friendly atmosphere, I'll be back. read more

Seriously- everything is great. Recently had the French toast breakfast- crispy bacon, ton of scrambled eggs (a bit dry- just like I like them) and the toasts are delish! read more

SO. good. We were driving through looking for breakfast. quite possibly the best green chili breakfast burrito I've had, and I'm from AZ! and the breakfast sandwich over-medium was on point! Well done!! read more

Pipes Cafe - Breakfast Sandwich over medium - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

Got breakfast burrito #4 that with ham, cheese, grilled pepper and onions. It was pretty decent but I wouldn't get out of my way to get it again. Veggies were under-grilled. Scrambled eggs were soft and creamy with cheese, ham kinda felt not grilled thru too. The taste was bland lacking salt and seasonings but the salsa was good. On a busy Sunday morning my order took about 10 minutes. read more

This is a popular spot for locals and visitors a like for good reason because they do make some good grub. I stopped in for an early breakfast and order the "Pipes Egg Sandwich" which comes in a lightly toasted English Muffin with eggs, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and mayo, but I axed the mayo. The sandwich cost $4.75. It certainly was a very good breakfast sandwich. The eggs was fluffy and lightly seasoned. The serving of bacon was considerable compared to the size of the sandwich. It was also very crispy and flavorful. The cheese was typical American cheese, nothing exciting but went well with this breakfast sammi. The tomato was a one even fresh slice. Breakfast offerings here are simple but very good. With the breakfast sandwich, you can a side of their famous cheesy breakfast potatoes for a few more dollars. They also make baked goods like cranberry, poppy seed, and chocolate muffins. Worth the stop when you are in the Encinitas/Cardiff area. read more

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

We've been wanting to eat here forever but it's always been crowded with long lines. This time we were able to come for brunch on a slow Wednesday morning and our expectations were beyond met!! This place is a staple here and for good reason! They have a big variety and we're looking forward to coming back and trying more yummy dishes! read more

Pipes Cafe - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

10/7/17: Just wanted to update this review to highlight that Pipe's now accepts credit cards. Whoohoo! There are many other reviews so I will only highlight a couple of extra things that you should be aware of: - Cash only place...don't forget that. - Order at the counter...it's a very popular place so grab a seat whenever you can and then have one person go up to order. - So so coffee, even at the adjacent coffee shop. We go to Starbucks first and then bring our coffee over. - Very casual beach-like atmosphere...don't expect fancy. - No parking, and they're pretty strict across the screen at the Seaside Market parking. You'll likely need to park in the neighborhood and walk to the restaurant. Bottom line: Great atmosphere, good food, excellent portion sizes, reasonable prices for what you get. read more

Pipes Cafe - Egg sandwich - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

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What a great find! The food is good and their servings are very generous! I had the big breakfast with French toasts, I wasn't very impressed with the toasts but they were still pretty good. My husband had the bacon scrambler and absolute loved it! Both plates had more than enough food for the price. Totally recommended! read more

Pipes Cafe - Big breakfast with French toasts - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

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The food is always quality. Worth the wait if there's a line. You get plenty of food for a reasonable price. It's quite tasty. Indoor an outdoor seating. Staff is really friendly. Dana gives great service! This is a must try place. Don't miss out. They've been here since 1995 for a reason. Check them out. Great for breakfast or lunch options. Coffee/hot chocolate bar and fresh orange juice rock! read more

Pipes Cafe - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

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This is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch if you happen to be in Cardiff before (or after) a day at the beach. I think the sign in the front ("no shirt, no shoes, no problem!") really says it all :) I was pretty hungry so I got two egg sandwiches and a strawberry/banana shake. The shake was honestly just the refreshment I needed, the the sandwiches were a great quick breakfast. My friend got the little breakfast (it is certainly not little) and the potatoes were seasoned so surprisingly well! I love Cardiff and visit every summer; will definitely come here each time I visit from now on! read more

Great spot! Good views, good food, good people. Food came out quickly and we enjoyed the meal on their patio with views of the ocean. A-little crowded with the small space, but isn't that how every quaint, cute cafe should be? Definitely worth a visit! read more

Pipes Cafe - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

Great place for a breakfast burrito, I usually get the #3 with bacon added. It's green chiles and all the normal stuff but just really tasty, and add that sauce and you're on a ride to flavortown. Only downside is it gets busy in the summer, but that's cool and for the most part I don't mind waiting. Never had anything else besides breakfast burritos, but once you have one there's not really a reason to have anything else. Coffee is ok, it's not amazing or anything but it's standard drip coffee. Just get the bfast burrito and you won't be disappointed. It's cash only, they do have an ATM, but still cash only kinda sucks sometimes. I mean I guess it's a pain to set up credit card transactions, and you do lose some money on each one, but still, what year is this, nineteen aught six? Just get the credit card reader and call it good. read more

Pipes Cafe - #3 breakfast burrito with added bacon. - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

I have only had a few different plates here, but I keep going back to the perfectly made chicken burger. The chicken burger is a fantastic taste sensation. The only thing is that it comes with Lays potato chips. The chips are so basic and nasty. Not a fan. Might be a surfer thing though. I saw some other patrons eating some incredible breakfast platters as well. Eat a chicken burger with a side of ranch and have a wonderful day!! read more

Love this place. Always great flavors and service. Burrito #1 is my go to, but everything on the menu is tasty. read more

Pipes Cafe - Coffee bar area - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

Excellent food with large portions. We should have shared the order. Only a couple of tables inside but you could eat outside. You ordered at the counter. Ordering your drink was at a separate counter. read more

Pre-Covid, me and my honey used to go out to local brunch at least once each weekend and I'll admit, Pipes was not in our rotation. Once the Pandemic hit, however, we tried to spread our local love out more and try take out from places we didn't frequent as often. We were motivated by the fact that Pipes was practicing really safe service and you could order online and pay over the phone. We decided that their breakfast sammies would now be a weekend walk essential. We ordered them (okay, and sides of sausage, bacon, muffins and other goodies) every couple weeks and would take them to open trails to let our two year old run around while we'd eat and drink coffees. It provided us a nice (and delicious) break from the cooking at home all the time. The front counter was prompt and kind with each order and they had a solid system down pat. Customers respected the system (that always helps!) and the chefs were slinging eggs and more just as fast as always. Portions and prices will do you right! We're committed fans now and Covid or no Covid (someday hopefully) they'll get our local dollars. read more

Definitely a beachy, surfside local place to hang. I went with popular locals so I felt cool and hip. Breakfast had nice selection and everything ordered was tasty and delish. This is a local favorite, you can tell by the line... and it's CASH ONLY... so for the line to be that long for cash only and "order at the counter" on a Sunday morning, you KNOW it's got to be a great place, and it was. (please note: line was not an issue at all) Guy at the counter was really, really nice and friendly, even made suggestions when wanting to rearrange items on the menu. There is an ATM inside towards the back, so don't fret if you have no cash... you can still eat at this fine place. The breakfast potatoes were quite the hit as were the pancakes... I had neither, but judging from the moans and groans, yeah they were good. I opted for the breakfast burrito that came with green chilies and cilantro, it was huge (huge enough to definitely split and still be full) and was very packed with flavor and yummy. Fountain drinks, Orange Bang, Horchata Ole and iced tea are all free refills... (keep in mind the iced tea is passion flavored, they don't mention that). Great place to sit and enjoy the sounds of the gulls, smell of the ocean and breeze thru the trees.... definitely will pass through this cafe again when in the area. CHEERS! read more

Pipes Cafe - #3 burrito..... eggs, green chilies, cilantro, cheese..... yum! Huge! - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

what to order: breakfast tacos? tip: street parking A no frills, mom & pop type of establishment The reviews had me excited and set my standards high.. but maybe too high? I don't know I've been to some hole in the wall, no frills, mom and pop restaurants where you're blown away by how simple yet immensely delicious and amazing the food is. This was not one of those places. Boyfriend and I got the #1 breakfast burrito and French toast. Plates are paper, utensils are plastic. There was nothing special about the food.. honestly it tasted like something I could make at home. But instead.. I paid.. for them.. to assemble it for me.. Clearly a regulars type of restaurant. I think the barista started on a customers order before they even came up. I love that! Maybe everyone's review is for the service.. ?? cause ya... food not so great.. read more

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

Our friends raved about coming here when we came to go camping and surfing! This place was a short 10min walk from the San Elijo campgrounds. It's a small little place but the food sure packs a punch. We came in Saturday and Sunday for breakfast and they have their breakfast specials posted so you can see. On Sunday morning the line was out the door. But people are in and out of that place so it might seem like you won't have somewhere to sit but by the time you're done ordering you have a good chance you will find it a spot open if your with a small group. They also have a cute little coffee bar right outside on the patio deck in case you want more then your basic hot coffee. Their service there is so great and they are very attentive to breaking down and wiping tables used. On Saturday I got the breakfast special which included two slices of french toast eggs scrambled with sausage and cheese! I was so beyond full after eating it. On Sunday I got the #2 burrito. Inside came with potatoes, egg,cheese bacon and I added avocado inside. For the speed and the quality of the food it was very much worth my money. It made me very happy to see they have Tapatio as part of their hot sauce selection. If you get a burrito you get some of their homemade salsa so which is so good but not spicy. read more

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Super good breakfast tacos. Had a delicious b-fast burrito there as well. Great little coffee bar in there. The lady making coffee has the best attitude and serves up a good cup! read more

Stopped by here for a quick to-go bite prior to a beach day, with my love. She found this place on Yelp, and as usual, the app did NOT disappoint! I ordered the chicken "burger", which was really a couple pieces of breast meat that was grilled and put on a bun. It had chunks of bacon on it, and was REALLY juicy. I had expected it originally to be ground chicken, but it was good nonetheless. On top of the burger, I ordered a side of fries with ranch. The fries were SUPER good and paired perfectly with the sandwich. I would definitely be back to order this burger, again. Right outside, they have a coffee bar, that also has cookies and ice cream. The cookies looked so chocolatey and gooey and delicious. We ordered a chocolate chip cookie and peanut butter cup cookie. I liked eating a small piece of each at the same time. I also ordered a vanilla latte and it was tasty as well. Will definitely be back! read more

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So...this is for sure, my favorite breakfast spot in San Diego. Yes for sure and let me list the reasons why... Do Well: 1. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION - it is right near the beach, you can see the water from the patio. You can walk down there after as well as get a pint, groceries and coffee at the market next door. 2. Food Taste - I have eaten most of the things on the menu and the scramblers, French toast, burritos and everything is good. Their pica sauce they make is my favorite. 3. Food portion size - huge helping, easily shareable. 4. Price point - it is very very cheap but BRING CASH. It is cash only but they have an ATM there. 5. Staff - super laid back, big surf vibe and food comes out quick. Things to work on: Honestly nothing I can think of. It is just great. Come to Pipes, I live in vista and I come close to once a week. So worth the drive no matter how far you are coming. read more

Pipes Cafe - So amazing! - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

Today was our first time here. I checked out yelp since we got hungry and found this place. I can honestly say this was perfect. We walked in a it's a cute place. We had a small ocean view while we ate. We had the burrito #1 and the big breakfast which were BOMB! I had the burrito and I could only eat half. The salsa perfectly complimented the burrito. The breakfast plate was the special today so my sweetheart decided to try that. Potatoes and ham scramble were well seasoned. The burrito was only about $8 and the special plate was about $11 with the potatoes (did not come with the plate but were an option to add). It was filling. My sweetheart barely finished everything and I could only eat half the burrito (I'm small though haha). Apple juice was only $3 and fountain drinks are $2 unlimited refills. This place is a MUST! Will definitely be coming back. read more

Pipes Cafe - Breakfast special with potatoes - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Liked the veggie scramble and breakfast special. Organized and safe from Covid issues. Friendly servers and coffee barista. Thankfully customers are friendly & safety conscious too. Huge portions - brought half home and warmed it up for Sunday breakfast. Sorry no pictures taken - nice surf theme decor. read more

Althought the line is out the door it moves quickly, there are pros behind the door. At first I thought the name of this joint was "A Breakfast Place" because it was the first thing we saw as we drove by. I recommend the "Big Breakfast" with a friend, too much food by yourself even if you are starving. Love the pancakes! I don't know if its the pancake batter or how they whip it up, but the texture is amazing. Its chewy to fluffy ratio is perfect. *Swoon* read more

Pipes Cafe - Souvenir Frisbee - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

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That BREAKFAST BURRITO #1 ($6.75) really won me over. There were three different varieties of breakfast burrito, but only the #1 had my most beloved guacamole. The burrito had a smorgasbord of ingredients--LOTSA eggs (yay protein), sausage, avocado, and cheese. Their red pica sauce came as a side order and it's so amazing. I loved the slight spiciness and tanginess. Most of us couldn't finish our burritos and we wrapped it back up. Haha, but the friends who ordered plates were given aluminum foil to take their leftovers home! It is CASH ONLY. Luckily, if you didn't bring any spare cash, there is an Credit Union ATM located at the back of their restaurant. I heard there's a line usually for this place, but luckily we caught them on Superbowl Sunday so we able to satisfy our hungry bellies quickly! The cafe is also a short stop to the beach, so make sure to step in the sand if you have time! read more

Pipes Cafe - Cute themed tables indoors! - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

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Pipes was delicious! HUGE portions. I got the veggie scramble with potatoes and added avocado. Portion was bigger than anyone should eat for $8. I wish I had split it with my boyfriend, who got a turkey sandwich he enjoyed. I don't love that they use plastic and styrofoam even if you eat in. For a surfer spot, seems very eco-unfriendly. Note: it's now a CASH ONLY place. I saw a few people cancel their order while we were there because they didn't know that. Also street parking may be difficult. read more

Pipes Cafe - Veggie scramble eggs w/added avocado and cheesy potatoes on the side. - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

Friendly staff and decent food but a huge bummer that they use single use plastic items here, even if you're eating in the restaurant. Would not come again because of this read more

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

I was kind of excited to finally come here since I've been living here now for 2 years and every time my husband and I walk by we keep saying we need to try Pipes! I walked up to the counter and was having trouble deciding, but there was no one else in line so it didn't matter. Then I said something about I think I'll just order coffee first so I can decide later. The girl behind the counter looked at me with such disdain and treated me like garbage. Told me that I needed to order at a different counter to get coffee. The guy who made my coffee was really nice. But based on how I was treated by the girl at the counter, I won't be back. I drank a little bit of my coffee and then left. Plenty of other breakfast places I like around here I don't need to go to places that hire snarky 20. Somethings read more

I went here today to try this place as it had great reviews however, the atmosphere was very unwelcoming. I walked in to greet a friend as we believed the place was dog friendly. If it isn't that is fine however, the interaction that followed was completely uncalled for. A female employee from behind the counter screamed at us to "go outside with the dogs if they aren't service animals after you order no matter how cute they are". While the dogs not being allowed in is completely understandable she did not have to yell at us which then triggered a customer in the restaurant to be extremely rude. One of the dogs is hyper but friendly. He is also about 13 pounds soaking wet. We were standing outside as the customer walks out (he was already giving us a disgruntled stare after the employee's comment inside of the restaurant then continued to stare at us as we were outside) the smaller dog jumps up to play and the customer who is an older male balls up his fist to the dog and said "dude I swear to god" and approaches the dog as though he was going to hit him. The customer then stares us down, walks away but continues looking back all while staff and other customers were watching the encounter. While this place seems to be a staple I don't believe all are welcome and they should work on their customer service as the situation could have escalated from the employee's initial extremely rude interaction. We did not feel comfortable staying to order after that whole ordeal. read more

Ordered the #1 burrito, the portions were large and location is nice. You can walk to the beach down the stairs within 8 min. Just a classic breakfast/lunch place! read more

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

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

Excellent breakfast burritos! A great location with nice views and very friendly staff! The prices were reasonable and the wait was extremely short. Will definitely return! read more

Pipes Cafe - #1 breakfast burrito - American Near Me - Cardiff, California

5 stars all around , excellent food/service/location. Will definitely return when in the area read more