Happy Friday friends!
I’m here today with another post in my San Diego Spotlight series, where I highlight a local business that offers lots of deliciousness. Today the spotlight is on a breakfast & lunch spot in Carlsbad called Cafe Topes.
Ever since I first found out about Cafe Topes and got to sample their signature cinnamon bun when I did the Carlsbad Food Tour last year, I’ve been itching to go back for brunch. With a style described as “American with a modern twist,” Cafe Topes has been serving breakfast favorites to locals since 2013. The restaurant has a fun, modern feel to it, and one of the first things you spot when you walk in is a wall full of succulents.
Open 7 AM to 2 PM every day except Monday, Cafe Topes has a nice sized patio so that you can enjoy your eats while soaking up the SoCal sunshine. Located a block away from the main drag of downtown Carlsbad, Cafe Topes is quite a popular spot. Every time I pass by it, it’s packed… and for good reason! How many places do you know that make Oreo pancakes and Kap’n Krunch French Toast? Healthy? Nope. But for a decadent brunch, Cafe Topes has plentiful options – and they have some more nutritious menu items available too.
On Sunday after kicking butt at the conclusion of my 6-week fitness challenge evaluation, my hubby and I decided to meet up at Cafe Topes for brunch. It seemed like the perfect way to treat myself after lots of sweat & hard work.
When we arrived, the cafe was insanely crowded. We waited on a long line to get into the restaurant to order, but I was happy knowing that pancakes were in my near future.
First came out my iced chai tea with almond milk and their signature cinnamon roll to split. You can order a regular cinnamon roll or get it ‘dirty’ with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. It was a smart decision going for the former; otherwise, I think a complete sugar coma would have ensued (well, even more so than it did!).
I don’t consider myself a cinnamon roll connoisseur by any means, but it was pretty damn delicious. Soft, gooey, and sweet… just as a cinnamon roll should be!
For our brunch entrees, A went a healthy route and ordered the veggie scramble – which had three eggs, arugula, tomato, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers, along with hashbrowns and an English muffin on the side.
Egg lovers can choose between a number of Benedict options, steak & egg menu items, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos, or craft their own omelette at Cafe Topes.
I, on the other hand, continued my indulgent brunch by ordering banana Nutella pancakes + a side of hash browns – because some form of veggies, even if it was white potatoes on a griddle, were in order.
Covering anything in Nutella is sure to be a winner in my book, and I managed to eat about half of my plate before calling it quits. Anytime I order pancakes out nowadays, I can honestly say that I prefer my healthy oatmeal pancake batter over them. Don’t get me wrong, these pancakes were yummy and I’d order them again, but I think that when you’re used to eating light and healthy, heavier meals – like buttermilk pancakes – tend to taste a bit too rich. I may add Nutella to my at-home pancakes sometime soon though!
Other intriguing pancake options on the menu include ‘Gone to Maui’ pancakes – which have shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, bananas and cream cheese frosting, and M&M pancakes. The menu also has a couple of healthy non-egg items, including a power granola parfait and vegan chia seed pudding.
As for their lunch menu, Cafe Topes has lots of sandwiches, burgers, and salads – not to mention a couple of awesome sounding grilled cheese options, including a pesto/tomato/jack grilled cheese and their ‘Ultimate Grilled Cheese’ – with melted brie, green apples and fig butter. They’ve also got tacos and burritos, including vegetarian friendly options.
The next time I visit Cafe Topes, I’d like to try their chia pudding and veggie tacos…. okay, and maybe I’ll split another cinnamon roll with whoever is sitting across from me! 😉
Check out the other posts in my San Diego Spotlight series:
Tell me… Have you ever had ‘crazy’ pancakes or French toast combinations? Locals, ever been to Cafe Topes?
I’ve never had Kap’n Krunch French toast (nor do I really want to), but I wouldn’t turn down Oreo pancakes if someone offered me them!
Oooo that looks soooo yummy! I love pancakes and french toast but have never heard of the combo before. Sounds right up my alley!
OH MY!! That cinnamon roll looks divine.
I think you could cover almost anything in Nutella and I would eat it. That looks amazing, as does the cinnamon roll.
I love this series! Both the cinnamon bun and the pancakes look deliciously indulgent but I’m like you in that I usually prefer a healthier option for my pancakes. They can taste just as good and it feels so much better knowing you’re eating something that’s nourishing!