Great Maple - Hillcrest

American restaurant · San Diego

Great Maple - Hillcrest

American restaurant · San Diego

1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103

Highlights

Great Maple is a buzzing contemporary diner serving indulgent comfort food with a twist, from fluffy pancakes to savory brisket hash, all in a lively, casual atmosphere.

1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 Get directions

thegreatmaple.com

@greatmaple_hillcrest

$$ · Menu

Reserve

@michelinguide

"Take the classic 50s diner, add a little swagger and you get Great Maple. It is one of four outlets statewide, but this particular location is always buzzing. Be warned though as parking and counter seats are coveted, so plan ahead.Three-course chef dinners on Mondays; burger and beer nights on Wednesdays; and prime rib Fridays are popular, but it’s also great at brunch. Fruity Pebbles pancakes, lolliwaffles on a stick and maple-bacon donuts are sweet-tooth satisfiers. Late night? Sip a Bloody Mary and tuck in to the brisket popover, a fluffy base with tender smoked meat, poached eggs and béarnaise that will cure what ails you. Seasonal dessert pies are all the rage—including the Valencia orange cream with a pistachio- and brown butter-shortbread crust." - Michelin Inspector

Great Maple

View Postcard for Great Maple - Hillcrest

@eater

"Diners have a reputation for being open 24/7, even on Mondays. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, head to Great Maple at either their Hillcrest or La Jolla locations. Open on Monday for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant still garners a bit of a wait so reservations are recommended." - Darlene Horn

San Diego Restaurants That Are Open on Monday Nights - Eater San Diego

View Postcard for Great Maple - Hillcrest

@eater

"Slices like key lime pie are offered daily while others like chocolate cream are monthly specials at this modish mid-century diner at its Hillcrest location. Craving more than just a slice? Whole pies for pickup require 48-hour advance notice." - Darlene Horn

15 Essential San Diego Pie Shops and Purveyors - Eater San Diego

View Postcard for Great Maple - Hillcrest

@eater

"The Hillcrest eatery is staying open for takeout/curbside pickup with daytime hours running Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner service from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights." - Candice Woo, Darlene Horn

58 San Diego Eateries Adding Takeout and Delivery Options - Eater San Diego

View Postcard for Great Maple - Hillcrest

@eater

"Great Maple’s popular bunch is ideal for someone who had too much to drink the night before: its large menu caters to the indecisive and its larger-than-life breakfast options are a little “too much” for everyday eating but just right for setting a hangover straight. Bonus points for the grilled octopus leg Bloody Mary." - Jackie Bryant

Where to Beat a Hangover in San Diego - Eater San Diego

View Postcard for Great Maple - Hillcrest

aisoli

Google

Always a great time at Great Maple! All of the hosts were extremely nice, polite, and had great attitude. Special shout out to our waiter Jenny who was kind, attentive, expeditious, and amazing the whole time! The smoked bacon scramble melt and the house smoked brisket hash were delicious. Can’t wait to come back!

Kelly

Google

We loved this place! It felt very dinery—the vibe, the bustle, the WAY TOO GENEROUS portion sizes—but the menu was not confined to diner staples by any stretch. Everything was surprising and fun and sounded delicious. Even better, it WAS delicious! Brunch cocktail game was on point too. I have to come back, that's for dang sure.

Carlos Daniel Lopez

Google

Best breakfast place in SD! We had salmon toast, maple-bacon french toast logs, chilaquiles, and brisket hash! Everything was amazing. We were pleasantly surprised by the level of quality! Shout out to our server, Breanne, who treated us so nicely even though she had a full section!

Patrick McElroy

Google

We went to Great Maple on a Thursday morning at about 0930. We did not have reservations but were able to be seated immediately on the patio. Could have also sat at the counter. 5 star customer service right there. However I highly recommend that if you’re going to go after 1000 or on a weekend you book in advance. Very popular spot. The Moroccan Iced Tea was amazing. Highly recommend. I didn’t care for the Johnny’s Kentucky Spirit. It was a touch too bourbon forward for me at 0930 and neither the orange or berries were strong enough to balance the drink. This is my fault as I had preconceived notions. The House Smoked Brisket Hash was under seasoned for my taste and served a little under temperature. I didn’t think the hollandaise had enough acid or my palette. This is not to say it wasn’t good. The toast was perfect as were the poached eggs and bacon. Because I’m a glutton I ordered the key lime pie even though I was full. The filling was divine and the perfect tartness. All in all I would most certainly go again. The atmosphere and service were spot on. Next time I’ll just try new things that caught my eye.

Juan Luis Gutierrez

Google

After years of anticipation, I finally had the chance to indulge in a late breakfast at The Great Maple in Hillcrest. This popular spot didn’t disappoint! We opted for the Pigs in a Blanket and the Brisket Scramble, and both dishes were absolute winners. The savory, flavorful combination of ingredients in each dish was simply divine. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, perfect for a leisurely meal. While the wait time was a bit longer than expected, the quality of the food made it worth the wait. If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying brunch experience in San Diego, I highly recommend giving The Great Maple a try. I also strongly recommend the Salted Caramel Budino con Panna.

Michelle Shao

Google

We headed to the restaurant directly from the airport for breakfast, and it definitely dissolved our fatigues from the early flight. We had the scrambled eggs with basil and tomatoes, it was really refreshing. We also ordered the pig in a blanket, it was unexpectedly delicious, the sausage inside was very flavourful and not dry at all. The portions were huge, it filled us up for hours! If you order the house blend coffee, it will be unlimited free refills. We also got served by the nicest staff which is always a plus. Overall a very nice breakfast and brunch place, will definitely recommend and come back to try out the cocktails!

Romeo Cendana

Google

For appetizer we ordered crispy calamari. For main dish we tried the Maple French toast log, Smoked brisket and Hardwood Smoked Bacon Scrambled omelet. For drinks: Frosted Blueberry Bulleit and a hot chocolate. This place doesn't miss. Everything was amazing. Went early to avoid any lines and had an excellent experience.

Jason Brooks

Google

Had a little brunch at the bar here and was really impressed with everything. The vegan hash is a really great dish but bring your appetite. If you're not looking totally vegan, you can add protein or an egg and I added fried jalapenos also. Had a seasonal drink that was an Apple Mule (name?). The staff was even more impressive than the food. Really welcoming and friendly.

Jemiah J.

Yelp

Went here for brunch, and it truly hit the spot! I had their avocado feta toast that's topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and tangy pickled onions on a ciabatta bread. The bread was incredibly fluffy and fresh, and the avocado was perfectly seasoned. I highly recommend giving it a try. I also ordered a soy latte, which was delicious. My husband and friends opted for Great Maple's regular black coffee, and they were impressed by its rich dark roast and lovely flavor. I took a sip of my husband's coffee and completely agree! My husband ordered the Great Maple French Toast Logs, and they were enormous--fluffy, drizzled with syrup, and accompanied by slices of bacon and fresh blueberries. There was more than enough to share, and we took some home. For the table, we shared the French Apple Pie Pancakes. They were packed with flavor, though I found them a bit chewy. However, my friend really enjoyed them. The restaurant offers a parking lot, which is super convenient. I highly recommend making reservations, as this place gets busy--and for good reason! With Michelin stars to its name, the food is not only great but also generously portioned. Come hungry and expect friendly service and a warm, inviting atmosphere when you dine at Great Maple.

Digna C.

Yelp

Service and food was great. Need to do a little renovation and parking was not good. The restaurant only had one handicap parking and maybe 10 - 12 parking spaces. Then you will have to drive around for parking. It's very hard for a party with person using a walker and 88 years old. I understand I can put my hazard lights on, walk her out to the bench and have her wait there (it was a little chilly, no waiting area inside) and drive around for parking. Other than that, we enjoyed it.

Annalise A.

Yelp

In short: Great place! Super fast service! Nice waiter Amazing food! I would go back anytime My friend recommended this place and I'm so glad she did! It was definitely the best breakfast we had in San Diego on our 3 day trip. First off our waiter was great and explained the menu and let me know when I ordered his favorite stuff, yay! Always a good sign. The food came out so fast! Like 5 min? Plates looked beautiful! I had the chorizo scramble melt which was delicious! It came with a large slice of fresh ciabatta bread with the perfect texture, soft with a crunch when you bite into it. It also came with possible the best Rosemary breakfast potatoes I've ever had- perfectly seasoned and had enough salt! Yay lol, and fruit garnish. My boyfriend had the smoked brisket hash and he loved it. It contained a nicely smoked brisket, bacon, Yukon potatoes, onions, tomatoes, kale, eggs with a red pepper sauce on top and a slice of that amazing ciabatta bread. We tried a classic mimosa and the caramelized pineapple mimosa, which was our waiters favorite. He let us know they have a heavy pour. So if you like champagne give them a shot! We will return when we are back in the area. Thanks guys for this perfect breakfast experience!

Kristine S.

Yelp

Great place for Brunch. We went for brunch and had more lunch type entrees. There was a wait but went quickly. Menu had alot of great choices and it was hard to decide on a meal. Food was excellent and portion sizes were huge so bring your appetite. Service was a bit slow but didn't take away from meal. Can't wait to come back again and try other choices. We saw as we walked out that it was a michelin star restaurant and the unique flavors definitely lived up to the distinction. Meals are pricey but well worth it.

Ada S.

Yelp

Every time my friend pops in for a visit, it is imperative that we come to Great Maple for brunch before she leaves. Which I appreciate very much because it gives us the sweetest excuse to get their maple bacon donuts (fav flavor of donut 4lyfe). They are so big and fluffy. I tried their zero proof drink, and it was pretty good if your into tequila flavor because it's def there! I ordered the vegan hash which was full of flavors and def enough for left overs.

Maryan O.

Yelp

Been here twice and each time I enjoyed my meal and service. The staff here are friendly and the food always comes out fresh and rather quickly for how incredible busy it always is. My favorite bite here has to be the beignets. As someone that grew up eating sweets similar to in my culture, I tend to have be picky on what a good beignet tastes like. And theirs hit the mark. It was so fluffy with the sugar glaze coating it being just the right amount of sweetness. There's a lemon dip that came with it but my friend and I found it a bit too strong for us and the beignets taste perfect as is. Just beware the mess of the powdered sugar!

Hanna S.

Yelp

The first time I went to Great Maple it was actually their UTC location (which has since closed), but I remembered eating a FABULOUS fried chicken sandwich there and was craving it so I visited the Hillcrest location recently. Unfortunately, it wasn't as magical as I had remembered it, but this place is still pretty solid. It's not mind-blowing, but the portions are HUGE and everything I tried was good. French toast logs are great because they aren't drenched. Service was also great, but expect a LONG wait if you don't have a reservation.

Mark C.

Yelp

Listen up, folks. Captain 619 in the house, and I'm here to drop some serious wisdom about my latest excursion in Hillcrest. This joint, Great Maple, it's got that trendy vibe that'll make you feel like a million bucks. Took my queen there, and let me tell ya, it was a blast. I'm already scheming for round two; I gotta get my hands on those Caramel Pork Ribs. This time, we went for the Double Cluck, and I was ready to dive in headfirst. But the queen, she's got the brakes on me, said to slow my roll. Didn't even get to sample those Maple Bacon Donuts or the Apple Pie--what a shame! Could've loaded up the whole table with the must-tries from the menu, no doubt about it. Our guy Marcos was running the show, and let me tell ya, he was smooth and quick on the draw. If you're looking for a good time and some killer eats, you gotta check this place out. Capisce?

Dee A.

Yelp

Service & food was amazing! Portions are large - definitely get what you pay for. The hash and the eggnog espresso martini were

Jason G.

Yelp

Called to check on wait time and if they took reservations as we were about 35 minutes away. Person on phone said they DO NOT take reservations and that there was no wait. So we headed over. Upon arrival the host greeted us and asked if we had a reservation? I said no as we had just called and were told they don't take them. He said they do take and recommend them and the wait would be 30 minutes for a table. Frustrating when you try to get in a place and they make it difficult!!

Eric P.

Yelp

Fantastic! Had a reservation and after just a small wait we were seated. Definitely recommend a reservation as this place gets packed and is busyyyyy! The service was great and our server was spot on providing great service from beginning to end. They offer a variety of options to choose from but let me tell you. If you love French toast, you will not be disappointed! It's fantastic, just the right amount of syrup and the bacon on top is a great addition. Because of the holidays they have a holiday drink menu. The egg nog espresso martini was great! Just the right flavors all around. The cinnamon stick was a great touch on top. I wish I could have had another!

Bree W.

Yelp

Food was great! The portions are insane. The menu is full but simple so its not overwhelming which is nice. The beignets werent like ive had before but really spectacular. Parking is rough but the place is super cute. There was a lot going on so i didnt see the server a ton but they were nice. I really loved the salted caramel on my latte but the coffee was bitter, almost like it was burnt. There are lots of alcohol options if youre into that that looked really tasty. Overall would recommend this place for brunch- but make reservations!

Sheltiemomm S.

Yelp

Food: Pork Sausages are juicy, bursting with/fresh flavor, love how they marry with the buttermilk pancakes. Thoroughly enjoyed their amply dressed Caesar Salad, mini-style. Service: Jasmine- almost unreal, patient, generously welcoming, even just before closing. Ambiance: Old school vibe, busy but not cluttered. Must return at least 67 times to explore the tempting menu!

Brandon T.

Yelp

WoW... Just WOW. The food was incredible, the service was great, and what a fun retro diner feel here. Our team of 9 made reservations ahead of time and sat outside... Food came quickly and at the same time. Parking is limited here on site with 2 handicapped spots, so plan on maybe a small walk if it's busy. 10/10 would recommend.

Megan F.

Yelp

I've been wanting to try this spot for a while so was excited to finally go. It is super cute with a great vibe and was charmingly decorated for the holidays. We went on a Monday for breakfast/ brunch and there are so many delicious things to try on the menu. I went with the squash blossom Benedict with special hollandaise and it was so good. They were great about making it without mushrooms for me and we had excellent service. They have a tiny parking lot out front and it was a lovey cheery cozy spot with good food. I plan to go back for another round and remember photos this time but I was distracted by eating and such a good vibe! Great indeed!

Tiffany P.

Yelp

Elevated breakfast options and cozy environment. We loved the polenta and squash blossom meals (though the latter only included 1 blossom which was a bummer). My kids inhaled their sliders and pancakes. My only wish is that they offered a savory side option since they all looked amazing, but I wasn't about to order a separate $20 meal just for a few bites.

Diane T.

Yelp

Hearty delicious food & certain all my yelper buddies that you'll never leave hungry!! Most savory choices are decadent, although not missing much in the way of calories! All the servers are most friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging! Rarely without lines, call at least an hour ahead to reserve, especially for indoor dining. Impossible not to feel the joy and share in the convivial atmosphere here at the great maple....unless you're the grinch!

Genie N.

Yelp

Came in on our way to another establishment and so glad we did as this has been on my bucket foodie list for ages!! After a brief hello we were guided to a small table for two where we perused our menus. The atmosphere is quaint, trendy and hospitable all at once, a nod to the past without being stuffy..think dinette's meet a bar; an iconic mashup here peeps! Oh and then the food!!! Oh the drinks!!! There's something for everyone!!! We ordered and within 10 minutes or so our food arrived. I had the vegan bowl and hubs had buttermilk pancakes with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream. We also enjoyed a cappuccino with our brunch, delicious, all of it! For sure we will be back!!!

Norbert K.

Yelp

The San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW) Lunch Menu ($20 for two courses) attracted us to our first lunch at Great Maple. We've had dinner here frequently. ----- FOOD (4/5) For our Starters, we chose: Sweet Potato Sage Soup (5/5) -- All around a winner! Crispy Smoked Pork Belly and Blue Salad (4/5) -- Delicious pork belly chunks, crispy on the outside and soft inside, served over fresh arugula with crumbled blue cheese, pomegranates and a balsamic vinaigrette. Our Main Dishes were ... Autumn Squash and Thyme Chicken Hash (4/5) -- Two perfectly poached eggs over Yukon Gold potatoes, chicken, butternut squash, and charred kale, accompanied by a large slice of grilled ciabatta. Sadly, the thyme flavor was missing. French Dip Trio (4/5) -- The slow roasted rib eye on a French roll was excellent. Great French fries and crispy onions accompanied the sandwich, as did a small side salad. BTW this was the only SDRW menu item that's on Great Maple's regular Lunch Menu. ----- SERVICE (4/5) Great Maple was very busy. Our server did a very good job overall. ----- AMBIANCE (3/5) This was our first time sitting on the west patio. It's definitely quieter than sitting inside, but it is streetside behind a fence with traffic noise from Washington.

Ryan C.

Yelp

I've came here many times and each time the food never disappoints me. The waitress checked up on us multiple time to see if we were okay which is nice. The seats outside have heat lamps and there is also indoor seating but there is a longer wait to be seated. Only issue is that the bathrooms always have a line to get in.

Nancy T.

Yelp

LOVE THE FOOD AND AMBIANCE HERE!!! The service is also exceptional. We always come with a handful in our party so we can order and try all of the things!

Hannah N.

Yelp

If you are coming here for breakfast or brunch make sure to come hungry because these dishes are huge! We love walking over to this spot for brunch on the weekends but it does get busy. Sometimes we can snag a last minute reservation if it is later in the morning especially if it is just for 2 people. Everytime we go we have to indulge in one of their brunch cocktails because they are always super good and sometimes they even have some seasonal inspired drinks and menu items as well that are always worth trying. This time around I had to finally order the french toast that comes with blueberries and bacon and holy cow this was probably the best french toast I have ever had! I had plenty of leftovers and they were still so good, it will definitely be something that I order again in the future.

Avelino C.

Yelp

I decided to try this place out for breakfast because I've been told by quite a few people that it is an excellent restaurant. I was lucky to get a reservation for breakfast because I guess it gets sold out. The young lady that helped me is Stef. She was so sweet and perfectly attentive. Not too much and not to little but just the right amount of attention. I ordered the pate and baguette with arugula, cranberries and pickles and I ordered two eggs over easy and some chicken sausage. The eggs were cooked perfect and the sausage is excellent and juicy. The pickles remind me of the lunch that I had in France. The arugula is fresh and crisp. The bread is warm and delicious and the pate is obviously made in house and fantastic. The cranberry marmalade is also obviously made in house and is sweet and tart and perfect.

Jenelle s.

Yelp

Made reservations for Sunday brunch with friends. Parking is a bit tight, with a small lot in front of the restaurant and some street parking. Best to make a reservation because as we left around 11:30 there were a lot of people waiting for the walk-in tables. Food was great with LARGE portions. I ordered the chilaquiles and had the maple donuts to share. The chilaquiles were great with pork chorizo mixed in with the egg. The maple donuts were filling and soft. One donut was more than enough for me. The inside of the restaurant is a bit tight. We were seating in a booth but I noticed people passing by close to the edge of the table. Add this to the fact that the restaurant was full and it was really busy.

Monica P.

Yelp

Love this place! We come often. Never let us down! Portions are huge! I love that you can order off both menus. Parking gets awful on weekends. You may have to drive around a bit. Indoor and outdoor seating. There was nothing we didn't like. The AC was not working well when we went last weekend I hope they fixed it. Loved the polenta! Loved the French toast! Loved the avocado toast, loved the French dip! The donuts are a must to share as a starter. We started with 6 of us and there was still half a donut left. The chicken sandwich needed a bit more flavor. It needed a kick. The servers felt a bit slammed. They are nice just overworked a couple of times we were waiting. Ranch dressing is good. Great variety of drinks is great! No one got the chilaquiles this time but those are always a hit!

Gena M.

Yelp

Got here right at open and was seated right away. The service was amazing and timely with refills The food quality was amazing. Fresh ingredients- produce - make the meal a delight.

Tania C.

Yelp

Great place for brunch. They have great service and food was delicious. Ambiance was really nice as well. Very casual to have a great time. If you are in this area, try them out. Happy meals!

Candace C.

Yelp

Came back for brunch, made a reservation and the food was much better from a savory dish perspective. The portions are huge here! Not mad about that, we took leftovers home. We had to get the donuts and the bacon on them was yummy. Donuts were $16. The brisket hashes were yummy (got the Provence brisket hash and the smoked brisket hash), they were both 26-27$ and I got the Provence succotash squash hash. Ordered coffees and fresh squeezed OJ. Service was really good, our server was kind and made sure she took care of us. We were seated at a booth inside and the table was a little tight but not unmanageable.

Arianne G.

Yelp

By far the best brunch/ breakfast spot I've had. My husband and I flew from Sac just to come back to this spot & we still enjoyed the food & ambiance just as much as the first time. Forgot the name of what I ordered, but I know it had briskets with it. It was quite a heavy meal so I would suggest sharing this along with another brunch favorites! Instagram worthy interior design & the seats are so comfortable!

Monique L.

Yelp

Went to Great Maple yesterday and wow, we had some delicious meals. They were so good. I'm pretty sure I had the zucchini melt It was so flavorful and light. I changed my eggs to be scrambled but it comes with poached eggs I believe. My friend had the Smoked Bacon Scramble Melt. He liked it but wasn't overly impressed. He substituted some things in the dish. His main takeaway was that he was expecting bacon pieces but it turned out to be bacon strips which made it less convenient to eat. We also ordered the French Apple Pancakes which I believe might be seasonal. The picture I took shows it being half gone cause I forgot to take the picture before we ate them. We almost didn't get them for some reason. Not sure if the waiter forgot or the kitchen forgot but we eventually got them. I am so glad we did cause they were the best thing we ate there in my opinion. I just looked at door dash and they don't have them on there so I'd have to call in an order or go in store again. You can make reservations on Open Table and I would suggest you do that. It was packed on Saturday morning at 11am. I'm not going to lie, the flies were getting on my last nerves. We sat inside so we could avoid them but I think because of where we were seating, the flies were doing too much. My friend ended up leaving his leftovers because a fly landed in them. I hurried up and ask for a box so I could protect mine. The server was super nice and patient. I have dietary restrictions so I took some time with the menu. He was up for giving me more time but I was ready to eat. I would definitely go back just for the pancakes but order to go so I can eat them at home.

Kyle I.

Yelp

We recently had breakfast at Great Maple, and it was a fantastic experience. I went with the French Toast Logs, which were enormous. easily enough to serve four people. My wife had a frittata, and it was really good. The service was excellent, especially considering we had a huge party. The staff made sure everyone was well taken care of. Would definitely go again!

Sammi L.

Yelp

We came to Great Maple after hearing rave reviews - and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The smoked beef brisket hash is out of control. It's nice to enjoy a calmer brunch service on a weekday and super convenient to be able to reserve ahead of time. Staff were warm and attentive, and we were served pretty quickly. I was skeptical at portion size when I first saw the zucchini scramble, but it was filling and really flavorful. My partner rarely leaves food on a plate, but even the brisket hash bested him - truly quality and quantity. The booths ate comfortable, and it's nice to have indoor and outdoor seating - seems good for groups and families, too. We'll definitely be back our next SD trip!

Ashley H.

Yelp

My friends and I came here for a wedding and wanted to get brunch before. A couple of days ago, I found this place and attempted to make a reservation online on Opentable. However, the times on Opentable was a bit later than we would like, so I called the restaurant and was able to manually make the reservation at the time that we want. The portion here was big, so my bf and I shared the Brisket Hash with a side of egg and honestly, we almost didn't finish the food. We also got a order of Beignet for the table. We came during Halloween weekend so they also had seasonal drinks. I thought those were very creative!

Krysten N.

Yelp

The positions here are humongous! We got the beignets and there was no way to finish them between two people. They were very good though. A bit heavier and doughier than New Orlean ones. Then I had the hash. That was good but lots of it! And the atmosphere is like a diner. Very casual and noisy. Not sure it's worth the wait for me.

Leslie G.

Yelp

Best breakfast I've had in a long time!! The chilaquiles were huge! The eggs and chorizo full of flavor over a generous serving of chips. I could Barely eat half so leftovers for dinner! My partner had a scramble and it was good but not quite as flavorful. Again huge portion. Service was off the charts great! From hostess thru entire experience. Cute ambiance and if you come early easy parking upfront! Can't wait to go back and try more!

Elle V.

Yelp

Yelp hasn't listened to reviewers and given us the option for 1/2 stars, so a 3 it is. The 3 is based on the total experience: wait time, ambiance, and food. Wait time was longer than estimated, but it was curious that the moment we inquired we were offered a table. Suspect. Ambiance took a hit bc it was so loud we could not talk with our companions. They are the reason we were in San Diego, so this also detracted. Now, the food is good and servings are massive. An order of French toast logs (yes logs) serves a table of four. The squash blossom with squash was eh. Under seasoned and underwhelming. The special omelette was too cheesy, blanketing the vegetables the omelette highlighted. And finally, the chicken sandwich as good, but fried too long and dry. GM is a neighborhood restaurant that wants to be trendy and upscale, but it's not there. Best decision we made was churro donuts as an app.

Cerena P.

Yelp

Oh wow was this place good! Get there early as it starts getting pretty busy around 9:30. The menu is a bit limited but whatever you get will be a hit! They also have a large drink menu as well. They have a baker in house so I decided to try the quiche and it was the best quiche I've ever had. Soooo delicious and had outstanding crust. It was cooked perfectly and had fantastic flavor as well. The portions here are huge! You won't leave hungry! The chorizo scramble is another favorite! They have breakfast appetizers but beware it's a huge portion! I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu, everything I tried was so good and fresh. Service was great, drinks were great, and ambiance was cozy. This place is a win for me.

Melyna S.

Yelp

I lived in San Diego for so long and it wasn't until almost 9 years of moving away did I finally get to experience Great Maple! First, parking is insane!!! It's located on a corner with a small lot surrounded by main streets. So parking is not easy, especially on a Sunday during brunch. Love that you can easily make reservations through Open Table - totally recommend! We were seated right away for our 12pm reservation. The food was delicious! It's a lot, but it was so good! The mimosa flight seasonal flavors were also just as good! Plenty of umbrellas on the patio to shield you from the sun and amazing service, including staff readily willing to move umbrellas around to share the shade with as many people as possible. Everyone in our group loved their meals and the flavor! It's a small menu, but sometimes it's better to have less options if the food is perfected!

Josue V.

Yelp

I love Great Maple! The real star and must get item of this spot are the Maple Bacon Donuts. Do not let the decadence of the donuts deter you from trying them out. The donuts are made fresh to order, being warm, chewy, doughy, and slightly crispy to the bite. The maple coating pairs excellently with the bacon. I am not a fan of incredibly sweet treats, and this donut is not overwhelming in terms of sweetness or greasiness. Yes, there is a lot going on, but it does not eat too heavy. I love these! I am not a donut person, but these donuts make a donut person while I dine in (team bagel!). Pair these with their lattes and you are in for a wonderful experience. In addition to their donuts, I have eaten the Great Maple French Toast Logs and Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich. These two items did not knock my socks off, but the servings were huge, and they were both great - they do not reinvent the wheel, but you do not always need to do so. I have sampled their Pigs in a Blanket and Great Maple BLT from my friends' plates - they were both great as well. Their service is excellent, and I really enjoy the coziness and ambiance of this spot. Parking is a hit or miss, but it is not as bad compared to other spots for this area. Overall, Great Maple offers something for those craving something sweet or savory and something for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Great Maple is a staple in this area of San Diego! An easy 5/5!

Caitlin B.

Yelp

This was one of the first places I ate dinner at in San Diego. I've been here multiple times for dinner and for brunch and each and every time the food and service is amazing. So glad they kept their outdoor area open even after COVID love being able to sit outside. This review is for my most recent trip here which was a Friday afternoon/morning for brunch. I was super surprised that there was a 20ish minute wait but 100 percent with the wait! The menu is so cute and honestly everything on it sounds amazing. My friend and I went with a sweet and a savory dish to split. She also got some fancy Carmel latte that I tasted and it was really good. We got the Hardwood smoked bacon scramble melt that came with seasoned potatoes and a nice thick slice of bread and we got some apple crumble pancakes. Can I say the portions for the price is amazing they are huge. You are not leaving here hungry. Hands down the best brunch place in SD for food! I will say their cocktails are a tad overpriced and I just decide not to drink here lol. I'll make myself a mimosa at home. Also the service is amazing. I will say I went to Fig Tree the weekend before and I left hungry for the same price.

Lisa P.

Yelp

The service was amazing. We enjoyed your meal without feeling rushed. The French toast with chicken was tasty and delicious. It was a surprise because I'm not a French toast person but rather a pancake type person. The ambiance was not quiet but we're still able to talk to each other and listen. The place is very busy! Great place to dine and give this place a try you won't be disappointed.

Tommy T.

Yelp

This is a really popular spot in SD and has been a staple for years. Come early or call to check on the wait as sometimes it can be hours. The service is friendly and they do a good job considering how busy they are all the time. The menu has a wide variety of options, but I mainly stick to the breakfast items. The French toast is probably the most popular, and I would definitely recommend it. It is a large portion that is great for sharing. Anything else I get has to include some bacon as they do bacon right, and it is always crispy and delicious. I'll definitely find myself back here with friends in the near future!

Ann Q.

Yelp

Friendly customer service, came in during their busy hours and the wait wasn't too bad. My party had 7 people and it was a 20 minute wait during 10AM on a Friday. The food was good, enough for feed 2 possibly 3 people. Their lattes were delicious. It was loud but expected when it's a full house. Also, appreciated that their restroom was clean.

Julie D.

Yelp

I loved everything about the Great Maple! We sat outside in their large patio and enjoyed Food and drink! A very popular spot, we snuck in around 10am on a weekend and didn't have to wait for a table for the two of us. Make sure to go early if you have a larger group! The menu had the classics and fun entrees with a twist.

Kevin Z.

Yelp

I really enjoyed the brunch. We tried the pigs in a blanket, brisket hash. Both really good with the pigs in a blanket having really nice buttermilk pancakes and the has filled with brisket. They have a lot of bloody marys that I want to try next time.

Vicki A.

Yelp

It's been a long time since I've reviewed this place. Like years. We go here at least once a year as a tradition. I like this place, but so many things are a miss. The Great - Maple Doughnuts The Good - The Food The Bad - They don't really update much on their menu over the years The Ugly - NA I do enjoy the food at the Great Maple, but changes rarely happen, so things are same-ol-same-ol. I appreciate they delicious coffee and the cheery atmosphere!

Tracy Ann J.

Yelp

Wow, what a wonderful experience! This was our 1st visit to this lovely "breakfast spot" for us anyway. Michelle was our server and was full of personality. She went over the menu with us and honey and I split a breakfast plus bengeits (sp). The next time we saw Michelle she was shaking bengeits tableside! The coffee was excellent with added scratch caramel. The bengeits came with homemade Lemon Curd! One of my faves. Everything was perfectly prepared. Thank you Great Maple for making it a great breakfast for Honey and I. 5

Sheila J.

Yelp

We ended up dining on the outside patio. The interior is decorated very nicely. I'll be back to try the Mimosa flight. There was a wait to be seated, but we went during prime brunch time. We ended up getting seated after 35 minutes. We ordered the Chilaquiles and the breakfast toast. Both of which were yummy. For drinks, my sister ordered the mocha and I had the elderflower guava mimosa. I always love places that have different mimosas outside of the usual so that was a plus. This is located in Hillcrest, which is centrally located. I would highly recommend coming here List of items to order where extensive. We also ended up having the churro donuts which were absolutely delicious and enough or more than enough rather for two.

Ilay B.

Yelp

It's not the first and not the second time that I visited this place. The waiting time is not bad according to Sunday food is fresh and came fast. Great place for brunch or breakfast!!

@michelinguide

Great Maple

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aisoli

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Jemiah J.

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Maryan O.

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Hanna S.

Yelp

Mark C.

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Dee A.

Yelp

Service & food was amazing! Portions are large - definitely get what you pay for. The hash and the eggnog espresso martini were

Jason G.

Yelp

Eric P.

Yelp

Bree W.

Yelp

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Tiffany P.

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Diane T.

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Genie N.

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Norbert K.

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Ryan C.

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Nancy T.

Yelp

LOVE THE FOOD AND AMBIANCE HERE!!! The service is also exceptional. We always come with a handful in our party so we can order and try all of the things!

Hannah N.

Yelp

Avelino C.

Yelp

Jenelle s.

Yelp

Monica P.

Yelp

Gena M.

Yelp

Got here right at open and was seated right away. The service was amazing and timely with refills The food quality was amazing. Fresh ingredients- produce - make the meal a delight.

Tania C.

Yelp

Great place for brunch. They have great service and food was delicious. Ambiance was really nice as well. Very casual to have a great time. If you are in this area, try them out. Happy meals!

Candace C.

Yelp

Arianne G.

Yelp

Monique L.

Yelp

Kyle I.

Yelp

Sammi L.

Yelp

Ashley H.

Yelp

Krysten N.

Yelp

Leslie G.

Yelp

Elle V.

Yelp

Cerena P.

Yelp

Melyna S.

Yelp

Josue V.

Yelp

Caitlin B.

Yelp

Lisa P.

Yelp

Tommy T.

Yelp

Ann Q.

Yelp

Julie D.

Yelp

Kevin Z.

Yelp

Vicki A.

Yelp

Tracy Ann J.

Yelp

Sheila J.

Yelp

Ilay B.

Yelp

It's not the first and not the second time that I visited this place. The waiting time is not bad according to Sunday food is fresh and came fast. Great place for brunch or breakfast!!

Great Maple - Hillcrest

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