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Cafe 21 University Heights brunch menu

Delicious doesn't wait and neither should you.

Cafe 21 University Heights offers brunch Thursday-Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm. View the menus below for more information.


Brunch food menu

C21 Classics

$15 tomato + egg / $16 short rib omelet / $15 feta omelet / $16 lamb kufta omelet / $15 veggie power bowl / $16 turkey Benedict / $12 classic pancakes / $12 C21 French toast / $12 vegan French toast / $13 tiramisu pancakes / $15 Dutch pancake / $14 overnight oats / $14 strawberry crepe / $8 bread + jam

Sandwiches + Crumpets

$15 avocado toast / $13 roasted eggplant crumpet / $14 mushroom crumpet / $15 lamb crumpet / $16 short rib crumpet / $14 chicken pesto sandwich / $14 Monte Cristo sandwich / $10 PBJ

C21 Specials

$16 Mediterranean fried rice / $16 short rib crepe cake / $15 chicken crepe cake / $17 crudités mezze platter / $16 shrimp corn cake / $14 spinach + zucchini savory cake / $17 beet cured salmon spinach + zucchini savory cake / $12 strawberry salad / $15 flourless chocolate cake

Sides

$8 potato pancake w/ Ajika spicy spread / $10 potato galette w/ Ajika spicy spread / $5 sauerkraut / $5 toast & butter / $8 potato chips / $7 salad / $8 cured Italian ham / $10 fruit

Add-Ons

$7 avocado / $3 small Ajika spicy spread / $5 large Ajika spicy spread / $4 seasonal jams / $5 real maple syrup / $3 cheese / $7 protein chicken or turkey / $9 protein lamb or short rib / #3 sour cream / $3 butter


Brunch drink menu

Signature C21 Lattes

$8 cappuccino / $8-$10 lattes

The Palmers

$17 iced organic tea + fresh squeezed lemon (+$7 single shot of house gin / +$11 double shot of house gin)

Coffee + Espresso

$6 house coffee / $7 espresso / $7 Americano / $8 cofftea

Brunchy Libations

$14 mimosa flute / $30 mimosa flight of flavors / $30 mojito flight of flavors / $18 espresso martini / $30 champagne bottle with one handcrafted flavor / $18 classic Mary / $16 traditional sangria / $16 seasonal fruit sangria / $14 Aperol Spritz / $16 C21 carajillo

Specialty Libations

$16-$18

Organic Teas

$11

Craft On Draft

$11

Fresh Squeezed Juices & Lemonade

$11-$12

Sodas + Water

$6-$7


Cafe 21 University Heights Brunch

Cafe 21 University Heights Brunch

Cafe 21 University Heights

VANESSA A.

UPDATED

August 6, 2025

Brunch basics:

  • Cafe 21 University Heights offers brunch Thursday-Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm.

  • Enjoy popular food dishes like French toast or short rib omelets.

  • Sip on classic brunch cocktails like mimosas or sangria.

Cafe 21 University Heights

Cafe 21 University Heights brunch tips

  • Try the Shrimp Corn Cake Benedict: this signature dish combines house-made potato cakes with shrimp, corn, poached eggs, and cilantro cream sauce, and it’s easily the most talked-about brunch item here.

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends: brunch waits can stretch over 30 minutes after 10:00am, so get there before the rush to avoid the crowd and snag a table without stress.

  • Take a mimosa flight: the mimosa flights come with rotating flavors like blood orange, guava, and grapefruit, and many regulars pair them with espresso martinis or mojito flights for a boozy brunch upgrade.

  • Brunch is built for sharing: most dishes come out tapas-style, in smaller portions with rich ingredients, so bring friends and order a few plates to sample and share around the table.

  • Grab a spot on the covered patio: if the weather’s nice, ask to sit outside under the leafy canopy. It's shaded, well-decorated, and offers more room and natural light than the cozy indoor section.

  • Don't miss the house drinks and lattes: the Trained Dragon Latte, iced vanilla latte with floral garnishes, and non-alcoholic options like purple lemonade are all visually stunning and crowd favorites.

  • Parking is limited, so plan ahead: there are only two designated parking spots and street parking can be tight, especially during brunch hours, so give yourself extra time if you're driving in.

  • Expect friendly servers with personality: Jason and Patrick bring upbeat service, energy, humor, and thoughtful recommendations to elevate your brunch experience.


FAQs


What’s the vibe like?

The vibe at Cafe 21 University Heights is cozy, intimate, and trendy.

Do they have vegan options?

Yes, Cafe 21 University Heights has vegan options, including vegan French toast and a vegan mezze platter.

Do they take reservations?

Yes, reservations are accepted and highly suggested. You can book a table online.


Cafe 21 University Heights Brunchspotter review

VANESSA A.

CONTRIBUTOR

Cafe 21 University Heights feels like a love letter to San Diego brunch. The covered patio is layered in greenery and sun, with that casual-but-cute energy that makes you want to linger. Inside, it’s cozy and a little whimsical, with mismatched plates, hanging plants, and enough character to match the food. I ordered the shrimp corn cake Benedict and still thought about it later that day. The plates are colorful and balanced, the kind of dishes where you taste that everything is made from scratch. Their French toast is made from actual cinnamon rolls, and yes, it’s every bit as over-the-top and worth it as that sounds. The mimosa flights are fun and the espresso martini hits the sweet spot between brunch and happy hour. Staff feels like locals who actually enjoy being there, which goes a long way when the place is full. This spot leans thoughtful. You go for the scratch-made flavors, the comfort, and the creativity that never feels forced. Brunch here doesn’t try to impress you with flash. It just quietly earns your loyalty.

Brunch at Cafe 21 University Heights is a fresh, farm-to-table experience that redefines classic morning favorites in the heart of San Diego’s University Heights. Served Thursday-Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm, this innovative eatery specializes in scratch-made, locally sourced dishes like Short Rib Omelets, Dutch Pancakes, and Mediterranean Fried Rice, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. Sip on a handcrafted mimosa flight, a seasonal fruit sangria, or an espresso martini, and enjoy the warm, inviting ambiance of this casual-yet-elegant dining space. Whether you’re indulging in a leisurely brunch or gathering with friends over shareable plates, brunch at Cafe 21 University Heights delivers a flavorful, sustainable, and unforgettable experience.

Cafe 21 University Heights brunch times

Brunch tastes better when you skip the line.

Day

Times

Monday

N/A

Tuesday

N/A

Wednesday

N/A

Thursday

8:00am-3:00pm

Friday

8:00am-3:00pm

Saturday

8:00am-3:00pm

Sunday

8:00am-3:00pm

Last updated: 3/5/25 (Source)

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