Swami's Cafe Vista — Restaurant in Vista

For better or worse, the bad experiences are usually the ones that stick with you. I have been a very infrequent customer of this Swami's location over the years, but it certainly feels like things have declined recently. I'll just get into the food and service, because let's face it, all brunch places have a very similar atmosphere.

Service - This is the type of place where they take your order up front and drinks are self serve. I don't mind this set up but and even though the inevitable tipping question comes up, I usually just assume it'll get split up amongst the staff and hit one of the more reasonable percentages. The lady up front taking my order didn't seem to know the menu very well when I inquired about something that was on the website but not on the board. No problem, she's probably new, so I went with my go-to, the Berry Bliss Pancakes. After getting my coffee and seating myself, I passed time on my phone until the server came with my food. I set my phone aside as she approached. She had two orders in her arms, but set down a burrito at the edge of my table and said something I didn't catch. I had a perplexed look when I saw the burrito but turned to the dish still in her arms and said that I think the pancakes were mine. Instead of just setting it down, she says "Listen to me" like I am a ten year old in class. She asked if it was Berry Bliss and in a daze at the sudden rudeness I say yes. She sets it down and runs off. Like what did I do to deserve that? If your servers are going to be that impolite, maybe this taught me a lesson about just adding a tip before an actual service. And that I shouldn't feel bad if I don't tip at all. If she was having a bad day, fine, but that doesn't mean you have to bring others down to your level - especially considering I didn't do anything aside from fail to hear exactly what she said when there is literally an order number on my table that should help her confirm what I ordered. I was the only one at my table for Pete's sake.

Food - Eggs and bacon that I added onto the meal were fine. The pancakes were great for the first few bites but as you got closer to the middle, you could taste that they were undercooked. Oh well. I do think it was a bit silly considering it didn't look too busy, but hey maybe they were short staffed.

In summary, I don't think I would relish returning anytime soon. There are quite a few other places in the area that offer better food and service. Perhaps it was an off day, but unfortunately it only takes one experience to...

This was my first time dining here. The menu options were varied and there were a lot of unique choices from scrambles and omelets to salads, sandwiches and smoothies. I chose an omelet that I believe was called The Best Vista Omelet. While it contained items I like (jalepenos, Jack and Cheddar cheese, tomatoes) the description said it also contained shrimp. I found that an odd item for breakfast so the very nice woman taking my order offered it on the side. I figured since I would be paying for it anyway I would do that. I also ordered hash browns and sourdough as my toast option. When my plate arrived everything looked good until I broke off a piece of the omelet for my first bite. The egg inside wasn't completely cooked in parts and I am one who likes it done. So I poked around and much of it was cooked, but a few spots still had slightly runny egg. Also, the shredded cheese inside had not yet melted all the way. I didn't want to send it back and wait so I just ate what what I could. The shrimp on the side came in a small bowl. They were just little unseasoned bay shrimp. I did eat them, but still thought it an odd combo. As for the hash browns, my mistake for not ordering them crispy as they were well done in the outside but still soft and not flat on the plate, but more of a mound. They needed some seasoning so I used the Tapatio. I am giving three stars because the restaurant was nice, big, had great service with a smile and was clean. The choice I selected was probably not the best for my taste and I woukd have liked the egg properly cooked all the way. But, with that said, I would return because there were a lot of options to choose from. Next time I will try a lunch item instead. Perhaps the person cooking was rushed or was having an off day. It was very busy when we arrived on Sunday. So let this just be a friendly reminder to make sure the egg gets cooked for the next customer. Unfortunately, I neglected to take a photo...

Food is what we have come to expect from Swami's. Although this time it came out cold. This location has counter order (like McDonalds) you get a number and find a seat. Line to order was 18 minutes, then food came out way late, the waiter could see our number. Very disappointing to wait for this location to open and find that it is no more than a fast food setup. We will continue to go to our favor locations for breakfast, Swami's Carlsbad or Curbside Cafe Vista.

7/22/18 Okay, I gave this place another go at it, this time it was a disaster. 1/ the cashier was either new or did not want to help, I wanted eggs with chorrizo, side of bacon, coffee, he wanted $22. He could not figure out how to ala cart my order. That brings me to their second issue, 2/ if you want to "allow" customers to order and pick their own seat, then limit the menu like Swami's in N.P., the menu here is to busy and long, (lile Carlsbad) this type of menu requires servers to help... if not, 3/ the line starts to back up as seen in the attached picture. Lastly, 4/ the manager did save the day, she was able to fix the problem, did all she could to make sure our experience positive, but then she was got into it with the guy who caused the issue.

Suggestion, you have such a huge seating area, create a section for servers to help instead of counter order. This way you are truly giving the customers a real option

For sure I will be back when this change...