You have to try the cinnamon roll pancake! It was amazing. also they have a check in option where you get a free cup of coffee. good solid breakfast, super friendly staff. I live a good distance from this place and my son makes me drive out for breakfast there. Make it a day walk the mountain and have breakfast near by! you wont be disappointed. read more

The Trails Eatery - They were kind enough to even give us a free sin-a-mon roll pancake. Super friendly staff too. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Their sin-amon pancakes are the best. Chai latte is good too. I like that you order first and then sit down. Sometimes the front gets congested. Nice place. read more

I have been here twice now, spaced very far apart in time. Almost a year because I'm an out of towner. I think the definite high point about Trails is the menu. Everything you need for a good breakfast is available and prices are very reasonable. I always get the cinnamon roll pancakes because I have an obsession with specialty pancakes/French toast/waffle creations. I always get the combo. The bacon is delicious. It looks less appetizing than its thick cut counterparts, but when you bite in you will not be disappointed! Eggs were great too. This time I got the POG mimosa and it was perfection. Decor here is pretty cute as well. On the weekends I've seen them put water cups and stuff in the waiting area outside before, which is nice. Service is always so so to good, but never anything special and never feels very genuine. I've been while it's very busy and very slow, both times I felt the same. That is where my final star comes in as missing. read more

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

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This is our go to spot to have breakfast! Always an amazing meal, and great service. Our favorites are the chicken fried steak and eggs Benedict. Recommend to anyone looking for a new spot to try! read more

The food is absolutely amazing with quick service they get you in and out quick. My personal favorite order cinnamon pancakes with scrambled eggs. read more

First time at the Trails. We found out about this place from a date challenge with our church. It was on a list of local places to try. It was absolutely fantastic. Quite busy, but that's usually the mark of a great restaurant. We had no problem waiting the 20 minutes as they had water and seats outside. The Philly Cheesesteak I ordered was one of the best I've had outside of Philadelphia and I'll definitely be returning. My son enjoyed his pancakes, too. read more

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Nothing special, I could make a lot of these at home. Nice atmosphere, great staff, and great customer service. Great place to take your guest from out of town. read more

The staff was very warm and friendly. I got the mimosa flight and the strawberry lavender was my favorite, next time I'm just going to get a few regular sized ones of that flavor! read more

I've been coming here on and off for years and today was, unfortunately, the day I say "no more." To be clear, the food is good, but when the owner isn't running the front of house, IT IS PAINFULLY OBVIOUS. The employees move like sloths, stand and chat and give ZERO cares to older people who walk in and don't understand the new iPad Yelp check-in sitch. I can't imagine standing there and watching elderly people getting frustrated with not knowing how to work the damn iPad and just chatting with another employee instead of helping the old person in front of them! We were told 30-40 minutes wait on the app and it was actually more than an hour, as we (a party of TWO) watched several groups of 4-8 walk in 20+ minutes after their name was called and get the tables that had been sitting empty for them. It's a totally stupid system that treats customers like cattle and rewards rudeness with a prime table while others are just.waiting.even.longer. They either need a REAL front of house manager at all times or for the guy from Restaurant Impossible to come back and teach them how to seat customers instead of leaving huge tables empty for twenty minutes for bigger groups who may or may not even show up. Super disappointed, because the food was good today... but not good enough to warrant waiting more than an hour while several tables sat empty and employees stood around giggling and talking. read more

Some of the BEST gluten free food in San Diego! I've been GF for 12 years and I've tried it all. This restaurant lets you modify everything to be GF and it's all amazing. I hadn't been able to have eggs benedict in 12 years and theirs is so good. The GF cinnamon roll pancake is also a must. Get there early on weekends, there's a long wait! read more

Outstanding service. Delicious espresso drinks. Solid breakfast fare that always delivers. My favorite dish comes with five FIVE!! pieces of turkey bacon, which is as it should be in this life. Sunny side up yokes are runny, which is also how it's supposed to be done, so if you don't like yours a little runny, say something. They don't phone in the muffins either! Everything is special. Nice way to start the day! read more

Amazing food, customer service was pretty decent, the food came out really quickly but it didn't disappoint at all.

Great little breakfast spot in the neighborhood! They have lunch as well and I am always tempted to try something off that menu, but I always tend to enjoy their breakfast options. This place has always been busy so I definitely suggest using Yelp to put your name on the wait-list! Otherwise, it may take awhile to get in on the weekends. My "go-to" is the Pesto Scramble with Homefries. It a delicious combination with the artichokes and feta! My second option would be their Traditional Eggs Benedict. Their hollandaise is on point! My 3rd option is the Chicken Fried Steak which is pretty comparable to other places. All meals served in good/healthy portions. I generally enjoy breakfast a coffee or flavored latte. The coffee is usually hot and fresh. The lattes are balanced and tasty. The service is generally decent - never any mistakes within the orders. A couple of visits the server could have been a little better about following up (Pre-Covid). I haven't had the opportunity to dine-in since then, but have ordered through the online system (through the toast app), and it was fairly successful. It was for "pick-up" and was made within the window of quoted time frame, as well as packaged with care! read more

Average food and average service. I came in the late afternoon when it wasn't too busy. There were numerous tables available and I was seated quickly. For the amount of staff that they have, I was a little disappointed with their service. I found myself waiting for a menu, waiting to order my food, and waiting for the check. The food was good, but the "waiting" kind of outweighed the food. I ordered their French Dip, which is a pretty simple sandwich. They made it to perfection, then again I haven't really ever had a bad French dip. Their tofu scramble wasn't really a scramble, but just blocks of tofu instead of scrambled egg. It's was nice they had vegan options available. read more

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

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Sometimes the wait can be long, but that's just because the breakfast and brunch food and service are fabulous! The servers are literally the nicest servers I've ever had! Emily is who has served me the most and she always has a smile on and a perk in her voice. Their breakfast entrees are all delicious. When they have the pumpkin pancakes (seasonal item) they are sweet dessert breakfast consisting of two pancakes the size of a dinner plate. Their biscuits and gravy are divine! I usually don't order juice at restaurants because I find it unbearable to pay as much for a tiny glass as it would cost for a full container of the same juice, but at Trails their large juice is large! If you are in the mood for something more lunch like, I highly recommend the BLT. They have delicious, thick bacon. The only thing I have ever ordered that I didn't like was a smoothie, but they never claimed to be a smoothie place! read more

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

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The place looks good the staff is friendly the food is no bueno. They got my request wrong as well. You have to pay before you eat read more

Really enjoy this place. If you get there for a late brunch... you might have a little wait. But, they greet everyone and the line moves quick. Friendly, great service and good food! read more

This is a great place to go after hiking at Mission Trails / Cowles Mountain. This is only a few minutes away from the trail, so our starving stomachs were glad. Large parking lot, meaning plenty of parking. The outside always looks dark, but just look out for the open sign. The inside gives off a cute and homey vibe. Get the sin-a-mon roll pancakes! Definitely worth getting and sharing! They give a large serving with two cakes on a huge plate. The pancake was fluffy and the cream cheese frosting was mouthwatering. You do not need to add regular syrup. It was the perfect amount of sweetness already. We also ordered the Pesto Scramble and the Fall Special. Both were good, but nothing impressive. Only note is that pesto goes well in a scramble. A few things that weren't so great: the bloody mary, wait time, and slightly burnt toast. We were highly disappointed that the bloody mary was watered down and didn't come with as many extras as other places. My boyfriend wished he didn't order it. When we arrived on a weekday at around 2pm, the restaurant wasn't filled, but it took a little bit to get us seated. Multiple people let us know that they would be right with us, so it seems like the staff are running around everywhere and I can only imagine how backed up it gets on the weekends. If you're in the area or just finished hiking, this is a great neighborhood brunch spot. The prices are decent and the portions are large and filling. read more

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Food was great! Definitely will be back if I'm ever in the area. Owner was really helpful and they had outside dining available during this the time. Food came out really fast and was decently priced. read more

First time here. Plenty parking inside same lot as Kiel's market. There was a 30+ minute wait for brunch. I loved my pumpkin pancakes w pumpkin syrup and I don't usually like getting pancakes for my meal. Maybe it was because it wasn't too sweet. Side of eggs and crispy bacon. read more

The Trails Eatery - Pumpkin pancakes! Yum. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

The food was great. Fun comfortable environment. Staff was friendly. The pumpkin muffin was my wife's favorite. Good gravy and breakfast potatoes. Meat in omelet was ok. The only thing that took away from our experience was the fast food vibe. Restraunt only had one other customer. Ordering from a counter was strange then after sitting we were delivered our food. Never had a drink refill or server checking in with us even though there were more than 4 people on the floor. Also ketchup coming in a packet gave that feeling of fast food. It was just a let down to be in such a beautiful room with good food but it then feels like I'm eating in any corporate fast food chain. read more

The staff is always friendly. The food is delicious. The atmosphere is nice. When I first went, I found it odd to order first and then sit down but I like it. By the time you get comfy at the table, the food arrives. I recommend! read more

I had the pleasure of attending Yelp San Diego's Fright at the Museum last night and I sampled the Healthy Hash from The Trails Eatery. It was delicious and all of the ingredients really complimented each other. Not one stood out. I also loved the cilantro crema drizzled throughout the hash and it was just the right amount to keep everything from getting soggy. Thank you for choosing this delectable item for the Yelpers and guests to sample. read more

There food is really really good! I usually get the pancakes and they never disappoint me!! I love their bacon too!(but who doesn't like bacon) read more

Great food with huge portions! So fresh and yummy! It is our go to place for out of town visitors! Coffee could be stronger for my taste! read more

I like eating here but the food and service has gotten inconsistent over the years. The croissant French toast and cinnamon roll pancakes are probably the only items that have never failed me. Last time I was here I ordered the country benedict and the butterscotch misto. The benedict was good, but my sausage was a little over cooked and the gravy needed a dash of salt. I was disappointed with my drink though. The misto was oily, weak, and they forgot the whipped cream. I would've asked them to take it off the bill because I only took a few sips but the staff seemed miserable that day so I didn't bother. On a more positive note, the rest of my family enjoyed their meal with no complaints (they ordered the shredded beef omelette, machaca, and meat scramble). Shout out to the tall guy (bus boy?), he was the only person who was smiling. read more

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

MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST PLACE! I always get the Sin-a-mon Roll Pancakes! ITS THE BEST PANCAKES EVER - they put the right amount of cream cheese and it's not overwhelming. I honestly prefer this place over Snooze & Breakfast Republic. It's a moms & pops environment, don't have to wait over an hour (& we went early and late before), and FRIENDLY customer service! My fiancé and I actually ordered 3 dishes of the Sin-a-mon Roll Pancakes pancakes and finished it in one sitting. They had this special... a carne sada breakfast plate awhile ago and wish they put it on their menu! read more

Oh my YUM! Visiting San Diego from out of state. I was looking for gluten free pancakes, and they delivered! I got the gluten free Sin-a-Mon roll pancakes. This included two very large pancakes with a cinnamon toast like crunch and cream cheese "drizzle". I ate about half and was very full. They also have a gluten free French toast I was tempted by. Hubby got eggs, bacon, a morning glory muffin, and berries that included raspberries, strawberries, & blackberries. read more

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The Trails has quickly become my favorite breakfast spot in the San Carlos greater area. Its cool, its hip, its busy and the food is great! I usually get the cinnamon pancakes but I also love their benedicts. The eggs and sausage are always good. The drink flights are great. When I arrive here I want to eat all of their food. Seriously I cannot say I have sampled nearly the entire menu at all. Ive been here about a half dozen times and I love the pancakes so much thats usually what I get. Also pretty cool, check in on yelp before you arrive, it will lower your wait time upon arrival. And hey you can also get in a great hike at Cowles before or after you fuel up here! read more

Excellent food and service. Quite busy for breakfast....i recommend reservations, if they take them. I'm not sure if they do, though.

Placed an online order for lunch today and the food was delicious and the portions were generous. Easy ordering and texted me once food was ready. Trying to support local businesses while keeping safe. Recommend the turkey croissant! Great job to their staff ! read more

Good food, though some of the portions (grits) were a bit skimpy. It's a pre-pay place, but they can easily add the tip using your card afterwards. No complaints about the service, and the staff was unfailingly friendly. read more

I like this place for its food and its atmosphere, but I was disappointed by its business practices on a recent trip. The menu lists a breakfast sandwich and states, "can be made vegan." It doesn't state, "can be made vegan for an extra $4." Come on! I highly doubt the food cost for vegan substitutes justifies a 50% increase on the price. I mean, you remove real egg and real sausage, where is cost subtraction prior to subbing the vegan stuff? Also, the cheese is completely removed...any discount for that? Nope. But after all that, if you want to gouge people for 50% more, then simply indicate that on the menu near the item in question. Add, "make it vegan for $4 more." Problem solved. Bad stuff, Trails. read more

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

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The Trails Eatery is an adorable gem located in a tiny shopping area in San Carlos. I've stopped in twice now and was greeted with happy faces and experienced excellent customer service. The restaurant has a small neighborhood feel and is becoming a favorite for me and my boys for breakfast. On my first visit I ordered the breakfast sandwich and enjoyed it immensely. Something about an egg yolk and cheese makes me super happy! On my second visit, I ordered massive sized pancakes that I wasn't able to finish. For a small fee, we have the option to add eggs, sausage, bacon... such a sweet deal. The prices here are right and affordable. I'll be in again soon to try the omelettes Ive eyed on other people's plates... Everything looks phenomenal. read more

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

I ordered take out from this small cafe while I was visiting the area. Cute and full of people on a weekday morning. I love the variety of seating here. Booths, tables and then also small counter seating if you are dining alone. The food was good and the portion size is huge!!! We tried the San Diego omelet, hash and eggs, French toast, and both turkey and regular bacon. I would come here again if I'm in the area! read more

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

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My friends and I (there's 3 of us) got in line but the server walked past by us and handed the menu to a group of people right behind us and had a conversation with them. He later came back outside and asked another customer in line if he needed any help. He then walked over to us and asked us if we wanted a menu. Did he just not see us? Or did he just prefer to assist the group of people and other man right behind us? Mmm I don't know. We left soon after that. read more

This is heaven for someone with Celiac (me) and every person I've brought here who can eat "normal" (not gluten free or vegan) says it's the best breakfast as well. I haven't tried any lunch things but everything I've ever ordered from the breakfast menu (everything on the GF menu) has been amazing. And it's such good energy in there- everyone who works there is so nice... the food is always perfect. I want to move closer so I can walk there lol read more

An absolute hidden gem in the San Carlos/Del Cerro area! The trails is one of my favorite little urban diners that does everything well and has something for everyone. Everything on the menu is priced well, comes in large portions, and is so good! I ordered the crab cake benedict ($14.99) and it was so good. The crab cakes were huge and had large pieces of crab that gave the benedict a great crab flavor that wasn't lost in the whole meal. The benedict is served with their home fries which are kind of like a softer hashbrown side, but are fantastic nonetheless! I really liked mixing everything together and adding Cholula for a little bit of spice. The staff is so friendly and accommodating here and they really make you feel like you are home as soon as you walk in the door. read more

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

Came here twice in two days because the coffee and food were so good. I can't drink that Folgers BS so finding decent coffee is a must. I can tell The Trails uses quality ingredients including their beans. Like Mocha Joe on Curb once said, "Good coffee is all about the beans." The Croissant French toast literally melts in your mouth. It's like a decadent dessert for breakfast. Staff was very friendly and even gave us coffee to go. read more

The service was great. However the food is very average. Not good enough for us to come back.