10 San Diego Restaurants to Celebrate National Waffle Week
As though we needed an excuse to indulge in breakfast fare, National Waffle Week, Sept. 1-7, gives us something to celebrate. Here are 10 San Diego restaurants where you can find some of the city’s best waffles.
Brian’s 24
One of the most popular morning stops downtown, Brian’s 24 doesn’t limit breakfast to the early hours. The restaurant offers breakfast 24-7 and their extensive waffle menu showcases everything from the classic Belgian Waffle to their “No Bones About It!” topped with three boneless chicken tenders and smothered in country gravy. 828 Sixth Ave., downtown, 619.702.8410. brians24.com
Kitchen 4140
For those who wake up with a sweet tooth, it can be tough to top the red-velvet waffles offered during Sunday brunch hours at Kitchen 4140. The colorful dish is exclusively available from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays. 4140 Morena Blvd., Bay Ho, 858.483.4140. kitchen4140.com
Union Kitchen & Tap, Encinitas
For the North County crowd, a stop at Union Kitchen & Tap beckons for their special cornbread waffles topped with fresh seasonal berries, whipped butter, maple syrup and a health serving of bacon or sausage on the side. Bottomless mimosas served from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the weekends can keep good times rolling into the afternoon. 1108 South Coast Hwy, Encinitas, 760.230.2337. localunion101.com
Wow Wow Waffle
It’s name makes no excuses for the restaurant’s signature menu featuring a variety of sweet and savory toppings to dress up their street waffles. Don’t mind that their brick and mortar location might be a little tucked away— the slightly tough to find restaurant is a favorite for locals and those with the insider scoop. Sweet waffles have sugar pearls that caramelize the outer shell of the waffle and are topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolates and more. Savory options include candied bacon, goat cheese, avocado, and others. The waffles can be found at La Jolla farmers market on Sundays, Oceanside farmers market on Thursdays or at the “Waffle HQ” on Fridays and Saturdays. 3519 30th St., North Park, 619.458.9211. wafflestreets.com
Brazen BBQ
Hillcrest’s stop for Southern flavors, Brazen BBQ showcases an ever-changing selection of Western Waffles, with toppings limited only by the imaginations of the pit masters. Top it off with a bottomless mimosa. Sunday brunch served 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 441 Washington St., Hillcrest, 619.816.1990. brazenbbq.com
West Coast Tavern
Waffles at West Coast Tavern taste like they’re delivered straight out of the Wild Wild West. Award-winning pork belly & waffles are served with bourbon infused maple syrup, garlic butter and bacon. The atmosphere combines historical North Park architecture with fun and modern industrial twists. The Bloody Mary bar is also a great menu standout, letting diners build their own Ketel One Bloody Mary. Brunch is served weekends from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 2895 University Ave., North Park, 619.295.1688. westcoasttavern.com
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Known for a line that stretches around the block any given morning, Richard Walker’s Pancake House also offers a variety of Belgian waffles to its hungry morning crowd. Options include waffles topped with fresh berries, the bacon waffle with crisp bacon cooked inside, the pecan waffle and even a gluten/peanut-free waffle. Open everyday from 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 520 Front St., downtown, 619.231.7777. richardwalkers.com
D Bar San Diego
D Bar likes to serve Belgians with a twist. For their weekend brunch specials, diners can enjoy the Southern Fried Belgian 2.0 with fried chicken, bacon and maple sugar waffle, tillamook cheddar, honey mustard and sweet potato fries. The Baller Style Belgian is tossed in hot sauce-maple glaze and topped with applewood smoked bacon. 3930 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.299.3227. dbarsandiego.com
Cafe 222
With at least eight waffle types on the menu at any one time, Cafe 222 is a breakfast lover’s delight. Guests can enjoy everything from basic to 5-grain (chock full of house made granola, to strawberry “shortcake” waffles. For those wanting to brunch at home, Cafe 222 also offers pumpkin and corn waffle mixes to take home. 222 Island Ave., downtown, 619.236.9902. cafe222.com
Lighthouse Ice Cream
Who says waffles are limited to breakfast? How about enjoying a waffle ice cream sandwich at Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt? The cash-only Ocean Beach hotspot is the perfect place to splurge one’s sweet tooth quota on a hot summer afternoon. The waffles are served hot, sandwiching one’s choice of ice cream flavor. Also available are fresh waffle cones. Lighthouse-Ice-Cream
