CyberEater Review - 
Broken Yolk – A Tasty Wake Up Call
By David Rottenberg
Editor, Dining San Diego Magazine
Member, California Restaurant Writers Association
Member, Southern California Restaurant Writers Association
©David Rottenberg, 2003, All Rights Reserved

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The light woke me up as it streamed between the slats of my plantation shutters. I glanced at the alarm clock but realized I did not have to turn it off. I didn’t have to get up early. It was the weekend. But a question emerged from my subconscious and roused me. BREAKFAST! Where was I going to enjoy the most important meal of this leisurely day?

The Broken Yolk, of course! This terrific restaurant, located in Pacific Beach, has perhaps the best breakfast in town. The crowds waiting at the entrance on a typical Sunday attest to the restaurant’s popularity. I never have to wait long, though. The restaurant is large enough to accommodate the customer flow.

Customers come back again and again, drawn by the quality of the food and service. I’ve never had fresher eggs. And, the portions are beyond generous. There is even a “challenge dish” on the menu. The gargantuan “Broken Yolk Café Special For The Iron Man Or Woman” is a dozen egg omelete covered with cheese and mushrooms, with fries and biscuits. It’s a bargain at only $16.99. If one finishes it, the restaurant’s price is reduced to only $1.98 and the diner gets a tee shirt and listing in its Hall of Fame to commemorate the act. I’ve seen huge professional football players who looked like they could devour everything in sight still fail to finish the dish.

The restaurant has large glass windows running the entire length of the downstairs let in lots of light and give the rooms a very airy feeling.. Seating is not fancy but comfortable. The restaurant did so well that John Gelastopoulos bought the store next door and expanded his space, more than doubling the seating capacity. In addition, he built a glass enclosed deck on the roof of the new section that permits diners to enjoy summer sunshine. There is even an elevator for those who find it difficult to go up the short staircase. I’m always astonished to watch the pretty waitresses run up and down the stairs carrying heavy trays filled with goodies. Perhaps that’s how they stay in such good shape.

The patio has many umbrellas for shading on bright days. There is even a peek of the ocean, if the weather is right. Many of the beach oriented customers are stoking up on their way to enjoying a day on the sand.

The menu lists a large selection of breakfast dishes. Many omelets are described with clever names. They are all made with four fresh eggs and come with side dishes. The home fries are delightfully crispy and crunchy. Biscuits are huge and delicious. In size, they look like Yorkshire Pudding. “Jack of Hearts” is filled with Jack cheese and artichoke hearts. ”Pay You On Tuesday” contains fresh ground beef, tomato, onion and American cheese. By any name, Eggs Benedict, two poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce and Canadian bacon on large English muffins, is just as good. Pancakes and French toast are beautifully done and very filling. I couldn’t finish the full stack of pancakes, even though I loved every bite.

For “south of the border” fans, Huevos Rancheros and Huevos con Chorizo top a list of Mexican dishes that include breakfast burrito, quesedilla and enchiladas. My personal favorite, “Lastthursinov” has enough turkey breast, bacon, olives and water chestnuts to keep me well fed for the day. Omelets can be split at no extra charge. For only pennies more, you can create your own omelet of three items from the long list of possible ingredients.

After thinking about BREAKFAST, I still managed to catch a few more winks of sleep. If I miss breakfast, which is always served, I can always manage a great lunch at Broken Yolk. I can try their magnificent salads and sandwiches. The Chef’s Salad comes as a large plate brimming with turkey, eggs, tomato and asparagus. It is hard to finish. The Fresh Fruit Boat had so much fruit that, on prior visits, I made three more salads out of what I took home. Hamburgers are all ½ pound in size.

The Broken Yolk offers wonderful breakfasts and lunches at the most insanely reasonable prices I’ve seen, serving large portions in a comfortable setting. Service is always excellent. The Broken Yolk is open for breakfast and lunch only, 6 am to 3 pm. The restaurant is located at 1851 Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach. There’s lots of free parking. Call 858-270-YOLK (9655) for information.

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