The Huddle

Craving an old-school breakfast with charm? Look no further than this hidden gem! This classic American diner might not be fancy, but its delicious food and warm service will make you feel right at home. Homestyle cooking: The daily specials add a touch of variety to their menu of breakfast staples. Wallet-friendly: Enjoy generous portions without breaking the bank. Friendly vibes: The welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like you're part of the family...If you're looking for a no-frills diner experience with fantastic food and friendly service, this is the place to be!

"I am home." This was exactly how I felt. My dad and I were seated right away. It was nothing fancy but it was one of the warmest dining experience I have had. This is what a classic local business looks like. Dad had their Thursday breakfast special. Again, nothing fancy, just 2 eggs, 2 sausages, and 2 pancakes. Very, very reasonable price. The portion was perfect. Definitely will come back again!

My queen and I stopped here for breakfast, well, our second breakfast, but breakfast in Pacific Time. Lol. The customer size was medium since there were some tables full and some tables empty. I noticed that some of the empty tables were dirty, but I was unaware of how long the tables had been empty. An elder male sitting at the counter recommended the pancakes, which I ordered and enjoyed! By the time I began enjoying it, the elderly male had left, so I was unable to thank him for the advice. The smoked ham was tender and the eggs were great! If I'm ever in San Diego again, I'll return!

My boyfriend and I stopped at Huddle for breakfast while we visited San Diego for the day. We were seated right away. We ordered French toast, chicken fried steak, biscuit and gravy, plus a cinnamon roll to go! We loved the French toast! It was delicious and thick! The chicken fried steak was different than we’re used to but good! The gravy stood out! And the home fries were good too! The biscuit and gravy was yummy! Now the cinnamon roll we brought on our way out. I wasn’t entirely excited to get it because a lot of the time I’m disappointed by cinnamon rolls. I was wrong with this one! It was very yummy! I was sad it was gone when we finished it! I hope to come back to the Huddle in the future! Highly recommended!

Absolutely love this little Ma & Pa restaurant in SD. Felt like I was back home at my grandparents house as a little kid. I had the chorizo and eggs plate with some homemade salsa and it was delicious. 10/10 recommend if you’re in the SD area!

1st time in San Diego. Loved it the minute I walked in. Friendly place with great food.

The service was just on point, and food was delicious. You must try!

Great little breakfast spot in one of San Diego unique neighborhoods. Good food, great people, dog friendly.

This place is a bit like a time capsule, and reminded me of a more simple tone in the world, when people said "good morning" with a smile - and meant it. The Huddle offers the range of the diner standards, and a good number of more unusual items (including creamed chipped beef - which is a rare find) - all prepared to order. It makes a difference. You can taste the difference. They take the time to do things right, and charge a surprisingly fair price to do it. I wish i lived closer so i could go more often. It made me feel like life was simple, people are generally good, and that a good solid breakfast and damn fine cup of coffee can go a long way towards making the world a better place. If you are in the area be sure to stop in and say hi - i expect you will be pleasantly surprised!

Where do I start?!? Visiting SD this week and found this little gem here on Yelp while finding a breakfast to try out. I felt like I was "at home" while I was - if you catch my drift. Janet, I believe her name was, kindly greeted me upon arrival. I had a delicious breakfast of steak and eggs along with some of their homemade apple butter on some toast (you gotta try this apple butter - it's so on point and authentic). This is a special spot. It was on a quiet Monday, but I did get a lot of locals vibe enjoying their morning here. Great hospitality by Janet. Felt so good being here. Food is quality too and fair prices. Can't wait to come back next time I'm in SD!

I hate to post a review without pictures but we were so busy having an absolute blast talking with Corey behind the counter and the chef (I did not get his name) and enjoying our wonderful breakfasts, that I completely forgot to take any photos at all. And that, my friends, in 2024, is a sign of a FANTASTIC experience. Everything about The Huddle is kitschy, darling, homemade and welcoming. The bar seating is comfortable and you immediately feel like a "regular" even on your first visit. Do not miss the house made jams and marmalade! What a treat. Service is personal and perfect. I had the French Toast special and it was accompanied by scrambled eggs and sausage. It was too delicious.

Low key and great! Actual half and half in small pitchers too! Breakfast was good, and priced fairly. Nothing in the way of fancy decor but I'd rather have the effort put into the food, so a win!

We love this place. It is so homey and neighborhood friendly, has such good food and the people that run this place are truly so nice. We felt not just adequately served by the staff, but had such a fun time with them. You truly don't get service like this by most restaurants/bars/etc. They have such a good variety on the menu of savory and sweet. This place is not trendy, meant in the best way possible.

I love the authentic old school diner counter feel of The Huddle. When we go in, I always choose to sit at the counter. The people working are so friendly, attentive and quick. I enjoy watching my food being prepared on the griddle. This venture in, I ordered chorizo and eggs with refried beans and flour tortillas (you get a choice of flour or corn, I was feeling flour). The coffee is a well brewed cup of Folgers and it's delicious.

When you step into The Huddle, you feel like you're back in whatever hometown that you came from (which for many in San Diego, is not San Diego). The owners and staff are so welcoming and are ready to take your order. This is a no frills place. They serve regular coffee, your standard American breakfast items and have one large grill behind the counter where all the cooking happens. It's a very small staff, but they manage to get all the orders taken and processed quickly. Today I had the spinach, bacon and feta omelette. It came with extra crispy hash browns and a side of toast. Lots of food with a good amount leftover. Very often you'll see flower arrangements that can be purchased outside the restaurant. They are very well priced (usually only a few dollars for a large bundle), purchased for cash only and I believe The Huddle gives the proceeds go to a local charity organization.

I would like to give this place 4-5 Stars but I Found a lil plastic in my eggs..... Plastic causes Cancer. No Bueno. And, I am willing to give this place another Try...Hoping that was a Mistake... Anywho, the Waitresses here seem like very Sweet people. The Ambiance is like Home-made kitchen. It's giving a Retro vibe, which I Like. It's a Cute little diner. The sausages are pretty greasy... The hashbrowns were good- Ask for Crispy & Brown & not burnt as shown in some of the pics. I live in San Diego for a long time and I never went here so it was a Treat to Find as I was getting delicious Coffee at the Meshuggah Shack hut nearby :) Not the Healthiest, but for the days you are craving a Heavy Breakfast :)

My barber recommended The Huddle to me as I am on the quest to find the best Chicken Fried Steak. I came here on a Sunday and it was busy. I grabbed a seat at the counter where I was able to watch my food be prepared and chat with the staff. The Inside = I felt as if I was warped back in time to a diner in the Midwest. It was great nostalgic feeling. The Service = Super friendly. If you are in a hurry, come back when you have a little time to spare. The Food = Good. I came here for the Chicken fried steak. It was a beef patty breaded and cooked on the flat top. The country gravy was good also. The hash browns were perfectly cooked nice and crispy. Perfect with eggs over easy. I also got the Denver omelette and French toast. Denver omelette was tasty. The French toast was dee lish ous! Ask for some apple butter. You won't regret it. I will be back for the Chicken and waffles :) Welp! My quest continues. Onto the next!

5/5 Great breakfast spot in mission hills that will leave you feeling full and like family. The staff was super friendly and while there was a little bit of a wait for the food it was well worth it. This place gives off family diner vibes. I went at 10 am on a Sunday and there was no wait. (Which after eating there left me very surprised!) What I got and recommend: - 2 eggs, hash browns and bacon (crisped perfectly) - short stack of apple butter pancakes (pancakes were great but I'd try something other than apple butter next time. That part of it was ehhh.) - toast and JAMS!!!! They make their own jams so make sure you try some for your toast. I will go back there just to buy some jam and take home :)

Simple and best chicken and waffle in town. I came across this place during an unfortunate family event. It was one of the closest diner near UCSD hospital. I like the old school diner look and welcoming vibe. My wife likes their cinnamon roll as well. Recommend this place if you happen to be around the area.

Me second time visiting for breakfast, excellent eggs and hashbrowns, the pancakes made me wish I ordered more!! Coffee is hot, rich, and strong. Very homey, authentic atmosphere...service friendly and warm. This is the real deal.

Great breakfast! Great service Ruth was so kind. Definitely planning on being a regular

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. The breakfast options were not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff. The cozy ambiance, the old school atmosphere mouthwatering dishes made for an exceptional morning experience.

Our first time at this wonderful friendly restaurant, food was delicious, loved the fresh homemade breakfast and service although it's a small diner it was perfect! We highly recommend this establishment!

Perfect small town place. Felt like family righ tv away and got a few coupons for my next visit which was about 2 days later before I flew out of town. I will be back.

What a lovely little diner! My hubby was looking for a new steak and eggs place since Troys closed (RIP!). We came here and he is a TOUGH critic and he said it was good! He had steak and eggs and I had chicken fried steak and eggs. Mine was a fried hamburger patty with sausage gravy. It was decent, but definitely needed the Tabasco that was provided. My hubby said his steak was over cooked, but it was still tender and flavorful. They also have shredded hash browns, which is the only kind of potato to have a breakfast! They also offer cheese for .$75 extra. Our eggs were cooked perfectly and the service was super fast and friendly. We sat outside and there aren't too many tables in or outside, so if you're a large group you may have to split up. Also no booze but still a solid place for breakfast!!

Small dinner but the food and the service was awesome the owner is on top of your ride he even gave us free cupcakes and samples of their apple butter and strawberry jam

Our friend Lizzie suggested this breakfast place near her home and in her neighborhood. Very homey no frills restaurant. The story behind the restaurant is remarkable with the owners always helping the community by providing food and groceries especially those with AIDS in the earlier days. Love how the place looks still in time and has not changed much. There is a comfort in that when eating! Breakfast was solid, huge portions and great price! A place where you go for simple basics such as corn beef hash or chicken fried steak or maybe just bacon and eggs! Excellent friendly service. Street parking avilable. Excellent customer service

I used to love this place. Went there today and ordered the Fried Chicken and Waffles. The chicken was literally ICE COLD in the middle, the waffles tasted like they were the frozen kind that you heat up. We sent the order back which I rarely do. I ordered the Corn beef hash. The hash was acceptable, but the potatoes were cold. I didn't send them back. The service was GREAT, it was just the food was a bit off today. I will give them another chance, I know the Huddle can do better

Really nice small local diner. Very friendly staff, portion sizes are amazing and the food is really good. Get there early on a weekend if you want to try their crab cakes. We have been trying. Got close last weekend. We will just keep trying.

Never knew it was here. I thought it was pretty good. The prices are a little on the higher side. Coffee is really good. I like the vibe... very nostalgic! Small place but I am glad I came on a Tuesday! The portions I felt were just right.

Great breakfast place. Greeted in a friendly manner, with some banter about Texas and California, our politicians and some light hearted kidding. A pleasant start. Good breakfasts, with a warmed pecan roll as an "appetizer". Family owned and run, with owners prepping and serving the food. A good sign! Enjoyed a quality meal, well prepared, hot and served timely. Will try again when in San Diego.

Living only 2 blocks away from The Huddle for 8 years, today was the first time I finally made a visit and upon arrival, I immediately felt welcomed and felt like I was at home. I ordered the Wednesday special which was a Spanish omelette with choice of hashbrowns or country fries and side of toast all under $10! The Spanish omelette had an amazing cheese pull and the hashbrowns were crisped to perfection on the outside. I also had to try their homemade jams where they were offering 4+ different varieties. The server was kind enough to offer me both the strawberry + apple cinnamon jam, both of which were devine!! The Huddle is truly a local staple with its 'no frills' mom-and-pop vibe where they focus on creating a homey feel and delicious diner-type food with ridiculously reasonable prices for such large portions of food! I ended up talking to the server and a gentleman next to me about politics, holiday plans, etc and this restaurant just really fosters such a welcoming atmosphere where you feel like you're just catching up with old friends. This place is truly local magic, and my only regret is that I found this hidden gem 8 years too late. I hope to become a regular! Did you know for Thanksgiving, they are selling different flavored pies for $12 each so get them while supplies last?!

I'm a social person, don't get me wrong. But sometimes, all I want is some delicious, no-frills food that sticks to my ribs in a place that no one will bother me and I can eat in peace. The Huddle is that place, a classic diner where I inhaled an excellent, perfectly crispy patty melt with grilled onions, and scratched my Twin Peaks itch with a cup of damn fine coffee and a slice of cherry pie baked this morning. All while I gazed at a map that said "PLEASE PIN YOUR HOMETOWN" at the top (you best believe I added a pin). Regulars chat with the cook and servers at the counter, and it's charming that you have to pass through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. Prices are insanely reasonable. Needless to say, I'll be back!

A newbie to the huddle the history behind this small breakfast hidden hub has been feeding patrons for decades and is now a family run operation. This cozy restaurant has all the makings for what a great diner has to offer and more. The staff go over and beyond to get to know their customers and don't seem to forget any faces. Craving biscuits and gravy I was bummed they were sold out so I went simple with eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast. Although, I was sad I am so happy I got the chance to try their rhubarb jam and apple butter which they bottle up and sell in house. The apple butter was everything fall spread all over my toast. It brought a smile to my face and was the perfect sweetness to round off my all American breakfast. Since the pecan rolls are made in house I had to try it. Yumm this sweet treat was hot and scrumptious. I am sure this is a reason so many come in. I am not a huge sweets person so I definitely needed help licking the plate. My two friends split an omelet with hash browns and you can see how large and in charge these plates are. Due to inflation I think the prices have risen. Parking is limited and is a mix of meter and street only.

Family owned and old school vibe, which I love! It might be the best traditional breakfasts I've ever had in San Diego. When you're in the mood for a nice satisfying brunch that's the place to go! Staff is really nice too!

Fantastic family owned and operated eatery! Like the neighborhood small town restaurant of old.

Great place for breakfast. We had a party of 7 and they took great care of us. Kory was an amazing front guy who helped make everyone feel welcome. The quiche, pecan roll, and jams were outstanding. Everything else was solid. Prices affordable and it had the classic vintage mom and pop vibe we love. If you enjoy yourself and don't take life to seriously this is the spot. Do them a favor and show up no later than an hour before they close. It's not a large team of people they have a lot to close up.

The Huddle is a Mission Hills staple and has been around for some time. On this last visit asked the owner about the history and found out it was an ice cream parlor in the 1930s, and it has been under her ownership since 1977. This is a place where they remember you and where time seems to have stood still. The breakfasts are our favorite, the omelettes and breakfast potatoes are my go to. Strawberry-rhubarb jam on sourdough, yes please. And they have great pies for thanksgiving time.

Do NOT EAT HERE. It is too perfect and I want an available table when I come to eat. The pancakes are perfect. The omelets are perfect. The coffee is perfect. This place is too good for you. It is perfect for me. Did I say leave room for me at the table by the front door.

We came in from KC and stopped there for breakfast. it's small and cozy with down to earth nice customer service. they gave us our food how we wanted it and it was great. One thing I was impressed with was thei country fried steak and eggs. Best I've ever had. Great people. Great food. I recommend visiting this establishment.

Great mom and pop diner. Food was good and service was on point. Doesn't look like a place that would have activities for kids but they had a multipage activity for the kiddos that kept them busy til the food arrived.

Cute little lady who owns this place. She's great! Friendly, funny and makes you feel at home. Be ready to sit, relax, and talk to her for a while. If you're not getting cinnamon rolls or pecan sticky rolls from here, you're doing it wrong.

I absolutely love this place. I have Wednesdays off which ends up being my favorite special day for the Spanish Omelette. Cory is always very friendly and personable. My coffee is always filled and my food is always perfect! I love watching the gentleman cook as he is always calm and friendly and attentive. The old school feel of this little diner is amazing. I love the classic comic strips. Very homey.

Such a great place to have breakfast/brunch . We were originally going to have food at another restaurant close by but the menu was pure trash and overpriced , so we walked to The Huddle . I have been here five times the past two months and each time the food and service is phenomenal . Very inexpensive and they have a reward system in the form of "Huddle Bucks" and a trusty hole-punch card that builds up to a free meal. If you come around during the weekday around 10am you'll probably have a good seat and some good ol " Price is Right " on TV. Honestly they deserve more then five stars . I LOVE THE HUDDLE

Our family stopped here yesterday on our way out of San Diego to have breakfast, and we're very happy that we did. We received very personable service from the owner as soon as we walked in. We enjoyed our food immensely: corned beef hash, the Tuesday french toast breakfast special, a 2-egg/bacon/hash browns breakfast, and 2 pieces of french toast with cinnamon roll cream cheese spread. Everything was good! We cleaned our plates. The ambiance is simply a counter-service diner with a few tables as well as some outdoor seating. I like that the ambiance doesn't take away from the star of the show, which is the down-home cooking served up by very friendly folks! Can't wait to return to San Diego and have breakfast here again.

This is the Most adorable and yummy spot I have been to since I was a little girl. It has a home feel and the jam is worth coming alone! I pray for this place to prosper because they are amazing and so sweet!

I wish I could give more than 5 stars!! This restaurant was unlike anything I've experienced for years. Homey, friendly, wonderful place with delicious food.. Ruth is a treasure! I wish I lived closer I'd come here every week.

Family-owned business with the best server in town, Cory. I like the patty melt and the MacHuddle. Next time I'm ordering the fried chicken and waffles.

Love this place! We visited from Phoenix and was greeted by a friendly man who made us feel right at home. Cute small little place that felt warm and inviting. Food was pretty good too, loved the jam. Definitely would go back when we are in town again.

I love a diner. Perfectly crisp hash browns, with yummy corned beef hash and the most perfectly cooked over medium eggs. They make their own jams which are delicious. In a world of chains, please give a true mom and pop a chance! (ma literally made my breakfast right in front of me) The staff is friendly and helpful. Equally delighted and sad that I just walked in and sat at the counter with no wait. Will definitely come back!

My boyfriend and I sort of stumbled upon this place while looking for some time to kill before our cruise boarded. It's located in an adorable little neighborhood and is a super, family owned type of hole in the wall joint. When you walk in, it honestly feels like you're not in San Diego anymore. The set up is pretty small, only about 10 tables and a kitchen in the middle. We were easily able to grab a spot on a weekday morning. Their menu had a bunch of options. I decided to get an omelet & loved the option for refried beans and tortillas over the traditional potatoes or hash browns. The omelet was very good. The portion was huge and the ingredients were fresh. My all time favorite part of the meal though was the homemade salsa. OMG, that stuff was good! I highly recommend checking this place out for an outstanding breakfast if you're in the area. Also make sure to silence your phone out of respect for other diners.

A few days ago I happened to be driving past this establishment and noticed how warm and inviting it looked with its colored lights outside. Today I had the opportunity to check it out as I was waiting for my car to be serviced. The owner, Ruth, was incredibly warm and welcoming and the other patrons were having active, engaging conversations; everyone seemed to know everyone else! Ruth took the time to ask me if it was my first time here and asked how I found out about the place. She then told me the story of the Huddle and her role in becoming the owner herself. The food was delicious and they make their own jam; I had the apple butter which was delicious on some buttered rye toast. We're often in such a rush these days and when we do sit down we often bury our heads in our phones and forget to look up and take in our surroundings. This place remembers that feeling of community we all crave and I cannot wait to come back and enjoy some delicious food and warm company again soon.

What a wonderful find in San Diego!! Superb homestyle cooking in generous portions, reasonably priced. Ruth was such a wonderful hostess and the food was exquisite. Wish I lived closer, I would be a regular.

We stumbled upon this little gem because the other place we were going too lacked parking The interior is old and a little worn the small corner diner all most now extinct Two older ladies waited on us exceptionally The chicken fried steak was homemade The food was good and hearty The most exceptional thing we ate was the sweet roll which I understand is a secret recipe modified and improved over the years

For those of you that have read some of my reviews, y'all would know I'm not easy on restaurants, good or bad. This is my 2nd time at The Huddle! I wish I could come in to San Diego more often just to eat here. The fried chicken is on point! You could swear Dan was raised by a Southern Bell... man, his recipe is no joke amazing!!! The waffles are light fluffy yet toasty!! If you seriously want to taste amazing chicken and waffles, this is a MUST!

Beef fried steak with gravy is not good. Coffee was good. Scrambled eggs with cheese, hash browns, bacon, english muffin, service, value were a-ok. Some counter seats are not very deep. Parked across the street $3/hour.

The huddle is absolutely fantastic! The most personable neighborhood cafe. Large portions of down home cooking :)

The food was delicious. Great atmosphere. Seems to be family owned which I love. Very kind people. Oh and their home made yam is so so good!! Just bacon enter!