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Crest Cafe

Crest Cafe Crest Cafe is a funky, family-owned cafe in San Diego serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day. Known for their fresh hamburgers and huge salads, Crest Cafe also offers homemade desserts and San Diego craft beers. With validated parking and specials from Monday to Thursday, stop by for fast, friendly service and hearty comfort food.
(1539)

Recent social media posts

Big congratulations to Enrique Medina on his newest venture he is now a board member for the Hillcrest Business Associat...
06/02/2026

Big congratulations to Enrique Medina on his newest venture he is now a board member for the Hillcrest Business Association! 🎉

Enrique’s dedication to supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for growth, and strengthening our community makes him a natural fit for this leadership role. The HBA has spent more than a century advocating for Hillcrest businesses while helping drive economic development, neighborhood improvements, community events, beautification efforts, and business support programs throughout the district.

We’re incredibly proud to see his passion, vision, and commitment recognized at this level. Hillcrest is in great hands, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll continue to make for local businesses and the community we all love.

Congratulations, Enrique! 👏✨

05/30/2026

Come by and support your local runners! Tomorrow we are having $6 mimosas all day for the

Flashback Friday! We heard you missed them,we brought back some of our best specials! California breakfast WrapCowboy Ho...
05/29/2026

Flashback Friday! We heard you missed them,we brought back some of our best specials!
California breakfast Wrap
Cowboy Hotdog
Chicken & veggie Quesadilla
Which one’s your favorite?

Happy international Burger day from your family here at Crest! Come in and stop by while the grills still hot! Get your ...
05/28/2026

Happy international Burger day from your family here at Crest! Come in and stop by while the grills still hot!
Get your stuffed barbecue burger now!

Photo dump Tuesday! Which one of these dishes would you prefer? 😍🤩  Happy Tuesday everyone
05/26/2026

Photo dump Tuesday! Which one of these dishes would you prefer? 😍🤩 Happy Tuesday everyone

Serving more than breakfast serving memories one table at a time 🥞☕️
05/20/2026

Serving more than breakfast
serving memories one table at a time 🥞☕️

Grateful to  SDVoyager for featuring our story and giving us the opportunity to talk about fatherhood, leadership, comm...
05/20/2026

Grateful to SDVoyager for featuring our story and giving us the opportunity to talk about fatherhood, leadership, community, and what hospitality truly means to us.

For us, it’s never just been about business, it’s about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, connected, and valued.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the vision along the way. Your support means everything. 🤍

Read the full feature here:
https://sdvoyager.com/enrique-medina-on-fatherhood-purpose-driven-leadership-and-building-community-through-hospitality/

7 days a week we are open! Bring your friends,family everyone is welcome!  Come on down to the  and join us for breakfas...
05/18/2026

7 days a week we are open! Bring your friends,family everyone is welcome! Come on down to the and join us for breakfast,lunch or dinner!

Stack. Loaded. Ready.Fresh strawberries, blackberries, banana, toasted almonds, whipped cream, and a side of real maple ...
05/11/2026

Stack. Loaded. Ready.

Fresh strawberries, blackberries, banana, toasted almonds, whipped cream, and a side of real maple syrup. This is breakfast done right.
Come see us in Hillcrest.

05/08/2026

Sweets to savories, something healthy to something hearty. With over a hundred menu items to choose from, there's something for everyone. 🍳🧇🥗🍔

05/02/2026

🌺 Jacarandas are blooming, patios are packed, and Hillcrest is in full May magic mode.

From toasting Mom over Creme Brulee French Toast to catching the opening of Kim’s Convenience at The Old Globe and dancing until sunrise at Rich’s Circuit Papi, this month is stacked. 🎭💃

Here’s what’s happening around Hillcrest 🗓

🍔 BOGO BURGER NIGHT - Thursday, May 7, 5 to 10 PM | Crest Cafe, Hillcrest
💐 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH - Sunday, May 10, All Day | Crest Cafe, Hillcrest
🌈 RAINBOW LATINAS GAME NIGHT - Tuesday, May 12, 5:30 to 7:30 PM | The Center, Hillcrest
🏳️‍🌈 AANHPI HERITAGE MONTH AT THE CENTER - All Month | The Center, Hillcrest
👑 DREAMGIRLS R***E - Wednesdays, 6 to 8:30 PM | Urban MO’s, Hillcrest
🥂 BUBBLES FOR BRUNCH - Saturdays, 11 AM to 2 PM | Urban MO’s, Hillcrest
🎱 BABETTE’S BINGO MOTHER’S DAY EDITION - Sunday, May 10, 11 AM to 2 PM | Urban MO’s, Hillcrest
🎲 GAYME NIGHT - Mondays, 5 to 11 PM | Urban MO’s, Hillcrest
☀️ SASSY SUNDAY FUNDAY - Sundays, Afternoon | Urban MO’s, Hillcrest
💃 CIRCUIT PAPI - Saturday, May 2, 9 PM to 4 AM | Rich’s San Diego, Hillcrest
🪩 RICH’S WEEKEND PARTIES - Fridays and Saturdays | Rich’s San Diego, Hillcrest
🎭 KIM’S CONVENIENCE - May 15 to June 14 | The Old Globe, Balboa Park
🎬 ALIEN GIRLS CLOSING - Through May 10 | The Old Globe, Balboa Park
🎤 RENT AT DIVERSIONARY - May 2026 | Diversionary Theatre, Hillcrest
😂 FINEST CITY IMPROV - Thursday to Sunday | 3746 6th Ave, Hillcrest
🌸 SPRING OASIS AT INSIDEOUT - Through May 31 | InsideOUT, Hillcrest
🍷 HAPPY HOUR BINGO - Select Wednesdays | Cork & Stem, Hillcrest
🌮 CINCO DE MAYO - Tuesday, May 5, All Day | Hillcrest neighborhood
🏮 ASIAN PACIFIC CULTURAL FESTIVAL - Saturday, May 16 | Balboa Park
🥕 HILLCREST FARMERS MARKET - Every Sunday, 9 AM to 2 PM | University Ave
🎹 SPRECKELS ORGAN FREE CONCERTS - Sundays at 2 PM | Balboa Park
🍷 SAN DIEGO ZOO FOOD, WINE & BREW - Select Friday | San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park
🎪 SAN DIEGO FRINGE FESTIVAL - Late May into early June | Various venues
🇺🇸 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - May 23 to 25 | Hillcrest neighborhood

Good things come in pairs. 🍔🍔Whether you want a mini version of a classic or want to try something new, our Night Owl Sl...
05/02/2026

Good things come in pairs. 🍔🍔

Whether you want a mini version of a classic or want to try something new, our Night Owl Sliders give you the power of choice. Pick any two sliders and we will pair them with our crispy, homemade potato chips for just $12.99.

Perfect for a light late dinner or a savory snack to end your night in the neighborhood. Stop by between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM to claim yours!

Which sliders are you picking for your duo? Let us know your dream team! 🗳️

Fish taco special - Two breaded & deep fried tilapia pieces with shredded iceberg lettuce, salsa fresca & crema on corn ...
04/28/2026

Fish taco special - Two breaded & deep fried tilapia pieces with shredded iceberg lettuce, salsa fresca & crema on corn tortillas. Served with French fries. Available all day, delicious any time!

04/26/2026

And so many more… we have over 100 items on our menu!

Happy   Day! We are off to a great start. Join us until 10:00pm tonight. We are donating 50% of our sales.Come be apart ...
04/23/2026

Happy Day!
We are off to a great start. Join us until 10:00pm tonight. We are donating 50% of our sales.
Come be apart of history.

🙌 join us today!
04/23/2026

🙌 join us today!

The forecast calls for 100% chance of comfort. 🥣🧀Nothing hits the spot after a long day in Hillcrest like our Grilled Ch...
04/21/2026

The forecast calls for 100% chance of comfort. 🥣🧀

Nothing hits the spot after a long day in Hillcrest like our Grilled Cheese & Homemade Soup. We take thick, buttery bread and melt it to perfection, served alongside our fresh-made soup of the day. It is the warm hug your evening needs.

Grab this classic pairing for just $12.99 during our Night Owl Specials, available every night from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Who are you bringing for a late-night comfort food fix? Tag them! 👇

04/19/2026

Wait... did you just say $12.99? ☕️🍳 We sure did.

Our Early Bird Specials are the ultimate weekday wakeup call! 🌅 This quick montage shows why Hillcrest regulars love getting a head start at Crest Cafe.

From 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday through Friday, pick your perfect plate—we are talking about everything from Two Eggs any style (with potatoes & toast!) to our satisfying Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin and our famous Homemade Granola or Oatmeal. All for just $12.99.

We are ready to start the day when you are. Come say hi and fuel your morning!

Which one are you grabbing first? The classic eggs, or the healthy oatmeal? Let us know below! 🗳️

04/18/2026

I don't know what ya heard about Crest Cafe, but we've got over 100 different items on our menu to choose from. 🌮 🍟 🍳 🥓 🥗 🌯 🍔

04/16/2026

The early bird gets the... best deal in Hillcrest. 🌅🐦

Why hit a drive-thru when you can start your morning at your favorite neighborhood spot? Our Early Bird Specials are designed to get your day moving with bold flavors and heart-healthy options for just $12.99.

Choose your morning mood:
✨ Two eggs any style, potatoes & toast
✨ Bacon, egg & cheese on an English muffin + drip coffee
✨ Homemade granola, vanilla yogurt & fruit + drip coffee

Available weekdays from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Pull up a chair and let us handle the cooking.

Which one are you choosing to start your morning? Let us know below! ☕️

🎭 Support Local Arts + Brunch Done Right 💙🧡Join us at Crest Cafe this Tuesday, April 21st for a delicious way to give ba...
04/14/2026

🎭 Support Local Arts + Brunch Done Right 💙🧡

Join us at Crest Cafe this Tuesday, April 21st for a delicious way to give back! 🍳✨

We’re proud to partner with OnStage Playhouse—
👉 20% of your purchase will be donated to support local artists and production costs for “The Velocity of Autumn” 🎬

Indulge in your favorite comfort brunch (yes, that French toast 👀🍓) while making a real impact in our Hillcrest community 🌈

📍 425 Robinson Ave, San Diego
🗓️ Tuesday, April 21
💛 Eat well. Give back. Support local.

👇 Tag your brunch crew & make plans now!

04/13/2026

The homemade touch that brightens up your morning. ☀️🫐🥣

Wake your senses with a true Hillcrest original. At Crest Cafe, we are known for our hearty comfort food, but our Homemade Granola is a local favorite for a reason. We layer vanilla yogurt, crunchy house-baked granola, and fresh, vibrant seasonal fruit for a breakfast that is both light and satisfying.

Experience the color of freshness during our Early Bird Specials, where you can grab this parfait alongside a hot drip coffee for just $12.99!

Available weekdays from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Come taste the love we put into every bowl.

CTA: Share this with a friend who loves a healthy start to the day! 🏃‍♀️💨

Hashtags:

04/11/2026

From the first cup of coffee at 7:00 AM to the last late-night slider at 10:00 PM, we have been Hillcrest’s go-to for 43 years. 🩵

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
04/10/2026

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

✨ We’re thrilled that Crest Cafe in Hillcrest will be participating in again this year, celebrating 20 years supporting Dining Out For Life San Diego!

Stop by Crest Cafe on Thursday, April 23, enjoy a night of dancing, and 50% of your check will help support HIV services and prevention programs across San Diego County through The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

🔗 Learn more and see the full list of participating locations: www.TheCenterSD.org/DOFL

Address

425 Robinson Avenue
San Diego, CA
92103

The café and diner located on Robinson Avenue in San Diego can be easily accessed by public transport or driving.

For those using public transport, take the Green Line Trolley and get off at the Hillcrest Station. From there, it's an approximate 10-minute walk to the café and diner location. Alternatively, take Bus 83 or Bus 120 which both stop near the Robinson Avenue intersection.

When driving, there is street parking available on Robinson Avenue but it can be limited during peak hours. Another convenient option is to park at a nearby parking lot like the one located at Trader Joe's on University Avenue or the one located at Whole Foods Market on Washington Street.

Overall, regardless of how you choose to travel, Crest Cafe is a great destination to check out for breakfast, lunch or dinner in San Diego!

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 10pm
Tuesday 7am - 10pm
Wednesday 7am - 10pm
Thursday 7am - 10pm
Friday 7am - 10pm
Saturday 7am - 10pm
Sunday 7am - 10pm

Telephone

+1 619-295-2510

Alerts

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What people say

Crest Cafe on Robinson Avenue in San Diego is a funky and casual cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day long. The family-owned and operated restaurant has been a local favorite since 1982, offering delicious homemade American food favorites at an affordable price.

The menu at Crest Cafe is extensive, with a huge variety of options to choose from. Their fresh hamburgers, huge salads, and fresh pasta dishes are particularly noteworthy. For dinner, guests can indulge in mac & cheese 3 ways, monster pork chops, Cecelia's chopped salad, Belgian waffles, and homemade desserts.

Crest Cafe has received numerous accolades for their excellent food and service. They have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and Eyewitness Travel Top 10. Additionally, they were the Tripadvisor 2013 winner of excellence and Zagat rated.

The culinary team at Crest Cafe is led by Ruben Medina who ensures that every dish is made with care and attention to detail. The restaurant offers catering services for groups of all sizes as well as takeout options for those on-the-go.

Overall, Crest Cafe is a must-visit spot in San Diego for anyone looking for hearty comfort food served in a friendly atmosphere. With validated parking available at 3845 Fourth Ave., there's no reason not to stop by and give them a try!