Guess what parents? January 5th is National Whipped Cream Day! So, don’t put away those cozy pants and make sure your New Year’s resolution includes indulging in a sweet stack because there’s more reasons than ever to dig into a stack of pancakes at one of our favorite San Diego breakfasts joints this month. We know there are plenty of restaurant chains where you can satisfy that urge for pancakes. However, we’ve found 10 local breakfast spots that add a creative (or healthy) twist to the beloved breakfast item. From strawberries and cream and oreo cookie pancakes to one’s coined Fuzzy Monkey and Tree Hugger, scroll down to find where to stack ’em up.
Breakfast Republic
You’ll flip over the pancake flights at this local eatery. A flight is three pancakes, where you can mix and match flavors. We recommend the Oreo pancake with cookie crumbles and cream. Likewise, try the cinnamon roll pancake or pineapple upside-down pancakes (family favorites). With so many yummy choices, everyone leaves satisfied and full.
Pancakes: three per plate, $9 to $15.50
Hours: daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Seven San Diego Locations: breakfastrepublicca.com
Farmer's Table La Mesa
In addition to a full menu brunch menu of delicious options, Farmers Table in La Mesa is a kid-friendly spot with some of the best pancakes in town. You can also order them vegan or gluten-free! Plus, feel good about the local organic eggs and other wholesome ingredients.
Pancakes: buttermilk, $6 pm for kids, $9.50 for adults
Hours: daily, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
8141 La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, Ca
619-724-6465
Online: farmerstablelamesa.com
Fig Tree Cafe
Little eaters can dine on the kids' pancakes that come with the option to add strawberries or bananas. While grown-ups will delight in the Fesas Con Crema pancakes made with strawberry cream and fresh strawberries. Bonus: this eatery uses local food sources such as a family ranch in Ramona that supplies their eggs.
Pancakes: kids, $7; others, $10-$12
Hours: Vary by location
Locations: Pacific Beach, Hillcrest and Liberty Station (coming soon to Mission Valley)
Online: figtreeeatery.com
Naked Cafe
Interested in healthier options? Try the Naked Cafe. First, choose between a basic buttermilk or organic whole grain gluten-free batter for your pancakes. Then, add the toppings of your choice from wild blueberry to toasted coconut and mango with fun names like Fuzzy Monkey and Tree Hugger. Moreover, there are vegan pancakes too. And kids love the buttermilk pancake in the shape of that famous mouse and topped with whipped cream.
Pancakes: kids, $4.5 for one or $11 for three
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Locations: Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Point Loma
Online: thenakedcafe.com
The Original Pancake House
Go traditional with a fluffy buttermilk short stack topped with maple syrup and butter. Kids will go crazy for the chocolate chip pancakes served with chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Grown-ups will dig the Dutch pancake which is fluffy and topped with lemon. Whatever you eat, you'll leave with that pancake urge satisfied.
Pancakes: stack, $8.25-$11.25
Hours: daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Locations: Encinitas, Poway, Vista, San Diego
Online: originalpancakehouse.com
Snooze Eatery
Soar into this AM Eatery that offers three choices of pancake flights. If you love lots of toppings and sweet sauces, then this is your pancake hot spot. In all honesty, the blueberry Danish pancakes and chocolate chip are our faves. Other Snooze creations include vegan bliss pancakes, streusel and pineapple upside-down pancakes. Plus, they have a "pancake of the day." Down these buttermilk wonders in a delightful atmosphere sparked with bright colors to start the day off in good cheer. Want one just for our kiddo, go for the Lil' Pardner's pancake which comes with hashbrowns, fruit, and a choice of drink.
Pancakes: single, $8.75; flight, $10.75
Hours: daily, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
3435 Del Mar Heights Rd.
San Diego, Ca
858-703-5300
Online: snoozeeatery.com
La Jolla Village
8861 Villa La Jolla Dr.
La Jolla, Ca
858-483-5556
Claire's on Cedros
What's a good way to get your half-pint to eat a multi-grain pancake? Easy, just head to Claire's on Cedros. For one thing, kids chow down these pancakes topped with powdered sugar and chocolate chips. Even more, they have: Buttermilk, Multigrain, Lemon Ricotta (seasonal), and Gluten-Free. And if you really love the pancakes, you can buy the pancake mix there too.
Pancakes: stack of three, $11-$12
Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Claire's on Cedros
246 N. Cedros Ave.
Solona Beach, Ca
858-259-8597
Online: clairesoncedros.com
The Mission
Strawberries and bananas... please. Likewise, the blueberries get mixed right into the batter of these big and delicious pancakes that are sized to share. On the other hand, the good old naked pancake is light and fluffy with maple syrup (on the side). Be sure to ask about the seasonal pancake too. The Mission gets busy, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table.
Pancakes: $12-$13.50
Hours: daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Locations: Mission Beach, North Park, and SoMa East Village
Online: themissionsd.com
Richard Walker's Pancake House
Whether you like your flapjacks topped with bananas, pecans, blueberries or even chocolate chips, you'll love these light and fluffy crafted treats. If you're looking for a pancake with a twist, order the northern bacon pancake or cheery option. This pancake house also offers a baked apple pancake that takes an extra 10-20 minutes but is worth the wait! Plus, there are gluten- and peanut-free options too.
Pancakes: $8.95-$11.95
Hours: daily, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
520 Front St.
San Diego, Ca
619-231-7777
Online: richardwalkers.com
909 Prospect St.
La Jolla, Ca
858-459-8800
Brian's 24
Seeking ginormous pancakes? Yep, this is your breakfast joint. This sweet treat is going to do more than please, it's going to wow. The Traditional Soufflé Pancake comes stacked with 2 soufflé pancakes + finished with powdered sugar. They also offer the most decadent blueberry pancakes. For "little shorties" they offer a mini option that arrives much quicker. First head down for breakfast, then go to The New Children's Museum to round out the day.
Pancake: $9-$18
Hours: daily, 24/7
Gaslamp Neighborhood
828 6th Ave.
San Diego, Ca
619-702-8410
Online: brians24.com
—Nikki Walsh and Aimee Della Bitta
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