I’ve racked my brain trying to think of something pleasant to write about today, but I’m in a grumpy-butt mood, so in order to spare you all from a long, rambling post, in which I complain about things, I’m going to give you a list of my favorite breakfast spots in San Diego because…well…food..and also…breakfast. I’ll admit, my list might not be very comprehensive, since upon doing a quick Google search of the best places in San Diego to eat breakfast, I’ve found that I have not been to many of the top picks. While I love trying out new restaurants, I believe it’s important to have a few tried and true places that I can trust when I don’t feel like thinking  too much about it and/or gambling with something so sacred as breakfast. As you may or may not be able to tell, I have the highest regard for the first meal of the day. Lunch and dinner? Meh…I’ll take it or leave it. But breakfast? Picture rays of sunlight beaming down from heaven, while a choir sings, “Hallelujah!” and tiny, naked cherubs sprinkle flowers around me. To put it simply…

On that note, I will commence list-making. In no particular order:

1. The Original Pancake House: This place is great for just about anything, but obviously pancakes are their specialty. I highly recommend the blueberry pancakes, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. What I like about this place is that it’s delicious without being pretentious. While I’m always down to try a hip, trendy breakfast spot, where the servers are sporting thick-framed glasses and flannel, there is a time and place for that. This place, on the other hand, is just downright homey. As with most breakfast places in San Diego, if you go on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you’re going to have to wait for a table, but it’s definitely worth it.

2. Ricky’s: Again, this place is anything but trendy. It’s most often frequented by elderly people. Picture your Coco’s or Sizzler’s crowd. But I happen to think of this place as a hidden gem. Their specialty is their “World Famous Apple Pancake.” It’s essentially a giant souffle of a pancake with yummy, apple goodness on top. And they’re huge; definitely share-able.  (And I don’t use that word lightly, as I prefer to not share my food with others. It’s nothing personal, I can just eat a lot of food.) I recommend splitting the apple pancake two-ways, with a side of extra crispy bacon and hash browns  for a nice sweet to salty ratio.

3. The Naked Cafe: Now, I realize this might be a bit preemptive, as I’ve only eaten there once, but I ate my meal as well as sampled David’s, so technically I’ve tried two things on the menu already. And I have to say, the two things I’ve tried were excellent. They are real food/nutrition oriented, so you’ll find lots of healthy options on their regular menu and even healthier options on their “Look Good Naked” menu. And don’t we all want to look good naked? The Naked Cafe is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter meal, but aren’t willing to sacrifice on flavor (which I never am).

4. Cody’s La Jolla: Cody’s is great if you’re all about location. location. location. Set in the La Jolla Cove area, Cody’s offers an array of breakfast options and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Dine inside for a cozy atmosphere  or al fresco to enjoy some San Diego sun.  You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re looking for a more indulgent breakfast (which I always am), the french toast is not to be missed.

5. Pipe’s Cafe: Pipe’s is the perfect spot for breakfast on-the-go. Definitely not much in the way of a sit-down restaurant, but if you’re all about breakfast burritos (and why wouldn’t you be?), this is your place. We’re talking gigantic, can’t-finish-in-one-sitting-but-so-good-I-just-keep-eating burritos. And it’s not one of those places that gives you a ton of food, but it’s all just mediocre. Cough Hash House Cough They also have some surprisingly tasty espresso drinks if you’re into that sort of thing. A word of warning though, when you go, bring cash, since they don’t accept credit/debit card. And we all know there’s nothing worse than ATM fees.

And there you have it, folks. Feel free to share your favorite breakfast spots in the comments and thanks for reading!