Big Kitchen Café — Restaurant in San Diego

So no one has the guts to say it? Ambience is important while eating whether it's outdoor or indoor. Indoor seating is historical, nostalgic, and leads to great conversation. Outside with natural trees and in South Park, speaks for itself. The problem is rickety poker folding tables, covered with stale smelling vinyl covers from somebody's closet and a mish-mosh of chairs that I'm sure were donated or picked up from "Free off the curb." Condiment jars are obviously not cleaned nor sanitized between diners and this alone makes one wonder about what is happening in the kitchen. It's quite easy to make the outside more inviting to the eyes and stomach. Big Kitchen-level up!

And because I've been eating here for decades, I know the quality, flavor and portion of food the Big Kitchen can deliver. I arrived on a Saturday at 12 and had immediate seatng. Note that if you come in the morning it is likely up to 15 minutes to be seated but it could be up to 30 minutes before you get your plate. Or your food may come to the table lukewarm.

I ordered my staple, pancake and egg whites. Best egg whites comparable to many restaurants. The reason the pancake is a highlight is because it is large but light and fluffy. The only pancake I've eaten that is NOT heavy on the stomach. Yet, the most tasteless syrup. So I bring my own. And I enjoy every bite.

Service is what is expected. I do appreciate that the servers each have an interesting story or hobby if you just ask. Cash is still preferred. And credit cards are now accepted if the machine works. Or if internet is working. Yeah bring cash people. The variety of meal creations is creative and appreciated. Although I stick to my staple dish. If you're a local, Big Kitchen is in the heart space and you enjoy coming here.

If you're a visitor, the ambience will be off-putting and you can get good food and ambience elsewhere. After all we are America's...

If i was just rating the breakfast, i might go to 3/5 or 4/5 stars. The experience was terrible; twice now. You "sign in" on arrival on a paper with no lines, so there is no indication of who arrived first. Its covered with flies, unless you happen to get elite indoor seating. They are cash only, and have no ATM, so you get to go to the liquor store as an intermission.

Judy, the owner/hostess, is very sweet and nice. But her glad-handing really interferes with the staffs ability to coordinate their work, because she randomly brings out beverage orders while other staff are on their way to go get the same order.

Then, I was first seated with another duo, because I was solo. You know? Like at Benihana? I'm not a fan of forced conversations with strangers when im eating. Secondly, we were picked up and relocated to another table so they could accommodate another group. I got to sit next to their dogs on the only sunny 1/3rd of the table. Maybe I'm just from a different culture, but that's just not how i would treat my customers.

Its a staple and trendy place in South Park, but really could use some overhauling. However, it already has a good rating, so maybe I'm just complaining. If your options are between this place, or Antique Row Cafe, i would highly...

This is easily one of my favorite diners in San Diego. The ambience is unique and sends a message that is very clearly pro-human rights, which is a breath of fresh air in today's society who seem to have forgotten that everything is political. From the food we eat to the way we spend our money, everything is political and places like Big Kitchen matter. I am so grateful that safe places like this exist in this world. All of the art work and personal mementos and trinkets that line the wall give a welcoming feel for all.

The owner Judy is a lovely human being who acknowledges and interacts with all of her guests and is an inspiration for all. She is so entertaining and beyond charming. It's like coming home to eat a home cooked breakfast, every time. Sometimes there is live music and sometimes Judy sings out a song herself. Each experience at Big Kitchen is unique, you never know what you will find

The food is delicious. I haven't tried anything I didn't devour. The home style potatoes and the giant cinnamon rolls are my favorite, but truly you can't go wrong with anything on the menu here.

I come here regularly and I will...