This classic spot on the main drag of coastal Encinitas is known for its egg Benedicts, gilded with homemade hollandaise and offered in an impressive number of varieties. Try the shaved ham Benedict with avocado and cilantro-jalapeno hollandaise or a surf and turf option that includes one crab cake Benedict and one topped with “Cardiff Crack,” aka marinated tri-tip from local favorite Cardiff Seaside Market.

An institution in downtown La Jolla since the 1960s, Harry’s still serves up classic eats like country ham steak and eggs and corned beef hash as well as over-the-top morning starters like the B.W. Benny, a bacon-studded waffle topped with more bacon, grilled ham, poached eggs, hollandaise, and maple syrup. Along with its popular milkshakes, the diner also pours breakfast-time cocktails like Irish coffee, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.

Dressed like a movie set and designed to resemble a kitchy retro diner, this 20-year-old Kearny Mesa established recently changed hands. Its cinema-themed menu, which includes pancakes shaped like a film reel, is extensive and servicable but it’s the atmosphere that’s the main draw.

Get the traditional diner experience at this longtime Adams Avenue spot that was recently updated by new owners. The menu remains the same, with selections like its ultimate French toast which features griddled cinnamon rolls, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Its freeway-adjacent location and ample parking lot make Perry’s a popular fuel-up spot with truckers passing through as well as hungry locals. Opened in 1985 and still operated by the same family, the roadside diner, touts its “best breakfast in town,” with regulars filling its large dining room to indulge in griddle classics and egg dishes. Try one of the frittatas paired with a homemade biscuit.

Families and old timers share space at this cozy American diner in Mission Hills, which serves all the classic dishes including throwbacks like chipped beef on toast. It’s especially known for its sweets, from the giant Del Mar Fair cinnamon roll to freshly-baked pies and a special milkshake flavor every month.

This enduring diner, open for half a century in North Park, is virtually a one-man operation with humble owner Lucky running the show behind the counter and in the kitchen. The cash-only spot offers a streamlined menu with straightforward egg dishes, omelets, hot cakes, and French toast.

A fixture in Ocean Beach for an impressive 50 years and still run by descendants of its original owners, this friendly Newport Avenue diner does breakfast all day. Locals pile in for favorite morning starters like breakfast sandwiches, chicken fried steak, and biscuits and gravy as well as its DIY mimosas.

Founded by local icon “Judy the Beauty” and boasting notables alums like Whoopi Goldberg, who has a namesake dish on the menu, this beloved South Park staple serves up giant buttermilk pancakes and memorable coffee cake. Sit outside on Saturdays and Sundays to be serenaded by a rotating schedule of live music.

Feed a hangover or power up before a round at Balboa Park Golf Course at this tucked-away spot that’s one of the oldest restaurants in San Diego. Established way back in 1934, this greasy spoon has great views of the golf course greens and downtown San Diego, which can be enjoyed over Bloody Marys paired with a breakfast burrito or chorizo and eggs.

Pleasingly retro touches like tabletop jukeboxes set the scene at this Coronado diner that’s been in operation since 1941 where classic diner food, from omelets to pancakes and French toast, is the main focus. The restaurant also has a walk-up window for takeout service, where customers can pick up coffee, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, as well as Mexican specialties.