The food was great, but my review isn't about the food. The trails eatery is using disposable utensils, paper plates, and plastic cups. More than 100 million pieces of plastic utensils are used by Americans everyday ! I don't like that they use single use plastic I will not be coming here again read more

The Trails Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm kinda bummed about this place. It's been on my list for a long time and I was excited to FINALLY get to eat here, but alas, my expectations were too high. I'll start by saying that the interior design of the place is super cute. Absolutely loved it. The menu is lengthy with many options which I also appreciated. There wasn't much of a wait when we arrived but one developed shortly after we ordered so expect it to be a little busy. There's indoor and outdoor seating and tons of parking. Now for the food. I must be a stickler for seasoning because I'm starting to realize not too many places use it or they use it sparingly. Either way, my taste buds don't agree lol. Once again I had to douse the omelette in hot sauce and add some salt and pepper to it. For me, the food tastes SO much better when it's cooked with the seasoning already incorporated. Sprinkling salt and pepper on top of something doesn't provide the same taste as cooking it already seasoned. I also ordered the mimosa flight (not pictured). Those were really good. The presentation was okay but the taste and the buzz made up for it lol. In fact I expected much better presentation due to all the gorgeous food pics I've seen from this restaurant so I was pretty bummed that it came out looking pretty regular. Our servers were really nice but forgetful. We had to ask for straws and silverware to eat our food but the food came out quick. I think I'll revisit and maybe try something else next time. There were a couple things I wanted to try so we'll see how things turn out next time. Even if I don't come back for food I'll definitely return for mimosas. read more

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Went here after a hike with a friend and my pup. Sat outside due to the fur child but service was great. They brought water and a dog friendly bowl for my pups order. Had the chicken pesto sandwich and it was delicious. My pup and I both agreed the fries were good too! read more

The Trails used to be a regular restaurant & during (subsequently after Covid), it's like McDonalds where you have to order at an order counter... If I go to a restaurant, I want to be seated & waited on. This must be great for the owner's & employees but not my cup of tea, I guess the Melidiots think it just wonderful read more

Cinnamon roll pancakes with cream cheese frosting are just as amazing as everyone says! Maybe best pancake I've ever tasted. If you love a sweet breakfast this is for you. read more

LOVED everything about this place - rustic feel to it, ordering with a chashier up front and of course the most delicious brunch food in El Cajon. Their chai latte is very creamy and delightful - highly recommend to check out. read more

This review is long overdue. Excellent and friendly service. Food is tasty and healthy. Great ambience and my overall favorite breakfast spot in San Diego. Stacey the owner is super welcoming and nice. I like the garden omelette and my lil guy loves the pancakes. 5 stars all the way around. read more

The Trails Eatery - Cool decor - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is very close to where I live so I have eaten here many times. The service staff is very helpful and friendly. I have ordered numerous items and I have never been disappointed. Try it! read more

Glad we gave this place a second shot. Can't go wrong with the croissant French toast! Great hospitality and excellent staff! Definitely stop on by to get your sweet tooth fix. Thank you Stacy for welcoming us into your humble abode! You and your crew are fantastic , keep killing it! read more

The Trails Eatery - Croissant French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

I came here for breakfast one morning with a friend when i had a weekday off. I got their famous cinnamon roll pancakes ($8.99), which are out of this world! Its light and has just a bit of caramelization that you get in a cinnamon roll and what makes it is the cream cheese frosting. I'm not normally a person who eats sweets for breakfast nor pancakes but this one is an exception. Only 1 of 2 places i'll order pancakes! I also got over medium eggs and bacon for an extra $2.99 and home fries for another $1. For a total of $13 its a really large and filling meal. Well i didn't actually get home fries, i asked for "Fried Pots" which is their home fries but tossed in the frier, so if you like your breakfast potatoes crispy ask for "Fried Pots", its not listed on the menu but is more of a secret menu or if you're a regular you know about it type deal. My friend got the special of the day which was a Lemon Berry Bomb, sourdough french toast with housemade lemon curd, lavender whip cream and fresh berries. I had a bite, it was delicious! The lavander really came thru and complemented the lemon curd very well. The fresh berries were a nice touch too. I hear the croissant french toast is really good so I'll be back for that next time. I liked the decor it shows that its a family restaurant, as all the pictures there are of their family, one of them is even the owner Stacey. See if you can guess which one, i picked it out immediately! I also really liked the shirts they wear, they are pretty funny, RBF "Resting Brunch Face" Owner and Chef Stacey is very personable and talented and was actually featured on food network TWICE! Once with Robert Irvine on Restaurant Impossible and a second time on Next Food Network Star. The restaurant is only open for breakfast an brunch, but i guess thats why they do it so well. read more

The Trails Eatery - Oh this was so good! lavender whip cream was awesome! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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Before I start my review, I want to give a special shout out to the staff. I have never been to a restaurant that had friendlier, more helpful, and nice employees than The Trails Eatery. My friends and I were a little hungover and were craving something yummy. Good thing we found The Trails Eatery! I ordered the food over the phone and the staff was so sweet and helpful! We ordered the San Diego Omelette (bacon, mushroom, tomato, avocado & cheese), BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado), Pesto Chicken Sandwich, and the Trails Burger. Everything was so yummy and really helped us kick off our morning! When I came to pick up the food, I saw so many delicious looking dishes on the table and the drinks looked so good too! I will definitely have to dine in next time! I want to get the mimosa flight! read more

I love this place Food is great. Price is amazing The staff is so friendly Never disappointed read more

Thank you to The Trails Eatery for catering to gluten free customers such as myself! I'm so grateful for your selections!!

A Neighborhood Fav! Good vegan options Chilled atmosphere Friendly staff Nice size portions Favorite dish is the Breakfest Burrito vegan style read more

We have been to this cute place several times. I think it is family-owned and it sure feels very "down home!" The banana pancakes are to die for!!! read more

Worst experience ever Management is terrible Employees are 17 that answer the phone I got a huge hair in my food they didn't even care It smells like cat urine in the restaurant Called to place a to go order their own employee put me on hold for 23 minutes. Said it was too loud and couldn't hear my request, then had the nerve to say to me "if you are giving to give me attitude I'll just keep you on hold" Who says that??? Then the manager came on, who had not a clue how to handle guests. Terrible demeanor. She made me feel awful, she said we are going to refuse your business. Veteran who had been coming here for over 12 years . Shame on you Trails!!! Terrible !! I love c Waiting for management , gross old out dated food Time to go trails! Maybe if you have qualified staff answering the phone, treating your long time customers better, these events wouldn't happen... What a shitty start to my day!! Awesome thanks Trails read more

This place is the bomb! Every time we come here is so good! the egg Benedict's are my fav. I try a different one each time I come. Today I had the "piggyback" Benedict or pulled pork Benedict. The meat was very tasty and the hollandaise sauce was delicious! My boyfriend got the Machaca scramble and loved it. We also ordered a side of biscuits and gravy. So good! The biscuit is very fresh and the gravy is served on the side which I enjoy. Thank you Trails! We will be back :) read more

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Recommended by my bro-in-law. We all came here for breakfast today. I ordered the Classic Eggs Benedict with melon as my side with a regular hot coffee. Good-sized portion. Coffee was great. The food came out really fast. Maybe within 15 min of ordering. They have craft beers from different breweries that you can take home, too. Check this place out if you're in the area. Next time we're in town we might have to try their lunch menu. read more

The Trails Eatery - Classic Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

We went on a Sunday morning- early- 740am and there was no line. The food was amazing, the drinks were great! Hubby got a Bloody Mary and he said it was delicious! I got a mimosa- yummy. He ordered an omelette and it was huge! I got the eggs Benedict- I am super super picky with my sauce and they nailed it! Soooo good. Will definitely be back. My husband ended up going back to the area around 10am to the hardware store and said the line was out the door! Recommend going early. read more

Small little spot for brunch. Lots of parking. Very clean. Very friendly serving staff. I ordered a build your own omelette with mushrooms, sausage, pepper jack, and avocado. It was okay. Lacked flavor for me, like it needed some salt. But that's probably just me. The cinnamon roll pancakes are where it's at. Made me regret what i ordered. Soft, fluffy, not too sweet, but lots of flavor. I was a little bummed that I didn't see fresh squeezed orange juice on the menu, that's always my favorite at breakfast places. I didn't ask so I don't know if they really don't have it. I think I'll have to go again before I can see if I'd recommend this place. For me it's just a 3.5 that I'm rounding up. read more

The Trails Eatery - Omelette with fruit, biscuit, and gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

It was so good i went twice in once week! Service was amazing. All of the staff were so friendly and very helpful. The food was so good! First time I went I had the pesto scramble burrito, which was really tasty, only I wish the tortilla wasn't so soggy, but it was still really enjoyable as I ate the whole thing. The second time I went was only a few days later. I had the French toast. Also super good! Also you gotta try the lemon blueberry muffin. It was one of my favorite things I'd tried. read more

The Trails Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Had high hopes. We were especially excited about their GF selection. How disappointing. The omelette and French toast with 2 coffees came to $45. Ouch! The food was mediocre at best. The hash browns were oily. The coffee was horrible. I literally took one sip and stopped drinking. The service was friendly-robotic ie. smile but no soul, no care. You're better off going to Denny's for half the price. read more

We go here often after hiking Cowles Mountain. It's in a easy to get to location and there is a big parking lot out front so you don't need to search for parking Service has always been great. No matter who the server has been, they are friendly and helpful. My go to item is Eggs Benedict or the pancakes. Quite yummy. Anyone I have brought here has loved it. Can't wait to go back! read more

My omelet had old brown avocados in it, and all the toppings were accumulated in one area of the omelet. My mom was not impressed with her omelet either. I hadn't been to the trails in a while before this. When I came there originally, it was a regular family owned restaurant with a nice vibe and a friendly waitress who would come to your table and take your order. Now, as soon as you walk into the restaurant, you have to place and pay for your order right away. The menu is on a table by the door. This felt very impersonal and weird. It adds a layer of confusion, especially when you need a drink refill or extra creamer, etc. I was confused about who to ask for anything. The only time I saw any wait staff was when they'd bring a dish or drink out for a customer. There was a gentleman who was cleaning up tables and also appeared to be serving as well. Also, the whole time we were there, the front door remained open, and flies were buzzing around the tables while customers were eating. I'm not sure if I'd go back to the trails any time soon. I prefer a more traditional "diner" vibe over whatever this was. read more

My daughter took us to Trails Eatery when we were visiting her in San Diego. I remembered the name from watching an episode of Restaurant Impossible on the Food Network. How exciting to see the transformation! The Trails Eatery is located in a small strip mall called Navajo Jackson Center. This cute brunch spot with vintage flair is known for their Sin-a-mon roll pancakes. Talk about indulgent with the cream cheese frosting! I can see why my daughter comes here before class with her friends. The staff is friendly and checked up on us to top off my coffee and to ask how we were doing. It looks like they get a lot of regulars and I can see why. Trails Eatery is a neighborhood restaurant with tons of charm. The prices aren't bad either and you leave feeling satisfied. read more

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I originally came here for an elite event and now that I know about it, I love it here and want to come all the time and have been back many times! This is very close to home so my husband and I walk here a good amount of times to get breakfast. Now that you can put your name on the list for a table through yelp before you go so you don't have to wait, it is even better because we can wait at home and walk over when we get close to the top of the list. This is also where we always bring friends and family when they are staying with us. The restaurant itself is so cute and welcoming, especially with the family pictures hanging that it is an easy pick for us to want to bring our loved ones. I always change what I get here but keep it on the breakfast menu. I have had omelets, pancakes, waffles, potatoes, bacon, sausage, toast, and more. My husband always keeps it to the Sinnamon Pancakes. We are all in love with what we get and have never had a bad meal here. The staff is super friendly and efficient. We always have great experiences here and they truly deserve their 5 stars. This is an awesome establishment. read more

The Trails Eatery - Eggs and sausage patty with home fries, a biscuit, and gravy. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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my friends wanted a good vegan friendly breakfast place and we landed here. we loved how you can pay before sitting down, which is great when everyone wants to pay their food separately. the service was quick! we sat down for 5 mins and all of our food was ready. my friend thought her hot chocolate was too sweet and only ordered milk on the side, but they went above and beyond to make it the way she liked it. we were all so happy with the service we received. would come here again when I visit san diego! read more

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I've heard and read some good things about this place, but I didn't expect it to be in street mall with just a simple sign right out front! Don't let the simplicity fool you because this place served good tasting food and offers a whole bottle of sparkling wine with your choice of juice! That's what really got me excited I really enjoyed my Soyrizo egg scramble which is like chorizo...but no meat! The flavors were delicious that I'd forget that it's meatless. Came with refried beans, salsa and tortilla. Yum! My brunch partner ordered two breakfast sandwiches; one with bacon and the other with ham. He seemed to have enjoyed it because they were all gone by the time we left ;) They seemed to be really simple sandwiches I loved that they served a whole bottle of champagne and juice (We chose mango) daily! We went on a Monday and it's hard to find "bottomless mimosas" when it's not a weekend... but this did the trick. Service was great! The two servers were very friendly Surprised to see the place with a lot of people on a Monday at noon. We'll be back for some pancakes... or maybe the Soyrizo again because why not? And of course for the sparkling wine. 0:) read more

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Firstly, I want to say that I am extremely happy that Trails did not get shut down by the pandemic. My family and I have been coming here for a very long time. Love their food. But I am not a fan of the "order at front desk and find a seat" procedure. I miss having a real waitress and/or waiters. The staff are great but I guess I am old fashioned - I like the interaction and service. read more

Famous eatery in eastern San Diego neighborhood of San Carlos - was on Restaurant Impossible and Next Food Network Star. Breakfast and lunch offered. Really good. Straight up. Have never had a bad meal here - been here primarily for breakfast. Have unique specials - peppermint pancakes or unicorn pancakes in the past. Coffee offered outside for waits. Very pleasant service. Alcoholic drinks - at breakfast! - hot and cold. I would have done that but traveling with the kids...so, not today. Next time for sure. read more

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great service and great for the neighborhood ! always reliable food too, coffee shop next door is the perfect treat after

Local breakfast / Lunch place that is Spot On! Usually after a hike @Missiontrails or if family is visiting. A great diversified menu with tons of gluten free options. Pancakes, French Toast and more! We love this place. read more

Love the Trails Eatery!!! The food is great as is the entire staff. Try the Morning Glory muffin with icing. It is like carrot cake! The cinnamon roll pancakes are to die for. If there is a line stay in it, the wait is well worth it! Enjoy!!! read more

Very nice spot we came across after leaving our hike by cowles trails. Quick order , nice outdoor seating area. Good quality food and immediate service. Sandwich was filling and sweet potato fries were done perfect thank you read more

The Trails Eatery - Outside dining - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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We are leaving San Diego and visiting a few of our favorite spots before we are gone for good. The Trails was once like a family cafe home style, friendly service and great food. New owners have changed it up to make it more appealing to the younger crowd which is fine, changes to the menu weren't what we had expected but I did order the Frenchie toast which was really good! The eggs were runny and barely cooked and bacon tasted like store bought and thinly sliced. My husband had the breakfast sandwich and it was just ok. It was my husbands 60th birthday and this was his choice for birthday breakfast. We placed our order and the number we were given for our table marker was 60! See the picture attached! What a great day! When we were leaving I really wanted to take the place card but I am not a thief, so I went to the energetic girl behind the counter and explained the happenstance with the birthday and place card. I asked if I could BUY it as a momento. She went and asked a lady at a corner table, I am assuming the owner and she said they weren't for sale. Really... Wow .. it would have been a great memory and a memento to put in our memory book. We left disappointed and feeling like others would have just walked out with it.... Customer service stars fell. read more

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I took a guest to the Trails for a quite upbeat place to catch up. It did not disappoint. The service and the food were great. What a nice way slip into the holiday season. read more

Sad to update my review. The last two times I've ordered the gluten-free cinnamon rolls they were dry due to being over cooked. Spending that much on pancakes alone isn't worth it when they don't taste good, so I won't be going back. read more

My husband and I stopped here on our second day in San Diego. We were so impressed with how quick they brought out our food after ordering. It's a hidden gem for sure and these Benedict's were amazing! We also got a cinnamon roll pancake and that is worth getting as well. read more

The Trails Eatery - Crab cake Benedict and a Bene Asada Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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This update us a long time coming. Back in 2011 I visited for breakfast, as I did for this visit. This time around I ordered the "Sin-a-mon Roll Pancakes" and yes, they were heaven on a plate. To pair something salty and savory with this sweet breakfast item, I ordered a side of bacon, four slices, for $2.99. The pancakes were $9. I have to tell you, those pancakes are quite heavenly. I was very impressed, and this is big because I usually don't go sweet for breakfast, but these pancaked changed that trend and made me a fan. The pancakes were very well prepared with a great interior fluffiness and a light crisp exterior. The natural cinnamon flavor was terrific and that cream cheese frosting was bliss. I did not add any butter nor syrup because the pancakes were that moist already and frosting that delicious on its own. The bacon was good and was nice having it with the pancakes. I was surprise how light in flavor the bacon was. It was very thin, which was fine, but missing that great savory flavor and hint of smokiness. It would be nice to see them use a Niman Ranch or nice Vandan Rose Farms Duroc bacon. Now pairing any one of those bacon products, with any pancake, would be bliss. Service was down to earth friendly and I was surprised how quickly the food was prepared. They must have down pat back in that kitchen. I was very glad I came back for a second round. read more

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I wanted to hop on and update my review for this spot. Five stars all around now. They have really stepped up their customer service and you can tell the people working there are happy. They have set up a super efficient way of ordering at the counter and then self seating. The food comes out quick and you don't feel like you are sitting around waiting when it's busy. As usual, the food is on point. There are so many options and sometimes it is hard to choose. Like do I go gluttonous and get the cinnamon roll pancakes?, or.... the Mexican omelette (yes!!). I'm sure what you chose will make your heart and belly happy. Try them out. You'll leave feeling fulfilled. read more