Mother's Kitchen

Really liked this place! Per the recommendation of a friend, and fact that it's literally around the corner from the Fry Creek Campground we stayed at, it made the perfect breakfast stop before leaving town on Sunday. "This place is charming." was my reaction. You can tell it has history and is a very popular meetup spot for bike gang meetups before a ride.

Very down-to-earth spot with friendly staff and non frills. The menu sign is posted along with their specials and then you order at the counter, get a number and have your food served to you. We were also informed of the well water in the dispenser. WELL WATER! Coming from San Diego, land of disgusting tasting water, that was such a treat. I wasn't even thirsty and just wanted to embrace that delicious natural water.

I decided on the special, which was an egg scramble with soy chirizo and potatoes, corn tortillas and salsa on the side. It was delicious, and enough to take 1/2 home. They also had good coffee. We sat on the outdoor patio which looked out to a landscape of pine trees. Great ending to our weekend getaway.

This is a MUST STOP if you're visiting the Observatory or Palomar Mountain! We had a lovely experience!

We loved their warm welcome (owner and staff were so friendly and helpful), the coziness of the cabin-like interior, view of the forest from the windows, and their vegetarian homestyle comfort food! Pastries were tasty too.

We ordered the Red Pezole soup, cup of Chili, vegetarian Lasagna (side salad is extra). Our meals came with sourdough toast. For dessert, we ordered a fudge brownie and cherry danish (served warm upon request). Everything was delicious and satisfying! I'm still thinking about their famous Red Pezole soup - so comforting and yummy!

Tidbit: They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They also announce on FB if they will be closed due to snow/weather or holidays.

Parking: plenty of free parking in front of the restaurant.

Great little pit stop in the middle of Palomar mountains that I always come by whenever friends and I are riding this way. I love that they mostly specialize in vegan/vegetarian eats. They have a large parking lot, clean restrooms, indoor seating and a lovely outdoor patio that's pet friendly. Their patio is surrounded by gorgeous tall trees that provides ample shade and leads into a beautiful forest of trees nearby.

Had to up a star just because our last lunch here was just so relaxing, peaceful and quiet out at their patio space. I've had their pozole (my favorite) here as well as their vegetarian protein burger, delicious food and amazing people!

Mother's Kitchen is a historical stop en-route to Palomar Observatory. The word Mother when used as a verb is defined "to bring up a child with care and affection." Walking in and dining here could impart feeling like a child again. No animal is killed in the offering of Mother's menu. Vegetarian cuisine is the fare and includes signature dishes like pozole, chili and an Italian veggie wrap.

Walk in, order and pay (they use apple square). Locate a booth or table and wait for your order of nutritious cuisine to arrive. After approximately three bites, staff comes to ask how all tastes and answers questions. Local highlights of the "city above the clouds" and history of Mother's Kitchen are topics that may be explained in detail if requested.

Historic black and white photos of Mother's (when it was a snack shack) are found on the west wall. Observe and taste handcrafted pastries in the glass case when walking in. Delightful, historic and surely cuisine a loving Mother would serve. Attentive staff truly created a memorable lunch experience, thank you.

PS: Tell Cal-Tech no "Alien" sightings, just many bright stars encountered along the way to Palomar Observatory.

Not the mediocre greasy spoon I expected, to my delight! I figured since it was the only joint in sight on remote Palomar Mountain, where I didn't even have reception, it'd be overpriced and underwhelming.

Boy, was I wrong! I was so surprised to find out it was vegetarian, reasonably priced and delicious! I came for breakfast with my boyfriend after a night of camping right when they opened at 9:00. We got two pancakes (huge!) and a breakfast burrito with faux sausage to share. Both were so good! Boyfriend and I were both surprised at how good that burrito was with its fake meat. It even came with some chips and salsa on the side.

We liked Mother's Kitchen so much that we stopped for breakfast again the following morning before we headed home. Kept with the breakfast burrito and this time shared French toast, which seemed to be made from sourdough. I liked the pancakes better but was still very happy with brekkie round two.

Service is very friendly and feels homey. Both days I ended my meal by enjoying leisurely coffee in the back garden under the pines.

Not bad for the top of a mountain. This place was actually really good. It's simple food but really tasty!

Stopped here on the way back from the observatory. Surprised to see vegetarian and possibly vegan items on the menu.

Good Red Posole soup. Son had club sandwich which he deemed good but noticed bacon bits were used rather than bacon - whatever works, I guess.

Cute decor. Restrooms are located in a separate structure and needed attention.

Lots of parking in front.

This is such an awesome spot. The scenery is lovely and he food, although different than what some may expect, it's SO good. You won't be let down!!

Cute, little, vegetarian cafe in Palomar. I wasn't really hungry, but I wanted to try this place so I ordered a cup of the daily soup special: red pozole. It was so delicious and comforting. It tasted home made. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area. The outdoor seating is adorable.

Loved it! We were looking for a veggie food place on our way home from the desert and it was the perfect rest stop on a long trip. Good vibes. Good food. Good service.

Will be back again!!