I visit Carlsbad Village to shop in quaint and unusual local shops and eat at the nice mostly independant restaurants there. My favorite for breakfast or lunch is hands-down…Al’s Cafe. The moment you walk in and are greeted usually by name, by nice, friendly, caring (yes ….caring) waitresses …you’re in for a delightful treat. Al’s food is imaginative and fresh. Their breakfasts are eclectic running from 7 o0r 8 kinds of Eggs Benedict ( the home made Hollandaise is wonderful), to 4 kinds of French Toast, lots of waffles and huge omelets. They have really nice touches also: water pitchers on tables, hot tea in real tea pots, FREE samples of their home made fudge. I always order one of their 3 types of hand cut steaks……top sirloin, ribeye or T-bones. The menu says USDA Certified Angus. You probably have your favorite places, and you should try Al’s….it might become one of yours. rw

Visiting the coast to duck the heat. Stayed in this great coastal village. Went to breakfast and lunch several times at Al’s, after trying a few others closer to the beach. Al’s is worth the 10 minute walk. I’ve never seen so many types of Eggs Benedicts on any menu. And all that I tried were great. Our kids loved the “Mickey Mouse” pancakes and PBnJ French Toast.
My wife loved the selection of fresh salads and the portions were huge. We asked them about samples of their freshly made fudge and were blown away by the taste and quality. I sent some to our nephew serving in Iraq.
We will make it a point to return in a few months, when we revisit Carlsbad.