Location: Santee
Top Restaurants in Santee
Where to Eat in Santee: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Santee is a suburban city in San Diego County, California, with a population of 53,413 at the 2010 census. Although it is a part of the East County region, Santee is located just 18 miles (29 km) from the Pacific Ocean. The city is connected to the coastline by State Route 52, a six-lane freeway that runs from Interstate 5 in La Jolla to State Route 67 in El Cajon. The city is bisected by the San Diego River, a linear greenbelt that includes parks, trails and more than 1,100 acres (450 ha) of natural riparian habitat.
Things to do in Santee
1. Marys Donuts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 124 reviews
Located in Santee, Ca, Mary's Donuts has been going strong for over 26 years! We are open 24/7. We have the largest Apple Fritters you can find and a wide selection of donuts and bagels. We serve house blend, Starbucks, and Farmer Brothers coffee.
Reviewed By grandslamhomer - El Cajon, California
I stopped into Mary's Donuts in Santee the other day and tried a few of their donuts. I looked around and saw that Mary's has a wide range of donuts. Some that I had never seen before. There prices were reasonable, and there was a lot of people in the small donut shop. While you are waiting in line, employees are giving out samples of the donuts for you to try. But after looking around at everything I finally saw my donut ! The Maple Bacon Bars. These Maple Bacon Bars look a little like, and taste a lot like the famous Voodoo Donuts bacon donuts in Portland Oregon. I will definitely be back to Mary's Donuts.
2. Phil's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By cjhill95 - Chula Vista, California
After many stops at various "BBQ" places, we found a winner...for the area! Being from Texas, I am a bit of a BBQ/smoked meat snob, and so far this is the best place I have found. Tried the ribs and chicken platter, and the ribs were fall off the bone tasty, and the chicken was nicely smoked and not dry. We got our with the sauce on the side, as I didn't want the meat swimming in extra sauce. The sauce was OK, but I preferred the flavor of the meat without the added sauce on top. The baked beans were good, only warm int he bowl, would have liked them a little warmer temp when served. Also tried the onion rings...those were good! Overall, we will probably go back...it is a nice treat when we don't want to light up our own smoker.
3. Yogurt Mill
Overall Ratings
5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By jlwitaly - El Cajon, California
The Yogurt Mill is a great place for yogurt. Flavors change regularly as do special dietary offerings; sugar free, lactose free, etc. They have a language all their own to order, be sure to ask for a "Dropped Cup". Also, make sure your "Eyes aren't bigger than your stomach". Servings are jumbo! Enjoy winter or summer but if it's hot a lot of friendly people will be in line with you. Just be patient, it's worth it.
4. Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By krosas - San Diego, CA
This place is great! The service is always wonderful. On our first visit there, we mentioned it was our first visit. Our waitress brought us three things to sample. Needless to say, we were sold and have been back several times. Tasty food and good prices.
5. Starbucks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Chuck B - California
What can you say the coffee is always good. Located right in the shopping center. Good parking and even a drive up window. service was fast even with a full house.
6. Anny's Fine Burgers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Towne Center Shopping Center, just steps from the San Diego Trolley stop
Reviewed By Pentaxian - San Diego
A tasty casual dining restaurant in the Santee Towne Center, Anny's Fine Burgers has an amazing menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and fries. Order from the convenient menu posted on the wall, get your order number, find a seat and dig in when the food is delivered hot and fresh. Drinks are from the fountain and refillable. Anny's has ample parking plus is just steps away from the green line station for the San Diego Trolley.
7. Antonelli's Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Stephanie H - El Cajon
I heard a lot about this place so we finally went! The sandwiches were huge. I got the roast beef and the flavor really wasn't that over the top compared to other good deli sandwiches. Perhaps because it was a basic sandwich. My boyfriend got a different sandwich and he said it was excellent! Next time we would get the smallest size because they truly are HUGE sandwiches. Also get there early or not at lunchtime because they get very crowded and you can be waiting for at least 1/2 hour to get your sandwich. I do believe you can call in your sandwiches too.
8. Kaffee Meister Coffeehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By jcjr2 - Green Valley, Arizona
Cappaciono was good, not outstanding or 5 star. Marked it down because with only 2 coffees ahead of me it took between 5-10 minutes to get my order after I placed it. Seemed like talk with customers and other staff slowed the process down. May give it another try as coffee was best so far in Santee.
9. Janet's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Jon M - Long Beach, CA
I really enjoyed my Turkey Club Sandwich at Janet's Cafe. The food and service were both excellent, and quick. The place was crowded, which one would expect as the food was awesome. I loved the onion rings as well, and my friend really enjoyed her omelette. I will return!
10. Cafe 67
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By bigbadbuyer - Santee, California
My wife's omelet was overflowing with veggies. My biscuits and gravy was filled with pieces of sausage mixed in with a wonderful gravy. All on the top of giant buttermilk biscuits. While I really enjoy the food, the service from the wonderful staff of ladies is really something. First of all they put up with an old guy like me and my antics. The coffee never empties or gets cold. This is just a great East County Cafe. Breakfast and lunch only. Get there early on weekend mornings.
