There are tons of breakfast options in San Diego, but few are as kid-friendly as The Waffle Spot located at the King’s Inn on Hotel Circle South. This Mission Valley restaurant has been a family favorite for over 20 years, so don’t be surprised when the kids won’t let you eat breakfast anywhere else. The number of adults in a restaurant that caters to families and children speaks volumes about its universal appeal; it consistently earns high marks on review sites like Yelp and Trip Advisor. Don’t miss Waffle Spot celebrity, Sir Wafflelot, who roves the restaurant for a couple hours on weekends around mid-morning, and hangs out with the little ones creating some fun vacation photo opps.
Waffle Spot Ambiance
The Waffle Spot décor looks like a box of pastel crayons exploded inside, but in a good way. Purple and turquoise dominate the color scheme. It’s light and bright with a wall of windows, and recessed and pendant lighting. A long L-shaped white counter with comfy purple swivel stools seats guests facing a farm mural with waffle characters. A few white tables with turquoise chairs line up around the perimeter of this section of the dining room. Short walls topped with white railings section the rest of the dining space into cozy nooks with booth seating. Children’s menus are served with crayons, so kids can either take their masterpieces with them when they go, or add their creations to the collection displayed along the top of the walls and in the cashier area. The quirky restaurant has a light-hearted, fun, family-friendly vibe.
Waffle Spot Food
Waffles are the star of the show at The Waffle Spot. Their Spot Waffle is a classic light and crispy plain waffle; you can add apple, raspberry, peach, blueberry, strawberry, or cherry topping with whipped cream for a nominal price. Waffle Specialties include banana nut with fresh diced banana and walnuts, double cup waffle with white and dark chocolate chips, apple cinnamon with fresh diced apples and cinnamon, blueberry with real blueberries, or toasted pecan. Note that waffle specialties are served with the ingredients as toppings, not cooked into the waffles.
Waffle and Eggs Specialties offer five additional ways to enjoy your waffles. The waffle platter is simply the classic waffle served with a side of eggs, sausage, and bacon. The Tangy Spanish Waffle is topped with California chilies, scrambled eggs, and a special sauce with melted cheese. If you like your ingredients cooked into your waffle, you’ll want to get the Bacon Waffle and Eggs; bits of bacon are in every bite, and it’s served with eggs and a fruit cup. For another twist on the waffle and eggs specialties, choose the Waffle Ranchero – two mini waffles topped with eggs and Ranchero sauce, or the popular Eggs Waffle Benedict where two mini waffles are topped with Canadian bacon, two poached eggs, and fresh Hollandaise sauce. Both are served with country potatoes or hash browns.
When you aren’t in the mood for waffles, there are still plenty of choices including pancakes, French toast, omelets, and breakfast casseroles. Try the Farmer’s Casserole – two eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham, served with either country potatoes or hash browns, and toast or mini waffles. Mexican inspired breakfasts include the classic Huevos Rancheros – two eggs cooked in red or green sauce and served with corn tortillas, or Chilaquiles de mi Madre with toasted tortilla strips, two eggs, cheese, onions, and red or green salsa.
The Waffle Spot also serves lunch from late morning to close featuring burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Try the Hollywood Burger with melted Provolone and sautéed mushrooms, the Baja B.L.T. with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and house-made chipotle mayo, or the Chula Vista chicken Caesar wrap. Sandwiches are served with potato salad, coleslaw, or French fries; onion rings are available upon request. Daily specials include everyone’s favorite – chicken and waffles.
Waffle Spot Details
The Waffle Spot is open daily from early morning to mid-afternoon. The entrance is inside the King’s Inn lobby. The restaurant is ADA accessible, and they cater to families and children. Dogs are not allowed, as there is no outdoor seating. The restaurant offers free Wi-Fi, free parking in the private lot, and bike parking. Take advantage of their discounted daily specials posted on a sign at the entrance, and local Groupon and Yelp deals. Guests at Kings Inn receive a discount at Waffle Spot on all meals. If you like their novelty mugs, they are available for purchase.
Waffle Spot Neighborhood
One of the great perks about breakfast at The Waffle Spot is its convenient Mission Valley location. Going left out of the parking lot, Hotel Circle South becomes Taylor Street, which takes you directly to both Presidio Park and to Old Town Historic State Park, two San Diego favorites. Learn about the Mormon’s part in San Diego history and enjoy some of the best views in the city at Presidio Park. Get a taste of San Diego’s Spanish and Mexican influences in Old Town.
Hopping on Interstate 8 west takes you to the beaches; at the end of the freeway, a left on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard takes you to Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs, and Point Loma. A right on Sunset Cliffs takes you to SeaWorld, Belmont Park, and Mission Beach. Hop on Interstate 8 West to nearby Interstate 5. North on 5 takes you to Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, LEGOLAND, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. South on 5 takes you to Downtown, Padres’ stadium, Little Italy, San Diego Bay, and the Gaslamp District.
If you’re making Mission Valley your vacation headquarters, there are a few neighborhood attractions. Going right out of The Waffle Spot parking lot takes you to Highway 163; if you go north, you’ll catch two of San Diego’s major shopping malls, Fashion Valley on your left and Mission Center on your right. Going south on 163, you’ll find the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. Stay at King’s Inn or the Handlery Hotel & Resort in Mission Valley, or Sommerset Suites in Hillcrest for comfortable accommodations that won’t break the bank.