Best Breakfast and Brunch Places in Cleveland National Forest

"What is it: This stylized outdoor coop slings fried chicken and good times. Why go: The adorable setting features picnic tables and red farm chairs set under strung Edison bulbs, a lively al fresco bar and kitchen housed in a modern barn structure. Yet, there’s some serious brawn behind all the playfulness."

"Located next door to Juniper and Ivy, The Crack Shack is another of Chef Richard Blais' creations. It's comfort food thanks to locally-raised, free-range, antibiotic-free chicken and creative recipes."

"True to its name, this local chain with locations in Liberty Station, East Village, Encinitas, Ocean Beach, and North Park serves up a mean breakfast. Standout items include the cinnamon roll pancakes, shrimp and grits, and the Breakfast Sammie, made with thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon marinated in paprika and brown sugar with a sunny-side up egg (dubbed by us to be one of the best in SD). Owner Johan Engman (who also owns and operates three Fig Tree Café outposts) is looking to expand his breakfast brand even further with the debut of North Park Breakfast Co. this summer."

"Hash House is the place you go for a breakfast so huge it would sustain you for an entire month if you were a snake (shoutout to all the reptilian people out there). The guys in the kitchen are not only making the best breakfast you’ll ever shove into your face, they're also engineering geniuses who are breaking down the barriers between architecture and food by making everything on your plate as deliciously vertical as possible. Now, who's ready for a fried chicken Benedict on a biscuit with maple reduction and bacon mashed potatoes?"

"Hash House a Go Go is located in the trendy and popular neighborhood of Hillcrest. Since opening its doors in 2000, the restaurant has garnered a lot of attention in the breakfast scene and has found its way into several other cities nationwide. Piquing the interest of national media favorites like Spin Magazine, Man vs. Food, the Travel Channel, and the Rachel Ray Show, this is pretty much a mandatory stop when it comes to San Diego breakfast spots."

"Over in Hillcrest, check out Hash House A Go Go, which has earned four stars out of 7,198 reviews on Yelp. You can find the New American spot, which offers hashes, egg scrambles, French toast and more, at 3628 Fifth Ave."

"The Great Maple is located in San Diego’s Hillcrest district and offers award-winning, seasonal American fare with European influences, delectable cocktails, and delicious pie. Stop into this unique “European dinette” for one of their fresh-made, maple bacon donuts, vegan hash or fried goat cheese squash blossom. Hash House A Go Go’s Johnny Rivera opened this chic eatery in 2013 with the same passion for entertainment while Chef Carmine Lopez mans the kitchen."

"1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103Reserve Your Spot Here$$ | American Restaurant | Neighborhood Gem. With a swanky 1950’s vibe, Great Maple continuously serves up elevated American dishes, mouthwatering pies, and rad cocktails. They’ve made it a mission to take American classic comfort foods and turn them into something elevated and modern without losing the comfort."

"Come to Urge on a Friday night for a variety of brews and any of the rotating selection unique of burgers, ranging from rabbit and wild boar to BBQ and Green Goddess. Boasting breezy outdoor seating with overhead string lights, an indoor dining section and a large bar area, there’s a place and a scene for any group."

"3825 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Look Over Their Menu Here$$ | Breakfast Restaurant | New Favorite. This interesting brunch spot has collected a following all over social media. They are not only serving up delicious twists on early meal classics but they are spreading love and support throughout their community."

"There’s a reason Harry’s Coffee Shop is on so many "best diner" lists, including our own. It's been doing San Diego's finest take on a proper NYC greasy spoon in La Jolla since before bell-bottoms were a thing. Harry’s opens at 6am so early birds can get their eggs and bacon at the crack of dawn, but breakfast is served all day for those who can't function before noon -- which is a whole bunch of you."

"Harry's Coffee Shop is popular with locals and tourists alike for an old-school, casual ambiance as well as enormous portions. Coffee is refilled quickly while the menu is varied featuring delicious omelettes and items with a Mexican flair. There's counter and booth seating as well as dog-friendly, al fresco dining in front."

"From Business: What do you get when you take a classic breakfast dish like fluffy French toast, stuff it with sliced bananas and creamy mascarpone cheese, and then drizzle it…"

"Soda and Swine is part of a dual-concept by Consortium Holdings that also includes Polite Provisions. The brings a renewed spirit of community to a bustling street corner of one of San Diego's most eclectic, burgeoning neighborhoods, Normal Heights. Soda and Swine features a straightforward menu consisting of two classic staples: meatballs and apple pie, keeping in line with the simplicity of Main Street America."

"Soda & Swine has two locations, Liberty Station and North Park. Although from their name you wouldn’t guess, they have some over-the-top desserts that will definitely sweeten up your date, from over-indulgent milkshakes to good ol’ fashioned apple pie a la mode."

"Casual dining with an order at the counter approach, this humble and cozy joint offers incredible build-your-own sliders. If you are looking for a casual night with really good food and a craft cocktail after (Polite Provisions), this is your place."

"The buzz:San Diego’s first mezcaleria features Oaxacan influences and agave-based libations. The food: Located next to one of San Diego’s most iconic landmarks, the Campo Santo Cemetery, Tahona features Executive Chef Adrian Villarreal’s extraordinary craft cocktails and contemporary Mexican cuisine sourced from local, sustainable vendors. Enjoy tostadas, tacos, and burritos stuffed with proteins like slow-braised carnitas, grilled carne asada, fried shrimp, and Maitake mushroom and cauliflower, and fillings that include mole negro, almonds, pickled onions, and sesame."

"The Mezcal bar and kitchen, Tahona, is offering takeout kits of food and favorite cocktails—such as the Whaley House Punch with Mezcal, salted watermelon, pineapple, Campari, and lime—served with specialty ice for the full cocktail experience. Beer, wine and artisanal mezcal bottles along with virtual tasting over Zoom. Order online for pick-up or delivery."