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Looking for the best brunch in Downtown San Diego? The Werewolf American Pub is one of the best choices in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, known for its Pork Belly Benedict, creative cocktails, and lively pub atmosphere.
I’ve been on a mission lately to find the best brunch spots in San Diego, and The Werewolf American Pub caught my attention while I was doing research for this series. A Gaslamp pub that’s known for its brunch and transforms into a karaoke bar at night seemed worth checking out. And as it turns out, I was right.
The short version: this is some of the best brunch food I’ve ever had. And I don’t say that lightly.
Quick Answer: Is The Werewolf Worth It for Brunch in San Diego?
Yes, absolutely. The Werewolf American Pub in the Gaslamp Quarter serves some of the best brunch in Downtown San Diego. The food is delicious, the service is attentive and friendly, and the vibe is casual and fun without being overwhelming. The Pork Belly Benedict alone is worth the trip. Brunch is served daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Best for: Group brunches and lively weekend brunches
- Must-order dish: Pork Belly Benedict
- Best sweet item: Sans La Croute
- Atmosphere: Energetic Gaslamp pub
- Reservations: Recommended on weekends
- Location: Downtown San Diego near Petco Park
What to Order at The Werewolf
If you’re visiting this popular Gaslamp Quarter brunch spot for the first time, these are the menu items I’d recommend ordering first:
- Favorite drink: Juicy K — sweet, refreshing, heavy on the strawberry, and honestly a really pretty cocktail
- Favorite sweet dish: Sans La Croute — order it as a side if you have a sweet tooth
- Favorite savory dish: Chilaquiles Roja — bold sauce, runny egg yolk, crispy tostada.
The Pork Belly Benedict is what The Werewolf is famous for, so if you’re a fan of pork belly, I’d recommend that, too.
The Vibe and Atmosphere
The Werewolf is in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, which is important to know before you go — it’s a downtown bar, not a quiet neighborhood café. The interior leans into that with dark wood, dim lighting, and décor that definitely makes it feel like a pub. Compared to some of the quieter cafés around San Diego, The Werewolf has a much more energetic and social brunch atmosphere. Tables are full but not chaotic, the music isn’t too loud for a conversation, and the whole thing feels very casual and low-key, which I appreciated.
There’s outdoor seating, too, which is a nice option if the weather is good (and in San Diego, it usually is).
The Service at The Werewolf
The service was great from the moment we arrived. Our server checked in on us multiple times throughout the meal, was very knowledgeable about the menu, and was incredibly friendly and patient when we asked questions. Nothing felt rushed, and everyone working there seemed to be in a good mood, which definitely elevated the experience.
If you have questions about what to order, don’t be afraid to ask. They clearly know the menu well and will happily steer you in the right direction.
What I Ordered
Cocktails
One thing that makes The Werewolf stand out from other Downtown San Diego brunch spots is how thoughtful the cocktail menu feels.
Juicy K
This cocktail has gin, strawberry, hibiscus lemon mint syrup, lemon, sugar, and Angostura bitters. If you’re looking for something sweet and refreshing, this is the one. It’s strong but not overwhelming. The strawberry flavor is the star of the show, which I really enjoyed. Plus, it was a really pretty drink (red, topped with a flower), which feels very appropriate for a Sunday brunch situation.
Blossom Something
This one features Double Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom Vodka, peach schnapps, sugar, orange bitters, lime, cucumber, mint, and ginger beer. It’s light and fresh. I loved how much the mint and cucumber came through. It was sort of like drinking cucumber and mint-infused water with an extra punch from the ginger beer. You honestly couldn’t taste the vodka at all. It was bitter and floral, with just a touch of lime. I enjoyed it, though you definitely have to like the slight spice of ginger beer to appreciate this one.
Both cocktails were well-made and carefully thought out, not just standard brunch drinks with a seasonal garnish.
Food
Sans La Croute (Side Dish)
This is a side they recommend sharing, but I loved it so much, I ended up wanting my own. Literally translating to “Without the Crust” in French, Sans La Croute is the Werewolf’s take on a Smucker’s Uncrustable. It’s essentially a French toast Uncrustable with peanut butter and jelly, donut icing, and powdered sugar, served on a glaze.
As someone with a massive sweet tooth, this was hands-down one of my favorite things on the menu.
The combination of cinnamon, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and sweet jelly wrapped in warm, soft dough was a perfect morning delight. Honestly, I’ll be coming back just for this.
Chilaquiles Roja
This dish features a corn tostada topped with jack cheese, salsa, over-medium eggs, cotija, corn salsa, avocado, and scallion crème. It was my favorite savory dish of the meal. The crunch is perfect, and when you cut into the egg and the yolk runs over everything, it adds so much flavor to the whole plate. The sauce is bold, the seasoning is really good, and the avocado gives it the creamy depth it needs to balance the heat. The cheese ties everything together. Every ingredient serves a purpose, and the flavors complement each other beautifully.
If you like chilaquiles, this is a really great option. Easy to eat and incredibly flavorful.
Pork Belly Benedict
The Pork Belly Benedict is arguably one of the most well-known brunch dishes in Downtown San Diego, and it’s the item most people associate with The Werewolf. After trying it for myself, I can see why. I’m not exactly the biggest fan of pork belly, but this dish was really good.
It features tender, perfectly cooked pork belly sitting on top of a crispy potato cake, topped with a poached egg, cilantro, and a maple glaze. I added avocado for a small extra charge, which I thought was a great addition.
The presentation alone is great. It actually looks as good as it tastes, which isn’t always the case. The potato cake gives every bite a crispy crunch and is flavorful even on its own. The pork belly is juicy and not too fatty, with a char that adds a really nice smoky depth. It’s salty, which the potato cake balances out well. The poached egg adds richness, and the avocado I added made the whole dish taste fresher and more elevated.
The Chilaquiles Roja was my personal favorite savory dish, but this was a fantastic option too, especially if you love pork belly.
The Location: Gaslamp Quarter
The Werewolf is located right in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter on Fourth Avenue. If you’re visiting from out of town, this is a great area to spend a few hours before or after brunch. There’s a lot within walking distance.
The Gaslamp Quarter is a 16-block National Historic District in the heart of Downtown San Diego. It’s the entertainment hub of the city, with bars, restaurants, and live music venues lining the streets, all surrounded by Victorian-era architecture. It comes alive in the evenings, but on weekend mornings it has a much more relaxed energy, perfect for an early walk.
Plus, if you’re searching for brunch near Petco Park or the San Diego Convention Center, The Werewolf is in an especially convenient location.
Some nearby destinations:
- Petco Park (home of the Padres) is a short walk away. If you’re going to a game, brunch at The Werewolf first is a great way to do it.
- The Embarcadero and waterfront are walkable from here, which makes for a nice post-brunch stroll along the bay.
- Horton Plaza is nearby if you want to do a bit of shopping.
- The Convention Center is also close, making this a solid option if you’re in town for an event.
It’s a downtown location, so keep in mind there won’t be easy free parking nearby. More on that below.
If you’re looking for some fun, free activities to add to your San Diego itinerary, check out my complete list of free things to do in San Diego.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Address: 627 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
- Brunch hours: Daily, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3–6 p.m. Worth knowing if you want to come back for drinks later.
- Parking: Like most Downtown San Diego brunch spots, parking can be tricky during peak weekend hours. Street parking is available but can be limited, especially on weekends. Your best option is the Horton Plaza Garage nearby. They validate parking, so remember to ask your server before you leave.
- Reservations: They accept reservations, and I’d recommend making one if you’re going on a weekend. It gets busy, and wait times without a reservation can add up.
- Groups: Great for groups. The setup works well for larger tables and the energy of the pub suits a group outing.
- At night: The Werewolf transforms into a karaoke bar in the evenings, which is a fun twist for a spot best known for its brunch.
- Dog-friendly: They have outdoor seating and welcome dogs on the patio.
Who Is The Werewolf Best For?
The Werewolf is especially good for group brunches in San Diego, birthday brunches, visitors staying downtown, and anyone looking for a lively Gaslamp Quarter brunch with cocktails. It’s also a great brunch spot before Padres games or events at the San Diego Convention Center.
Pros:
- Creative brunch menu with standout dishes
- Excellent cocktails
- Great location in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Fun atmosphere for groups
- Daily brunch hours
- Dog-friendly patio
- Friendly, attentive service
Cons:
- Parking can be difficult on weekends
- Can get loud during busy brunch hours
- Not ideal if you’re looking for a quiet café-style brunch
Final Thoughts
I went to The Werewolf not knowing exactly what to expect, but I was impressed. The service is warm and attentive, the atmosphere is fun, and the food is phenomenal. Though the Pork Belly Benedict is what they’re best known for, I highly recommend giving the Chilaquiles Roja a chance, plus the Sans La Croute for anyone with a sweet tooth.
If you’re putting together a list of the best brunch places in San Diego, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter or Downtown San Diego, this one belongs near the top.
Looking for more San Diego brunch recommendations? Stay tuned for my full guide to the best brunch in San Diego (coming soon). And if you’re spending the day in the Gaslamp area, my list of free things to do in San Diego has some great options for before or after your meal.
For great deals on airfare, car rentals, and hotels in San Diego, click here.
FAQ: The Werewolf San Diego
Yes. Brunch is served daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is one of the things that makes it a reliable option. You’re not limited to weekends.
Reservations are accepted and recommended, especially on weekends. It can get busy, and having a reservation makes the experience much smoother.
The Pork Belly Benedict. It’s the dish that comes up in every review and conversation about this place, and it’s worth the hype.
Street parking is available but hard to get, especially on weekends. The easiest option is the Horton Plaza Garage nearby. Ask your server to validate your parking before you leave.
Yes. It’s a great group brunch spot. The atmosphere allows for larger tables and the menu has enough variety that everyone can find something they want.
A karaoke bar. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m., so if you’re looking for a full-day Gaslamp outing, you could theoretically eat brunch here and still return for karaoke in the evening.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Yes. The Werewolf American Pub is only a short walk from Petco Park, making it a popular brunch spot before Padres games and downtown events.
Linds
Hi, I’m Linds! I’m a travel writer focused on honest hotel reviews, food guides, and travel itineraries. I share real travel experiences to help travelers make better trip decisions.
