Food is cooked well and it is delicious. Service is quick and easy. You order with the cashier. Service is with a waitress.Ambience is cafe style. read more

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Went here for a Sunday breakfast around 10:30am. You have to stand outside in a line and read a menu then order at the counter, pay immediately then find a table. When we went every table on the patio was dirty and every empty table inside was dirty. After finally getting someone to clean a table for us the food came out right away. It was lukewarm and not very flavorful. The omelet came with undercooked potatoes and only 1 slice of toast for $18. 1 slice of toast, really? we also had Chicken Fried steak that tasted like the premade frozen one from Costco. It definitely wasn't made fresh, you could tell just by looking at it. It was too round. This also came with undercooked potatoes and 1 slice of toast for $19. Food was way overpriced, not that tasty and the portions were skimpy. The vibe was not good either. A bunch of dirty tables and no server to refill your drinks. Defiantly won't be going back. read more

We were visiting San Diego and I wanted to find a unique place to eat. Went out of our way to avoid downtown and came here instead. Parking is very easy as it is in a shopping center. There is generally a little line outside, but it moves very quickly. They also have one of their staff come outside and hand you a menu while you wait in line. The menu was vast and had something for everybody. They also had some specialty coffee, so I ordered the Horchata latte iced. Order this in try not to finish it all in one gulp! It was so flavorful. I also ordered the breakfast burrito and LOVED it. I loved that I could make it egg whites instead of eggs. It was also full with avocado and chorizo. Bomb! I mean, just see my picture and you won't be surprised. The food came out quickly and we had no problem finding a seat. They don't rush you out when you're done with your meal either, which is nice. The bathroom is really cute and had a bunch of records on the wall also. I would certainly come back next time that I'm in San Diego. read more

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This is a simple restaurant with darn good food, but since they stopped table side ordering, it makes the whole experience worse. We had a small group meeting for lunch yesterday, and it took ten minutes to get to the point where we could get inside the door. It was because there was one man taking orders and also helping with tables! It takes people a long time to review the large menu and then order while standing, so the wait time just to sit was unreasonable. If we had been seated first, we could have been reviewing the menu, waiting for our whole group to arrive. Why stop the table side ordering? This change really altered the experience and we rarely go any more, when we used to dine there at least monthly. So sorry this terrific little gem decided to make this change. They also still request a full tip, which I refuse to pay a full tip if I have to stand to order at any restaurant. Then, add the long wait just to get to that point, and it was unreasonable. A poor change! Plus, the staff is the one taking the hit for the service style change. Nope, unless they return to table side ordering, it is going to continue to run poorly, especially having only one person taking orders during their peak time, and he had to help setup tables too! The lack of table side ordering changed the who,e ambience of this restaurant, so it is now more like a Panera Bread or other restaurant without table side ordering. Sad to see it go backwards, such a shame because it worked so much better before they made the cumbersome order before being seated change. read more

Updating this to 5 stars because it has never let me down. The style has changed it used to be regular table service and it is somewhat still is, just a bit more organized with the style of paying first. There is always a line, but there is nothing quite like entertainment while waiting. The guy that was there was so fun, he chatted with us and gave us menu so we can prepare. He even did a mickey mouse impression. lol. Once it's our turn it's straight to the registers, yeah they have registers now in the front area. After ordering you will be given a number but you can't just sit anywhere they will tell you where. Super organized right? Right! After sitting down I was amazed on how fast we received our order. The food is still as good as I remembered and yes the service is still the same which was excellent. Our drinks were still refilled and we were attended to by many servers. On point I tell you! Just on POINT!. Cinnamon Pancake and Omelet is what I ordered this time and well probably all the time and it's AMAZING STILL! How do they do it? Truly deserving of 5 stars. read more

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

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My family loves the Trails Eatery. It is so quaint with delicious food. Their Eggs Benedict & potatoes which they call home fries are so good but my favorite is the crab Benedict, so savory with a kick of spice. We always order something from the griddle for dessert: I recommend the croissant French toast or Sin-a-mon roll pancake. But really anything you are craving from their menu is delicious. The line IS out the door, but don't be intimidated. They are very efficient and serve quickly. read more

The service here is great, and we've enjoyed our food in the past. But I suggest you avoid the breakfast burrito. To be frank, it was gross. It was listed as having scrambled eggs, avocado, potatoes, bacon and cheese. The potatoes were in some form of thinly sliced (think scalloped), and they add some sort of creamed guacamole, not avocado....makes a big difference. I had one small bit of bacon in the first bite, then no more. Having virtually no bacon in the burrito essentially left eggs with thin potato slices and guac, which makes a burrito full of "mush" and just unappealing texture. I'd have returned it, but it was on Father's Day morning...and it had already taken a while to get our food because the place was so busy. read more

The Trails Eatery - The not-very-good breakfast burrito. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Been meaning to try this place for a lil while and finally made it there last weekend. It certainly did not disappoint. The staff was so friendly, the ambience very pleasant, and the food was outstanding! Can't think of a better spot to hit after tackling nearby Cowels Mountain. But whether or not you're looking to refuel after a hike do yourselves a favor and check out The Trails read more

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Easy peasy just how I like it! You walk in, find yourself a seat, go back to the counter, place your order and all done! It was myself and my 2 adult children, daughter had the TAB sandwich and said it was great, lots of turkey meat more than expected! Son had the Elvis pancakes with a side of bacon and eggs, ate half the pancakes and was stuffed, brought the rest home and had it for dinner! I had scrambled eggs and avocado & both were really good! The place is clean, stuff is nice and the tvs are on but no volume which is nice because you can have conversations and hear one another just fine! read more

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Love this place and the owner is super sweet. However , she has hired a manager that seems to absolutely detest dogs. Went there with my son and my Malti poo. We were sitting outside and no one was out there. All the available chairs were empty. He came out and made me remove my sweet old boy from the seat. Said it's for customers only. Today went there and my friends beautiful dog was with us. Everyone stopped to pet her and compliment how sweet she is. Out comes the same manager yelling about how someone may show up in a wheelchair and we need to move our dog. He's ridiculous. read more

We come here almost every weekend, great place, awesome food, amazing people! The owners are so nice. read more

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

We got a pretty good variety of things. The cinnamon roll pancake was the best! I would drive back just for that!

One of my favorite local spots for breakfast and lunch! They have an entire gluten free menu and a kids menu. Don't miss the cinnamon roll pancake! read more

The Trails Eatery - Gluten free cinnamon roll pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

Great place for brunch tucked away in the small town of San Carlos in the San Diego area. Service is always friendly and fast. Food portions are great for sharing. Love this cute little location with warm hometown vibes. We ordered kids chocolate chip pancakes and bacon which was plenty for the kids and then some. I had a burger with crispy fries and my daughter had the breakfast sandwich. Everything was spot on delicious. We'll keep coming back. read more

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

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We were greeted at the door by the friendliest person I've encountered at a restaurant in years. The gentleman who took our order was so happy as he welcomed us in and repeated back our order to make sure everything was right. The service here is OUTSTANDING and the food is SPECTACULAR. The environment is so nice, and the food was brought in a flash. 5 stars all around. This was our first time eating here and we can't wait to come back. We ordered the Hash and Eggs, the Healthy Hash and the kids' chocolate chip pancakes. Even the regular coffee here is great! read more

The Trails Eatery - The healthy hash (hash and eggs in the background) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

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How have I not heard of this place before now?! We came in to order to go for 5 people. The staff was very friendly and took our order as soon as we walked in the door. Our order took about 20 minutes. I order the tuna melt with sweet potato fries for myself. The tuna salad in the melt was perfectly seasoned and nestled between two sourdough slices that held it all together. My only regret is that since it was a to-go order, it was ready a little cold by the time we got home after a 5 min drive. It's possible they prepared my meal first. My fries were already cold as well. However, I am amazed at the cinnamon roll pancake!! Holy moly I have never enjoyed a pancake like that ever in my life. It honestly didn't even sound like something I would order but I'm glad I tried it upon the insistence of my friend. I must come back, possibly after conquering Cowles Mountain for the other breakfast menu items and to devour more of the cinnamon roll pancakes! read more

Stopped here after a sunrise hike. Greeted right away. The set up is order at the counter then grab a seat with your number. They have plenary of options alcoholic drinks, hot coco, coffee, ect. I ordered the breakfast taco use to come with three they now come with 2. Still very filling, it was just what I needed after a long hike. I also ordered a hot coco very yummy. Plenty of places to sit inside and they had a couple tables outside. Lots of Peking as it is in a plaza. read more

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

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I must say it's been a while since our last visit. And wow, this place was great, but is even better now! The new system of walk up ordering (with 2 registers at the counter) is so smooth and efficient! Even with a full house. The service is friendly as ever and they are so quick! We got our table right away and then received our food in minutes. Everything was yummy as before. We loved our window seat. Way to go, Stacey! You and your staff are killin it. read more

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My hash was beautifully presented and as described. I would have preferred a higher percentage of sweet potatoes as it was about 20% sweet potatoes and kale and 80% white potatoes, but the soy Ruiz was just right amount and my over hard eggs were perfection and the cilantro cream was delicious. Also, my cappuccino was delightful and get did not neglect in refilling my water and checking if any else was needed. read more

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

The quality of the food was great. It's not a traditional sit down restaurant, instead you pay at the counter and go find an available table. Everyone was super friendly. The food came out so quick I was shocked. It's always busy on the weekends, so you gotta wait in line or fight for a spot. Overall good choice. The drinks are too sweet, so if you're not a fan of sugar I would ask for less sweetness. read more

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Excellent service for lunch and yummy tuna melts! Such a good neighborhood cafe! Menu is good for breakfast and lunch.

This is a great brunch spot close to Cowles Mountain. You order at the counter before you sit down. All the servers and workers are very friendly and nice. The cinnamon roll pancake was phenomenal! I don't know how they make this pancake rolled up exactly like a cinnamon roll but yum! I highly recommend it! The healthy hash was also delicious and really great! They have some great cold and hot lattes as well. This is a great local cafe to have a meal after your hike or just head to for a great breakfast! read more

The Trails Eatery - Cinnamon roll pancakes and the healthy hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - San Diego, California

The new outdoor patio is great. The host was friendly, attentive and helpful. Service was superb. Star of the show: lemon curd / lavender cream French toast with berries on top. Our whole table ordered it and loved it. I'm usually a savory girl but this dish was so unique and delightful- I'd order it again in a minute. . read more

Large diner with solid breakfast food - Extremely quick service and reasonable prices. Located in strip mall with plenty of parking.

I was surprised with how good this place is!! I had no idea that we have a brunch place as good as this one so close to home. As every brunch place we put our name down and probably waited 40 mins on a Sunday. They way they have everything organized is really efficient. Once you get sited you go to the cashier, order your food, pay and go to your table to wait for your order (this is perfect when you are with a group of friends). We god the Bloody Mary (delicious and cheap - $7). My husband got the steak and eggs - he loved it! I got the plant-based scramble with pesto and feta (yum!). First of all let me tell you how HAPPY I am every time a brunch place has egg substitute (since I can't eat them)!! I loved this place :) read more

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Exceptional service very attentive to listening to what you were hoping to order. Very fresh food very almost farm to table fresh!!! The restaurant was very comfortable. Tables could be a little further apart, but absolutely wonderful restaurant. read more

Food was delicious and came out quick! The service was great, we will definitely be coming back regularly.

It's a great little place. We stopped in today before we started running errands. Hubby couldn't decided between the chicken fried steak and carne asada Benedict so we ordered both with a pancake for the munchkin. The bene definitely won, had a nice kick with the chipotle hollandaise and the eggs were perfectly poached. I'll say the highlight of my meal was the lavender sparking rosè mimosa. I mean, it's a Saturday breakfast for crying out loud! My only real criticism is we asked for our potatoes to be extra crispy, they really missed the mark on this one. Mine were a little crispy and Ben's weren't at all. read more

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

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This was my first time at this restaurant Staff was great and chicken pesto sandwich was very good

Great little spot located in a shopping center so parking is no problem which is always a plus! They offer indoor and out door seating. Not an ideal spot for large crowds though. Seems most tables are catered for a party of 4 max. I'm sure they would be able to accommodate but, definitely not too large of a crowd at all. Customer service was great! Food was delicious and atmosphere was welcoming and cozy. They run a bit different than most restaurants. You order your food first at register before seating yourself either indoor or out. Food comes out quick and hot! Definitely a spot to hit if your looking for a great breakfast/brunch spot. We definitely will be back!! read more

I have been coming here for the last few years, and every time it is so wonderful! The staff are all so kind and helpful. I have to be gluten free for my health, and they have a fantastic gluten free menu. I have never had any issues with it. The restaurant itself is so cozy :) I typically get the gluten free sin-a-mon roll pancakes; they are the best I've ever had. 10/10 highly recommend! read more

Had breakfast at The Trails for the first time this past weekend. Great food friendly and very responsive staff. Highly recommend for breakfast or lunch. Will definitely return. read more

The Trails has gained quite the reputation as the go-to breakfast spot to eat at after hiking Mission Trails or Cowles Mountain in San Carlos. There's always a long line after 9am on the weekends, which is awesome to see. The hubby and I visited during the work week so had no issues getting right in. He ordered a cup of coffee with the blueberry pancakes. That meal came with multi grain blueberry pancakes which were large, topped with stewed blueberry compote, butter and he made it a combo by adding a sausage patty and eggs to it. I was able to order the senior meal which was a single egg, sausage link and French toast. It was delicious, the perfect size and was very grateful they allowed me to order it. I have to say that it's difficult finding restaurants that allow you to order off the kids menu or have a small portions section of the menu. There are some of us who don't want to feel ashamed or questioned for doing so and do it out of dietary need or doctor's orders after surgery. Thanks, Trails for supporting us patrons and not just thinking about the bottom line at the end of the day. read more

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It's a good thing we hiked Cowles Mountain before eating here because the food is heavy but so delicious. I was so surprised by how highly rated The Trails Eatery is and after finishing our food, I understood why. Can't believe I've never heard of this brunch spot! Located right next to a supermarket, there's plenty of parking in the lot. We actually just continued hiking from the trailhead to the restaurant. The line outside is to order food and the cashier will give you a numbered placard to place at your table. Open seating indoor and outdoor. Healthy Hash with Chorizo: We just hiked so of course we wanted to keep up the healthy streak...which might have been ruined by the amount of Cholula I added. Not that it needed any extra sauce to make it better! I really liked how the sweet potatoes weren't completely cooked soft and it added a nice crunch to each bite. We asked for eggs over easy so we could mix the yolk in. Lemon Berry Frenchie: Lavender whipped cream?? Say no more. French toasts generally feel so heavy to me but the lavender and the lemon made it feel lighter. They gave a side of syrup but the french toast was sweet enough by itself. Plus I didn't want to add more flavors to it. This was the perfect amount of food for two people. One savory dish followed by sweets to finish the meal. I highly recommend checking this place out...I definitely will be back to try other items. They have keto options too! read more

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

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Ok seriously, it's not even funny haha I've had Trails Eatery bookmarked for 5 years! I first bookmarked it when I first became elite back in 2016! It's pretty much one of my oldest bookmarks and I finally tried them out last month! Trails Eatery is a popular breakfast spot in San Diego, it's also well known since it was on the Food Network tv show "Restaurant: Impossible" a decade ago. I actually watched the clip online before coming here haha. You order your food at the hostess stand and they serve your food to you at your table. I came for breakfast with my friend/fellow elite Tracie and her daughter. I got the chicken fried steak along with an iced caramel latte. The chicken fried steak came with eggs, hash browns and a delicious warm blueberry muffin! There was more than plenty for me to take home for breakfast the next day. Overall a good establishment! I'm happy I finally got to dine with them! :) read more

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We had heard that breakfast was pretty good here so we decided to try it out. Service was rushed and our food was not good. My kids said Dennys would have been better. A bit disappointed. read more

Our favorite breakfast spot! So many creative menu items, I make sure to try a new one each time. Staff is great, and I highly prefer the method of paying first at the front when you enter. read more

Had a nice hike around Lake Murray then came here for lunch. Super quick service. BLT was perfect...crisp bacon, perfectly grilled sourdough. Kale salad was a great side option. We will definitely be back. read more

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Very nice and friendly team! Delicious food and cute cafe vibes! Good for kids. No notes! You gotta go!

We came here and it was especially busy because the rain made it so there was only indoor seating. It's counter service only so we had to line up outside. Despite it being busy, we moved along quickly and the staff was organized, friendly and capable. The food was fast, hot and delicious. We ordered the bacon crispy and it was perfect. The garden omelette was so good- especially if you order a side of their homemade salsa to go on top of it. A good place to eat! read more