During the time I lived in San Francisco, I was booked every Sunday for two years. I performed the same sacred ritual every Sunday morning: sleep in, get dressed, go to brunch. San Francisco, like most big cities, has a prominent brunch culture; people wait as long as two hours for a table, even in the most extreme stages of a hangover.

There’s something truly holy about Sunday brunch; when else is it acceptable to eat 1500 calories in one sitting and get drunk before 1:00 p.m.? Brunch became my religion. I would eat instant ramen during the week just so I could afford to eat mascarpone stuffed french toast that Sunday. I was honestly surprised that I didn’t start sweating hollandaise sauce.

Returning home to San Diego meant I had to find new holy places to practice my brunch faith. The results of my exploration are the subject of this article. While I could write a 200-page thesis on brunch, I’ve narrowed it down to five diverse favorites. Some old childhood favorites, some new ones, some healthy, and some indulgent … my commandments, if you will.

1. Snooze A.M. Eatery

Snooze offers the best of everything, but the real highlights are the bennies and the booze. Can’t decide between two of their unique eggs benedict? Get one of each! Other highlights include the “OMG” French toast and their unique morning cocktails. Pro tip: be sure to ask what their pancake of the day is. You do not want to miss out on their Pumpkin Graham Cracker or Coffee and Donut pancakes!

2. The Mission

This place has brunch with a Latin flair down to an art. The Mission has something for everyone, and anything you order is guaranteed to be flavorful and delicious. The variety of vegetarian/vegan options is especially impressive, even to the most loyal of meat lovers.

3. The Naked Cafe

For a guilt-free, post-gym indulgence, or just a healthy start to your day, try going Naked. After enjoying the plate of prosperity or the transcendence wrap, you’ll walk out feeling satisfied and very “zen.” Don’t forget to try their organic guava kombucha!

4. Breakfast Republic

Breakfast Republic has found its way into the heart of the indecisive brunch-goer. No more spending half an hour looking at the menu, fretting over the FOMO you’ll experience when you can only order one thing. Breakfast Republic has flights or samplers of almost everything. Coffee, beer, juice elixirs, french toast, pancakes … you name it, they can make a flight out of it.

5. Swami’s Cafe

Offering fresh and delicious brunch that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, this childhood favorite of mine hasn’t lost it’s charm. The real standouts at Swami’s are the refreshing juices and smoothies. After spending all day at the beach, you can rest assured that you’ll have something delicious to help cool you down and make you feel rejuvenated.