The Big Kitchen is a place where the body is nourished along with the soul. The interaction that takes place at the counter and booths has brought about an incredible community. As a community we have shared many profound human experiences; an excellent sense of humor, art, music, theater, and friendship have all contributed to this creation.
Oh yes, our food is excellent too. All of our vegetables are fresh. We bake our own muffins and coffee cake. We honey bake our own hams and fresh roast our own turkey breasts. The food is real and that is why it tastes so good. Our staff cares about its freshness, as well as the way it looks and tastes.
Oh yes, our food is excellent too. All of our vegetables are fresh. We bake our own muffins and coffee cake. We honey bake our own hams and fresh roast our own turkey breasts. The food is real and that is why it tastes so good. Our staff cares about its freshness, as well as the way it looks and tastes.
Reviews (21)
Anne M.
Feb 02, 2022
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One star because there are no zero stars. If you like cold food with bad customer service, this is the place to go. I don't understand why every time I go, the place is crowded and they only have one or two waiters. The owner walks around and is extremely rude when you approach her (don't be fooled by her singing as she walks around). I tried it several times because a group of people were going, but I decided I cannot sit there for hours to get cold overpriced scrambled eggs.
The kitchen, tables, plates and everywhere you look is filthy. There is no reason this place should
The kitchen, tables, plates and everywhere you look is filthy. There is no reason this place should
Ariel T.
Jan 30, 2022
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Patience is key: on a Sunday morning, things weren't fast, but Judy does her best to accommodate and even brought us orange juice as a thank you for our patience.
It is a pleasant place, an ambiance that is very unique. Think Woopie Goldberg and Bill Clinton (visitors who left thank you notes on the wall). The inside feels like a 1970 little diner, the outside has many tables for outdoor seating.
Come here for the experience and good food. If you're in a hurry and there's a long line, you might want to reconsider and come back when less busy.
It is a pleasant place, an ambiance that is very unique. Think Woopie Goldberg and Bill Clinton (visitors who left thank you notes on the wall). The inside feels like a 1970 little diner, the outside has many tables for outdoor seating.
Come here for the experience and good food. If you're in a hurry and there's a long line, you might want to reconsider and come back when less busy.
RobertMosura M.
Jan 28, 2022
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Tavahi O.
Jan 22, 2022
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Those who get it, get it. Those who don't, don't.
I've been coming to big kitchen since I was a child and Judy, albeit a touch less youthful, hasn't changed a bit. I read a lot of reviews talking about the wait, and don't get me wrong, there is a borderline tenuous one. Once you learn to appreciate the history and proprietor of this establishment you'll lose your distaste towards occasionally being asked "did I already take your order?", which is really the only inconvenience I've ever experienced.
Don't come here for the food, which has never
I've been coming to big kitchen since I was a child and Judy, albeit a touch less youthful, hasn't changed a bit. I read a lot of reviews talking about the wait, and don't get me wrong, there is a borderline tenuous one. Once you learn to appreciate the history and proprietor of this establishment you'll lose your distaste towards occasionally being asked "did I already take your order?", which is really the only inconvenience I've ever experienced.
Don't come here for the food, which has never
Leo R.
Dec 31, 2021
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Stephanie A.
Dec 27, 2021
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What a little gem in South Park. We always pass this place when walking around on the weekends and finally stopped in. It is unpretentious with plastic tables outside and meals served on plain plates and utensils. I got the corned beef hash and we sat outside on the patio. There are shady spot under trees to stay cool during the summer.
You can just tell this is one of those community restaurants that brings friends and family together. The environment was great, the staff was super friendly and the food was delicious!
You can just tell this is one of those community restaurants that brings friends and family together. The environment was great, the staff was super friendly and the food was delicious!
Caitlin B.
Nov 27, 2021
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My husband and I stumbled upon this place after we took our dog to the Grape St dog park. We didn't have any expectations because we never really heard of it before but boy are we glad we decided to come here today! It's a Saturday so there was live jazz music playing outside and we love listening to music so we sat out front. We were welcomed by multiple people and the owner. They took our drink orders and were really prompt. I got Laura's regular which was a half order of raisin bread french toast, 1 egg, 2 strips of bacon. My husband built his own omelet with chorizo, cheddar
Yvonne Ep
Nov 19, 2021
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We have frequented this neighborhood restaurant over the years since my now adult children were school aged.
The menu consists of healthy comfort food and traditional diner standards. Kona coffee is served and cups are refreshed with the brew frequently. The consistent quality of the food served keeps us coming back.
The atmosphere inside and out is reminiscent of perhaps the 60s and 70s. The walls are covered with original art and photos of friends and customers. Judy the owner is a gracious hostess and mindful business woman. In our time of chain restaurants and fast food stops, you would do
The menu consists of healthy comfort food and traditional diner standards. Kona coffee is served and cups are refreshed with the brew frequently. The consistent quality of the food served keeps us coming back.
The atmosphere inside and out is reminiscent of perhaps the 60s and 70s. The walls are covered with original art and photos of friends and customers. Judy the owner is a gracious hostess and mindful business woman. In our time of chain restaurants and fast food stops, you would do
Cathy G.
Nov 13, 2021
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Rida Latif
Nov 04, 2021
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Great food and a great atmosphere. Judy who is the owner is very welcoming. They were short staffed and took a little while to get our order so our waitress gave us half off our entire meal. It was a really great gesture. On top of that, my fiancé accidentally left his AirPods on the table and the bus boy chased us down to return them! Overall great people and we are definitely going back.
Rin Gamache
Oct 19, 2021
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Very bizarre experience. My husband was excited to bring me to this place for breakfast because he used to frequent here years back and talked about how nice the owner Judy was. Judy unfortunately wasn't there. The team of waitresses she had working today were pretty aloof or they weren't too happy about serving Black people. The waitresses left us at our table waiting. We even closed our menus so they knew we were ready. One looked puzzled and asked if we needed anything and we advised her that we were waiting to order. She then said that she'll go get the waitress and proceeds to start cleaning
David Seeberger
Oct 14, 2021
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1st time after seeing on KUSI. The owner, acted like my grandson and I were old friends, gave us the grand tour. She is a true roll model for humanity. Boy wouldn't it be great if we could all meeet her and take moye, take a lesson. Many types of eclectic seating for your enjoyment. Out on the front sidewalk, a old school stooled counter, dining room, and a secret back patio that reminds me of a great little place in La Paz.
Walls covered with all kinds of chachkies, extremely entertaining.
Food was good, plentiful and fresh.
This is not for consumers of chain restaurants. It is true homecooking
Walls covered with all kinds of chachkies, extremely entertaining.
Food was good, plentiful and fresh.
This is not for consumers of chain restaurants. It is true homecooking
Demetrius M.
Oct 10, 2021
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Joe G.
Aug 01, 2021
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The best brunch in San Diego, hands down. The location and atmosphere are perfect, Judy is a legend, and no matter what you order it's amazing. The breakfast burrito and the chorizo omelette are my go-tos.
Always a treat to hop over to South Park and enjoy a chill breakfast and this community staple.
Always a treat to hop over to South Park and enjoy a chill breakfast and this community staple.
Jill Miller
Jul 30, 2021
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The server was a gem. She was alone, fortunately it wasn't crowded but she was very busy. Our food was eh. Not what I expected but to be fair they have a brand new chef. We got one of our meals comped so that made it better. Hopefully they'll get up to speed with the new chef/cook. I'd be willing to give them another chance in a few months.
The only thing I'll say about the food was the home fries had a really funky spice that didn't belong in home fries. Very weird breakfast.
The only thing I'll say about the food was the home fries had a really funky spice that didn't belong in home fries. Very weird breakfast.
Rana R.
Jul 21, 2021
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Big Kitchen Cafe has been a San Diego staple for more than 30 years... That's quite a while! With good reason too. Judy, the owner, is such a great lady. She showed us around her restaurant before seating us. Lots of patrons dining but there were quite a few tables set outside too so we didn't have to wait very long for a party of 2. Very casual, home feel, restaurant where the tables/seats don't match and if you're missing a seat, Judy grabs a chair from a different table!
The food is great too! I honestly wouldn't say "5" stars for just the food, but the overall
The food is great too! I honestly wouldn't say "5" stars for just the food, but the overall
Al S.
Jun 19, 2021
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Great small town cafe vibe. Friendly staff.
However, the food has mixed elements. Some good options not perfectly executed. The cooks don't follow directions. Someone ask for no onion but, there they were, good thing there was no allergy. If you ask for potatoes well done and they come white...would I have got raw if I hadn't ordered them WD? The frittata was way overcooked. I avoid omelettes typically because egg cooked until brown is a common mistake, but, WTH cooks a frittata til brown.
Has potential, but, way overpriced. If they did it right consistently, then there would be value
However, the food has mixed elements. Some good options not perfectly executed. The cooks don't follow directions. Someone ask for no onion but, there they were, good thing there was no allergy. If you ask for potatoes well done and they come white...would I have got raw if I hadn't ordered them WD? The frittata was way overcooked. I avoid omelettes typically because egg cooked until brown is a common mistake, but, WTH cooks a frittata til brown.
Has potential, but, way overpriced. If they did it right consistently, then there would be value
David Janisch
May 19, 2021
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Angel Gomez
Sep 29, 2018
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No better place to sit down and enjoy an unforgettable breakfast so good all the time!.. Judy the owner is the best she helps the community she feeds the homeless she even got up and ran to help a blind guy across the street to help him get home! the place is awesome her burgers are amazing.. the best home fries the best raspberry jam and most of all the most courteous and loving staff in all of San Diego!.. please stop by and enjoy a wonderful meal in a Unforgettable place!
B. T.
Sep 09, 2018
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This is a great "locals" breakfast place that has lots of old school charm. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Service was great! Good coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice was yummy!
I ordered a Vegetarian omelet with bacon added; it was awesome! Home fries were garlicky and delicious..I did wish for a few more in my serving.
Toast was great and jam was homemade from somewhere.
Its cash or check only, so plan ahead on that. I'll be back to this place for a lunch soon! (closes at 2:30)
Service was great! Good coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice was yummy!
I ordered a Vegetarian omelet with bacon added; it was awesome! Home fries were garlicky and delicious..I did wish for a few more in my serving.
Toast was great and jam was homemade from somewhere.
Its cash or check only, so plan ahead on that. I'll be back to this place for a lunch soon! (closes at 2:30)
Felicity Fung
Jun 14, 2017
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This is a very cozy breakfast place! I love the atmosphere! It makes you feel like you're at a friend's kitchen and you just don't want to leave! If this is your first time, ask the waitress to take you for a short walk. There are three different parts of this Kitchen! There's a little patio area that makes you feel like you're at your back porch. The food is delicious! I ordered Judy's favorite that has scambled eggs, spinach, and mushrooms served with potatoes. We also shared the French toast that has a hint of cinnamon flavor in it. Definitely coming back!
Tips: cash or check only! Be prepared
Tips: cash or check only! Be prepared
