Black Brunch in San Diego: The Spots to Know (2026)

San Diego's Black brunch scene is smaller than LA's, but it's real and it's spread out. You'll find it on University Ave in City Heights and North Park, downtown off Broadway, and up El Cajon Blvd in the College Area. Here are the spots worth knowing, plus the day party to keep on your calendar.

Ali's Chicken & Waffles — City Heights & Downtown

Black-owned by Ali, an Ethiopia-born San Diego State grad who built the brand around the waffles that hooked him as a kid. The University Ave spot is quick pickup; the 6th Ave location downtown does pickup and delivery. Halal chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fried chicken sandwiches.

Mom's Chicken and Waffles — North Park

A Black-owned breakfast counter at 3112 University Ave. The menu is what the name promises, plus wings, breakfast tacos, and chicken-and-waffle sandwiches. Simple, well-made, dine-in or takeout.

BAD (Brunch After Dark) — Downtown

Black-owned brunch and lounge at 474 Broadway, on the ground floor of the Viridian Lofts. The gimmick is in the name: elevated brunch served late on Friday and Saturday nights, then all day Sunday with live music and mimosas. A different rhythm from the usual morning crowd.

The Mesa Bar & Grill — College Area

Black-owned social bar and restaurant at 6164 El Cajon Blvd, in the old Effin's Pub space. Weekends are the move: the Mesa Brunch Club runs Saturday mornings, then the room shifts into day-party mode with DJs and comfort plates built for mimosas. This is the hub for San Diego's Black brunch day parties.

Baddies Luv Brunch — a day party to watch

A recurring Black brunch day party thrown by SD Melanin at The Mesa. Feel-good vibes, food, cocktails, and dancing into the evening — 21+, tickets typically $20–$60 with VIP. It runs on select Sundays, so check their dates before you plan around it.

That's the short list, and short is honest here. Ownership and hours change fast, so call ahead or check Instagram before you go — and if a good Black-owned spot got left off, tell us.

Browse every Black brunch in San Diego on the San Diego brunch page — and if you host one, list it free.