Cafe 21

I wouldn’t rate this restaurant five stars, as the experience fell short compared to what I enjoyed years ago at the Gaslamp location. It also doesn’t quite reach a four-star rating due to my disappointment with the food. The portion sizes were notably small, especially given the high prices. For instance, the Dutch Pancake, priced at $16, was surprisingly tiny for the cost, leaving me feeling unsatisfied.

The atmosphere and service were great! I would have given the food 5 stars as well, but the food wasn't executed to perfection as previous times. The turkey with eggs Benedict was cold, and the egg was overcooked. The Potato Gallete could have been cooked a little more. It seems like they rushed to get our food out. The food flavors are wonderful, but again, they failed to execute to perfection as in the past.

My fiancé and I visited this charming spot for a late brunch on a Saturday afternoon and were able to get seated right away. The ambiance on the patio was delightful, with a rustic charm and abundant greenery that created a cozy, inviting atmosphere. We each started with a beautifully crafted coffee (1 Peas of Mind and 1 Cappuccino). The menu featured an array of small plates, ideal for sharing. With it being just the two of us, we each ordered our own dish (1 Tomato + Egg and 1 Short Rib Omelette) and found the dishes provided more than enough to satisfy our appetites. The quality and presentation of the food were impressive, leaving us eager to return with a larger group to try even more of their delectable dishes. This place is a true gem and perfect for both intimate meals and social gatherings!

Nice brunch spot that has friendly service and good food. Drinks are done well and really enjoyed the Watermelon and Espresso Martini. The Roasted Eggplant Crumpet was yummy with an egg on top. The Tiramisu Pancakes could have been a bit more decadent, but the aromatics were all there. For the Short Rib Omelette, enjoyed the portion of it and was plated in a cute skillet. Overall, a cozy and relaxed place!

Returning for the second time since my initial visit in 2019, I was delighted to find that nothing has changed at this establishment – the food quality remains consistently superb! Opting for the SHORT RIB CRUMPET while my partner indulged in the CHICKEN CREPE CAKE and STRAWBERRY CREPE, we were both blown away by the culinary experience. Each dish was a masterpiece of creativity, making it the best breakfast place I've ever tried. The server was exceptionally attentive, friendly, and polite, enhancing the overall dining experience. Without a doubt, we will be coming back to savor the exceptional offerings at this remarkable establishment.

Omg, the best brunch spot I've been to in a while! The place is beautiful. Loved the decor. The service was great. The gentleman helping us suggested I try the pesto sandwich and wow! The freshness and the flavor were out of this world. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also had some fresh fruit on the side. I ordered the Mimosa flight and I have to say it's a must. The flavors are unique and tasty. Whenever I'm in San Diego again, I will make sure I go back for that sandwich and Mimosa flight. 10/10 😙🤌🏻

An absolute delight! From the atmosphere, to the gorgeous green outdoor environment, the friendly servers, to the delicious food and unique drinks. Our entire brunch experience was amazing! Side note- the wait is fairly long on the weekends, an hour+.

OMG I LOVE THIS PLACE!! Came here with our Bridal party for brunch, was a short wait to get seated. Our server Tyler was the absolute best, most kind person, and made our experience that much better and more fun! And don't even get me started on the food! If your looking for something, fresh, farm to table, organic, only the best ingredients, and absolutely delicious!! This is the place!! The best food and drinks I've had in a long while! Truly quality food that you can taste! The galaxy tea was such a fun experience too! The dutch pancakes were absolutely to die for!! They also had a gluten free lava cake dessert that was great for one of the girls in our party. The atmosphere was really beautiful and the bathrooms were clean. And our server Tyler even brought a free dessert for our bride! This place was so good that we are still talking about it and we want to go back! There is so much more on the menu to try!

Any visit to Cafe 21 is always a treat. The food is unmatched, as far as brunch goes. The mimosa flights are super refreshing, and the whimsical outdoor seating adds to the experience, but nothing makes the place great like having Jason as your server. He sprinkles laughter and genuine positivity on each table he interacts with. It's difficult for me to find an item on the menu that isn't delicious, but my personal favorite is the Turkey Benedict. Since I can't do dairy, I sub the feta bread pudding out for a crumpet, and it is exquisite. ‍ I also usually get the Peas of Mind Latte--it's beautiful and delicious. Enjoy! P.S. We love you, Jason!

We just tried Cafe 21 for a weekday brunch with some friends after seeing some of the more interesting items on their menu! Service and Ambiance was great! They have a covered outdoor patio area in addition to their indoor space. No crowds at all on a Tuesday around 11am. Parking is very very limited here. Customer service was friendly and wonderful, our server recommended a few dishes (like the potato galette) that were popular and was incredibly attentive. Unfortunately the food was a just okay. Prices were reasonable and portions were a bit on the smaller side. Particularly the chicken pesto sandwich was pretty thin and very very oily. While we've had some excellent pesto sandwiches before - this one left a bit lacking in the ingredients and was just dripping oil onto our plate. I wish there was a bit of acidity like red peppers or a dip or a soup option to help cut the sandwich grease a bit.

My girlfriend and I ate here today and we were looking forward to it after seeing the menu. The prices we found didn't match the menu we saw online, they've recently increased prices and the quality just doesn't line up. These are tapas style small plates. We ordered the French toast which had hardly any powder on it and was incredibly dry with a weird aftertaste. They only gave us half a ramekin of syrup. (a side of real syrup is an insane $5 and a side of avocado slice (not the entire thing) is $7). I'm ALL for paying good money for good food, but it just didn't make sense. $16 for ONE sunny side up egg surrounded by tomatoes and a sprinkle of goat cheese? I know we're in an egg shortage but come on...be realistic. We also had the veggie bowl which was the only thing worth complimenting. The coffee was awful. The service was confusing. We had 4 different people taking care of us and even though it was slow they sat us outside on a cold day without even offering an indoor option. Not shocked the other locations closed. Won't be returning. If anyone at the place reads this, just consider your value for your offering. This place is too casual and the food too bland for the price.

We used to come here for dinner but they stopped doing that, but our server told us they might be bringing it back. So we came here for brunch which was sooooooo good! I had the delicious short rib crepe cake! and Daveed had the short rib omelet. Both were soooooo good! I also had an espresso martini, I mean, if I was going to have caffeine might as well have a fun drink! It was delicious! It is a very relaxing atmosphere and pretty popular as it was getting very busy. Cako Approves!

Came in with a large party bachelorette and we got so lucky on a Sunday and didn't have to wait too long! The decor is so cute! All of the coffees and food were delicious everything was plated so pretty!! Jason was fantastic! He made sure the bride felt so welcomed and happy!! He was joking around and making us all laugh the entire brunch! Thank you to Jason and his team for making us feel like family!!

I've been here one other time and we had some out of town friends and we wanted to take them to a good brunch spot. I remember really liking the Dutch pancakes and coffee. I really like the ambiance and the covered outside area as it has character. I ordered the iced vanilla latte and I like the garnishes of flower petals, rosemary and a dried orange slice. It tasted very good and had the perfect amount of sweetness. The server that brought it recommended stirring it together to get the best flavors. The Dutch pancake was sweet, but the texture and flavors were still great. I loved the caramel, banana and blueberries on it. The short rib omelette came in a skillet and the eggs were cooked well and the short rib and peppers were very good too. The crumpet had an odd texture and I personally didn't like the flavor and it tasted old. Our service was very good. The crepes and Dutch pancake came out after the other 2 entrees and the waiter said he would give us a discount because of the delay. After our meal, he brought us a complimentary bread pudding as well because of the delay. The waiter was very attentive although he was busy so it was very kind of him to be aware of our food coming out at different times. He was friendly and helpful and we really appreciated him! Overall everything was great and we had a really good experience. Street parking can be harder.

Cafe 21 has a vibrant and inviting atmosphere; good for a casual brunch with the family or a date. The menu is impressive. It features a diverse selection of dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. The food was good quality and is apparently locally sourced. I loved the innovative menu and creativity they come up with in the dishes. If you're looking to explore brunch items, I would come here for something fun and fresh! Just keep in mind it does come to be on the more expensive side and the wait can be long. Overall, Cafe 21 delivers a satisfying dining experience with quality food and a welcoming vibe. I look forward to returning and trying more of their dishes!

This place was so unexpectedly cute! Even from the outside which is gated with plants, causes people to stop and peek in. It's mostly outside but "outside" is heavily decorated with a canopy, plants and walls so there's a lot of privacy from the busy outside street. There is a small inside but if you're group is 4+ you'll be outside! I ordered the eggplant crumpet which was so flavorful- not just veggies on bread. So well seasoned too! It's a perfect size for a quick one person brunch. I also got the trained dragon latte which looks more like a cocktail- the presentation is stunning. The drink itself was delicious too if you're a rose syrup fan! Note: it is $10 buttttt most coffees now a days are at least $7 so $3more for this fancied up one wasn't a deal breaker for me and I didn't leave disappointed I saw so many good looking plates go by with fresh fruit that I want to try next time. I came alone but this is definitely a good spot to bring friends/relatives/dates and if you go early reservations are probably recommended. I came around 130pm (they close at 3pm) on a Saturday and there were seats available!

Brunch spot with great ambiance and l very nicely decorated. Plenty of outdoor patio seating. The dishes are brunch tapas style and incorporate flavors from Azerbaijan. Definitely a unique gem! Service is also quick! Plenty of street parking and there is also a small lot

Great hidden cafe nestled in the neighborhood! Service was amazing and food was delicious! Though portion size was a bit small and the decoration/backdrop is not as vibrant as shown on the pictures. Nonetheless, food and service are both great would def recommend giving it a try!

Change of Ownership!! it's now called The Hangout! And yes it's open. food and service is great. Come in and enjoy. There's parking.

Came across this place with a few friends for brunch. They offer some tasty drinks and food. My Highlight/ what you must try is their potato pancake- so bomb! And their strawberry crepes are full of sweetness- so yummy! Service was nice. Parking: small parking lot/ street parking available.

We came here for brunch on Thursday. All the food and drinks we saw were all aesthetic and beautiful. The service was great and fast. We unfortunately weren't able to try the coffee drinks because the espresso maker wasn't working. This restaurant is definitely quality over quantity. I got a special French toast that used cinnamon roll as the bread. My friend got SHRIMP CORN CAKE. Each of our meals were aesthetic and we ate it all. It was good , however we both agreed that we were hungry. We will try it again, another entree because it was cute and the service was good. Also to try the cofffee.

This place never disappoints! Came here the other day with friends and immediately slapped my self on the hand for sleeping on this North Park legend for so long. I was happy to read my fave, Shrimp Cast Iron Omelet Brunch is still on the menu after all these years. The nonalcoholic beverages here are top notch. Each beverage has a signature presentation and mouthwatering good. Our server treated us like we were old friends coming home. Seriously, why did it take so long to come back?

This is by far my favorite brunch place. The staff is always super friendly and the service is fantastic. After a yoga class the amount of food is perfect! The tomato's and eggs is by far my favorite and I get it every time. Add an extra egg!

This place was very nice The food was good Great costumer service The only problem I had was the excessive amount of flies. I could barely eat because there were so many flies. It was terrible, I was scared they'll go in my mouth.

After a stroll down Adam's avenue, my group of five came for a Sunday brunch and luckily only had to wait 25 minutes. They definitely do not have a lot of seating to offer, nor parking, but this would be perfect for couples sitting at the bar. I loved the Mediterranean dishes they offered and am a big fan of lamb so I loved the shrimp corn cake, lamb crumpet, and potato pancakes. The flavors are all so bright and exciting! The inside decor is also very fun and unique with busts as the cocktail glasses. Though I enjoyed the food, the portions are pretty small and seem to be more of small plates to share rather than one complete dish for each individual. I would come back for myself but it could get expensive for a large group trying to share multiplied plates.

I love this place. It's beautifully decorated. The service is excellent and the food is great. I like how creative the menu is.

Great little brunch/lunch spot. There's a parking lot but only 2 spots can be used for cafe 21. I easily found street parking and walked over. It was a rainy day and we were able to grab the last inside table. On a nicer day there's plenty of covered outdoor seating (but I didn't see heat lamps). Menu had some really interesting things. I got the veggie power bowl which I really enjoyed. It has a really good sauce/flavor. It was the perfect size, I finished it, but didn't feel overly full.

The food in my opinion was poor. I had French toast which was average at best. My girlfriend had tiramisu pancakes which I thought were close to inedible. The ambiance was bad. It used to have a nice interior but now it truly feels like eating in a liquor store parking lot. The only saving grace was the service was good.

Nice brunch spot that has friendly service and good food. Drinks are done well and really enjoyed the Watermelon and Espresso Martini. The Roasted Eggplant Crumpet was yummy with an egg on top. The Tiramisu Pancakes could have been a bit more decadent, but the aromatics were all there. For the Short Rib Omelette, enjoyed the portion of it and was plated in a cute skillet. Overall, a cozy and relaxed place!

I haven't been here since 2017, and boy have I been missing out! The ambiance is Soo cute, the bartenders in the bar and the waiter and hostess were all so nice. The drinks both espresso and alcoholic were delish! We went for a ladies brunch on a Saturday and only waited 10 minutes to be seated for 6 people, it was pretty amazing. Food was delish, easy to share or eat alone. Thomas was our waiter and he was very patient and awesome!

Really love the aesthetic and absolutely amazing food as well. Wish the portion sizes were a bit bigger on some of the items . This was pretty full when we got there but we still managed to find parking so that was a plus. A little bit of a downside is that the server we had was actually quite overly sarcastic.. Maybe they thought the jokes work well with everyone but some were pushing it a little too far. CHICKEN CREPE CAKE Chicken + Caramelized Onion Spread, Mushroom Bourbon Sauce, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens Husband and I split this and we actually really liked it! It did not seem too unhealthy or too high fat either to be honest. The individual crepes to make the layers were super thin and everything was so delicately made . I'm not sure how much of actual chicken there was in there though because with the other fillings and stuff I'm assuming the actor amount of chicken used was quite little. FETA OMELET Egg, Spinach, Pesto, Mozzarella, Feta. Sourdough I asked for egg whites and also got the pesto on the side so I could just add how much I wanted. They accidentally brought a version with regular eggs first but were quick to replace it since All the other food on the table had already come. Also got the sourdough toast on the side without the butter. This was some good bread. STRAWBERRY SALAD Spinach, Fresh Strawberries, Pistachios, Goat Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette What a beautiful salad. The strawberry and pistachio combination was really nice. Had asked for the dressing on the side here as well so we could just add how much was needed. Dressing was quite Nice as well. TURKEY BENEDICT Poached Egg, Spinach + Feta Bread Pudding, Turkey, Cranberry, Pickled Onion, Arugula, Carrot, Greens, Hollandaise Friend on the table ordered this but without the Turkey since they were trying to avoid meat. They seem to actually like it even without the Turkey. TOMATO + EGG This was basically like a shakshuka. Very creative concept though. Serving a mini version in personal size skillet. TIRAMISU PANCAKES Ordered this for the table to share. It Was pretty nice. The Pancakes themselves had the coffee flavor and the mascarpone whip was on the side to add. I only had a little because I was trying to be a bit Health conscious but others managed to finish the entire thing.

TL;DR: Mediterranean spin on classic brunch. Smaller than average portion sizes (maybe grab a bite before/after) but yummy food nonetheless Ordered: - Midas touch iced: super strong dirty turmeric espresso was exactly what I needed - Shrimp corn cake: this dish has the potential to be great. The flavor combo of zatar and sumac was off the charts in the cilantro cream sauce. wow. Unfortunately, the yolk was over and no longer runny (booooooooo). Something else to consider for the dish would be to serve it with a slice or two of some bread or carb. It's a shame the leftover sauce couldn't be wiped up and enjoyed :/ I'm sure I'll be back again to try the rest of the menu! Cheers, Cafe 21!

Our visit to Cafe 21 in University Heights was a delightful experience from start to finish. We were greeted by our server and seated quickly, setting a positive tone for the meal.We started with their Bloody Marys, which were impressively topped with a variety of garnishes. Mine came with a grilled cheese sandwich, while my friend's was topped with prosciutto. These creative and generous toppings made for a fun and flavorful drink.For our main course, we both ordered the chicken sandwiches with avocados. They were incredibly fulfilling and tasted great. The combination of flavors and the quality of ingredients made this dish a standout.Overall, Cafe 21 provided a wonderful dining experience with excellent service, unique drinks, and delicious food.

Tried something different for breakfast, and this place delivered! So flavorful, strong Peruvian coffee, cute decor inside and on their patio. The spot is kind of hidden in a corner beside a liquor store, but definitely has a small mom and pop feel. 2 locals apparently come every morning with their cute dogs, LOVE!! Portions were just enough, and left us full and didn't give us the 'itis'. Would mos definitely c9me back again! Great Mediterranean flavors for brekkie!!

I went to this address and it was still open just with a new name but still the same employees "The Hangout restaurant and bar" I was so happy to see my fave bartender Ana!

Cafe 21 was a spontaneous find for us. We were in the area and saw it had some great reviews so decided to check it out. Upon arrive the restaurant only had a few guests (perks of eating brunch on a weekday!!). There is outdoor and indoor seating. We sat outside because it was a beautiful sunny day. They have fans for when it's hot. Restaurant is pretty small so I can see long wait times during the weekend rush. Our server was very nice and helped answer our questions about the menu. Drinks: I ordered the amathus spritz, it's a gin drink with lavender, a little on the sweeter side but tasted good. My boyfriend got the paradise found with us mezcal. I'm not a big fan of mezcal, but he enjoyed the drink. They have pitcher options for a bigger party and flights of mojitos and mimosas as well. Food: we both got the corn and shrimp cake, DELICIOUS! Waiter said it was the best item on the menu and it didn't disappoint. We also shared the Dutch pancake with banana caramel. The pancake was great! It was thick and flavorful. Only reason I gave 4 starts is because the portions are small in comparison to the price. Most items range from $12-$16. Overall though, it's a great place to go for small bites and sharing! I hope to be back soon to try some other menu items. Parking: it can be difficult in this area especially on weekends. Cafe 21 does have a few dedicated parking spots in a lot right in front of the restaurant.

Came here for a cute little brunch date with my coworkers and was BLOWN AWAY. The food was absolutely amazing, so many complementing flavors and each dish really had its own pop. My dish was the shrimp corn cake and I literally licked the plate i could not get enough of it. The turmeric coffee was the best one I've had and I've tried it at many coffee shops. It had a great balance and look how freakin cute it looks!!! Our service was also impeccable. He went out of his way to help us choose dishes and checked on us multiple times. He also let a customer order a drink even tho it was after closing time, so easy to just turn her away but went out of his way to help her anyway! How kind can you be??? Cafe 21 also have their own parking lot with a few spots and I was able to park my car with ease, but it was also a weekday. Definitely will return!!! Thank you cafe 21, see you next week

Service is excellent, food and drinks are tasty and fun. Menu is mostly small plates (which I like so I don't over eat nor waste food), so it seems slightly pricey if you're used to getting larger portions. Would recommend if you're in the mood for a delicious brunch where you can share a variety of small plates. Coffee beverages are very tasty. My only negative is that my blueberry Dutch pancake was flat and didn't have the nice puffy edge everyone else seemed to get in their Yelp photos

Solid brunch food & beautifully crafted drinks albeit a bit pricey. Arrived Sat 8:15 am and took last of the few designated parkings for Cafe 21. Opted for outdoor dining which was spacious. The blueberries Dutch baby ($14) was fantastic: thin crust with slight burns on the edges, eggy & savory. Veggie power bowl ($14) was solid. The dishes were in small to medium portions which I like. Trained Dragon ($10) was an IG worthy drink though the expresso flavor was lost amidst all the exotic ingredients. Fast & friendly service, its also dog & flies friendly. Table fly fans kept the latter at bay. See short video below for better visuals. https://youtube.com/shorts/K4XcYpnIkVg?si=nJBN0o2DZEab1ITG

Delicious! Fun mimosa flight with rotating flavors. Our waiter said there's just under a bottle of champagne across the whole flight but I'm not too sure about that. I can say I was feeling it by the end of brunch though! Especially when you start tasting before the food gets to the table LOL. The enclosed outdoor patio has a nice ambience to it and it's nice to sit outside with the fresh air on a warm day. The avocado toast was simple but satisfying. I was looking on the menu for some bacon or a proper protein to add to it beside their meat options of turkey and chicken. I saw one other dish had prosciutto in it and knew that had be my addition. A side of bougie bacon please, as our waiter called it. He was great. I also got the Dutch pancake with half banana caramel and half blueberry. I liked that you could do half & half so I got the best of both worlds and didn't actually have to make a decision! The pancake is definitely served individual sized and most of the plates are not sized for sharing.

One of the best Brunch in San Diego! Very friendly and family oriented environment. Lucia was great, very thoughtful, and nice! The food was unique and excellent

Awesome spot for breakfast and lunch. The pear salad was great! Add chicken. It's moist and very tasty. Service is very pleasant.

This is tough bc I had a good time here with my daughter, I had to knock off stars for a few reasons: 1. When we arrived there was a sign saying to wait to be seated. So we waited outside for about 10min- without even before bf greeted. Apparently the host was busy elsewhere? Eventually I just asked the server if I could place a carry out order while waiting for a table- from there I was directed to the bar. As far as I could tell the place was not overly packed, and we were the only ones left waiting around for so long. 2. The food was great, and the bartender was amazingly helpful and accommodating . His service was great, but I'm wondering if we might have been overcharged mistakenly. We ordered a power veggie bowl (15), one Dutch pancake (15), one regular coffee (which I couldn't find a price for), and a child sized orange juice (also not listed on our menu). Later we added a side of eggs (no price found- but it was approx 2 eggs scrambled) bc we finished the food and it just wasn't enough (please consider that my daughter is 4yo) Altogether I ended up paying roughly $73. ... for an average sized female and preschooler- that's a very expensive meal that wasn't enough food that came with a lot of problem solving just to even get in and some willingness to self serve. We've been to this place a few times and each time it seems to be something similar- but this was the first time that I felt like it was so expensive! But it feels like an enchanted forest in the patio area, and they have some fun offerings like the color changing tea w/dry ice. It's a place with some really good potential,

Stopped by for a nice little breakfast on a wednesday morning. Wasn't too busy so we got seated right away. There were two staff doing all the seating ordering and food running yet they were very friendly! Ordered the shrimp corn cakes and lamb omelette. The food was rather bland. Both the omelette and the corn cakes as well as the cilantro sauce that paired with the shrimp cake. Everything needed a bit more salt or more seasoning with it. I kind of had to pair it with hot sauce or add in salt myself. Presentation was nice but the portions were quite small. It's a nice place, but we probably wouldn't come back based on portions, flavors and the price point. But the staff was very friendly!

Happened to be our breakfast spot for the last day of our trip to San Diego. We took a Lyft to the cafe. The parking lot didn't look that full though it belonged to the Liquor store next door and in case you would want to park to grab a bite, it'd have to be on the street. Got in and were seated close to the entrance and we requested for an inside seating and while we were moving to the table inside we grabbed seats at the bar (definitely recommend that!!!). Settled down and placed orders where we got intrigued with the tea and coffee selection that they had to offer. We ordered Peas of Mind and Trained Dragon respectively and they turned out to be so smooth and perfect even though they were Espresso at the heart of it. Followed that up with an order of the Blueberry Dutch Pancake ,along with Feta Omelette and a Strawberry Crepe. Each of these tasted so fresh and very organic at heart. We were told by Patrick who was tending the bar about how all the ingredients are sourced from the best possible and the end result definitely showed that. The Pancake had just the right amount of everything in it and tasted perfect. We did top it with some maple syrup though it would have been just fine without that as well. The omelette came with the sourdough bread and tasted that damn good. Being mesmerized with what we had already finished, we ended up ordering a Toast and Butter (side) and another Pancake (Banana Dutch, this time though) and these too were gone in no time. All this while we stuck some great conversations with Patrick that ranged from bar tending to mma to life skills and a plethora of more such. One of the best couple of hours spent while eating. The staff in general was amazing , very friendly and did make sure that we had a great time at the Cafe. Once again a big shoutout to Patrick and the entire team that make it happen day in and day out at the Cafe 21. Even if it happens to be out of the way for you, please do stop by!!!

Drinks were amazing and the tea presentation was awesome. Our waiter was kind and the rest of the staff was also so welcoming. It was tapas style food so be sure to order multiple items when in a group. We loved everything and can't wait to visit this place again. We had a whale watching show planned post breakfast so we were able to get a quick brunch to eat and head out. Hopefully next time we can spend more time here.

I knew this place would be 5 stars before actually eating there because I had been to their other location (now closed) and loved everything about it. This location is beautiful and the decor is on point, whimsical, romantic and comfortable. Our server Jason could not be better. He made recommendations, chatted and even did a little impromptu singing when a Madonna song came on. He had people signing along and just having a great time! The food... OMG, the food! Yes, they are small portions, yes it is expensive but worth every penny! Order the Shrimp Corn Cake and Dutch Pancakes (at. Minimum!). In all, this cafe is to die for and one of my most recommended places to eat at!

Cute little hole in the wall that's super busy and understandably so. They don't do reservations so the wait was a little long which was to be expected for a table for 5. Seating was limited and tight but that didn't stop the people from coming. That alone made me excited to try this place out. I was a little skeptical because it was mainly vegan food / options. After about a 20 minute wait, we were seated and our host quickly acknowledged us and let us know they'd be with us shortly: We ordered the photos and YUM. Food was good, drinks were better, and mimosa flight was strong ... just how I like it. My only cons were the food portions were so small and left us wanting more and there was only one bathroom. Way too many people there to have only one bathroom. Oh, and parking is limited as well but that's expected in San Diego.

The staff here is super friendly! I did not catch our waiters name but he was extremely attentive and kept giving us recommendations. Waiting to get sat was a little awkward though. A line developed while everyone waited for a hostess to show up. Other waiters would walk by and not acknowledge anyone at the entrance. We stood around for about 10 minutes before the hostess finally showed up to take names down. Luckily the wait wasn't long after that. The food here is great, just be aware that portions are very small. All sides must be purchased separately. I ordered an iced vanilla latte with coconut milk, which I would not order again as is. I'd rate it around a 4/10. It was presented beautifully, but it tasted off. It could be the coconut milk, I'd try it next time with regular milk. For my entree I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich with a side of the potato pancakes and they were both outstanding. The sandwiches are probably the best food to dollar ratio. The rest of the table regretted not getting a sandwich when they saw how small their portions were, as it was a sizable sandwich cut in half. The potato pancake was just one single pancake with a side of salsa. The salsa alone was 10/10. I even dipped my sandwich in it. I'm coming back just for the potato pancakes and that salsa. I'd rate the sandwich a 7/10 and the potato pancakes a 9/10. The restaurant itself is really cute. A majority of the tables were outdoors in a covered patio. Unfortunately there's some gaps between the weatherproofing covering the patio, and with the rain today we would get pretty wet when a strong gust of wind came through. I do hope they could fix that, as it made the overall experience less enjoyable. They were super busy and it's not like they had room to move us to another table, so we stayed where we were. I'd love to come back on a nice sunny day. It seems like the perfect spot for a late morning date or a boozy brunch with friends!

Never been to this location, came here for a ladies brunch. It was beautiful little cafe, cute setting, smaller place relatively. Tons of parking around the cafe. The food was very delicious ( total 8+ women and everyone loved their food). The portions are small, very small- tapa size so one person can easily have two dishes. Their house coffee is very good. The service was great, out server was amazing, very attentive...checked on us every now n then( not the annoying every few minutes kind), making sure we had enough drinks n water. Was able to do individual checks for each person which was great because not many places do these days. I would recommend this place and definitely come back

A compilation of coffees I've enjoyed at Cafe 21 over the past couple of visits. Picture this: cute glasses, vibrant colors, and tons of character in every drink. My absolute fave? The Trained Dragon - it's a flavor party with a dried orange slice and fresh mint to cleanse your palate. The service is exceptional; all servers are kind and attentive, a welcoming atmosphere where they don't rush you to pay your bill. Peas of Mind~ PEAS OF MIND | V | {HOT} Espresso, Butterfly Pea, Lavender Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk TRAINED DRAGON | V | {HOT} Espresso, Pitaya,Rose Syrup, Almond + Coconut Milk

Pre-post pandemic this is one of my go to places. I have been coming here since they opened their doors, so I have seen the place grow and expand in their menus. The patio was extended due to the small space inside - and it's cozy and inviting of the creativity of space and food. I have brought many friends here because they have a dynamic brunch and dinner menu. Any of the omelettes, egg dishes are a must if you like eggs. I love their Benedict's, straws berry salad when strawberries are in season, pear salad. Make sure to ask if the pears are ripe and soft. Sometimes the pears are a hit or miss. Often I order the dressing on the side because I don't like my greens swimming in sauce. The salad is a pretty good size. The price and value is a personal choice, it's a little bit high Thou I hope it satisfies your palette. My favorite hot sandwich is the Monte Cristo! Melted cheese and buttery bread, when you bite into it it's crunchy, soft and packed with delicious in one bite. It's so good you want to eat fast, refrain and enjoy each bite. I also have had dinners here numerous time and cannot remember what I have had because sometimes it changes. Service is excellent, friendly and depends who your server is they can be entertaining and even sing a loud Happy Birthday! Parking, limited in the lot since they share with a liquor store. Depending on day and time, you will be able to find parking within the neighborhood. Let your palate go on an adventures with the flavors of Cafe 21. This is a very special place for me filled with memories and laughter.

Cafe 21 is awesome! I've been here twice and have enjoyed the food and service so much both times. We ordered the: - Shrimp Corn Cake: Sooo delicious! I 100% recommend everyone to try this dish! The cake comes out with a crispy exterior and it has great texture because of the corn and shrimp pieces. The cilantro cream sauce is so creamy and compliments the cake so well. Get a bite with some cake, sauce, pickled onion, and greens and you're golden! $15 - Lamb Kufta Omelet: I am not a fan of goat cheese, so this was not my favorite but my boyfriend enjoyed it. The egg was fluffy and lamb was tender. $16 Not pictured, during our past visit to Cafe 21, we've also tried the tiramisu pancake and the short rib omelet. Both were very good and I would definitely recommend trying! Fast and friendly service. A good amount of seating in a their patio and some seats inside at the bar as well. Decor is also very cool! Great place to visit for brunch or lunch!

Food was good, ordered everything recommended by our waitress and wasn't disappointed. Busy and loud but they accommodated us immediately at peak brunch time on a Sunday when it was slightly drizzling so I'm hugely appreciative. Personally didn't love the flower petal chunkies in my latte and ended up scooping most of them out. If we come back, the Bloody Mary's look really good.

Such a gorgeous and unique ambiance. Perfect place for brunch with a group of friends that enjoy perfectly crafted drinks and small plates to share. Service was attentive and had a strong team effort. A new go to and perfect place to suggest for others.

Wonderful brunch spot. The drink flights are so creative! Service is very helpful and friendly, if you are having trouble deciding what to order. The food is mostly small plates (think "generous Tapas" portions). You can order an item or two for one person or share several items amongst a small group. It is covered patio seating, so wear a sweater this time of year.

We went for Saturday brunch at 11am and waited for around 15 minutes for a table which was not bad at all considering it was a weekend brunch time. I would best describe the food portion here as flights. They come in smaller portions but it means you can try more variety of food. The Shrimp Corn Cake and the Short Rib Crumpet were both really delicious. The Tiramisu Pancakes are tasty but are smaller than you would expect. The drinks here is a must order! Not only do they tastes interesting with ingredients like butterfly pea tea, lavender etc. but they also look super aesthetically pleasing. We ordered a hot Trained Dragon and an iced Peas of Mind. We sat outside in the covered patio area which was really nice because the sunlight comes through and with strings lights above us.