30 Best American Restaurants in Escondido

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse American • $$
204 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Boneless Wings with Root Beer BBQ Sauce
Hickory Brisket and Bacon Burger
Italian Chicken Parmigiana Pasta
Cookies ’N’ Cream Pizookie
Peanut Butter S'Mores Pizookie
Strawberry Shortcake Pizookie
Jumbo Spaghetti and Meatballs
Peanut Butter Smores Pizookie
Enlightened Seared Ahi Salad
Spinach and Artichoke Dip

“Ava our server was just so amazing! Such a great attitude and got our food/ beverages out in a timely manner. Definitely would give that girl a raise!“

4.6 Superb741 Reviews
Home Sweet Home Cafe American • $
662 Enterprise St, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Covered in Country Gravy and Cheddar Cheese
Home Sweet Home Omelet and Toast
Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs
Hash Browns or Home Fries
Silver Dollar Pancakes
Monte Cristo Sandwich
Breakfast Burritos
Huevos Rancheros
Devon Benedict
Machaca & Eggs

“best chicken fried steak and gravy this side of El Paso“

4.7 Superb194 Reviews
Board & Brew - Escondido American • $
1354 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Board and Brew Canned Beers Board and Brew Sauce
Left Coast Pastrami with Bacon Sandwich
Tub of Tuna Sandwichb with Sprouts
Roast Beef Club Sandwich
Chicken Club Sandwich
Assorted Dirty Chips
Tub O-Tuna Sandwich
Philly Cheese Steak
California Delight
House Potato Salad

“This bustling place has been growing. I’d love to see one or two up North in Oregon. Good skate parks and beers. Or maybe I just have enjoy the SOCal that much.“

4.4 Superb140 Reviews
Huckleberry's Breakfast & Lunch American • $
1260 Auto Park Way, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Pumpkin Pie Pancake with Poached Eggs
Chicken Fried Steak and Red Potatoes
Egg French Toast Hashbrows and Bacon
Huck's Breakfast Burrito
Crab Cake Eggs Benedict
The Mississippi Skillet
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Chicken and Waffles
Stuffed French Toast
California Benedict

“I had high hopes for Huckleberry’s—this was our first time visiting, and my husband and I love exploring new breakfast spots. Breakfast is one of our favorite meals of the day, so we were excited to try it out.

The experience started off well. Our waiter was friendly and attentive at first, but unfortunately, he didn’t check on us again until we had to flag him down for drink refills. That lack of follow-up really affected our overall impression.

When the food arrived, it didn’t come out all together. My husband and I got our plates first, but his potatoes were cold and his English muffin wasn’t toasted at all. My son’s meal—chicken tenders and fries—arrived much later than ours.

On the bright side, I really enjoyed my meal. I had the Bananas Foster with scrambled eggs and fried green tomatoes—everything was absolutely delicious. But it was disappointing to see my husband, who was looking forward to the meal, not enjoy his due to cold food and poor preparation.

Overall, while there were a few highlights, the inconsistent service and food quality—especially the cold plate—make it unlikely that we’ll return. There’s just no excuse for food coming out cold.“

4.2 Good268 Reviews
Bellamy's Restaurant American • $$$
417 W Grand Ave, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Fettucine & Brown Butter Alfredo bqt
Pacific Albacore Carppacio
Flourless Chocolate Torte
Oysters on the Half Shell
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Maine Diver Scallops
French Onion Soup
Steak Frites
Caesar Salad
Calamari

“What a great place! When you first walk in you see the bar area, around the corner are dining tables which are great for a nice dinner. The food was absolutely amazing, I highly recommend the French onion soup and sea bass entree. The servers were attentive and kind, the ambience and music was relaxed yet had good energy. It wasn't happening when we went but sometimes they have live music too. Please check this place out!“

4.1 Good398 Reviews
Swami's Cafe Escondido American • $$
503 W Grand Ave, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Belgian Waffle with Fresh Strawberries
Swamis Granola Belgian Waffle
Banana Walnut Pancakes
Stuffed French Toast
Kids French Toast-km
Swami's Pitaya Bowl
Potato Scramble
Eggs Benedict
Big Breakfast
Club Sandwich

“Great breakfast place in Escondido. Love the setting of the restaurant, which makes you feel at home and outside patio is great also, except some flies..lol. The breakfast menu had so many great items. The lobster omelet i had was one of the best omelets I have eaten in a while. The staff are very friendly and that seems to make all the customers friendly also. Thank you. I really enjoyed your food and your service. Will definitely be back whenever I have a chance to visit Escondido, and next time, I will try your lunch menus.“

4.2 Good109 Reviews
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews American • $
200 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Guacamole Bacon Burger and Sweet Potato Fries
Whiskey River BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger
Simply Grilled Chicken Salad
California Chicken Sandwich
Whiskey River BBQ Burger
Towering Onion Rings
Crispy Fried Pickles
Bacon Cheeseburger
Steamed Broccoli

“our server Annie was so nice and the ranch is homemade and delicious. I got my free birthday burger one of the finest burgers on the menu. and I highly recommended the Rancho parkway Red Robin. food was delicious everything was good temperature freshly served quick and made to order delicious. 😊“

4.2 Good100 Reviews
Lake Wohlford Cafe American • $
25484 Lake Wohlford Rd, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Biscuits & Gravy
Chicken Fajitas
2 Beef Tacos
Hamburger
Catfish
Fries
Steak

“great owners!! great food!for!! love the place“

4.3 Superb55 Reviews
Applebee's Grill + Bar American • $
1216 Auto Park Way, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

New Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger
Bourbon Street Chicken \u0026 Shrimp
Brew Pub Pretzels & Beer Cheese Dip
Onion Rings and Mozzarella Sticks
Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp
Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich
Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl
Shrimp 'N Parmesan Sirloin
Triple Chocolate Meltdown

“The Escondido location it’s my favorite AB in the area. They are friendly,the food tastes good. All server always extremely polite, different from other locations. I’m rather drive 30 minutes to this location then going to the one near where I live.“

4 Good143 Reviews
The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook American • $
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Burrata and Marinated Olives
Beef and Cheddar Sandwich
Open Faced Tuna Sandwich
Beef and Cheese Sandwich
Roasted Asparagus Pasta
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Rhino Sized Pretzel
Margarita Flight
Hummus Platter

“We absolutely loved this place! Very cool atmosphere with the bar in the inside of a cool looking tree and awesome safari vibes. The view overlooking the Savannah with all the animals was amazing and really made for a very special lunch! The food was excellent with large portions! But the best part of our dining experience was our server, Vu! She was so polite, friendly, and helpful! She made sure we had everything we needed and is the best server that we have had in a very long time! She is the best!“

3.9 Good235 Reviews
Pegah’s Kitchen Brunch • $
912 S Redwood St, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Meat Lovers Omelette and Fresh Fruit
Biscuits and Gravy Add Two Eggs
Half Order of Biscuit and Gravy
Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs
Home-Style Potatoes
California Benedict
French Toast Combo
Breakfast Burrito
Country Benedict

“It was about noon as I left my Doctors office and feeling a little hungry. I say Pegah’s Kitchen next door and gave it a try. The staff were all very professional. I had their Italian omelette and if I had to rate it on a one to 10 scale with 10 being the best, I would give it a 12. This is the Vista location. Highly recommend this place for breakfast and lunch, as they are not open for dinner.“

4.6 Superb101 Reviews
12

Denny's

Denny's Diner • $
510 W Mission Ave, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Let's Cobb About It Prime Rib Cobb Salad
Stack of Salted Caramel Banana Pancakes
Chicken Loaded Potato Sizzlin' Skillet
Bourbon Chicken Sizzlin' Skillet
Country Fried Steak \u0026 Eggs
America's Diner Cheeseburger
Crazy Spicy Sizzlin' Skillet
Country Fried Steak & Eggs
Mile High Denver Omelette
Diner Classic Patty Melt

“Seniors portion is just right. Nice servers & good food .“

4.3 Superb233 Reviews
Charlie's Family Restaurant Family • $
210 N Ivy St, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs
Diced Ham and Scrambled Eggs
Texas Style French Toast
Fish and Chips 2 pcs
California Benedict
Side of Home Fries
Biscuits and Gravy
Hot Turkey Sandwich
Coconut Cream Pie
Charlie's Special

“Cute family restaurant. A little Americano variety of food. Your old fashioned restaurant. Not your uppity modern hipster kinda place. Real food for real people.?

Parking: Restaurants off the beaten path but easy enough to find.

Kid-friendliness: Well priced“

4.3 Superb132 Reviews
J & M's Family Restaurant Family • $
1215 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Eggs Benedict - Corned Beef
Chicken Fried Steak Beef
Cinnamon Roll 3rd Party
San Franciscan Sandwich
French Toast Combo Ham
Country Fried Steak
Side Hash Browns
Mashed Potatoes
Scrambled Eggs
Grilled Cheese

“Was very impressed by the food!! The service by our waitress Sara was amazing. She was very attentive and brought out a dog bowl and treats for my old dog, Buddy.

I has the ribs, wings, and the fish. Both the soups of the days and the dressings for the salad was house made and absolutely delicious ? ? ?

The owner/manager was very hospitable, joking around and asking if there was anything he could do to make pur visit better. As this was my first time, I cannot tell you have much I loved this place!! Cannot wait to come back and bring more people to this wonderful establishment. 10/10 would recommend!!“

4.3 Superb120 Reviews
Chicken Plus Greek Cuisine Greek • $
309 W Mission Ave, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Whole Chicken Family Meal with Greek Salad
Chicken Lemon Soup of the Day
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs
Athenian Greek Salad
Rotisserie Chicken
Falafel Sandwich
Quarter Chicken
Greek Pita Bread
Chicken Gyros

“Chicken Plus will always have a special place in my heart. I still remember when my dad used to take me here back in elementary school — it was our go-to spot for a delicious meal and some quality time together. Every visit was a treat, and even now, all these years later, I keep coming back.

The food is just as incredible as I remember — always fresh, flavorful, and made with so much care. But what really sets Chicken Plus apart is the heart behind it. Syd, the owner, is truly one of a kind. Every time I walk through the doors, I look forward to seeing him. He greets everyone like family and makes you feel genuinely welcome. It’s rare to find a place where the food and the people are equally amazing, but Chicken Plus nails it every time.

If you haven’t been here yet, you’re seriously missing out. Thank you, Syd, for all the memories and for continuing to make Chicken Plus the special place it is!“

4.4 Superb77 Reviews
Canyon Grille American • $$
8860 Lawrence Welk Dr, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Frenh Dip and Fries
Brussels Sprouts
French Fries
Onion Rings
Turkey Wrap
Burger

“The food was really good nice persons and I highly recommend 💯“

3.2 Average94 Reviews
Fatburger Hamburger • $
314 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Large King Burger with Fries
1000 Island Burger and Fries
XXL Fatburger 1 lb Meal
Chili Cheese Fries
Ice Cream Sandwich
Impossible Burger
King Burger Combo
Hamburger Deluxe
Skinny Fries
Onion Rings

“Wonderful food and great service.“

4.2 Good66 Reviews
Vintana Wine + Dine New American • $$$
1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Chef Deborah's Pepita & Sesame Crusted Brie
Macadamia & Coconut Crusted Sea Bass
Crispy Ale Battered Fish & Chips
Local Baja Shrimp Carbonara
Everything Crusted Ahi Tuna
Oysters on the Half Shell
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Calamari Appetizer
Kung Pao Calamari
Warm Butter Cake

“Went there last night for my birthday. The food was amazing. The best dinner I have ever had. Thank you!“

4 Good873 Reviews
Lake Wohlford Lodge Bar • $$
25484 Lake Wohlford Rd # 204, Escondido

“great owners!! great food!for!! love the place“

4.7 Superb10 Reviews
Okavango Outpost Burgers • $
San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Dino Pretzel

“Clean, butterfly exhibits were very nice“

3.9 Good36 Reviews
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido Brewery • $$
1999 Citracado Parkwy, Escondido

“This was my first time visiting Stone brewing directly restaurant That stuff is very friendly good food I highly recommend it“

3.9 Good348 Reviews
Black Angus Steakhouse Steak House • $$
296 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Steakhouse Cobb Salad with Filet Mignon
Steak Snow Crab & Grilled Shrimp
Steakhouse Bacon Cheeseburger
Wagon Wheel Sampler Platter
Chocolate Chip Cowboy Cookie
Prime Rib and Baked Potato
Classic Filet and 2 Sides
Prime Rib & Sea Partners
Square Cow Caesar Salad
Mac Cheese Baked Potato

“Email to CEO: I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the service I received during my 3:30 PM OpenTable reservation at Black Angus in Escondido, CA. Despite specifically requesting a quiet booth with good lighting (see attached screenshot of my request), the manager/hostess seated a family of five — including three loud, disruptive young children playing a loud TV show on a device — directly beside us. This was done in an otherwise completely empty restaurant. When we raised our concerns with the server, no action was taken. We ultimately left earlier than planned because we could not carry on a conversation over the noise. Upon leaving, I asked to speak with the manager. After several minutes of waiting, she finally appeared, it was the same hostess who sat us. Instead of addressing the situation, she denied seating the family next to us, despite the fact that I personally saw her do so. She then offered the excuse that tables are seated “compact” for server convenience. When I pointed out that I had explicitly requested a quiet booth, she dismissively stated it was “her choice.” When I told her I would be mentioning this experience in my Open Table survey, she turned her back and walked away, saying, “Good for you.” This behavior is unacceptable from anyone in a customer-facing role, let alone a manager. A competent manager would have simply moved us to another booth — especially in an empty restaurant. Instead, she chose to ignore the complaint, she admitted she was made aware of by the server, misrepresent the facts, and display blatant disrespect. These details, combined with the overall lack of professionalism, reflect extremely poor management. I encourage you to review your surveillance footage from 3:30–4:40 PM. This manager has demonstrated that she is unfit to represent your brand or oversee customer service. I strongly urge you to address this issue at the corporate level. I would like to speak to the area Distric“

3.9 Good400 Reviews
Comstock Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
316 W Mission Ave Ste 115, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Comstock Burger and Fries
Chicken Fried Steak
Huevos Con Chorizo
Fried Mushrooms
Potato Skins
Karaoke

“100×100 recomentado cualquier lujar no los igualan“

3.7 Good38 Reviews
Chili's Grill & Bar Tex-Mex • $
1105 W Valley Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Bottomless Soup Side Salad & Chips
Big Mouth Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Steak and Double Mashed Potatoes
Pepper PALS Mini Chocolate Molten
Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Pepper PALS Cheese Quesadilla
Kids Mac and Cheese and Fries
Chili's Secret Sauce Burger
Mini Molten Chocolate Cake

“Buen servicio y el horario y yo como salmón y es el lugar que tiene el mejor“

3.8 Good144 Reviews
The Honey Baked Ham Company Deli • $$
144 W Washington Ave, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Country Cornbread Stuffing
The Honeybaked Half Ham
Half Sandwich and Soup
Cheesy Potatoes
The Honeybaked
Cheesecakes

“Great customer service“

3.2 Average23 Reviews
The Burger Den Vegan • $
510 W Mission Ave, Escondido

“I have been enjoying a quarter pounder for ages with a HI C orange, still delicious and fries were amazing. Soo good

Kid-friendliness: I don't have kids but they do have games inside for kids

Parking: They have a lot of parking for pickup, which to me it seems they have too many but since I don't know if they really get many at a time. I guess I shouldn't say. The reason I mention is because it doesn't leave much for the rest of us

Wheelchair accessibility: Pretty sure they have ramp“

3.2 Average25 Reviews
TOM's Famous Family Restaurant 23 Family • $
505 W 5th Ave, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Waffles 2 Eggs 3 Bacon or 3 Sausage
Pancakes with Eggs and Bacon
Bean and Cheese Burrito
Chicken and Waffles
Chili Cheese Fries
Sándwich de Pollo
Breakfast Burrito
Zucchini Sticks
Fried Chicken
Cheeseburger

“Solid diner food, but the kitty robot delivering your food is worth the trip. I had the carna salad, which was plentiful and tasty. My husband had tuna melt and side salad, both good. My daughter had chicken and waffles, which were the standout. Fried chicken was tasty, tender, and crispy. We were with a group, and ordering at the counter is perfect for that. But we simply loved the kitty robot delivering our food!

Parking: Nice lot with plenty of parking.“

3.6 Good101 Reviews
Mikki's Cafe Breakfast • $
1639 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Banana Pecan Pancakes Hashbrowns and Home Fries
Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs
French Toast Combo
Prime Rib Sandwich
Cup of Hot Coffee
Belgian Waffle
Cheese Omelette
Hash Browns

“Skip the chain and give this hometown mom and pop cafe a try!! The flavors and portions were great! The homestyle potatoes were fresh and the pancakes fluffy!

Only critique would be ti clean the booth windows bc they were very dirty and smudged with finger prints.

But overall a great family diner with fresh food and polite service.“

3.4 Good80 Reviews
The Cheesecake Factory American • $$
200 E Via Rancho Pkwy Suite 370, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

The Cheesecake Factory Private Reserve California
Parmesan-Herb Crusted Chicken
Skinnylicious Chicken Pasta
Crispy Chicken Costoletta
Dulce De Leche Cheesecake
Chicken Parm Pizza Style
Louisiana Chicken Pasta
Chicken and Biscuits
Dinner Bread Basket
Thai Lettuce Wraps

“I work there and love my job. Not perfect, but that's fine. Let's correct some facts from this site. I stand with Russia, we do NOT wear face diapers, and I'll find another job if face diapers are required.“

3.5 Good178 Reviews
30

IHOP

IHOP Breakfast • $
354 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido

Customers` Favorites

Spinach Mushroom & Egg Poached over Bagels
Breakfast Family Feast with Pancakes
Cheese Burger Side of Mac and Cheese
Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes
Bacon Egg Bisket Side Hashbrowns
Steakhouse Premium Bacon Burger
Chocolate Peppermint Pancakes
Strawberry Banana Pancakes
Double Blueberry Pancakes
Funny Face Pancake Combo

“Great service and classic IHOP goodness! We stopped by the IHOP at Del Norte Plaza for breakfast and had a wonderful experience. The food came out hot and fresh, fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked eggs. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. The restaurant was clean, and service was fast even though it was a busy morning. A solid choice for a hearty breakfast or brunch in the area!“

3.2 Average81 Reviews

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