Broken Yolk Cafe

The Broken Yolk Cafe is somewhat an institution on San Diego. There are three of them now, the first one being in Pacific Beach and two other ones in Eastlake (eastern Chula Vista) and another in La Costa. Soon, a fourth restaurant will be open in the Gaslamp area of downtown San Diego.

I have visited the Pacific Beach and Eastlake Broken Yolk Cafe several times in the last few years. The one in Pacific Beach is often visited by news reporters when they want to get that "man in the street" interview about politics or current events. All three restaurants have pretty much the same menu.

The restaurant focuses on eggs, of course. They have many different types of omelets and dishes with eggs, some of them with a healthy twist, including several vegetarian types. (I like the "Mom" omelet) There are several unusual varieties such as pizza omelets, stronganoff, and one called "Pay you on Tuesday" which is like a cheeseburger omelet. You can even make your own if you want. And, there is a supersized omelet with 12 eggs and large side dishes that if you can eat in a hour it's free. Or, you can split an omelet as they are fairly large and can feed at least two adults. I don't think they have any vegan, egg white or egg substitute omelets, though. Also available are dishes like Huevos Rancheros, breakfast burritos, enchiladas.

For lunch, there are a variety of burgers, sandwiches, soups, chili, and salads to try. I have ordered the soup and salad combo at the Eastlake restaurant, but I wasn't impressed with the salad that I got as it seemed like ordinary bagged salad. I would suggest getting one of the other salads on the menu, separately, if you are trying to fill yourself with greens. The soup of the day that I had was very good, however.

On some days, you may have to stand in line to get in, especially at the Pacific Beach location. But, I, personally, haven't had any problem with a wait.

Atmosphere: Very casual

Price: Low to Moderate

The Broken Yolk Cafe is open from 6AM to 3 PM every day. Here are the addresses and phone numbers for each location:

1851 Garnet Ave.
Pacific Beach, CA. 92109
858-270-YOLK (9655)

884 Eastlake Pkwy.
Chula Vista, CA 91914
619-216-1144 (Village Walk Mall near Henry's)

7670 El Camino Real,
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-943-8182

And, the one in the Gaslamp should be open soon. I will be visiting there when it does.