Five Great Places to Brunch in Carlsbad

In the 1990’s,the food pyramid came onto the scene. Schools everywhere had brightly colored printouts of the pyramid, teaching what a ‘serving size’ is, and how many you should be consuming per day. Shows like Sesame Street used the fun illustrations of milk and cheese and bread in the pyramid to educate children about the need for all of the different food groups. Children gravitated towards the top of the triangle – proof that things like candy and pie could be included in their lunchboxes and at dinner. Since then, the food pyramid has been updated. In fact, the well-known triangle is now a plate. Changes to the food pyramid could have you wondering – what is “normal” when it comes to eating? The answer is, there is no normal. The idea that there are only three square meals a day is missing one of the best meals to ever exist – brunch. Brunch is a meal that doesn’t fit into the boring boxes of everyday eating. It is an excuse for late mornings, eating breakfast for lunch, and combining food groups in any way possible that compliments endless mimosas. Here is a list of five of the best brunch places in Carlsbad. Forget what you know about sticking to hard boiled eggs and oatmeal, because these restaurants will leave you wondering why brunch isn’t in a category by itself.

Beach Plum Kitchen

If you’re looking for east coast flavor with west coast vibes, look no further. Beach Plum Kitchen was created by a couple of east coast transplants that have called Carlsbad home for a number of years. Their restaurant is all about bringing fond memories of New England summers to the Southern California coast. They craft their meals with the idea that good food needs to be enjoyed in a friendly environment, and their motto has three simple words to live by: keep it simple.

The brunch and lunch menu at Beach Plum does just that. Homemade jams and made-from-scratch delicacies like the New England Lobster Roll and Crispy Chicken Biscuit Sandwich are nods to the east coast nostalgia that permeates the menu. Each item tries a new take on an established favorites. The Coconut-Almond Crusted French Toast, Old-Fashioned Brussels Waffle, Smoked Salmon on a Potato Pancake, and Lemon-Ricotta Buttermilk Pancakes will feel like you’re socializing in the Hamptons and lounging by the beach all at once.

Ignite Bistro

Ignite Bistro’s tagline is “Your Neighborhood Spot”. That tagline is quite fitting, because they are fully invested in maintaining a menu that is fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced.

Their Sunday Brunch menu is hard to beat. Bottomless mimosas are only $13 with the purchase of an entree and they come with your choice of peach, pomegranate, strawberry, or cranberry juice. Their Bloody Mary’s can be taken up a notch with the addition of Man Candy (their award winning sweet and spicy bacon) or habanero vodka. For those who want a beverage that is outside of the norm, Ignite’s Brunch Punch (coconut rum, OJ, pineapple, peach puree, and sparkling wine) or Breakfast Shots (Jameson Irish whiskey, Butterscotch liqueur, OJ, and Man Candy) don’t disappoint.

Ignite’s Sunday Brunch food menu covers all the bases. They only use cage free eggs and the menu includes every breakfast or lunch favorite you can think of. From egg scrambles to benedicts, french toast made of donut holes, AVO toast, chicken and waffles, fresh shucked oysters, a Hangover Burger, lobster rolls, chilaquiles, and a full list of pizzas, it is impossible to choose whether you’re making up for breakfast or chowing down for lunch.

Coyote Bar & Grill

Coyote Bar & Grill is known for live music, good drinks, and an even better time. However, Coyote isn’t just a place for a fun night out. Their brunch is the epitome of indulgence, and their patio is definitely somewhere you should check out if you’re looking for a feel-good meal to share with friends.

The brunch menu at Coyote’s is called the ‘Guilty Pleasures’ Brunch Menu. However, you won’t be feeling guilty at all after enjoying their amazing entrees. They have sweet takes on breakfast originals. Their Cannoli-Stuffed French Toast and Sweet Bread French Toast with Berries are a dessert lover’s dream. Savory twists on basic lunch options like their Rattlesnake Eggs or Ribs in a Bag will leave you wondering which direction to go. Whether you choose sweet or savory, brunch can be paired with $12 bottomless mimosas or $7 signature cocktails.

Chandler’s Restaurant and Lounge

The ocean view at Chandler’s is one-of-a-kind. Chef Teri’s farm-to-table brunch is packed with upscale ingredients that are carefully chosen to pair with the scenic views surrounding the restaurant.

The menu features Southern Californian favorites like Breakfast Burritos, Lobster & Shrimp Benedict, and Healthade Kombucha. Fresh salads and clam chowder are sourced from local farms and seafood lovers can indulge in everything from a King Salmon BLT to Rock Shrimp Street Tacos and Lobster + Shrimp Nachos.

 Cafe Topes

Cafe Topes is one of those places that if you blink, you might miss. However, it is the quaint streetside presence of Cafe Topes that makes it irresistible. The Cafe has been here since 2013 and is a family-owned restaurant that uses its own family recipes to put a new face on American favorites.

The breakfast menu at Cafe Topes is one-of-a-kind. They pride themselves with having food prepared as it is ordered, keeping baked goods fresh and Stumptown coffee on tap. At Cafe Topes, breakfast is served all day. Lunch is available starting at 11 a.m., making it (for all intents and purposes) a brunch restaurant. The breakfast menu is packed with all of the breakfast classics. Country Fried Steak, monte cristos, five different types of pancakes and three different flavors of french toast are just a few of the favorites that are on the menu. Mom’s Favorite Cinnamon Rolls are baked fresh every day, and available until they sell out.