Brunch, Booze, and Dogs: A Perfect Morning at Farmer’s Bottega

When it comes to brunch, we have two main requirements: good cocktails and even better dogs. And Farmer’s Bottega? Delivered on both.
Step One: Walking Into the Unknown
Katherine: Did we research this place ahead of time?
Kelsi: Not even a little bit.
Arriving with zero expectations, we were greeted by the host stand and an award sign: Best Brunch in San Diego. More importantly? Most Pet-Friendly Restaurant. Translation: We had made the right choice.
We were then led through the restaurant and out the back door, which—naturally—raised some eyebrows. But the confusion quickly turned into pure joy as we stepped onto a gorgeous covered patio with greenery, hanging lights, heaters, and… the dogs.
Step Two: Meeting the VIPs (Very Important Pups)
Katherine: If I go missing, please check here first.
Kelsi: Cancel the rest of the day—we live here now.
For context, we are two women who have gone to a dog park without a dog, purely to get our fix of puppy love while traveling. So sitting on this fairy-lit, dog-filled patio with a brunch cocktail in hand? Peak happiness.
Our dog roster for the morning:
Olive, the King Charles Spaniel (tiny, perfect, snuggly)
Henry, the Golden Retriever (fluffy, majestic, probably pays taxes)
Honorable mentions go to two Frenchies, who were far too occupied with convincing their humans to share bites of breakfast to acknowledge our presence.
Also, as we were arriving, a big floofy husky strutted out with its family like it owned the place—and honestly, we respect that energy.
Could we have left right then and been happy? Yes. But there were drinks and carbs to consume.
Step Three: Boozy Beginnings
Katherine: If your brunch table doesn’t look like a well-stocked bar cart by noon, are you even doing it right?
Kelsi: If Carrie Bradshaw taught us anything, it’s that a proper brunch requires options—preferably of the bubbly variety.
The Farmer’s Bottega menu was stacked with options. We went with a pineapple mimosa and a Bloody Mary, but we seriously debated getting a mimosa flight (because responsible decision-making is for weekdays). There was also a blackberry something-or-other that we might need to go back for.
For those looking for a more relaxed brunch, Farmer’s Bottega Restaurant also offers a solid glass of wine and a selection of draft beers to go with their farm-to-table dishes.
Step Four: Omelette You in on a Little Secret—This Brunch Slaps
The Farmer’s Bottega menu had everything: omelets, Benedicts, pancakes, French toast, traditional breakfast plates, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Also, plenty of vegetarian options.
We ordered:
- Machaca Omelet – Slow-braised short rib, Swiss cheese, bell pepper, and onion. Came with sourdough toast (butter + strawberry jam = happiness) and potatoes.
- Stuffed French Toast – Strawberry compote, mascarpone cheese, and pure magic.
Katherine: Should we have skipped the actual meal and just gone full-send on the French toast?
Kelsi: Look, if I wanted a responsible breakfast, I’d be at home eating sad yogurt. This is brunch—we go big or we go back to bed.
Step Five: A 10/10 Experience
The food was delicious, the service was fantastic, and the dogs were plentiful.
Bonus: It was also the most affordable meal of our trip so far. So not only did it meet all of our brunch expectations, it did so without financially ruining us.
If you’re wondering whether it lives up to the Farmer’s Bottega reviews, let us confirm: Yes. Yes, it does.
Final Thoughts: Should You Brunch Here?
Kelsi: 100%. Just prepare to fall in love with someone’s dog.
Katherine: 10/10. No notes. Brunch perfection.
Key Takeaways:
Location: Farmer’s Bottega, West Washington Street, San Diego, CA.
Vibe: Adorable patio, fairy lights, and a dream brunch setup.
Drinks: Mimosas, Bloody Marys, draft beers, happy hour specials, and a solid glass of wine.
Food: Great mix of classic and creative farm-to-table brunch dishes.
Dog Situation: A+. All the best dogs come here.
Affordability: Surprisingly budget-friendly.
Whether you come for the brunch, the booze, or the adorable dogs, Farmer’s Bottega delivers. If you find yourself in San Diego craving a farm-to-table meal with a side of puppy love, this spot should be at the top of your list.
Cheers to mimosas, golden retrievers, and a brunch experience worth repeating!