Crest Cafe
425 Robinson Avenue, San Diego CA 92103Nestled just one block south of University Avenue in Hillcrest is Crest Café, a haven of fresh and organic American cuisine with a southwestern twist. While it may seem like a surfside diner plucked from the past, the food here is far superior to most cafes or diners you’re liable to find. Along with the food, the bright and fun décor and extremely friendly servers have given the restaurant an extremely loyal and diverse group of regulars that just can’t get enough. Crest Café is open until midnight every day and serves an all-day breakfast menu, so diners can enjoy whatever their stomachs are rumbling for at any time of the day.
Crest Cafe: A Fresh Breath of Ocean Air
Review by TableAgent
Driving through downtown Hillcrest, I notice that there are quite a few little eateries; in fact, there are a lot. The area is well known in San Diego for being a district of unique, independently owned businesses. The downtown Hillcrest neighborhood caters to every generation with a sense of adventure and discovery, which has lead to a variety of bold restaurants and bistros in the area. Maneuvering down Robinson Street, I can see a restaurant in just about every other building along the narrow road. As my eyes rove the roadside for my destination, my destination jumps out at me from the mélange of storefronts with its brightly colored pink and blue exterior and neon sign out front that reads: “Crest Café.” This little restaurant has grown quite a reputation over the past two decades for serving comfort food that’s as fresh and healthy as comfort food can possibly be, along with some of the most inventive breakfast, lunch, and dinner around.
I stand outside, staring at the decidedly pink paint and neon sign, trying to think of what the exterior of the restaurant reminds me of, and only one thing comes to mind: A 1950’s surfside diner. The space was turned into a “Mom and Pop” restaurant in 1982, and became the Crest Café in 1985 when it was purchased by Luis Moreno. At the time the restaurant was purchased, Mr. Moreno was working with Food Maker, a local company that was famous for starting the “Jack in the Box” franchise as well as the Boat House in San Diego.
The fresh and organic California cuisine at Crest Café is inspired largely by Luis’ mother and father, natives of Mexico, and Luis’ native California. The current owner and manager is Cecelia Moreno, Luis’ daughter, who began working at the restaurant shortly after college. Luis’ son used to be a dishwasher at the restaurant when it opened, and then worked his way up to run the kitchen. Luis Moreno still comes in to work at the restaurant for his daughter from time to time, a practice that makes Cecilia smile when she mentions it. She kept the concept but expanded the menu and the physical confines of the restaurant, adding a bar at the front of the restaurant. Cecilia says she still gets older customers that come in and tell her that they used to visit a dentist’s office where the bustling café now sits.
The neon light and bright colors scream of a Malibu of yesteryear, and continue to shout it as I enter the restaurant. Immediately the blues and pinks and greens on the walls and floor tiles excite my senses and bring me to the welcome area by the door, which features the sign-in book and comment cards. As I glance up from the book I see a small bar near the entrance that holds wine, beer, and an espresso machine. While the restaurant is more independent than most of the bigger fine dining establishments in town, they manage to present a good selection of domestic and international beers as well as wines by the glass and bottle. The colorful pink and turquoise bar accentuates the diner feel even more as I am whisked back to a table by a passing server.
I’m shown my table and sit on what looks like a long wooden bench that stretches across one of the walls of the restaurant; there are also other small tables and even a couple of comfy booths scattered around the restaurant. I lounge for a moment, acclimating myself to the seat, and another familiar sensation flows through me as my veteran years at Catholic School recognize the feeling in my posterior: church pews. The pews – which I found out later had been there quite some time – had been taken from a church and bound together to form elaborate bench-like seating throughout the restaurant.
As I adjust in my seat, reacquainting myself with a long forgotten piece of furniture, I gaze around the restaurant. The bright hues of pink, blue, turquoise, and green cover the restaurant, along with a menagerie of interesting decorations, all of which were donated by customers and each of which has its own story. There is a collection of beautiful, scenic photographs on one wall that seem crisper than they would look in reality. There is also a collection of dog-related paintings that pops up around the restaurant, including a painting of New York City with various breeds of humanized dogs that represent each area of the city.
While sitting and browsing the menus, I glance over and see the owner/manager, Cecelia Moreno, wiping down a table as she looks over with a warm smile and friendly wave. Since I arrived at the restaurant around noon, there is a lunch/dinner menu and an all-day breakfast menu to browse through, each one packed with so many appetizers, salads, omelets, pastas, and sandwiches that it’s tough to make a decision. Some of the dishes that jump out immediately are the beer battered Onion Loaf, Boobies (linguini with ham, pears, and pecans in a gorgonzola cream sauce), Adobe Pork Chops rubbed in homemade adobo chili paste, and a Butter Burger that’s stuffed with parsley butter, topped with parsley butter, and then rounded out with garlic mayonnaise and spices. Since the restaurant opens at 7am and closes at midnight, there was a demand to offer the breakfast menu all day, and apparently it has become so.
One very unique appetizer jumps out at me off of the page, as it is one of the restaurant’s specialties: Cheese Butta Squares. They soon arrive alongside my glass of fresh tangerine juice, and look like grilled cheese sandwiches on multi-grain bread. Upon my first bite, however, I realize they’re filled with gorgonzola cheese and much, much more. The first bite is filled with the sweet taste of pear mixed with the gorgonzola, making it very sugary. With the next bite I taste the salty, tangy combination of sun dried tomato and gorgonzola. After that, the sweet pear and sun dried tomato combine with the cheese to create a symphony of slightly tangy sweetness that I’ve never tasted before. The butter on the bread adds a salty taste and the crunchy texture ties the whole dish together.
With my appetite whet, I decide to sample some dishes from the all-day breakfast menu, starting first with the Ortega Omelet. I watch as it makes its way from the kitchen via the pass-through window that offers a glimpse of the action. It arrives at the table with a side of hash browns and wheat toast; all of the bread used at the restaurant comes from Bread and Cie, probably the best bakery in all of San Diego. The omelet is toasted golden on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside, with pepper jack cheese dripping out as I press my fork in making thick slices of browned sausage clearly visible. I take a bite loaded with cheese, spicy chicken sausage, and Ortega chile and the flavor invades my senses. The spicy sausage and chile create a mild heat in my mouth, but not so hot that I’m scrambling for water. The tang of the chile, tomato from the salsa fresco, and pepper jack cheese is wonderful alongside the taste of fresh egg. The hash browns are also excellent; golden brown and crispy on the very top, smooth and warm on the inside.
The next breakfast dish to come is the Tuscan Benedict: Eggs Benedict with an Italian twist. I instantly notice that the sun dried tomato and herb sauce on top has a reddish hue, almost matching the pink of the restaurant walls. As I cut into it, I realize that instead of an English muffin underneath all the sauce, egg, and ham, there’s a warm and fluffy croissant -- a very nice surprise indeed. Also to my delight, I observe that instead of Canadian bacon, there sits two thickly cut slices of baked ham that are bursting with flavor. I’m, at this point, filled with foodie excitement as I cut into the eggs to find that they have been expertly poached: A thick shell of soft egg white encasing gooey golden yolk. The sun dried tomato sauce tastes flavorful and rich and the secret herbs that are added lend even more flavor to the cream sauce. The fresh flavor of the asparagus spears complements the sauce nicely and the whole flavor experience is unforgettable. Even the side of breakfast potatoes –clearly hand cut- is fried to a crisp, golden brown, and tastes great when dipped in the creamy sun dried tomato sauce.
As I move from breakfast territory into the lunch and dinner menu, I begin with Cecelia’s Chopped Salad, which is a spinach salad topped with turkey, mango, walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, jicama, and apple. The salad arrives in a large bowl and it takes me a moment to get past all the fresh accompaniments to get to the spinach. The walnuts are huge, the jicama flavorful, and the apple crisp and refreshing. The thick bits of turkey are seasoned with a mystery blend of spices and tastes naturally fresh and delicious. The most impressive ingredient is the basil dressing, which nicely spices up the spinach greens. I’m also very impressed with how well the salty gorgonzola and the spicy dressing play together.
After the salad is whisked away comes a special for the week: Macaroni & Cheese with bacon, chicken, and broccoli, baked casserole-style and served with a fresh garden salad. This special is unique from the regularly featured Macaroni & Cheese on the menu, and I am glad to be able to have it. Cheese sits baked on the top of the dish, sealing in all the heat and making the cheese inside ultra melted. The quality of the bacon used in the dish is excellent: thickly cut strips that have been fried crispy, not crunchy, overflow with the flavor of cheese as well. The chicken used in this dish – and all the other dishes – is of the highest quality and locally sourced. It’s thick, not chewy, with a smooth texture and bursting with natural, organic flavor. It too is cut into thick strips and the taste gives a respite from all the cheese flowing in the bowl. The broccoli serves the same purpose; its fresh, clean texture adding a crisp taste to all the cheese and helping to achieve an ideal balance with hearty and healthy.
Already staggering from the mass of food I’ve eaten, the meal ends with a bang: East Texas Fried Chicken. Before my adept and attentive server Kent even sets the plate down, I can already see thickly sliced jalapeno protruding from the buttermilk coating surrounding the chicken breast. The massive helping of meat is accompanied by a heap of mashed potatoes and dark gravy. The first thing that strikes me is how incredibly light and flakey the buttermilk crust is when I cut into it. It is a combination of buttermilk, garlic, jalapenos, and Tabasco, which, as I soon find, makes for an incredibly savory and spicy mix! The chicken helps neutralize a bit of the spiciness and again I am in awe of how great the quality of the meat is at the Crest Café. The boneless, skinless chicken breast is incredibly soft and easy to cut through, while still remaining thick and juicy. The “mashers & gravy” are also delicious, with the potatoes coarsely mashed and some of the skins still visible in the swirl of creamy white. The gravy is very dark and smoky tasting, obviously made from quality beef stock and, together with the mashed potatoes, creates an ideal side dish for this mountain of Southern cuisine.
I and the wooden pew groan in unison as I head for the exit. They have quite the list of delectable desserts (some homemade, some from an amazing company in LA called La Mousse Desserts), but I was far too full for dessert and coffee. After sitting and gazing at the décor while dining, hearing the history of the restaurant, its patrons, and its design, the restaurant takes on a new, familiar feeling. I understand why so many families, couples, friends, and neighbors have come back again and again, year after year, and why they will continue to do so. As I walk out the front door I actually read a few of the customer comment cards tacked to the wall and smile at the kind words that have been imparted on this place that has become a warm place in so many people’s lives.
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Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 425 Robinson Avenue, San Diego CA 92103
- Cross Street: 5th Avenue
- Location: Hillcrest & Uptown | Hillcrest
- Cuisine: American |
- Cost: | Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Not Available
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Late |
- Parking: Street | Private Lot |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard |
- Corkage Fee: N/A
-
Staff:
Ruben Medina
| Kitchen Manager
- Website: http://www.crestcafe.net
- Phone: (619) 295-2510
- Features: Late Dining, Takeout Available, Wheelchair Access, Lounge / Bar, Healthy Options,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Dining Alone, People Watching, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Quick Bite,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Tuesday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Wednesday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Thursday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Friday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Saturday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
- Sunday
- 7:00 AM - 11:45 PM
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions- Is everything you have organic? If not, what items on your menu are organic?
- None of the food on the menu is organic.
- do you have off street parking ?
- Yes, there is off street parking on 4th ave. (Between University & Robinson. The Restaurant does validate the parking.
Menus
Breakfast
Breakfast served all day, everyday from 7am-Midnight!
Omeletes and Scramblers
- Sunrise Salmon 10.95
- Fresh grilled salmon, scrambled eggs, chives, red onions and capers
- Mediterranean 9.95
- Feta Cheese, artichokes, tomatoes and spinach
- Cheddar and Mushroom 8.95
- Fresh sliced mushrooms and cheddar cheese
- The Hangover* 9.95
- Jalepeños, avocado, spicy chicken sausage and jack cheese, topped with chimichurri sauce
- Ortega* 9.95
- Ortega chile, salsa fresca, hot pepper jack cheese and spicy chicken sausage
- Chicken Cobb* 10.25
- Chicken breast avocado, bacon, tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles
- The Shrimp 11.95
- Sautéed shrimp and jack cheese with you choice of Spanish or hollandaise sauce served on the side
- Mexican 8.50
- Homemade Spanish sauce with sautéed tomatoes, green chilies, salsa fresca and hot pepper jack cheese
- Western 9.75
- Ham, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese
- Meat Lovers 10.95
- Chicken sausage, bacon, ham and cheddar cheese
- Robinson Avenue 9.95
- Bacon, spinach and tomatoes with Swiss cheese
- Veggie 8.95
- Avocado, tomatoes, fresh mushrooms and jack cheese
- Spinach 8.95
- Spinach, cream cheese and sautéed mushrooms
- Club 9.95
- Sliced turkey, bacon, tomatoes and Swiss cheese
On the Hill
- Chicken Apple Hash 10.25
- Chopped Granny Smith apples mixed with green and red bell peppers, red onions, chicken and potatoes. Topped with two eggs any style. Served with fresh fruit and toast
- Macadamia Banana Belgian Waffle 8.75
- Our waffle mixed with macadamia nuts and topped with caramelized bananas
- Artichoke and Ham Strata 9.95
- Freshly baked casserole of artichokes, ham, gorgonzola, Monterey jack, sourdough bread and unique blend of herbs. Served with fresh fruit
- Pumpkin Gingerbread Pancakes* 8.75
- A blend of puréed pumpkin spice mix in a gingerbread buttermilk batter, topped with pecans
- Power Pancakes 9.25
- Cottage cheese, almonds and oats in whole wheat pancakes, topped with fresh blackberries. Served with maple syrup
- Sam the Cooking Guy's Blueberry Biscuit Bundt French Toast 8.75
- Slices of lemon-soaked buttermilk biscuits baked in a bundt pan with blueberries and made into French Toast. Served with blueberry syrup
- Angus Beef Hash 10.95
- Angus ground beef, sundried tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, topped with two eggs any style. Served with fresh fruit & toast
- Kent's Granola 5.25
- Served with a slice of banana
On the Side
- Fresh Fruitcup 5.95
- Hot Oatmeal with Raisins 4.95
- Bagel with Cream Cheese 2.75
- Fresh Buttery Croissant 2.75
- Home Fries/Hash browns 2.75
- Bacon 3.75
- Spicy Chicken or Pork Sausage 3.75
- Cottage Cheese & Tomatoes 3.95
Crest Specialties
- Breakfast Cubana Sandwich 9.95
- Sliced ham, roasted pork loin, melted jack cheese and bacon topped with a fried egg on half a telera roll, served with your choice of potatoes or fruit
- Morning Scrambled Sandwich 10.25
- Morning Scrambled Sandwich Scrambled eggs, avocado, fresh mushrooms, jack and cheddar cheeses, bacon, scallions, and tomatoes on the toast of your choice with potatoes or fruit
- Steak or Pork Chops and Eggs 16.95
- Choice of top sirloin or pork chops with two eggs any style, potatoes and toast
- Eggs Benedict or Florentine 11.75
- Two poached eggs, laid over an English muffin with Canadian bacon or fresh raw spinach. Topped with hollandaise sauce. Served with potatoes and fresh fruit
- Tuscan Benedict* 11.75
- Two poached eggs atop croissant, sliced ham & asparagus. Topped with sundried tomato cream sauce with herbs. Served with fresh fruit and home fries
- Two Eggs Any Style with Potatoes and Toast 7.95
- Add bacon, spicy chicken sausage link, Canadian bacon, pork sausage patties, ham, or chorizo. $1.75
- Veggie Breakfast Mess* 7.95
- Veggie chili, topped with breakfast potatoes, jalapeño cheese, salsa fresca, and avocado. Served with toast. Add Chicken Sausage $1.00
- Cafe Eggs 10.25
- Scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, scallions, your choice of bacon or Canadian bacon, served in a croissant with potatoes or fresh fruit
Hot off the Griddle
- Lemon Ricotta Buttermilk Pancakes 8.95
- Fresh lemon zest mixed with ricotta cheese and pancake batter. Topped with fresh strawberries and bananas
- Midwestern Madness 9.25
- Bacon buttermilk pancakes topped with two eggs any style
- Buttermilk or Honeywheat hotcakes 6.75
- (3)...$6.75, Add macadamia nuts $1.25, Short Stack (2)...$5.75
- Crème Brûlée French Toast 8.95
- Our thick French toast with whipped cream and fresh strawberries topped with our Crème Brûlée sauce
- Classic Belgian Waffle 6.75
- Orange Marmalade French Toast 7.25
- Our French toast stuffed with a special blend of cream cheese, orange marmalade, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Served with orange syrup
- Three Raisin French Toast 7.25
- Freshly baked fluffy French toast from Bread & Cie, enriched with currants, Thompson & California golden raisins
- French Toast 6.75
- Add walnuts, pecans or fresh fruit. $1.25
- Blueberry Belgian Waffle 7.25
- Our Belgian waffle topped with blueberries
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast 7.25
- Thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, cooked in sugar and cinnamon, placed atop French toast
Cafe Ole
- Breakfast Burrito 9.50
- A large flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, avocado, salsa fresca, jack cheese and beans. Topped with sour cream. Add chicken or turkey breast, shredded pork or shredded top sirloin Add chicken or turkey breast, shredded pork or shredded top sirloin…$11.50
- Machaca 9.50
- Chopped onions and tomatoes with scrambled eggs and your choice of freshly baked turkey, shredded pork, shredded top sirloin or chorizo. Served with salsa fresca, beans, and tortillas
- Cabo Quesadilla* 9.95
- Flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, cilantro, hash browns, and Monterey jack. Served with tomatillo salsa verde and sour cream
- Yucatan Tostadas* 8.95
- Fried corn tortillas, black bean chorizo mixture, avocado, Monterey jack, & salsa fresca. Served with two eggs any style & a side of chopped mangoes
- Huevos Rancheros 8.95
- Two over easy eggs placed on a corn tortilla and smothered in our spicy Spanish sauce. Served with beans, guacamole, sour cream and served with tortillas
- Carolenas Corn Tortilla* 7.95
- A light breakfast of corn tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, fresh salsa, jalapeño jack cheese, and avocado. Served with chopped mangoes
- Breakfast Enchiladas 10.25
- Two corn tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, choice of chicken, turkey breast, shredded top sirloin or pork cushion topped with our homemade enchilada sauce, served with beans and Spanish rice
Dinner
Appetizers
- Isabella's Patties 7.95
- Zucchini, grated fresh Parmesan, potato, Italian parsley and garlic patties sautéed in olive oil. Served with a side of marinara.
- Spicy Chicken Skewers 7.50
- Marinated chicken thighs served with blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrots.
- Fried Mozzarella 5.95
- A slab of fresh cut mozzarella, lightly breaded and served on top of marinara sauce.
- Cheese “Butta” Squares 8.50
- Multi-grain bread, spread with gorgonzola cheese butter on both sides, stuffed with pears and sun dried tomatoes. Served with a cup of fresh fruit.
- Sliders 9.25
- Angus beef & garlic make up these 3 patties served with your choice of cheese. Served with homemade potato chips.
- Vegetable Steam Basket 8.95
- Fresh broccoli, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and cauliflower, steamed in a bamboo basket. Add melted jack or cheddar...$9.95
- Onion Loaf 5.75
- Beer battered and deep fried.
- Stuffed Jalepeños 6.75
- Jalepeños stuffed with cream cheese, rolled in cracker crumbs and deep fried to a golden brown.
- Fresh Mango & Brie Quesadilla 8.25
- Served with salsa fresca.
- Shrimp and Veggie Quesadilla 9.95
- Shrimp is marinated in orange juice, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, and paprika. The flour tortilla is stuffed with shrimp, corn, onions, zucchini, jack & cheddar cheeses. Served with salsa verde.
- Crest Dinner Salad 6.95
- Avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, field greens with red cabbage, and julienne carrots. ($3.95 when added onto an entree.)
- Iceberg Wedge 6.95
- Bleu cheese crumbles, bleu cheese dressing, tomatoes, and chopped bacon.
- Fruit & Cottage Cheese 9.95
- Fresh seasonal fruit with a dollop of cottage cheese.
- Veggie Chili 6.75
- A hearty mixture of onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, herbs, and spices.
- Homemade Soup of the Day 5.50
- Bowl $5.50, Cup $3.75.
Fresh Salads
- Hot Chicken 10.95
- A marinated chicken breast, tomatoes, avocado, red onions, cucumber, and bleu cheese crumbles on field greens.
- Flat Iron Steak Artichoke 15.95
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, green onions, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and marinated sliced steak on a bed of field greens. Chicken Artichoke Salad $11.95
- Crest Chicken Cobb 12.95
- Avocado, bacon bits, tomato, cheddar, jack & bleu cheese on field greens.
- Mediterranean Chicken 15.95
- Beets, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes on a bed of romaine. Topped with feta cheese and herbal marinated chickent breast. With Flat Iron Steak $15.95
- Ceclia's Chopped Salad 11.25
- Chopped turkey, mangoes, walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, jicima, apples, and spinach.
- Chicken Mojo 11.50
- Garlic, cumin and orange juice marinates chicken breast. Romaine lettuce, fresh mangos, oranges, cucumbers and tomatoes. With a citrus soy vinaigrette.
- BBQ Chicken Ranchero 11.50
- BBQ chicken breast sliced atop romaine with corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and red bell peppers.
- Gorgonzola Shrimp Spinach 13.95
- Fresh spinach tossed with caramelized pecans, red onions, mushrooms and gorgonzola cheese.
- Chicken Gorgonzola Caesar 11.95
- Strips of chicken breast, tossed with gorgonzola, romaine lettuce and parmesan cheese. With Flat Iron steak...$15.95. With Shrimp...$14.95.
- California Chopped Chicken 9.25
- Chicken breast, fresh oranges and grapes, in a mayonnaise based dressing. Served atop our field greens along with cucumber, tomato, avocado and sprinkled with almonds. With tuna salad $8.25. With Curry Chicken Salad $9.95
Home Cookin'
- Not Your Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie 10.25
- Chicken breast, mushrooms, bell peppers, baked in a spicy white wine cream sauce topped with a lemon pastry crust. Served with salad.
- Turkey Meatloaf 9.95
- Ground turkey, bell peppers, onions, garlic and tomatoes.
- Fresh Tilapia Fish & Chips 10.25
- A full pound of fresh tilapia drenched in our beer batter, deep fried in canola oil. Served with our fresh cut french fries and tartar sauce.
- East Texas Fried Chicken 10.95
- A chicken breast dredged in batter made with garlic, jalapeños, buttermilk and tabasco.
- Honey Glazed Pork Chops 18.25
- Pork chops marinated in honey, red wine, tamari sauce and cider vinegar.
- Italiano Chicken 12.25
- Sauteed in olive oil, topped with garlic, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and melted mozzarella.
- Brad's Chicken Picatta 11.95
- Breaded and sautéed in butter, chardonnay, lemon juice, capers and tarragon.
- Pan Fried Spicy Catfish 12.95
- Fresh catfish coated with our own spice blend, pan fried to perfection.
- Chicken Yucatan Tostadas 9.50
- Two corn tortillas topped with black bean chorizo mixture, avocado slices, jack cheese, salsa fresca & sliced chicken breast.
- Adobo Pork Chops 16.25
- Our monster pork chops rubbed in a homemade adobo chili paste and grilled.
- Fresh Baked Turkey Enchiladas 9.50
- Smothered in our red enchilada sauce and topped with sour cream. Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
- Flat Iron Chimichurri 14.25
- A broiled steak topped with cilantro, parsley, garlic, oregano jalapeño sauce. Served with Spanish rice, refried beans and jicima cole slaw with a side of tortillas.
Crest Pastas
- Crest 11.95
- Canadian bacon, red onions, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh basil, tomato & garlic in a creamy wine sauce.
- Macaroni & Cheese 9.95
- Jack, cheddar and parmesan cheese oven baked casserole style. Served with salad. With chicken breast, chopped bacon and broccoli...$11.25. With ham & jalapeños...$10.50.
- Herb Crusted Chicken 12.95
- A breast of chicken breaded with thyme, basil, red pepper, marjoram and bread crumbs, sautéed and served on a bed of linguine alfredo.
- Luigi's Spinach Ravioli 12.50
- Fresh ravioli stuffed with spinach, ricotta & romano cheeses. Cooked in our homemade marinara sauce.
- Boobies 12.95
- Linguini in a gorgonzola cream sauce, with ham, fresh pears and caramelized pecans.
Famous Crest Burgers
- 5th Avenue 8.25
- Plain and simple.
- Billy's 9.95
- Sautéed mushrooms, onions and swiss cheese.
- Ruben's 8.75
- Our 5th Avenue burger with cheese.
- Baba Louie 9.95
- Ortega chile, jack cheese and guacamole.
- Oui Oui 9.50
- Aged bleu cheese crumbled under melted jack cheese.
- Patty Melt 9.50
- Grilled rye stuffed with a burger, cheddar cheese and grilled onions.
- Butter Burger 10.95
- Half pound of fresh lean ground beef, stuffed with a Garlic, Tarragon, Basil, Parsley Butter. We broil the burger and top it with a little more of the butter and some cheddar cheese and melt it. Then we top the cheese with a garlic mayonnaise made with a dash of paprika, cayenne and cumin.
- The Ultimate Burger 13.95
- 12-ounce angus burger mixed with sundried tomatoes, onions and parsley and homemade teriyaki sauce. topped with bacon, your choice of cheese and sprinkled with our homemade beer battered onion rings
- Crest 9.50
- Jalapeño peppers & jalapeño cheese.
- Uptown 10.25
- Avocado, tomato, cheese and mushrooms.
- Balboa 9.95
- Crisp honey cured bacon & cheddar cheese.
- Kit's 10.25
- Gouda cheese & Canadian bacon.
- Stuffed BBQ Bacon Burger 11.25
- Angus beef stuffed with cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Topped with more cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce and onion rings.
- Fresh Salmon Burger 9.95
- Fresh salmon combined with capers, tarragon, horseradish and fresh lemon juice topped with avocado.
- "Neat" Sloppy Joe 8.50
- Celery, red & green bell peppers & onions cooked in our own spice blend with ground beef.
Drinks
Cold Beverages
- Apple 2.50
- small $1.95
- Grapefruit 2.50
- small $1.95
- Orange 2.50
- small $1.95
- Tangerine 3.75
- small $2.50
- Pomegranate 3.75
- small $2.50
- V-8 or Cranberry Juice 2.25
- Iced Lemonade 1.75
- Arnold Palmer 2.25
- Bottled NIKI Water 1.50
- Milk 1.90
- Pellegrino Water 3.25
- Fresh Brewed Iced Tea (Ceylon/Passionfruit) 2.50
- Fresh Brewed Herbal Iced Tea (Chai/Blood Orange) 2.50
- Coke, Diet Coke, Root Beer, Sprite, Dr. Pepper 2.25
Shakes & Malts
- Häagen Dazs Milk Shakes/Malts 4.75
- Root Beet Float 3.50
- Affigate 4.75
- Two scoops of vanilla ice cream, coffee beans and a shot of espresso.
Loose Hot Tea
- Freesia'a Garden 2.95
- New Zealand Sunnyslopes 2.95
- Blood Orange 2.95
- Red Garden Chai 2.95
- Decaf Apricot 2.95
- Organic Graden Sencha 2.95
- Moroccan Green Mint 2.95
- Ceylon Supreme 2.95
- Earl Grey 2.95
- English Breakfast 2.95
- Passionfruit with flowers 2.95
Hot Drinks
- Freshly Brewed Coffee 2.50
- Espresso 2.50
- Extra Shot 1.00
- Cappuccino 3.50
- Cafe Latte 3.50
- Vanilla Latte 3.75
- Cafe Mocha 3.75
- Mexican Hot Chocolate 3.50
- Loose Hot Tea 2.95
- Hot Water Set-up 2.95
Beer
- Coronado Brewing Orange Ave Wit 4.25
- Coronado Brewing Mermaid's Red Ale 4.25
- Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale 4.25
- Karl Strauss Endless Summer Light 3.95
- Karl Strauss Red Trolley Ale 4.25
- Stone Levitation Ale 4.25
- Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA 4.50
- Bohemia 4.25
Red Wine
- Red Rock Merlot 0.00
- Glass $7.25 / Bottle $18.95
- Mirassou Pinot Noir 0.00
- Glass $7.75 / Bottle $21.95
- Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon 0.00
- Glass $6.95 / Bottle $17.95
- Bridlewood Syrah 0.00
- Glass $7.95 / Bottle $23.95
- McWilliams Shiraz 0.00
- Glass $7.25 / Bottle $18.95
- Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 0.00
- Glass $7.25 / Bottle $21.95
- Poggio Basso Chianti 0.00
- Glass $6.50 / Bottle $16.95
- Sangria 5.95
White Wine
- Raymond Chardonnay 0.00
- Glass $7.25 / Bottle $18.95
- Frei Brothers Chardonnay 0.00
- Glass $7.75 / Bottle $21.95
- Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio 0.00
- Glass $6.95 / Bottle $17.95
- MacMurray Piont Gris 0.00
- Glass $7.95 / Bottle $23.95
- J. Lohr White Riesling 0.00
- Glass $6.50 / Bottle $16.95
- Starborough Sauvignon Blanc 0.00
- Glass $7.25 / Bottle $18.95
- Mimosa 5.95
Specials and Promotions
Early Bird Specials
- 2 Eggs served any style, 2 Strips of Bacon, and 2 Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes 7.95
- With Fresh Coffee or Tea
Night Owl Specials
- Half Sandwich with Soup or Salad (Veggie, Tuna Melt or BTCA) 7.25
- One Angus Slider with Soup and Salad 7.25
- Mini Mac and Cheese with Salad and Bread 7.25
- Small Veggie Lasagna with Salad and Bread 7.25
- Little Luigi’s Ravioli with Salad and Bread 7.25
Weekday Promotions
- Monday 0.00
- 50% OFF wine bottles with purchase of entree
- Tuesday 0.00
- Buy One Get One Free burgers with purchase of beverages
- Wednesday 0.00
- 20% OFF of bill for restaurant/hospitality employees
- Thursday 0.00
- 50% OFF desserts with purchase of entrees
Homemade Soups of the Day
- Monday 0.00
- Cream of Roasted Red Bell Pepper
- Tuesday 0.00
- Shrimp Bisque
- Wednesday 0.00
- Albondigas
- Thursday 0.00
- Bleu Cheese Potato with Bacon
- Friday 0.00
- Chicken Florentine
- Saturday 0.00
- Apple Brie
- Sunday 0.00
- Tomato Basil