One might suspect IHOP, Denny’s, and Cracker Barrel would round out the top three breakfast restaurants, but when it comes to California, chain restaurants are few and far between.
Be it politics or sky-high rent, some name-brand eateries with a devoted following in neighboring states never opened doors in the “Golden State,” giving Mom ‘n Pop shops more room to shine.
According to the San Diego Tribune‘s 2026 Reader’s Poll, a 1970s breakfast staple took the crown for two categories:
- Best Breakfast
- Best Brunch
The winner was Broken Yolk Cafe, first established in San Diego’s vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood that’s now jam-packed with bars lining Garnet Avenue…