Restaurants in Santee
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Best Restaurants
“I came to visit my dad in Santee today and decided to go try a new place today. Great pizza. We got the Supreme, but now I have to come back to try the Sizzling Pickle Pizza. Sounds interesting. Anyway, I balanced our lunch with an antipasto salad.”
“The low carb salmon plate was incredible. it includes soup or salad, asparagus and portobello mushrooms. I chose the salad and it was huge and delicious and all that for only $16.99! Top gourmet quality food. I will be going back. So many choices and all of it looked incredible!”
“First time to Broken Yolk Cafe. Loved the atmosphere and great food! The people who work there are so friendly makes you feel like you’re home💕Thank you Ron for my bread and the ladies behind the bar for wonderful drinks!!! We will definitely be back if I am rating it on a scale of 10 I give it a 20.”
“REALLY DELICIOUS AND CLEAN FLAVOR PHO! THE EGGROLLS ARE AMAZINGLY YUMMY! The staff are super friendly and made the experience wonderful! Most definitely recommend!”
“I tried the Pomango yesterday, and can confirm, THESE SMOOTHIES ARE DELICIOUS! The worker was very kind... Respectful, friendly and helpful! You don't get this level of service everywhere. I knew from first sip this would be my favorite smoothie, and I already can't wait to return for another one! I might be back today...”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“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 !”
Restaurants with Delivery
“The low carb salmon plate was incredible. it includes soup or salad, asparagus and portobello mushrooms. I chose the salad and it was huge and delicious and all that for only $16.99! Top gourmet quality food. I will be going back. So many choices and all of it looked incredible!”
“First time to Broken Yolk Cafe. Loved the atmosphere and great food! The people who work there are so friendly makes you feel like you’re home💕Thank you Ron for my bread and the ladies behind the bar for wonderful drinks!!! We will definitely be back if I am rating it on a scale of 10 I give it a 20.”
“I tried the Pomango yesterday, and can confirm, THESE SMOOTHIES ARE DELICIOUS! The worker was very kind... Respectful, friendly and helpful! You don't get this level of service everywhere. I knew from first sip this would be my favorite smoothie, and I already can't wait to return for another one! I might be back today...”
“No joke the best mexican food place by far. I was questioning my choice in buying because i spent $25 for a large pacman fries which is the most ive spent on carne asada fries. But once my order came out i knew it was worth the money. This can feed a family and take days to finish by urself. Also the menu options are amazing and love the filipino additions! Would recommend to everyone.”
“Man I’ve been coming to this place for years now and even still it never ceases to amaze me.
Let’s just get it out the way, the food is great high quality for such a reasonable price. That’s something you just can’t find these days in San Diego. Sure there’s other BBQ places that some may say have better BBQ, but Phil’s is a staple to San Diego just like Hodads (who also some could argue there are better burgers here, but they will never be Hodads).
Once my daughter Turned one years old, I took her here on a little father and daughter date. She absolutely loves the french fries and most days likes the rib meat from the ribless tickler ( beef rib meat without the bone, easier to feed daughter). With a decent tip we both leave happy and full for around $20 depending on tip and it “da-da” gets a beer or not… which also they have insanely good drink prices ($5 rotating beers monthly, and not bud light but good ass beers).
Today was an especially good when it comes to the service. Our food buzzer was broken or was the wrong one or something like that so we waited a little bit longer for food than normal. Samuel (god I hope I remembered this name right) noticed my daughter and I waiting and figured something was wrong. Totally helped us out. He then, super intuitively asked if I wanted a separate plate for my daughter, and a kids cup full of water. He also brought back plastic utensils for her to play with which she loved.
After all of that, I find out that Samuel is 19 and doesn’t have kids of his own. That dude is on fire and is super intuitive and on his mark. I don’t know when he gets paid, but I can tell you right now if I Own the company I would hire him in a heartbeat and pay him as much as I could physically afford. He is one of those assets to companies that’s so many bosses oversee.
I recently lost my job, And with the new job having hard times to catch up on bills. these are rare times I can take my daughter out now. I would tip this guy $100 bill if I could. And one day when I get back on my feet I will. Keep going strong, sir. You are a beast and you will succeed at everything you do in this life with the attitude and work ethic that you have.”
“No joke the best mexican food place by far. I was questioning my choice in buying because i spent $25 for a large pacman fries which is the most ive spent on carne asada fries. But once my order came out i knew it was worth the money. This can feed a family and take days to finish by urself. Also the menu options are amazing and love the filipino additions! Would recommend to everyone.”
“Man I’ve been coming to this place for years now and even still it never ceases to amaze me.
Let’s just get it out the way, the food is great high quality for such a reasonable price. That’s something you just can’t find these days in San Diego. Sure there’s other BBQ places that some may say have better BBQ, but Phil’s is a staple to San Diego just like Hodads (who also some could argue there are better burgers here, but they will never be Hodads).
Once my daughter Turned one years old, I took her here on a little father and daughter date. She absolutely loves the french fries and most days likes the rib meat from the ribless tickler ( beef rib meat without the bone, easier to feed daughter). With a decent tip we both leave happy and full for around $20 depending on tip and it “da-da” gets a beer or not… which also they have insanely good drink prices ($5 rotating beers monthly, and not bud light but good ass beers).
Today was an especially good when it comes to the service. Our food buzzer was broken or was the wrong one or something like that so we waited a little bit longer for food than normal. Samuel (god I hope I remembered this name right) noticed my daughter and I waiting and figured something was wrong. Totally helped us out. He then, super intuitively asked if I wanted a separate plate for my daughter, and a kids cup full of water. He also brought back plastic utensils for her to play with which she loved.
After all of that, I find out that Samuel is 19 and doesn’t have kids of his own. That dude is on fire and is super intuitive and on his mark. I don’t know when he gets paid, but I can tell you right now if I Own the company I would hire him in a heartbeat and pay him as much as I could physically afford. He is one of those assets to companies that’s so many bosses oversee.
I recently lost my job, And with the new job having hard times to catch up on bills. these are rare times I can take my daughter out now. I would tip this guy $100 bill if I could. And one day when I get back on my feet I will. Keep going strong, sir. You are a beast and you will succeed at everything you do in this life with the attitude and work ethic that you have.”
Outdoor Dining
“I had the pleasure of visiting BNS Brewing and Distillery in Santee, California, and it was an experience worth talking about. The brewery exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its rustic yet laid-back charm, making it the perfect spot for both regulars and newcomers. On this visit, I was there to watch my friend compete in a lively cornhole tournament, which was one of the highlights of the night. The event was impressively organized, with smooth registration, clearly designated playing areas, and a schedule that kept everything running seamlessly. It was fantastic to see a mix of serious competitors and casual players enjoying themselves and interacting in friendly competition.
The crowd added to the experience with their energy—cheering, laughing, and sharing moments that brought everyone together. Whether you were there to play or just watch, like I was, the enthusiasm was infectious. The staff at BNS played a big part in creating such an enjoyable atmosphere, always attentive and ensuring everyone had a great time.
Beyond the event, BNS Brewery’s craft beers and distilled beverages were exceptional. With a diverse range of flavors to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone. For anyone looking for a place that blends community spirit, good drinks, and quality entertainment, BNS Brewing and Distillery is a must-visit. I highly recommend it!
Shout out to AJ Bell and Emilio!”
“**No Alcohol / Beer Pub Only**
Jamie was the girl behind the bar & it was free pool day which was exactly what my just turned 21 yo son & I wanted to do. We played several rounds of pool & had Shocktop draft & overall it was mellow & chill during that time of day which we appreciated. I will say I'm not sure about food service here. I know when we searched for a nearby place for quick games of pool Maps lists it with photos of food 🤷🏼♀️ I can say there was not a kitchen at this location; however the original location located in La Mesa may have a kitchen although I don't remember cuz it was evening & I got pretty tipsy while there 😆 luckily we got an Uber 👍🏼
***Update about location (04/10/25)***
Okie dokie so, again my age appropriate son & I headed over to this location for round or two of pool. While playing, we noticed a lil lady walking in from the back area outside with plates of food & placing them in front of the patrons sitting at the bar!! I know riiiiiight?! So we got up from our game & proceeded to follow her when low&behold 🥳 we found a nifty lil corner hutch setup with full grill & a menu of listed food items (no worries I took photos). We were stoked!! You'll find the photos included 👍🏻👍🏻 and I gotta say the wings are NORMAL SIZE not them mini weird wannabe chicken wings like everywhere else [& the $$ for everything is unbeatable] ☺️💪🏻🍺🌮🍗🍔🥪🥗🍻🍹🥃”
“Pizza Perfection!
If you’re looking for incredible pizza, FOX’S GIANT PIZZA is the spot! From the moment you walk in, the warm, welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a fantastic meal. The staff was super friendly, and the aroma of fresh pizza from the oven instantly had my mouth watering. Steven was so friendly and sweet!
We tried the Meat Lover, Veggie Supreme, and Margherita pizzas—and wow, every bite was pure bliss.
The Meat Lover was packed with perfectly cooked, flavorful toppings—pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon—layered over a rich, tangy sauce and gooey cheese. Each bite was hearty and satisfying.
The Veggie Supreme was a garden-fresh masterpiece! It had vibrant peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and the perfect hint of seasoning, all resting on a crispy-yet-fluffy crust. Even non-veggie lovers would enjoy this one!
And the Margherita? A classic done right. The simplicity of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and their signature tomato sauce made it stand out. It was light, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
This is hands-down one of the best pizza places I’ve ever been to. Whether you’re a meat lover, veggie enthusiast, or crave a classic Margherita, they’ve got something amazing for you. I can’t wait to come back!”
“great spot to eat, delicious sandwiches, the ya mama's special is awesome!! highly recommended, haven't had a bad experience, thank you to all the staff your awesome”
Online Reservation Available
“I happened upon this place today and fed our crew of workers lunch there. The pizza was fantastic. I wish they were located closer to our area. The people of Santee are lucky to have such a great tasting pizza place to go to. I will go out of my way to come back. The Man, running the counter is very gracious.”
“Their pork gyoza is the best! We went for sushi and enjoyed everything. Their hand rolls are large and stuffed. My only complaint was that my spicy scallop hand roll had sand or rocks or something in it, I thought I was going to bust out a filling, so I would skip the scallops next time. Lunch was pretty reasonable and wine pours are awesome”
“If you like a small mom and pop shop with good quality food, this is the place; I love chilaquiles when they are crunchy and not many people get c it right.. this place did great ! ?”
“love the meatball sandwich reminds me of back east,fast friendly servive,nice clean place.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Picked up some catered food (entrée: bbq chicken plus Kalua pork, sides: macaroni salad and rice. Also got the green salad w/mango dressing), for a gathering of about 40 people. Everyone raved about the food a lot. The Kalua pork was a hit.
Thanks to Terri, Juan, and their staff and the great food they make.”
“Having spent 20 years exploring the vibrant culinary scene in San Diego and visiting over 200 restaurants, I can confidently say that Emma’s Mexican Restaurant stands out as one of the best, hands down.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a genuine slice of Mexico. The décor is charmingly authentic, and the staff exude a friendliness that makes you feel right at home.
But it’s the food that truly sets Emma’s apart. Every dish is a celebration of traditional Mexican flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned carne asada, the rich and flavorful mole, or the mouth-watering enchiladas, each bite transports you straight to the heart of Mexico.
What truly impresses me is the consistency and quality of their offerings. Emma’s doesn’t just serve food; they craft an experience. The tortillas are handmade, the salsas burst with freshness, and the portions are generous without compromising on quality.
If you’re a San Diego native or just passing through, Emma’s Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit. It’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico and a shining gem in San Diego’s dining landscape. Emma’s has earned its place as a top-tier restaurant, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
“First.....after eating here I feel that in the past I have given 5 stars to easily. This place is a real 5 stars. 1. The place is very clean and the bathrooms are beautiful. 2. Was greeted right away by Ken who was our server. Ken was friendly and communicative and cared about our experience. 3. The food. I have been to Thailand and this was on par with the best Thai food from Thailand. Don't laugh but I ordered orange chicken...........OMG best I ever had. The table took half my plate so I asked Ken for his next recommendation and I had pad thai. I have been to the legendary pad thai restaurant in Bangkok and from what I can remember this was right there with it. Food was all served hot out of the kitchen. This place is IMPRESSIVE.”
“amazing food 4 many decades in a family owned,family friendly atmosphere. a true east county gem”
“Picked up some catered food (entrée: bbq chicken plus Kalua pork, sides: macaroni salad and rice. Also got the green salad w/mango dressing), for a gathering of about 40 people. Everyone raved about the food a lot. The Kalua pork was a hit.
Thanks to Terri, Juan, and their staff and the great food they make.”
“Having spent 20 years exploring the vibrant culinary scene in San Diego and visiting over 200 restaurants, I can confidently say that Emma’s Mexican Restaurant stands out as one of the best, hands down.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a genuine slice of Mexico. The décor is charmingly authentic, and the staff exude a friendliness that makes you feel right at home.
But it’s the food that truly sets Emma’s apart. Every dish is a celebration of traditional Mexican flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the perfectly seasoned carne asada, the rich and flavorful mole, or the mouth-watering enchiladas, each bite transports you straight to the heart of Mexico.
What truly impresses me is the consistency and quality of their offerings. Emma’s doesn’t just serve food; they craft an experience. The tortillas are handmade, the salsas burst with freshness, and the portions are generous without compromising on quality.
If you’re a San Diego native or just passing through, Emma’s Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit. It’s a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico and a shining gem in San Diego’s dining landscape. Emma’s has earned its place as a top-tier restaurant, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“This was a great experience! From the guy who answered my questions over the phone and to the girl who gave me the cake at pick-up. Great staff, great cake, great experience. I placed the custom order online and they came through! The cake was beautiful and delicious.”
“Okay, the only reason I am giving the food a 3 is because..we hut this place after a ballgame. It hit the spot. It was what I wanted at the time, you know. Service was GREAT. They took our order with 10-20 mins to close. Come on, it doesn't get better than that. Carne asada Chips were great, from what I recall. So were the roll tacos. Next time, we'll have to stop by before the game for an update. Thank you Cazadores.”
“Great recommendation to help me on the drive back home to Yuma, 2 1/2 hours. I told the Barista I am not a coffee drinker but needed something to help me stay awake. She recommended a Doppio! I made it home safely. Never heard of it before, grateful I know about it now!”
“I’ve been going here since 1987. The Estrada family are amazing. Always the best food.”
Cheap Eats
“I went to the Full Circle Saloon and they played this degrading song that said “A lap dance is better when the stripper is crying. Well I find it quite a thrill when she grinds me against her will.” More lyrics from this song say ” I told Bambi I wanted to skin her….. and wear her face like a mask. I have to admit it was even more of a turn-on when I found out she was doin’ me to buy baby formula.” This is a a song appropriate for serial killers and John’s who rape sex workers who are forced by their situation to work against their will. The bartender was angry and irritated with me when I asked to him to please turn it off. Two other female workers were unconcerned. The Female owner Michelle Bailey said she will not be a song N*** and did not offer to do anything about it. Oh She said there is a guy there that likes to play this song when he plays pool. If people there accept this happening I will vote by not going there.”
“Highly recommend…this taco truck has ruined my hometown (Fargo ND) Mexican restaurant experience - nothing will measure up to Fernys! We had barbacoa taco, asada burrito, and super fries. Every bite was delicious. Meat perfectly seasoned and tender & homemade tortillas. If you’re in their area, you won’t be disappointed.”
“Always great sushi and never too busy. The best hole in the wall sushi place I’ve ever eaten at, and definitely the best sushi joint in east county. It’s also so reasonably priced (feel like it’s honestly pretty cheap) which is astounding because the quality is top tier.”
“We have been there a few times.Great food. And very polite staff.Tonite we had the pleasure to have Gabriel has our waiter.He was so polite and very respectful. YOU DON'T find to many young people with respect .You have a keeper in that your man..thanks KERRY &NANCY CHASE. PS see you next time”
“Old school feel and great food! Pizza is always good and the meatball was amazing! My daughter calls it the fancy pizza! Pricier than your chains but the quality is worth it 100 percent.”
“I went to the Full Circle Saloon and they played this degrading song that said “A lap dance is better when the stripper is crying. Well I find it quite a thrill when she grinds me against her will.” More lyrics from this song say ” I told Bambi I wanted to skin her….. and wear her face like a mask. I have to admit it was even more of a turn-on when I found out she was doin’ me to buy baby formula.” This is a a song appropriate for serial killers and John’s who rape sex workers who are forced by their situation to work against their will. The bartender was angry and irritated with me when I asked to him to please turn it off. Two other female workers were unconcerned. The Female owner Michelle Bailey said she will not be a song N*** and did not offer to do anything about it. Oh She said there is a guy there that likes to play this song when he plays pool. If people there accept this happening I will vote by not going there.”
“Everything I've tried here is yummy. you know it's a good place when there's always a full line of cars in the drive thru. I really like the potato rolled tacos.”
“I had the pleasure of visiting BNS Brewing and Distillery in Santee, California, and it was an experience worth talking about. The brewery exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its rustic yet laid-back charm, making it the perfect spot for both regulars and newcomers. On this visit, I was there to watch my friend compete in a lively cornhole tournament, which was one of the highlights of the night. The event was impressively organized, with smooth registration, clearly designated playing areas, and a schedule that kept everything running seamlessly. It was fantastic to see a mix of serious competitors and casual players enjoying themselves and interacting in friendly competition.
The crowd added to the experience with their energy—cheering, laughing, and sharing moments that brought everyone together. Whether you were there to play or just watch, like I was, the enthusiasm was infectious. The staff at BNS played a big part in creating such an enjoyable atmosphere, always attentive and ensuring everyone had a great time.
Beyond the event, BNS Brewery’s craft beers and distilled beverages were exceptional. With a diverse range of flavors to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone. For anyone looking for a place that blends community spirit, good drinks, and quality entertainment, BNS Brewing and Distillery is a must-visit. I highly recommend it!
Shout out to AJ Bell and Emilio!”
Latest Reviews
“I went to the Full Circle Saloon and they played this degrading song that said “A lap dance is better when the stripper is crying. Well I find it quite a thrill when she grinds me against her will.” More lyrics from this song say ” I told Bambi I wanted to skin her….. and wear her face like a mask. I have to admit it was even more of a turn-on when I found out she was doin’ me to buy baby formula.” This is a a song appropriate for serial killers and John’s who rape sex workers who are forced by their situation to work against their will. The bartender was angry and irritated with me when I asked to him to please turn it off. Two other female workers were unconcerned. The Female owner Michelle Bailey said she will not be a song N*** and did not offer to do anything about it. Oh She said there is a guy there that likes to play this song when he plays pool. If people there accept this happening I will vote by not going there.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We have been there a few times.Great food. And very polite staff.Tonite we had the pleasure to have Gabriel has our waiter.He was so polite and very respectful. YOU DON'T find to many young people with respect .You have a keeper in that your man..thanks KERRY &NANCY CHASE. PS see you next time”
“Dine in, Saturday night.
No one at front desk. Sat ourselves, after 15 minutes with no one saying anything, eventually an employee moved us to another section because this area was closed? I was near other customers.
In new area, no one comes over. I’ve now been here for 20 minutes with no server acknowledging me.
Move to the bar. Sarah, the bartender, was super helpful. There clearly aren’t enough employees, as everyone had long wait times.
Eventually ordered food. I ordered MILD wings. 10 wings came out. I suffered through 3 and thought that they must have changed their recipe (I haven’t been in a few years). After 3 wings I couldn’t eat anymore, they were too spicy. I then noticed a sticker on the wings tray and the recipe, that said WILD. I ask Sarah and it turns out B Dubs has wings called WILD and MILD, with drastically different spiciness levels. She promptly removed my wings order from my tab. It turns out WILD is the second hottest wings they sell.
I’m sure this mistake has to happen, franchise wide, numerous times per day. Dear Mr. Buffalo, please consider renaming your WILD wings to ‘insane’, ‘crazy’, ‘extreme’, just anything that doesn’t rhyme with MILD.
Luckily, Sarah (bartender) and the great reverse happy hour made up for the seating and spicy issues. I’ll be back, but I hope they clearly denote “closed” sections in the restaurant in the future.”
“staff was warm and welcoming as we walked in. Super fast service, 3 different staff check on us to see if we needed anything. food came out in correct order, fresh, and hot! was a nice time. They even said thank you and goodbye on the way out which was nice. first time my hubby and I ate here, we will be back 😋”
“Consistently great, fresh food, generous portions, and very healthy; friendly service; good rewards program which pays off more often than most. It’s my favorite local restaurant!”