Snooze, located on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest, opened about nine months ago and has essentially revolutionized breakfast and brunch in San Diego. From its prime location, “retro-future bar-like” design and ‘90s hip-hop playing throughout the space, to its friendly staff and unbeatable menu, Snooze is the perfect weekend brunch spot.
Upon arrival you’ll undoubtedly have to put your name on a waitlist, but the restaurant is large and the time passes quickly. As the host leads you to your table, be sure to verbalize how excited you are to be there because they have the exclusive power to give away pancakes… and these pancakes are no joke. From a pineapple upside down pancake covered in house made vanilla crème anglaise and cinnamon butter to red eye velvet pancakes topped with espresso infused maple syrup and cream cheese frosting, these are not something you want to miss.
The menu is broad and offers pretty much anything you could ever want. There are numerous benedicts, my favorite being the Bella! Bella! Benny, which is composed of thin slices of prosciutto, Taleggio, cream cheese hollandaise, balsamic glaze and arugula atop poached eggs and toasted ciabatta.
Snooze also serves up a ton of omelets and scrambles with just about any add-in you could ever want, including a really tasty soy chorizo. My favorite? Of course the most fattening thing on the menu: Snooze Spuds Deluxe, a heaping portion of hash browns covered with melted cheddar and jack, scallions, scrambled eggs and two add-ins of your choice. I chose bacon and onions.
Of course you can’t forget about the extensive beverage menu, from your traditional coffees and lattes to various Bloody Marys to “Mmm… Mmm Mimosa” (with pomegranate liqueur) and “Snooze Julius” (citrus vodka with Gran Torres, orange juice and whipped cream).
Snooze, located at 3940 Fifth Avenue, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
