Location: El Cajon
Top Restaurants in El Cajon
Where to eat American food in El Cajon: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Find out what American restaurants to try in El Cajon. El Cajon (/ɛlkəˈhoʊn/; Spanish: [elkaˈxon]) is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. In a valley surrounded by mountains, the city has acquired the nickname of "The Big Box." Its name originated similarly, from the Spanish phrase "el cajón," which means "the box" or "the drawer."
Things to do in El Cajon
10. El Cajon Bistro & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
El Cajon Bistro & Bakery is a family and locally owned restaurant, proudly serving delicious food in San Diego. Choose to dine at our restaurant and we'll do our best to make your dining experience special.
Reviewed By Reneetravels2
This is a Gem fresh food & healthy. The portions are big, so come hungry or take some home. I love the acaia bowls big enough to share. The bread is freshly made. The smoothies & juices are as well. Get a wheat grass shot too. You can get breakfast all day. The ice tea is a blend of teas & really good. Highly recommend. The staff is as amazing as the food.
9. Outback Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Icarry
Our last two visits were a positive change. We used to frequent this location biweekly or more. But the service and quality was deteriorating. We stopped going so often. Now we might start coming there more.
8. Phil's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Jason H
I arrived with a group of friends while visiting Wl Cajon, Ca area. We had a late lunch and I wasnt too hungry. I opted for the grilled chicken caesar salad and it was huge. The chicken had great flavor and the caesar dressing was great. My only regret is that I didnt get a rack of ribs, bbq and chicken. It all looked and smelled so good.
7. Perry's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Perry H
This restaurant has been around for a very long time. They do have limited hours and is always packed. They do also have another location downtown. Big portions and a fair price. Great choice.
6. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Great for steak and so much more⦠Black Angus Steakhouse has built its reputation on providing a Genuine American Steakhouse experience to remember. Our Chefs are proud to serve only Black Angus steaks that are carefully aged, fresh-cut daily, and grilled
Reviewed By ccrowe3
Last nigh we made our annual trip to Black Angus. I have yet to find anyone that can do prim rib as well as they can. Prices are up, but the service and food were both exceptional.Thank you for visiting Black Angus Steakhouse! We're happy you received top-notch service and delicious food. We encourage you to return for another fun dining experience in the future.
5. Anthony's Fish Grotto
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
East County San Diego's premier seafood restaurant offering a vast array of fresh catches. Nestled over a large private pond, Anthony's has a setting and ambiance like no other in the area. Anthony's has been voted best seafood, best ambiance, best outdoo
Reviewed By Adriene B
The magnificence of the undersea world of Anthony's Fish Grotto cannot be overstated! I have the happiest memories here! For stunning architecture, charming atmosphere, delicious food and gracious service, Anthony's is simply the best.Scroll to see Anthony's 1959 menu and read about Mama Ghio: "An uncommon early menu from Anthony's Fish Grotto, with b/w photographic vignettes of Catherine "Mama" Ghio, her two sons, Anthony and Tod, and her son-in-law, Roy Weber to the front. Catherine opened the restaurant in 1946, when she was in her fifties and a widowed mother of three. It soon became a landmark of the city's cuisine, opening several other locations and moving to its most well-known location on waterfront in the 1960s. After over 70 years of business, the San Diego restaurant closed in 2017 when its lease with the city expired." The La Mesa location survives. Menu courtesy abaa.org.Dear Adrienne: Thank you for the kind words and the retelling of the Anthonyâs history. Our remaining La mesa location is truly a gem; an oasis in East County. The pond, the ducks, the dog friendly dining, the serene patio and lush landscaping create a relaxed and rejuvenating atmosphere. And of course one of the cities largest selections of fresh seafood and Mama Ghioâs original recipes keep guest coming back for over 73 years. Thank you again for the kind words; I canât wait to share them with our wonderful staff.Regards, Craig Ghio
4. Brigantine La Mesa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By Chelsea G
I hadn't eaten here in many years because the last time I ate there it tasted very commercial-ly, get-your-meals-out-fast. I had a hard time understanding what people liked about it. I am happy to say that the food tastes much better now!
3. Izzy's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By 879brendas
This is a great restaurant. The staff was very friendly. I had the pork sandwich and potato salad it was so very good. I didnât care for the coleslaw. But the bbq was so good my son had the beef brisket sandwich and really liked it. I guess it is known for its BBQ. I would recommend this place to anyone. It is busy but worth the wait.
2. Antonelli's Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By tim s
Iâm not sure why I havenât done a review before this! This is a small...hidden...out of the way absolute gem. Itâs in the middle of a string of auto repair shops so donât drive fast or your miss it. Itâs small and reminds me of the old Chicago sandwich deliâs. Iâve tried at least five different subs and sandwichâs and all were excellent. Even their veggie sub is excellent (2nd hand report). The prices are reasonable, the sandwiches are filled. Itâs basically between the 52 and broadway on magnolia, and if youâre in the area it is well worth the stop
What to do and see in El Cajon, United States: The Best Places and Tips
1. Anthony's Fish Grotto
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
East County San Diego's premier seafood restaurant offering a vast array of fresh catches. Nestled over a large private pond, Anthony's has a setting and ambiance like no other in the area. Anthony's has been voted best seafood, best ambiance, best outdoo
Reviewed By Adriene B
The magnificence of the undersea world of Anthony's Fish Grotto cannot be overstated! I have the happiest memories here! For stunning architecture, charming atmosphere, delicious food and gracious service, Anthony's is simply the best.Scroll to see Anthony's 1959 menu and read about Mama Ghio: "An uncommon early menu from Anthony's Fish Grotto, with b/w photographic vignettes of Catherine "Mama" Ghio, her two sons, Anthony and Tod, and her son-in-law, Roy Weber to the front. Catherine opened the restaurant in 1946, when she was in her fifties and a widowed mother of three. It soon became a landmark of the city's cuisine, opening several other locations and moving to its most well-known location on waterfront in the 1960s. After over 70 years of business, the San Diego restaurant closed in 2017 when its lease with the city expired." The La Mesa location survives. Menu courtesy abaa.org.Dear Adrienne: Thank you for the kind words and the retelling of the Anthonyâs history. Our remaining La mesa location is truly a gem; an oasis in East County. The pond, the ducks, the dog friendly dining, the serene patio and lush landscaping create a relaxed and rejuvenating atmosphere. And of course one of the cities largest selections of fresh seafood and Mama Ghioâs original recipes keep guest coming back for over 73 years. Thank you again for the kind words; I canât wait to share them with our wonderful staff.Regards, Craig Ghio
El Cajon Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in El Cajon
