What a nice place to have breakfast. View of golf course fantastic Service not bad Food, I had eggs patty sausage and hash browns all were great. Don’t be in to big of a hurry
Megan C.
Place rating: 4 Sacramento, CA
This place is great. Servers were super nice and funny, almost had the vibe of visiting a family members home. We were starving because we had just played two rounds at the Morley Field disc golf course. Everyone ordered different things and all of the plates were cleared. The meals are all very simple, but taste good and are reasonable priced. The tator tots and homemade salsa are where it’s at though! You won’t be disappointed. Also, fairly good beer and drink selection. We will definitely visit again and enjoy sitting on the outside patio. Our group ordered — BLTWITHEGG TUNAMELT CHICKENBREASTSAMMIE PHILLY HALFPOUNDBURGER Get tots over fries!
Anthony M.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
Great greasy spoon kinda place. Tucked away in the Balboa Park golf course. Awesome views of the park and downtown. Breakfast is solid– typical menu but quality is good. Try the house made salsa/hot sauce. Damn good!
Elena M.
Place rating: 3 San Diego, CA
This place could use an upgrade both in terms of décor and good quality. But the views are phenomenal. They immediately put me in my happy place. On my last visit, I had the two eggs, hash browns and toast with coffee. The food was about what you’d expect at a chain like Denny’s. The coffee was okay but after one refill, no one came by again. The folks working here are otherwise quite nice. I once had a dining companion forgot a video camera on the table and they were kind enough to find and hold it for him.
Valerie J.
Place rating: 4 Franklin, WI
What a great little place! We had breakfast here before my husband played a round of golf at Balboa Park. It’s a great little diner with a 50s vibe. It has been owned by the same family for decades. One waitress jokingly told us that nothing has changed during the entire ownership except the waitresses! All the employees were super friendly and the food was great! My husband had a breakfast sandwich and homemade hashbrowns and he loved his meal. I had homemade corned beef hash and eggs — really, really yummy! The back of the restaurant looks out over the golf course and it is a gorgeous view! When I picked up my husband after his golf game about five hours after lunch, the waitresses immediately set up refills of the drinks we had that morning. When we left, one of the ladies gave my son a candy bar. The staff was nice to everyone, but it also was clear there were restaurant regulars who the waitresses chatted with. If I lived in San Diego, I could totally see being a regular here!
John S.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
Nothing fancy but sure hits the spot. It’s like Mel’s diner, but on a golf course with a view of the backside of Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, Point Loma and a tiny bit of the ocean if you sit on the patio. A few inside have the same view but it’s not quite the same. The food is about average for a diner, lots of breakfast items and comfort food. Diner food is typically not that pretty but really tasty. I’ve been here 3 – 4 times now and the food is consistently good. Now when I mentioned Mel’s diner earlier, that was not referring to the popular California chain, Mel’s, but rather Mel’s on the old TV show Alice with Vera, Flow and Mel behind the counter. Just look it up young’uns! If you visit with the right perspective you should enjoy it.
Penni P.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
We like to grab breakfast here every couple of months. We like to sit on the patio(smokers sit out here, so be aware of which way the wind is blowing). I always seem to get the French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy or a hamburger! Paul always gets 2 eggs over easy with Ham. Great service and good view!
Anna B.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
The best corn beef hash in San Diego, hands down. It’s homemade, crispy and flavorful. I love this spot and all of the ladies who have waited on us over the years. And to the Unilocaler who was mad because they didn’t call back about a private event, if you had ever gone into Toby’s you would have known this is not the place that handles wedding receptions etc. It’s a small, hole-in-the-wall café with down home cooking.
Angela R.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
Always greeted with a smile. The food is good. Reasonable price but the best part is the view. Panoramic.
Bethany F.
Place rating: 1 San Diego, CA
The service here is about as bad as it gets. We live around the corner so we give this place a try out of desperation every once and a while and it is always the same. Ok greasy spoon food, but you are lucky if you get what you ask for and food on the table within an hour or more. An amazing location and old establishment going to total and complete waste on this crew. If they just hired a better manager and a little additional staff it would make all the difference.
Tiffany O.
Place rating: 4 Las Vegas, NV
A hidden gem of San Diego in the form of a divey golf course diner… its pretty great! The menu is as simplistic and classic as the décor inside. Boasting a good assortment of traditional breakfast items, there is certainly something for everyone. I ordered the biscuits and gravy(I was not on my diet this meal!) and they were scrumptious! For all of you fellow carb lovers I would highly recommend you trying them. The prices are reasonable and the service was spot on for being as busy as they were. Hands down the best part about this completely unassuming treasure is the view! I do apologize for not including a picture, I was preoccupied by family conversations and stuffing my face! I will certainly be visiting again on my next visit… who knows, I may even try my hand at a round of golf!
Dan W.
Place rating: 5 San Diego, CA
I almost don’t want to write a review this place, I like it sooo much! It’s our go to Sunday place for breakfast. The pancakes are great, and the breakfasts inexpensive. Where else can you go for breakfast with a view of downtown and point loma for about $ 10. Unless you get mimosas. As you should. Then it’s $ 15 a person.
Bree C.
Place rating: 1 North Park, San Diego, CA
I was interested in hosting my wedding rehearsal dinner event at this restaurant. I haven’t even been here before but I live in South Park and drive/jog past this place all the time and it has gorgeous views and a large lot that seemed like it could be a perfect venue for my big night before the wedding. I called the restaurant and asked the woman who answered whether they host private events. She said she“wasn’t sure, sometimes we do” and that I should call back tomorrow to talk to Steve. I asked her if I could leave him a message and she said she«would try her best» to get him the message. The following day I never heard from Steve. I called at around 2 pm to try to reach him again. A different woman answered the phone and was having difficulty hearing me in the loud background. I asked again for Steve to which she replied, «Who is this??» in an exasperated tone. I was caught off-guard but began to explain that I was hoping to reach him to discuss a private event. She quickly cut me off and told me to call back tomorrow. I told her that I had been told the same thing the day before. She said that he was gone for the day and they«only tell the truth» that he is not there and to call back again in the morning. I will not be «calling back tomorrow», nor will I spend my wedding rehearsal dinner budget on a place with such poor customer service and lack of attentiveness to potential business. Unfortunately I will be looking elsewhere to host my large party of over 60 people, which most restaurants would value considering the income and future business it would bring. Byeeee!!!
Cat A.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
This is a great breakfast spot for one of those weekends where you just wake up and immediately want some good, solid breakfast yet don’t want to make it yourself. Perhaps, also want some outdoor time. It’s a food joint that if you’re still in a loungy mood, can get away with throwing on a pair of yoga pants, a simple top, flip flops and sunglasses. That’s probably exactly what I’ve worn and much of what I’ve felt those two visits. I didn’t know what to expect, initially. Though it had turned out to be just what was wanted. A very casual, laid back eatery that you would see in one on DDDs with Guy Fieri. Each time, we sat outside the patio that overlooks the golf course. You can even see as far out as the skyline of DT. That view is so beautiful and relaxing; adds to the kickback ambiance that we’ve enjoyed. The menu is of simple offerings. But boy, is it good. I’ve had the chorizo with tots and the corned beef with eggs over medium. The chorizo had so much robust flavors and the corned beef was your standard, good olé’ delicious corned beef with two sides of eggs. The tots, well I love me some tots and theirs were cooked nice and crisp. One thing that must not be overlooked is that green sauce. If it’s not on the table or if they don’t bring it with your meal, make sure you ask for it. It’ll wake you and your food up! It’s not really all that hot but trust that it’s addictive. ADDDICCTIVE. I’ve also had a bite of the chicken fried steak. It’s very tasty and filling. So if you’re super hungry and want something really comforting, this dish is it. The food is basically a traditional American, no frills type. Made to want you to do some more of that loungy thing back at home; flop on the couch and to marathon binge on your favorite show. Oh yeah, that’s some good stuff for a Sunday afternoon.
Cat A.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
This is a great breakfast spot for one of those weekends where you just wake up and immediately want some good, solid breakfast yet don’t want to make it yourself. Perhaps, also for those that want some outdoor time. It’s a food joint that if you’re still in a loungy mood, you can get away with throwing on a pair of yoga pants, a simple top, flip flops and sunglasses. That’s probably exactly what I’ve worn and much of what I’ve felt those two visits. I didn’t know what to expect, initially, as I was blinded to go, figuratively speaking. No real blindfolds there folks. At least not that morning. I kid, I kid. Anyhoo… it had turned out to be just what was wanted. A very casual, laid back eatery that you would see in one on DDDs with Guy Fieri. Each time, we sat outside the patio that overlooks the golf course. You can even see as far out as the skyline of DT. That view is so beautiful and relaxing; adds to the kickback ambiance that we’ve enjoyed. The menu is of simple offerings. But boy, is it good. I’ve had the chorizo with tots and the corned beef with eggs over medium. The chorizo had so much robust flavors and the corned beef was your standard, good olé’ delicious corned beef with two sides of eggs. The tots, well I love me some tots and theirs were cooked nice and crisp. One thing that must not be overlooked is that green sauce. If it’s not on the table or if they don’t bring it with your meal, make sure you ask for it. It’ll wake you and your food up! It’s not really all that hot but trust that it’s addictive. ADDDICCTIVE. I’ve also had a bite of the chicken fried steak. It’s very tasty and filling. So if you’re super hungry and want something really comforting, this dish is it. The rest is basically a traditional American, no frills type. Made for you to want to do some more of that loungy thing back at home; flop on the couch and to marathon binge on your favorite show. Oh yeah, that’s exactly what’s played out to be a great Sunday.
Donald L.
Place rating: 4 Poway, San Diego, CA
I don’t come to this place enough. This place never disappoints with the food or scenery overlooking the golf course and downtown San Diego. I had Today’s Special which was a pork chop, 2 eggs cooked to my choice, and O’Brien Potatoes. O’Brien Potatoes are a stable starch of The 19th Hole and they’re simple and good. Diced potatoes, chopped green bell peppers, and chopped onions grilled up nicely. The atmosphere is really cool. The background is filled with golfers chatting away about their game and the latest in golfing news. It reminds me of going to bowling alleys when I was a kid and hearing all the bowlers talk up their game. Need something new to try? Come to this place. PS– they serve beer and alcohol.
Paul E.
Place rating: 3 San Diego, CA
Pretty much a reliable greasy spoon. Prices should be just a bit lower for what you get. Outstanding view of downtown. Why they allow smoking on the outside deck is beyond my comprehension. I asked our server to ask the management to ban smoking. We shall see. I didn’t think people were still stupid enough to smoke, let alone be rude enough to ruin other people’s breakfast with their smoking.
Cindy D.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
Was looking for a casual joint with some awesome views to eat my breakfast at– I hit the jackpot. The views of the downtown skyline are awesome. The service was great– our waitress was friendly and our food came relatively quick. The chicken fried steak is out-of-this-world. The breading had good flavor and had a nice crisp consistency(there’s nothing worse than soggy CFS). I read some reviews about this being cash only, but I was able to pay with my card. Maybe it’s a new thing? Will definitely go back!
Jason L.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
If you’re looking for fancy then keep walking, you jerk. If you’re looking for awesome homemade corned beef hash and chicken fried steak then this is the place for you, you jerk.
Nate M.
Place rating: 4 Las Vegas, NV
Just plain classic, like the Saturday Evening Post. I mean where else can two people eat a full meal for under $ 20? The 19th Hole is the epitome of, «hidden in plain sight». A tiny diner, tucked away on the Balboa Golf Course, which if you have lived in San Diego for a decent amount of time you most likely have driven past the lush green area on your way to some new flash-in-the-pan restaurant in North Park. The name, The 19th Hole is merely a locator for this place, but Tobey’s is the true name of this quaint little diner. When you first walk-in your immediate reaction is to sit at the counter, no no my friend. Creep around the corner and feast your eyes on one of the best views for a food spot in San Diego. Not only do you get neverending fields of greenery, an amazing view of downtown, but on a clear day the ocean splits the space between the land and the ozone. I sat outside, duh, and was feeling nostalgic. The vibe of a restaurant that had opened in 1934 put me in the mood for a hearty breakfast. I opened the two page menu and ordered the french toast b-fast with two eggs, two sausage, and four slices of tasty french toast. The food was ok, pretty much what I expected from a place like this. Very filling with no bells and whistles, just a good old fashioned breakfast. All that with two cups of coffee I think our entire meal was under $ 20. I did however fall in love twice… The green salsa they serve is amazing and I almost took a pull straight from the bottle, and the servers are super sweet and sassy. It’s like grandma’s crazy friends are working here. If you’re visiting San Diego this is a great place to hang with the locals and enjoy the view. If you live in SD, what are you waiting for? EAT! PROTIP: This is a cash only establishment, but there is an ATM inside the dining area.
Faye L.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
TOBEY’S 19THHOLECAFE Do you ever just wake up in the morning WANTING to eat something for breakfast SOBAD. Granted, my last meal was at 11a the previous day so I woke up starving. BUT, you know what I’m sayin’ about that breakfast craving. I woke last Sunday with the biggest hankering for anything smothered with country gravy. Keith’s in Miramar used to me favorite place to go for a chicken fried steak with country gravy. I’m not sure if they even made that country gravy in house and I honestly didn’t care because the gravy just tasted good. It just HITTHESPOT. You know that feeling when it comes to food right. Like you’re craving something and when you finally get it, you close your eyes and float away to your special foodnarnia place. Tobey’s is actually located at the Balboa Park Golf Course. They even have parking which surprised me. Friend asked why the restaurant was called 19th hole and I said ‘oh, um, because it’s behind the 19th hole or something’. His response. ‘Oh yeah? There’s a 19th hole Faye. Really.‘ Oh. The restaurant is located right next to the clubhouse. Look for this sign when you’re driving up the hill to the clubhouse. There was ample parking that morning. We ordered: COFFEE $ 2.00(FREEREFILLS) I didn’t see anything other than ½ & ½ plus regular sugar offered on the table. The coffee was nice and constantly refilled during breakfast. CHICKENFRIEDSTEAKTOPPEDWITHCOUNTRYGRAVY, EGGS, POTATOES&TOAST $ 9.50 Now *THAT’S* what I’m talking about. I asked for extra gravy, over easy eggs, hash browns, and wheat toast. The gravy came out piping burn-the-roof-of-your-mouth hot. I was too busy digging into this meal before I realized I had forgotten to take pics. The breaded fried steak was great. The breading was perfectly fried and seasoned. The ‘steak’ portion was surprisingly tender and moist. Sometimes I like my eggs prepared over easy as I like the way the whites taste this way(I avoid the yolk though). The hash browns were crispy and the wheat toast was nicely toasted and buttered. TWOFRENCHTOAST. TWOEGGS, TWOBACON $ 7.00 I liked the presentation — no fuss and everything wasn’t crowded and touching on one plate. The eggs were cooked nicely and the bacon was crispy. I thought the french toast was a bit too egg-y and dense. The total for this meal was only $ 18(before tax and tip). Service was great and the busboy(also coffee server) always made sure we had a hot cup of coffee. He even poured coffee into friend’s Starbucks cup and didn’t charge him. The views indeed of the golf course and city are beautiful(see pics). This would be a great place to take visitors before heading to the zoo or Balboa Park. Tobey’s is a bit of a drive for me but I’d come back in a heartbeat if I was in the area(I’m hoping to do a run/jog at the Harbor soon).
Brad B.
Place rating: 4 San Diego, CA
It is a bit funny to me that Tobey’s 19th Hole only has 16 reviews because it isn’t really a secret spot. It is tucked away and not advertised but still pretty easy to find. Approach with an open mind and don’t have high expectations. For me the 19th Hole is an average greasy spoon. The food is cheap and they don’t stray very far from a typical diner menu. Eggs and bacon, they have it. Steak and eggs, they have it. Pancakes, they have it. Burgers, they have it. Chilli, they have it. Like I said, nothing out of the ordinary and exactly as you expect with an affordable price tag. I jumped into the corned beef hash and a pitcher of Budweiser. Super tasty, homemade and cooked just right. It had a bit of a crunch to it and was served with a sassy smile from Renda, our waitress. The pitcher of beer was small but only $ 8.00… can’t beat it. This review would not be complete without a mention of the view. It’s is fantastic! Over looking the fairway and the SD skyline it is one of the best in town. Next time you are in the Golden Hill or South Park area swing by to kick your hangover with a quick greasy breakfast.