When pancakes require pizza peels to flip them and sage fried chicken towers three waffles high, you understand why Hash House A Go Go serves “twisted farm food” that’s become Midwest-inspired brunch legend.
The restaurant operates at 3628 5th Ave where founders Johnny Rivera and Andy Beardslee bring over two decades of old school meets new cooking through portions so large that sharing becomes mandatory.
Opened in Hillcrest with locations across the country, this spot earned New York Times “must visit” status and New York Post “coolest place we ate” through farm-to-table Midwest comfort food served in portions that defy California sensibilities.
What Makes Hash House A Go Go Special
Andy’s World Famous Sage Fried Chicken gets rolled in flour, fresh sage, and spices before frying to glorious crisp, then stacked with three waffles creating tower format that defines the Hash House experience.
Hash House A Go Go operates with “twisted farm food” philosophy – Midwest staples like hand-hammered pork tenderloin and meatloaf made from scratch with creative twists that earn national recognition.
The ginormous portions justify $20-$40 pricing – dishes serve 2-3 people through massive biscuits, pizza-sized pancakes, and towers that arrive as spectacle before becoming shareable meals.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Hash House A Go Go launched when founders Johnny Rivera and Andy Beardslee decided to bring Midwest-inspired farm food to California with commitment to quality ingredients and good times.
The “twisted farm food” concept evolved over two decades from old school meets new approach, featuring Adam Richman on TV and surprising Martha Stewart with incomparable pancakes.
The expansion across multiple locations maintained Hillcrest original’s philosophy – best ingredients, culinary values, great service, customer appreciation, and keeping it good time always.
Food Highlights
- Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken & Waffle Tower: At $28.95, three pieces of sage-rubbed fried chicken stack with three waffles creating signature tower. The fresh sage in flour creates distinctive savory flavor.
- San Diego Breakfast Sandwich: This $22.95 sandwich builds massive format that requires sharing. The creative construction justifies Hillcrest location naming.
- House Smoked Salmon Benedict: Smoked salmon Benedict at $26.95 demonstrates how Hash House elevates traditional brunch formats. The house smoking technique adds depth.
- Griddled French Toast: At $16.95, this French toast can be upgraded to banana pecan creating sweet counterpoint to savory dishes. The griddling creates proper caramelization.
- The Hash House Cobb: This $26.95 salad proves even salads get twisted farm food treatment through massive portions. The Cobb preparation stays fresh despite size.
- Biscuits with Strawberry Jam: The giant homemade biscuits with housemade cranberry or strawberry jam create starting point for many meals. The biscuit size requires both hands.
Atmosphere
Hash House A Go Go sits at 3628 5th Ave in Hillcrest, where casual-classy atmosphere and moderate noise welcome groups, kids, and dogs seeking Midwest farm food experience.
The restaurant operates with wait times often exceeding hour on weekends, though reservations available help manage crowds seeking ginormous portions and creative presentations.
Operating Monday-Friday 7:30am-2pm, Saturday-Sunday 7:30am-3pm provides all-day brunch service with street parking and metered spots in Hillcrest neighborhood.
Bottom Line
Visit Hash House A Go Go because over two decades serving twisted farm food and earning New York Times “must visit” status means Midwest-inspired portions and quality genuinely deliver.
The sage fried chicken tower and house smoked salmon Benedict demonstrate how founders Johnny Rivera and Andy Beardslee’s philosophy creates brunch worth hour-plus waits through shareable portions.
The two-decade history, multiple locations, New York Times and Post recognition, and commitment to twisted farm food with best ingredients prove this Hillcrest spot serves exceptional Midwest-inspired brunch in San Diego.
Address: Hash House A Go Go 3628 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
📞 (619) 298-4646
🕐 Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Sat-Sun: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Twisted farm food | 20+ years serving | NY Times must visit | Ginormous portions | Reservations available | Dogs allowed