Just like in the dream world from which you just awoke, cutlery dangles from teacups perched on chandeliers, the walls are lime green and the waffles are nearly as large as your plate.

But the eclectic décor is complimented by an even more unpredictable menu: think sweet cornbread, pecan or pumpkin waffles—once featured in Gourmet magazine, no less—banana and peanut butter-stuffed French toast or tamales and eggs.

If these dishes seem too baffling or risqué for your morning meal, fret not. Basics like scrambles, bennies and eggs with your choice of spam, sausages or turkey bacon are all served up with toast and big chunks of potatoes, crispy skin and all.

As for the portions—do you even have to ask? Their eggs, toast and meat combo is called the “All-American.” So yes, you can bet on leaving full.

The upsides include a bountiful menu, efficient service and outdoor seating for those who want fresh morning air with their coffee. The downsides include long weekend lineups and—aside from oatmeal and granola, yawn—a lack of light breakfast options. The closest you’ll get to that is a waffle as big as your face with yogurt and fruit. Not exactly beach bod material.

But if heaping servings of pancakes or waffles are up your alley, this is the place to be. Case in point: Café 222 has won the Gold Medallion Award for best breakfast, San Diego’s most prestigious restaurant award, five times since 2003.

For satiated travelers sad to be leaving emptyhanded, or those who can’t make to San Diego’s favourite morning hangout, take home a bag of house-made granola, corn-waffle mix or even the lauded pumpkin waffle mix, sold on-site or online.

Dishes range from US$6.50 to US$10.50. Café 222 is open seven days a week with seating from 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.