50 Best American Restaurants near Poway

“This place is sooo good!! The sandwich was amazing but the customer service was even better, they’re so sweet! The entire meal with chips was $14.50 and the sandwich was 3 layers. Not to mention the free cookie the owner gave both my friend and I. This place is so homey and has a great environment and super affordable!“

“Went in last night with my daughter. Got the chicken penne pasta which was tasty, but the chicken could definitely be more tender. Recieved exceptional service from our waiter, Kevin despite the resturaunt being pretty busy. Impressive selection of beers and plenty of tv's, a pool table, and a shuffle board make it difficult to be bored. I will be back!“

“Had a great time. Food was amazing and our server Casey was even better. My wife and I will definitely be coming back to sit in her area. Mozzarella sticks were amazing So is there chicken piccata. Looking forward to trying more on the menu“

“The Not-so-Tots are great. Order them with no liquid cheese, only shredded cheese (unless you like liquid imitation cheese). The chili cheese dogs are pretty good too. The hamburgers, are pretty awful. Every time I have ordered one, the meat has been stale. That kind of almost rancid fat taste. I gave it 4 stars overall, because tater tot nachos? Doesn't get much better than that. Atmosphere is lacking, the tables are crowded together, and they're always busy, so service is so-so.“

“Great sandwiches, you can choose your toppings! family owned, clean and convenient love this place 👍“

“Great food, fantastic beer selection, phenomenal staff all wrapped up in a very cool space!“

“Fantastic food and ambiance. Very friendly and courteous staff! Kudos! Well done!“

“Been going for years..Great, delicious food that tastes so good you can only expect to stuff your face 😋 It's got the flavor of the authentic BBQ w/char, beef pork and chicken meat falling off the bone ..with a perfect sauce that doesn't taste like it's full of sugar or fake ingredients..It instead tastes like years worth of perfected quality. The staff and service is also very caring and helpful, making sure everything is to your exact liking. Super!“

“We have gone here a few times and the food was good although today it came to us some of it warm and hash browns cold maybe it sat too long waiting for servers. What I noticed the servers were talking and walking around without paying attention to the food nor asking customers. Maybe they were told not to bother customers?
The servers are always nice but they need to check on customers as a few customers had to get up and ask for things. Just a tip when dropping off the food please go back and ask customers if they need other things and keep checking on them.
The service is slow and takes away from the good food and nice servers.“

“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!“

“Food is delicious & the service is great, the old guy who seems to be the Mgr is kinda crabby though.“

“Great place! Excellent service! Delicious food!“

“massive burgers and everything ive tried is amazing. only area i would like to see improved is offering combos (burger + fries).“

“Literally one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had. They delivered 25 min after my order was placed. Fries were still crispy!!! Very delicious.“

“amazing food 4 many decades in a family owned,family friendly atmosphere. a true east county gem“

“! I wouldn’t go anywhere else“

“This is one of my favorite go to places for lunch. Everything I’ve tried has been so good, and the iced honey lavender latte is amazing.
The employees are always so so kind, they truly make this place the best.

Thank you higher grounds for always coming through with great food, coffee & service!“

“Fabulous as always 😀 thank you“

“Located in a small strip mall and we just managed to get in before the area got packed. More tables inside and out than the Encinitas location, so we got a table inside. Awesome Smash Burgers and fries - highly recommend. Much better than In and Out… but they haven’t figured out how to make this great quality with a drive through. Be prepared to wait when they’re busy at either of their locations. They are good - so they are popular.“

“Duffs is a great go to place for great quality hot dogs and more. smiling, friendly people work there.“

“Food is Delicious... 🥰“

“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. 😊“

“The fish special tonight was great! Thank you“

“A grill come small convenience store all rolled into one. Went there for some odd groceries and found that the grill was pretty good as well. There was nothing bad their. Again nothing fancy but certainly good value for money and could not complain about any of the dishes I ordered. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.“

“Great food and great service!
I had an amazing experience at this restaurant. The food was delicious, fresh, and full of flavor. The staff was very friendly and made me feel welcome. The place is clean, cozy, and perfect for a nice meal. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good spot to eat!“

“Great food, big portions, good pricing for the amount of food you get“

“I've been going to this particular location for more than 20 years. It's still good, but about a third as good as it once was. Prices up, quality down, just like everything else - I'd still choose Islands over any competing restaurant.“

“The food was good and the service was to. The drink was a little watered down.“

“I recently paid my first visit to this Applebee’s since moving to San Diego, choosing it as the spot to celebrate my oldest child’s 18th birthday. I’ll admit, I’ve long held the impression that Applebee’s had lost some of its original charm — that balance of good food and fair prices that made it a neighborhood favorite years ago. But this location proved me wrong in the best way.

From the appetizers to the main courses, every dish was satisfying and well-prepared — flavorful, hot, and comforting in that familiar Applebee’s way. What truly elevated the experience, though, was the service. Our server, Heidi, brought genuine warmth and humor to the table, creating a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere that made the evening feel special. She was attentive without hovering, friendly without forced cheer, and her sense of humor added the perfect personal touch.

In a time when chain restaurants can feel impersonal, Heidi reminded us that great service can make all the difference. A heartfelt thanks to her for turning a simple family dinner into a memorable celebration.“

“Loved everything we got tonight, the chicken sandwich, pulled pork, amazing! So were the fried Mac and cheese balls!!!!“

“The setting is gorgeous, no question there. Very much worth the wait of a reservation. Lots of grass for the kiddies to play mid/after lunch with a view of the wildlife. Food was also great, creative. We had the Cuban and shrimp/chorizo nachos. Good portions! Service is the only concern we had. Sat for 10 minutes before being greeted or ordering drinks. We learned that we could've ordered drinks at the bar before bring seated as well, this might've helped had we known in advance.“

“My wife and I stopped into the Spot because it was the type of food we were looking for after a long day of traveling. The spot offers pub fare such as wings, mac n cheese, burgers, pizza, etc. My wife had fish tacos and I had buffalo chicken tenders and the "adult mac n cheese." All of the food came out in large portions! Food was great. The bar is laid back like a traditional pub. You can't go wrong here if you are looking for pub food at a reasonable price.“

“it's always a great place to eat. It hits the spot everytime. Dawson was so kind taking the order. I appreciate great Customer Service !“

“Muy rápida la atención y muy buena atención“

“Dining at Addison is an experience I recommend as something everyone should enjoy at least once! The food is unlike anything I’ve ever enjoyed before paired with service that is second to none! Chef Bradly and his entire team are warm and welcoming in a way that makes you feel like you’re the only person in a restaurant full of people. I cannot wait to go back! Until next time!“

“I love this place the pizza is amazing!“

“I love the food at this restaurant.“

“The young lady in the lot taking the orders on a 94 degree day was a true professional!“

“Absolutely the best BBQ food! Generous portions. Take-out was ready quickly. Amazing onion rings. 😋 The staff were great.“

“Carvers Rancho Bernardo is about old values and quality! We, Realtors, give a very high rating, all around, especially to the friendly and professional Staff. Unfortunately, We can not say the same for Manager. It’s obvious, he needs to learn some culture and manners from the Staff Members. We just recently heard, he verbally hurt a number of loyal Carvers’ customers, including few of us, with his dishonest and rude behavior…for no reasons, at all. To make it worse: He walks away, and does not allow the smallest comment. Mr. Manager, while you were in the first grade, we, the old Patrons created the “Desired Image” of Carvers, by our frequent attendance and positive word of mouth among Newcomers!“

“Literally one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had. They delivered 25 min after my order was placed. Fries were still crispy!!! Very delicious.“

“Great tasting food wonderful service“

“Great food and very healthy and delicious salads! The focaccia bread is to die for!“

“don't miss the May Ride Road Glide burger before the month is over! a portion of the proceeds from this burger goes to the Armed Forces YMCA.“

“so good so clean and the service is a super service !! totally 2 tums up!!!“

“Outstanding venue. First time visiting the establishment for lunch with some co-workers and I will be back for a more social setting!“

“Always perfect burgers and fries at this location. Friendly and fun staff.“

“Nice people, good food Will definitely come again“

“Good prices and good food“