Potato Shack Cafe

Yum! Came here today for the first time. Veggie omelet was tasty and coffee was always topped off even though the place was full. Kind advice and comfortable space that felt like being at grandma’s house. What a neat little spot! I’ll be back!

The construction nearby hides the Potato Shack from the main road even more but once you step inside you realize you might have missed this place anyway. It’s small inside… hence the shack part but its cozy. The owner has been doing this for years and it’s just a warm place for some simple, large portion breakfast food. Nothing too fancy but the pancakes are the right kind of fluffy so I’m satisfied. Potatoes had tons of cheese but they could have been on the crispier side. If I were more of a Encinitas Local I think it would be a regular stop.

Was a loyal customer until they plastered «freedom fries» on their menu showing support for the rumsfeld/​cheney/​Bush anti Europe stance when they didn’t back the US invasion of Iraq.
My kids requested we try it today after many years. Now it’s American fries. Still don’t take credit cards. Food is ok.

Been going here my entire life! Absolutely delicious! Can get very busy on Sunday mornings especially! My only complaint is that they don’t have hashbrown! Great staff, very clean, great food! pancakes are killer

Potato Shack Café is a family owned breakfast and lunch restaurant in Encinitas. I don’t know about ya all’s preference but sometimes a girl’s gotta have her chicken fried steak in the morning. We are always on the quest to search for the perfect chicken fried steak in San Diego so we thought we’d venture to Encinitas one Saturday to check out their breakfast options.
I found out about Potato Shack Café from our Bite of San Diego tour some weeks ago. The owner/​dad of Potato Shack Café was such a genuine guy and we loved the huge blueberry pancake that was served to our group that afternoon.
I opted for Breakfast option A which consists of: Top Sirloin Steak, Chicken breast or Two Pork Chops & Two Eggs, Served with a Plain Manhole Cover Pancake* or Toast &. American Fries for $ 13.50. This is what it says on their website but I think it included chicken fried steak as an option. You can order their regular chicken fried steak with gravy and biscuits for $ 10.50 (no eggs or pancake included).
The batter was pretty thick but the beef itself was ok. There was a nice crunch from the batter. Unfortunately, the gravy was weak and unseasoned. It tasted like plain flour with milk stirred in. I couldn’t taste much else.
Friend ordered the Patty Melt which was the winning dish of the day. The hamburger patty was prepared a beautiful medium and tasted flavorful and juicy. Not sure if they butter the outside of the rye bread but there was just a glorious juicy crunch with each and every single bite I had of this sandwich.
Service was nice and there was no pressure from anyone to rush the meal. NOTE: Potato Shack Café is CASH ONLY. They have their own ATM inside the restaurant though so I think there will be a fee to withdraw cash. I’d come back to try out more lunch items and then head over to that doohickey meditation park place up the street.

Can’t really say I was impressed with this place. We came here on my in-​laws’ recommendation (I guess that should’ve been my first red flag) and they raved about the place. As the name implies, it’s small. But since it was just the two of us, they seated us pretty quickly.
Now, it was busy. I get that. But our server was far from cordial. I mean, not rude, but not exactly friendly either. At least the food came quick. That said, big portions and quick service aside, I wish we had gone elsewhere. It was a huge plate of pretty bland food. I had chicken fried steak. Typically I judge this dish by the quality of their gravy. If it’s brown in hue, that means the gravy has been seasoned well. If it’s white in hue, it’s bland and basically «flour sauce.» Potato Shack serves flour sauce.
I had just run the Encinitas Mile and I was fiercely hungry. And their food wasn’t remotely worth the raves or the wait (if you’re in a big group). Our server was moody, and didn’t even bother to keep our waters filed — I mean, it was 85° at 9am in March. It was hot!
And in the year 2015, they don’t take credit cards. For real. I get that you don’t like dealing with the CC processors. That’s when you hook up a Square account. I mean seriously. Cash only? FOH with that nonsense in 2015.
There’s dozens of places for brunch in downtown Encinitas. Wish I had gone somewhere else instead.

Potato Shack is the go-​to place if you’re super hungry. They have man hole sized pancakes, omelets the size of your arm and delicious coffee. Do not underestimate the portion size here, everything is extra large. So come hungry! Lots of indoor and outdoor seating, so the wait time for sitting isn’t usually very long at all. The only con I can think of is they only take cash but they have an onsite ATM.
Usually I get eggs or French toast. Both are delicious, and fill me right up. I personally love their potatoes too, they add a little onion so it makes the perfect combo. I have attempted the pancakes but never the man hole size ones. Those literally hang over the side of the plates! The regular pancakes are still large and I never finish them. My husband loves the make your own omelets. The make your own omelet has a bunch of options to add to it, pretty much if you can think of what food you want in it, they can add it in for you!

I gave 3 stars because the food was great, big portions for sure! I came for brunch and as far as food is concerned, I was thoroughly impressed! I can only imagine everything on their menu is yum yum yum!!!
It’s a very small place — the fact that it has «shack» in the name is very fitting. Super tiny inside. I could see coming back here with only 1 other person (we had 4 in our party) and making sure we sat outside. Those would definitely be my stipulations. If you don’t mind stuffy and small (or maybe some find it cute and quaint?) then it would be great! But yeah… not sitting inside again.
The wait staff seemed okay. Our server was definitely not friendly at all, she was short and just didn’t seem very thrilled being there. I’m sure she was busy or frazzled, but it’s the Sunday brunch hour in Encinitas, get used to it lady. Anyway, the other servers seemed more friendly. Maybe she was just having a bad morning.
Overall, not thoroughly impressed, but not completely let down either. Wouldn’t sit inside again, but will give it another shot in the future… outside.

Yep, this is one of our favorite dives in San Diego County. Every time we visit San Diego we make the drive up to Encinitas for this local favorite. Depending on arrival time you may have to wait for a seat as there is limited seating, both inside and out. Once seated however the service is quick and friendly. Whether you’re here for the manhole size pancakes or their famous B-​breakfast, you won’t go home hungry! Our favorite is the B-​breakfast, with eggs over easy, Potato Shack potatoes, sausage and bacon with a giant order of sourdough toast. Bring cash or an ATM card as they don’t accept checks or credit cards. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area. Take a short walk to the west after you’re done to walk off some of those extra carbs and enjoy the view of the Pacific ocean from the park at the end of the street.

Came here for my mom’s birthday. Been here before but she hadn’t so thought we’d try a local spot.
Host taking names for the list quoted a 5 – 15 minute wait and it looked like it would be about 30 minutes so I was shocked when we got a table in less than 10. Great spot right out front under and umbrella and for 5 people no less!
Food was ok. I saw the special note about getting the American potatoes deep fried so I thought I’d give that a go. They were definitely deep fried but they didn’t taste fully cooked. The bacon was pretty salty but it was crispy and cooked well! The eggs were over easy and cooked well. The toast is really a highlight! I ordered sourdough and it’s like Texas style. Delicious! Huge pancakes but the flavor or cooking of the pancake isn’t lost because of its size. Overall, good breakfast, prices very reasonable for the amount of food.

***CASH ONLY***
Had a friend in town visiting and she insisted on going to the Potato Shack. I grew up in Encinitas and everyone always talked about the Shack, but surprisingly I never went. I’ve never been big on potatoes or on giant plates of food so I always passed. But now was my opportunity to check it out.
We came on a Sunday morning around 10:00. Parking is a little bit of a challenge if you aren’t willing to walk. There is street parking, but there were no spots available at that time so we parked in the Lumberyard and walked across the street. The Potato Shack has indoor and outdoor seating. We lucked out and didn’t have to wait for a table. We had a booth inside and it is a VERY tight squeeze in there; very cozy. In fact, it’s a good thing I didn’t eat the pancakes or I wouldn’t have fit through the dining area to make it to the restroom.
The food was good. My boys both got manhole cover size pancakes. The pancakes were thick and literally spilled over the plate. They had to work to cut it up and eat it.
Our meal for four people was $ 50. I didn’t realize until we sat down that it is cash only. Luckily I had cash on me or I would have had to use the ATM that’s inside the restaurant and I’m sure it would have been an astronomical fee.
It’s a beachy restaurant with a locals feel. I’m glad I can at least say I ate there. My youngest son did get sick afterwards, but I can’t say for certain it was the food since none of the rest of us got sick.
It was just ok for me especially for the price and having to pay cash. I probably wouldn’t make a special trip here given that I know there is often times a long table wait. Service was great though.

Kinda surprised that I haven’t reviewed the Potato Shack before as the food here is pretty dang delicious and the portions are ridiculously large. My go to items here are often the make your own omelette with pepper jack and turkey, the turkey chunks are large and flavorful and it comes with their delicious potatoes and a side of bread which can be substituted for on of their HUGE manhole sized pancakes for an addition $ 3. They have a neat little outdoor seating are which is pet friendly and the service is pretty solid… Overall, a great spot for a delicious breakfast.
Pros–
Menu
Service
Huge portions
Potatoes
Outdoor pet friendly seating
Cons–
Pancake tastes bland
Parking is a pain
Crowded on weekends leading to a long wait

Overpriced mediocre food at best.
It is cash only or pay to use their ATM!
I would have to say it’s a bit of a rip off.

It’s just always good here! I love the omelets so much! The egg part is so thin and I love that it doesn’t overwhelm the ingredients. I always get a cheddar, bacon and avocado omelet. I can never finish it! It’s just packed with bacon! My husband always gets the chicken fried steak and biscuits with gravy. I’m a southern girl from Georgia and I 100% approve! It tastes so good, it brings me back to my childhood! I always recommend Potato Shack. The food is great and the atmosphere here is relaxed and enjoyable. We always sit outside and enjoy breathing in that fresh, beautiful ocean air. We’ve been coming now for almost 20 yrs and will continue to come forever!

Cash only. Above average breakfast place. Better then average for north county. But nothing like your hillcrest resturants

I LOVE coming here. This is my «To Go» spot when visiting.
Been here many times.
It’s Perfect for a cute brunch date.
The food portions are HUGE.
The Service is great.
Prices are decent.
Everyone is nice.
you actually leave with a smile and full belly.

Would like to give them 5 stars, but the American Fries (home fries) were not crispy, and that is a crime against humanity.
She had French Toast and coffee, and was very happy.
I had an omelet with swiss cheese, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and spinach, the aforementioned American Fries and rye toast with an iced tea to drink. The omelet was cooked wonderfully and stuffed full of deliciousness. Rye toast was thick and toasted perfectly.
Street parking was easy and very convenient… but it also helps that we were there at 7:15 am Thursday. Had it been 9:30 am today, would probably have been a problem.
I’m fond of this place from my days as an employee at Whole Foods Market Encinitas, and was very happy to get an opportunity to dine here again. Our server was friendly, efficient and helpful.

With a name like Potato Shack, my potato-​loving self has wanted to visit this restaurant for quite awhile and I finally got my wish last weekend. And boy was it a dream come true! Since we didn’t arrive until 1 PM, what I imagine to be the weekend brunch rush had come and gone and we were seated immediately.
There are so many great sounding dishes on the menu but as soon as I saw that turkey was listed as an option for an omelette filling I was sold. It’s so rare to find a restaurant that offers non-​pig breakfast meats and as a non-​pig eater, I was ecstatic. I ordered an omelette with turkey and cheddar cheese and it was wonderful! The omelette was cooked perfectly and the cheese was nice and gooey. It was also huge and I took home half of it for breakfast the next day. The meal is also served with a side of American potatoes, which are diced red skinned potatoes, and a slice of buttered toast.
My boyfriend ordered the breakfast burrito, primarily because of the green chiles, and loved it. It was also served with a side of American potatoes. Amazingly, he ate the entire burrito, which was quite large.
Service was quick and friendly. This is a place that has a nice down-​home country vibe and I could definitely see it being filled with regulars.
I can’t wait to come back and try some of their other items, like the huge pancakes that I’ve read so much about.

Most breakfast places stick to a standard spread, general dishes that satisfy an array of tastes. Others might focus on a single dish or ingredient, eggs at the Broken Yolk («We have a 12 egg omelette!»), Pancakes at the … Pancake House («Over 30 styles to choose from!»), or crappy food at Denny’s («At least we’re not Rimel’s in Encinitas!»). And then some places have a shtick, a specific thing that makes stand out (or, at least, makes them think they stand out). Contrary to the name of the place, it ain’t the potatoes for this little diner.
The Potato Shack Café lies on the outskirts of downtown Encinitas, between Anahata Yoga and Colonics by the Sea. When you walk in, you are greeted with the dark varnish of a wooden interior replete with tables carved out of tree trunk slices. One wall proudly displays a beautiful American Flag. Another wall gives a salute to the launch of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan. By the door is a quaint ATM that signifies that they are cash only.
Eating in Encinitas, you get used to seeing typical patrons, beach bums and bunnies, SUV moms and dads who apparently don’t work during the week, those who have to walk their dog everywhere, hipsters in glasses and knit hats, old couples that are always smiling, nerd girls in headsets and hooded jackets … it’s an eclectic mix that runs the gambit of people who live in a coastal town. Come in here, though, and you might see a dog walker and happy older couple outside, but the majority of the people we saw coming and going were older diners eating solo (3 out of the 5 we counted were wearing trucker hats, I kid you not) and a pair of middle aged guys, wearing suits, who had finished eating long before, and were just sitting and talking finance until we left.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not off putting in the slightest, it’s just something you take note of pretty quick because it’s just so … stereotypical. Anyway, enough time wasted on that, about breakfast.
I had what the Potato Shack seems to have become known for in all the reviews I saw, their Manhole Cover Sized Pancakes. And while they do measure up in size, their chocolate chip offering got tiresome less than a third of the way through. It was oddly bland, only the chips giving any sweetness, and only the burn giving any taste to the breading. They should be a good mix of salt and sugar, not just something to shovel in and make you feel full. And it came with below average scrambled eggs and a very tasty turkey sausage patty.
The woman I love had their Western Omelette, which turned out to be very good. The ham was nicely salted, the veggies were fresh and well cooked, and the cheese was moist and unburned around the edges, a good recipe and well made. The American Fries that came with it, on the other hand, were a huge disappointment. Unseasoned, underdone to the point where they were soft, but not crispy, just a very basic style that made them all starch and no flavor.
It might be our fault for not having something off of their baked potato menu, but breakfast here was average at best. Large portions don’t really make up for lack of taste. Mix in slower service (which is not really the fault of the place, as there was only one server taking care of at least 5 tables at once) and being cash only (which sucks when you only realize this right before the check comes), and this place comes up to a weak three stars.
On the plus side, they do have a lot of Mr. Potato Head parts for kids to play with; our toddler took full advantage of that. And the location is nice, downtown Encinitas where you can partake of a morning stretch, at Yoga next door, to prepare for all the starch and carbs you’re about to eat and then have warm water squirted up you, at the Colonic place, to clean yourself out of them when you’re done. That’s my Thursday morning all wrapped up into one corner.

First of all, potato shack is adorable and that’s what drew my boyfriend and I in a week ago. We had actually noticed it from across the street when we were at the Encinitas fish shop for the first time and I said, «that place looks cute lets go there some time.»
We actually didn’t go to Encinitas this time around with the intention of eating here specifically but we drove past it, saw the crowds outside, and decided it was a winner.

There’s a small parking lot out the back, the rest is street parking. We arrived about 30 minutes before close (2:30pm) and had no trouble getting a good spot but I imagine it can get pretty full earlier in the morning. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, we chose indoor. It’s a seat yourself kind of place.
It’s extremely cluttered. I do love the coziness of the cluttered look but it was a little overwhelming for w first timer. The man that told us to sit anywhere kinda threw me off as he had on jeans and a tshirt and a baseball cap, literally not one thing that even hinted at the fact that he’s staff but he seemed to be doing paperwork at the front the whole time so im thinking he’s maybe the owner.

The menu is precious, I couldn’t get enough of the hand drawn art on the front. Huge selection of breakfast and lunch options which was great for me because I’m not much of a breakfast person. They have «manhole» pancakes which are seriously the size of a manhole cover… I held off this time but next time I must try them.

I wish they served bloody Mary’s or mimosas, but they have no alcohol :(((our server was eh. And older thin blonde lady that seemed to not have the patience to give us «more time» because her second time coming back around took almost 20 minutes.
Long story short, I ordered the club sandwich and my boyfriend ordered the BLTA, he got regular fries and I got the potatoes (which are so so good by the way especially with their salsa).
Both of our sandwiches were okay I guess, mine wasn’t very fresh. They were both HUGE, we both ended up taking home the 2^nd half. W
The potatoes were the real winner. I could’ve eaten a plate of potatoes and probably ended up writing a better review off that.
I’m sure we will be back. Seriously I want to try the manhole pancakes so bad and get some more spuds :) the menu was pretty overpriced in my opinion so this couldn’t be the «usual» breakfast spot but definitely not a place to forget when in Encinitas.