Highlights
- Great coffee
oChef » Molly’s – San Diego
Molly's - San Diego
Photo from Molly’s
Molly's at a glance
San Diego Mission Beach
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#268 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#42 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
524
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Parking issues
The restaurant Molly’s in San Diego’s vibrant Mission Beach neighborhood offers a delightful escape. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee break.
Known for its great coffee, it’s a spot where you can unwind and enjoy the local vibe. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a moment to recharge, Molly’s provides a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting Molly's
Molly’s generally provides a pleasant experience, marked by its friendly staff and a distinct cozy beach vibe. While many appreciate the quality of the offerings, some guests have noted that the overall cost can feel a bit on the higher side.
Despite some concerns about pricing, the inviting atmosphere and attentive service often leave a positive impression. It’s a spot where the overall feeling of comfort and good care stands out, making for a generally enjoyable visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
524
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
100
negative
19
neutral
405
positive
Molly’s earns a solid 7.7 for its overall performance, with customer satisfaction also registering a good 77.3%. This positive sentiment is built on 405 positive remarks against 100 negative ones, out of 524 total customer observations.
The culinary offerings stand out, with Food scoring an impressive (8), closely followed by the inviting Ambience (8.1). The Service also performs well at (7.4), indicating a generally attentive team.
However, Value (4.1) is perceived as average, suggesting that while quality is present, the pricing might be a point of consideration for some patrons.
What people like
- Delicious food selection
- Attentive, warm service
- Charming beach ambiance
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Challenging parking
- Inconsistent drink quality
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good food and a welcoming atmosphere, Molly’s is certainly worth considering. The 8 recommendation score reflects a place that generally delivers a pleasant experience, especially if you appreciate a relaxed setting.
However, be prepared for pricing that some find a bit steep, and factor in potential parking challenges. It’s a good choice for those prioritizing quality and ambiance over strict budget considerations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Molly's
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 80.7%. Many guests, with 222 positive remarks out of 275 total, rave about the natural food, delicious food, and especially the Shakshouka and croissants, finding them fresh and flavorful. However, not every dish is a winner, as seen in 45 negative comments.
Some found the pizzas disappointing, describing them as potentially frozen. There were also concerns about açaí bowl consistency and the value of avocado toast, with some shakshuka even being watery and lacking ingredients.
Food
275
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
45
negative
8
neutral
222
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious natural food
- Amazing Shakshouka
- Excellent pastries
What people don't like
- Disappointing pizzas
- Melted açaí bowl
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodThe water was warm, the views were grand, and the food was truly delish. We experienced no line, enjoyed friendly service, and the great food. They also offer a military discount.
- coffeeMy experience at the restaurant was that it was expensive but worth it. I tried the coffee and it was great. I wondered if all the pastries were really delicious, and I 100% recommend them.
- pastriesIt seems like there aren't enough servers to work that area. The gourmet coffee shop drinks are amazing, the pastries are very good, and they offer Mimosas too!
- breakfast bowlThe baked items were delicious and I could tell only the best ingredients were used. I had the breakfast bowl that was fresh with so many great flavors! My mother-in-law had the tuna sandwich on a huge toasted croissant that was also made in house.
- avocado toastWe enjoyed great food and great service with a smile. We tried the shashuka, avocado toast, and waffles. The kids really enjoyed it, and we were all pleased.
- breakfast sandwichI'm eager to try the croissants next. We enjoyed the breakfast sandwich with bacon, which was quite filling, and the quiche, which was thick and delicious. The waffle was also pretty decent.
- drinksdrinks and delicious food
- waffleWe enjoyed the breakfast sandwich with bacon, which was quite filling, and the quiche, which was thick and delicious. The waffle was also pretty decent. While the food prices were on the higher side, I felt they were justified given the generous portions and the prime beachside location.
- breakfastexcellent breakfast and pastry spot
- chocolate croissanta chocolate croissant that was absolutely divine. Everything tasted amazing
Frequently criticized
- avocado toastHowever, the breakfast bowl was quite good. They offer gluten-free bread, but it comes with an additional $3 charge, which felt steep considering the avocado toast was already $17. The drinks were pretty good, though they did run out of honey.
- chocolate croissantThe chocolate croissant was cold, stale on the outside and weirdly chewy / wet on the inside.
- foodthe food was not great in general
- whipped creamput the whipped cream right over the fresh macerated berries
- Egg White Frittatathis was actually quite small in size (not worth the money I would say).
- Side of CauliflowerThere was barely any cauliflower in here so this was quite to disappointment.
- avocadothe avocado was premade stuff
- açaí bowlmy açaí bowl came out completely melted
- bakery itemsflies all over the bakery items
- bar-style menutheir food is very bar style menu, very limited
If you're looking for delicious breakfast and brunch items like Shakshouka, pastries, and natural food, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some items, like pizzas or certain açaí bowls, might not live up to the same high standard, so choose wisely.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Overall, the service here shines! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 71.3%, it's clear many guests have a good experience. Based on 72 positive remarks out of 101, patrons frequently praise the friendly staff, attentive servers, and quick service, often highlighting kind employees who make visits welcoming.
However, not everyone has been thrilled. There are 26 negative comments pointing to some issues. Some guests encountered disinterested staff, rude interactions, or a concerning unresponsiveness from management, suggesting service can sometimes be lacking or unwelcoming.
Service
101
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
26
negative
3
neutral
72
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Quick, attentive service
- Welcoming experience
What people don't like
- Rude, disinterested staff
- Poor management response
- Lacking service
Often praised
- serviceWhile I'm not a coffee drinker, my wife said her iced hazelnut latte was great. The staff was very friendly, and the service was fast. It's great that the entire place, including upstairs, is dog friendly, and they even provided a water bowl for our pup immediately.
- staffThe outside patio area was a great place to sit and relax while we enjoyed our lunch. Big thanks to the staff for the fabulous food and service.
- ServiceThe paleo bowl was filling and fresh, and the breakfast burrito had great flavor. Service was quick, and our server Turner was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a solid brunch spot with rooftop seating!
- employeesThe employees are the most friendly and kind people
- serversThe servers were warm, friendly, and made us feel very welcome
- AaronAaron our server checked in with us often
- Sagespecial shout-out to Sage- super cool, informative, and most importantly nice.
- choiceGood choice!
- cool staffCool staff very friendly
- counter servicecounter service is honestly welcome
Frequently criticized
- servicebut their service as well. it was not very welcoming and tainted.
- managementmanagement would care to mitigate them
- responseNo response AT ALL to any of the 10 total calls
- staffno one working seems to care
- BaristaBarista was also quite rude
- attitudeFigure it out yourself type of attitude
- bartenderBartender sucked!!!!
- callsLiterally called them more than 7 times
- drink orderswaiting for a drink.... he sucked!!!!
- paper to-go cupsOnly paper to-go cups
If youre looking for a place with generally warm and efficient service, its definitely worth a try. While there are occasional hiccups, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative, making it a good bet for a pleasant visit.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 84%. With 105 positive remarks out of 125 total opinions, guests consistently rave about the fantastic vibe and aesthetic decor. Many love the rooftop patio and outdoor seating, often noting the dog friendly aspect and the overall beautiful, relaxing atmosphere.
However, a few concerns were raised among the 14 negative comments. Some found parking difficult, while others noted flies near bakery items, which detracted from the experience. There were also mentions of the upper deck being closed and a dislike for disposable cups, suggesting minor areas for improvement in an otherwise lovely setting.
Ambience
125
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
105
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe and atmosphere
- Rooftop and patio seating
- Aesthetic decor
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Flies present
- Upper deck closed
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food quality was excellent. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was a cozy beach vibe. The only unexpected guest was a fly in the pastry case, which was quite comical!
- vibeMy experience at Molly's was delicious and offered such a good vibe. The outdoor area was so nice.
- placeWhat a cute place to eat right by the beach! I had a wonderful breakfast sandwich and a mimosa!
- seatingHowever, the matcha was genuinely god awful, made with low-quality powder and terribly prepared, resulting in a grainy, muddy, and somehow gelatinous drink. On the positive side, there's lots of seating and never a wait, even on weekend mornings.
- ambiancethe ambiance is a very Bohemian vibe, reminds me of bali. very adorable
- rooftopThe rooftop is incredible vibes
- decorHowever, the quantity is quite less for the price. Overall, it's a spacious place with good decor and enough plug points for working on a laptop.
- spaceWe stopped in while walking back to our car and were surprised at how much room they were able to work out in their limited space. The pastries & cookies were amazing.
- vibesGreat vibes all around.
- dog friendlyentire place is dog friendly
Frequently criticized
- parkingThey have one TV by the upstairs bar. We always walk here because parking is limited in this area.
- fliesfewer flies if they bussed tables sooner
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- atmosphereit was super cold
- disposable cupsserving anything in disposable cups
- experienceIt really takes away from the experience
- flya little guest reviewer inside the pastry case — a fly crawling casually across a chocolate chip cookie
- parking spacevery hard to find anything
- rooftop terraceThey have a small menu, and the service is very friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, the terrace and the lovely rooftop terrace face the street rather than the beach, but it's still a beautiful spot! We visited several times.
- terraceThey have a small menu, and the service is very friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, the terrace and the lovely rooftop terrace face the street rather than the beach, but it's still a beautiful spot! We visited several times.
Overall, if you're looking for a spot with a fantastic vibe and aesthetic, especially with great outdoor and rooftop seating, this place is a strong contender. Be mindful of potential parking difficulties and minor issues like flies, but the positive atmosphere largely outweighs these concerns.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
Looking at the value, there are some bright spots! Customers appreciated specific perks like a military discount and convenient free parking options, with some even feeling they got a good bang for their buck and that certain food prices were justified despite being on the higher side. However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.1 and customer satisfaction at a rather low 26.1%.
On the flip side, the conversation around value is dominated by concerns, with 15 negative opinions compared to just 6 positive ones out of 23 total. Many found things generally expensive, particularly specific items like coffee and avocado toast, and felt the quantity offered was often too little for the price. Issues with costly parking and even mandatory tips for minimal service also left a sour taste.
Value
23
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Military discount available
- Free parking options
- Prices sometimes justified
What people don't like
- High prices overall
- Small portions
- Expensive parking
Often praised
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- bang for our buckgot our bang for our buck
- food pricesthe food prices were on the higher side, I felt they were justified
- free parking15 min free parking in front
- military discountMilitary discount
- priceExpensive but worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceThe Queen Bee latte was also amazing. However, my sister felt the breakfast sandwich was mediocre for the price.
- almond milk+1.50 to sub in almond milk
- avocado toast$20 for avocado toast
- better optionsSo many better options
- coffeeNo coffee should be $10.51, without tip. Quite literally criminal.
- expecting moreI guess I was expecting just a little bit more for the price
- expensiveWow that was expensive
- parkingParking is $31 min across the street 😮💨 that was rough
- quantityThe quantity is quite less for the price though.
- tipMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They charge $18 for avocado toast with no sides, ask for an 18% tip at the counter, and then provide zero service. The only redeeming quality is that the place is pretty, but that doesn't justify the cost or lack of service.
If youre highly sensitive to price, you might find the value here disappointing, especially with expensive items and additional costs like parking. However, if you can take advantage of perks like a military discount or free parking, and dont mind paying a bit more for specific justified items, it might still be worth a visit.
How are the prices at Molly's?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 87 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 24, a closer look at what people actually spend shows a good chunk of diners enjoying meals in the $11–$20 range, with another significant group in the $21–$30 bracket. So, you’ll find options that are a bit lighter on the wallet, alongside those closer to the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, for a Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value for a mid-range experience, with options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Molly's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Good Brunch, Awful Matcha
My experience at this restaurant was fairly good for breakfast, though nothing to rave about. The Shakshuka and breakfast bowl were quite good. However, the matcha was genuinely god awful, made with low-quality powder and terribly prepared, resulting in a grainy, muddy, and somehow gelatinous drink.
On the positive side, there's lots of seating and never a wait, even on weekend mornings.
- Shakshuka8
- breakfast bowl8
- seating9
- matcha2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cute Decor, Delicious Food, But Upper Deck Closed
We love Molly's for brunch or a quick coffee stop. The few cooked food items on the menu are delicious, and our favorite is The Mission Breakfast Bowl. The decor is very cute.
I am only giving it 4 stars because the spectacular upper deck has been closed off every time we visited in the past 2 months. It seems like there aren't enough servers to work that area. The gourmet coffee shop drinks are amazing, the pastries are very good, and they offer Mimosas too!
- cooked food items8
- The Mission Breakfast Bowl9
- Decor8
- upper deck3
- servers4
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Divine Pastries, Hilarious Fly Guest!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ My breakfast experience at Molly’s Mission Beach was truly memorable. I ordered the burrito, a pumpkin pancake latte, and a chocolate croissant that was absolutely divine. Everything tasted amazing — warm, flavorful, and made with care.
The food quality was excellent. The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was a cozy beach vibe. The only unexpected guest was a fly in the pastry case, which was quite comical!
Despite this, I’d still come back in a heartbeat for the irresistible food.
- burrito9
- pumpkin pancake latte9
- chocolate croissant10
- fly3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Pastries and Croissants!
We stopped in while walking back to our car and were surprised at how much room they were able to work out in their limited space. The pastries & cookies were amazing. I forgot to take pictures of the scones & chocolate chip cookie.
The ham & cheese croissant and chocolate croissant were fantastic for breakfast the next morning.
- pastries & cookies9
- ham & cheese croissant9
- chocolate croissant9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Cute Decor, Tasty Waffles, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The waffle was tasty, though it was unfortunately missing the whipped cream. The decor is cute, and the low-key mellow music perfectly fit the vibe.
However, the presence of flies suggests they could improve by bussing tables sooner. The staff was disinterested, leading me to feel unwelcome. I won't be returning, as there are plenty of other spots that feel more welcoming.
- waffle7
- decor8
- music8
- whipped cream3
- flies2
- staff2
What Molly's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What are the parking options at Molly's in Mission Beach?
Finding parking near Molly’s can sometimes be a challenge, as spaces are usually difficult to find. However, you can often locate free street parking in the surrounding Mission Beach area, so it’s worth exploring the nearby streets.
Does Molly's accommodate pets and do they accept reservations?
Yes, Molly’s is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join you in their outdoor seating areas. For your convenience, Molly’s also accepts reservations, which you can make to ensure you secure your preferred dining time.
How does Molly's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Molly’s receives a good overall score of 7.7, with customer satisfaction at 77.3%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (8), Ambience (8.1), and Service (7.4), though Value (4.1) is considered average.
What are some common positive aspects highlighted by visitors?
Guests frequently praise the friendly staff and the cozy beach vibe of the place. Many enjoy the quality of the food, including pastries and breakfast items, and the overall welcoming atmosphere.
Are there any common drawbacks or concerns at Molly's?
Some visitors find the pricing to be on the higher side, particularly for certain items. Parking can also be a challenge, and a few opinions mention inconsistent quality in some beverages.