Every time I visit San Diego, seeing my friends is always on the agenda. I try and make time, especially over a meal where we can sit back, relax, catch up, reminisce and just enjoy each other’s company. This particular visit, I wanted to do brunch and was happy that a few of my friends were able to get together at such short notice. I had suggested Snooze which had been on my radar since it opened in the former Corvette Diner space in the hip ‘hood of Hillcrest, not far from Scripps Mercy Hospital. Snooze’s main focus is on breakfast and after checking out their menu online, its unique pancake menu caught my eye. I couldn’t wait to try it!
I was warned about the long wait but I was undeterred. It’s recommended that you arrive before 9 a.m. Otherwise, your looking at an estimated wait time of one to one and a half hours before being seated (ours was the latter).
Snooze’s menu not only includes pancakes, but french toast and other breakfast favorites. I was here for the pancakes:
And Snooze scored major points with its cocktail menu. Cocktails for breakfast? Yes!
There were too many things on the menu I wanted to try. The other thing that I’m a sucker for is pot pie and I love pot pie. And wouldn’t you know it, Snooze has a breakfast pot pie on their menu! Something unique and totally different and I really wanted to order it but I was torn between that and pancakes–and it was bad enough that there was a wide selection of pancakes on their menu which made it more so difficult for me to make a decision.
COCKTAILS! | Yes, cocktails and they were refreshing on this hot and humid morning. My friend Anita ordered the MMM…MMM Mimosa: Stanford Sparkling Wine, Evolution OJ and Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and I ordered the Melon Baller: Fresh Watermelon Juice, St. Germain Eiderflower Liqueur, Stanford Sparkling Wine and a Mint Garnish.
THE VERMONTER | These buttermilk pancakes were filled with fresh blueberries and topped with organic blueberry maple syrup, crumbled streusel and whipped lavender butter.
CHILAQUILES BENEDICT | Carne asada steak served on a cheesy, saucy, tortilla stack topped with poached Niman Ranch eggs, smoked cheddar hollandaise, fresh salsa and cotija cheese, and house hash browns. What a great twist to a brunch favorite–the eggs benedict!
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN PANCAKES | Buttermilk pancakes with caramelized pineapple chunks, housemade vanilla creme anglaise and cinnamon butter. Fluffy, loads of flavor and so, so luscious!
VANILLA ALMOND OATMEAL BRULEE | Served with fresh fruit and a little pot of cream on the side.
SANDWICH I AM | Udi’s soft pretzel roll filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and a sausage patty, served with a side of smoked cheddar hollandaise and house hash browns.
CORNED BEEF HASH | Snooze’s signature shredded hash mixed with locally made corned beef, caramelized poblanos and onions and topped with eggs over easy and toast.
PANCAKE FLIGHT | Can’t decide on which pancakes to order? Order the flight–you get your choice of any three flavors of pancakes on the menu, including the pancake of the day. Our choice? The cinnamon roll, meyer lemon and sweet potato pancakes. Hands down favorite were the cinnamon roll pancakes!
THE CROQUE OF MONTE CRISTO | French toasted brioche topped with fig preserves, shaved hickory ham, gruyere bechamel and topped with an egg over easy. Also served with lightly dressed greens on the side.
BREAKFAST POT PIE | This was my breakfast choice. I shared the Pancake Flight with three of my friends so I was able to have my pancakes and pot pie too! Homemade rosemary sausage gravy smothers a flaky puff pastry, topped with an egg over easy and a side of house hash browns. I was in carb heaven! (Oh, and I was able to try Anita’s Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes too!). LOL!
I love Snooze! Snooze left such an impression on me and my friends that we can’t wait to go back and eat (and drink) through their entire menu. Get there early if you’re short on patience. There is metered street parking (if you can find a space) and other public lots near the restaurant.
Special thanks to the Princess Gourmet Posse for taking the time out of your busy schedules to have brunch with me! Love you guys! Till our next foodie adventure…
Clockwise from bottom left: Anita, Lori, Dan, Glyn, Princess Gourmet, Lisa, Jackie and Norberto.
SNOOZE, AN A.M. EATERY
3940 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 6:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. till 2:30 p.m.
First come, first serve (no reservations)
For Menu, go to: www.snoozeeatery.com/san-diego
Very nice, Geri! Too bad the Red Velvet pancake is no longer served, but the Sweet potato and Cinnamon Roll were great.