Janet's Cafe and Deli

Took my daughter to Janet's in Santee yesterday, against her recommendation. She and her BF had dined there recently, and she said the experience had really been subpar compared to previous visits. (We used to go A LOT.) I suggested that maybe they'd just had an off day, and we went anyway. The server nodded for us to sit anywhere we liked in the tiny original dining room. The newer add-on dining room was not open for seating. (They didn't need it.) As we looked at the menu, I noticed the prices had gone up considerably since our last visit, but as a former restauranteur, I understand that when groceries go up in price, so do restaurant menus. As I was ready to order my favorite - Blue Cheese Avocado Burger (a little over $20) - I saw that they've added a $2.50 upcharge to substitute a veggie patty. Now beef prices are soaring, or so I hear. We don't eat beef, but I do know that charging $2.50 extra for a veggie patty is actually gouging. So we exited our table, waited for a few minutes to pay the $4.31 for my daughter's iced tea, and forever left Janet's Cafe in our rear view mirror. Judging by the guest count, I imagine they will be replaced there soon anyway. Cest la vie.

Good food, very kind, caring and loving staff and servers; feels like family. Great place.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best breakfast I’ve had in San Diego! I’ve paid more and got less in terms of food, service, and atmosphere. This place is the bomb!!! Can’t wait to return!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ordered omelettes for breakfast. Highly recommend the home fries. DO NOT order the hash browns, they were pasty and tasteless. The service is excellent. Average atmosphere but we will go back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Try a different breakfast spot

What a nice local hole in the wall breakfast and brunch place. I thought it was quaint and enjoyable and felt welcome and part of the scene. Food was just fine, I'm not a picky eater and would say there was a lot to choose from.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The green chilaquiles with carne asada is incredible, new favorite when I come here. Also the salads are HUGE and delicious, just an awesome place all around!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came with a very large party and they took great care of us. The food was good too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, fast and fabulous service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is amazing, food, service, the outside seating has a great view. The bathrooms are super clean too. Overall one of the best places to go for breakfast or lunch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is the first time we've sat in the extended bar area and it was a quiet treat! Sorry my pictures are after we've already half eaten our food, but it was delicious. The cheeseburger 🍔 was juicy and a thick beef patty cooked perfectly and my husband had a breakfast burrito that he said he'd order again and he is very picky.

The service was great and we brought home an awesome piece of carrot cake that we'll definitely go back for again.

Great visit, great food, decent reasonable prices

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Been here twice. First time had tacos and they were mediocre. Second time for brunch. Kids said the pancakes tasted like Bisquick. Albeit, the pancakes are huge but they just weren't that good. Spent $100 for 4 people. Which is a lot for that quality. I will not be going back. Instead, go to Broken Yoke or DZ Akins.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

I was very pleased overall. Was by myself and ordered blueberry pancakes which were fluffy and flavorful with ripe, fat blueberries. My omelette had Swiss cheese, bell peppers, onions and mushrooms. Best tasting omelette I’ve had in a long time…cheese actually tasted like good Swiss.

Drawback: why is it so hard to get good old fashioned fried potatoes anymore??? But for only $.50 more they can add onions and peppers to the otherwise not-homemade home fries.

Oh, and salsa was tasty.

Yeah, service was slow, but I was having a leisurely morning. But staff were all friendly and wanted to make sure I was happy, which goes a long way. So I left an $8 tip, which was over 30%.

I’ll definitely come back for breakfast.

The food was not good, it was what it was. But it was expensive for what you got. A tasteless chewy biscuit. Flavorless simple potatoes. Very over priced.