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Best Southwest American Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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15 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
1. Casa Gabriela
4.6
Exceptional(844)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 48 times today
Casa Gabriela in Downtown La Mesa is a breakfast haven that seamlessly blends authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Chef Gabriela Lopez masterfully infuses her Guadalajara roots with Tijuana influences, offering a breakfast menu that stands out for its quality and creativity. Guests rave about the "best brunches in SD," highlighting dishes like the scrumptious breakfast burrito and the delightful chilaquiles with salsa verde. The ambiance is equally enticing, with a charming garden patio that enhances the dining experience. Casa Gabriela's breakfast offerings are a symphony of flavors that promise to transport you to the heart of Mexico with every bite.
A photo of Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant
2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon
4.5
Awesome(2177)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • El Cajon / Lakeside
Booked 5 times today
Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon has been a cornerstone of authentic American cuisine since 1964, expertly embodying the essence of quality and tradition. Known for its "delicious steaks cooked to perfection," the restaurant's menu showcases aged cuts seasoned and flame-grilled to excellence. Diners rave about the "outstanding service" and friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both "fun family dinners" and intimate evenings. The handcrafted experience dinners, such as the Moonshine dinner, receive high praise for their "fantastic ambiance and exceptional dishes." With consistent "quality food" and "affordable prices," Black Angus Steakhouse is an American dining delight.
A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.4
Awesome(2050)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 14 times today
Farmer's Table - La Mesa is a true gem in the heart of La Mesa, offering an authentic American dining experience with a modern twist. This family-run eatery is renowned for its farm-to-fork approach, crafting dishes with locally sourced organic ingredients that elevate traditional American flavors. Guests rave about the "wonderful omelets, salads, and mouth-watering pizzas" that consistently impress. The inviting, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for gatherings, whether it's a magical brunch or a cozy dinner. With "excellent food and service," Farmer's Table stands out as a delightful destination for anyone seeking honest, high-quality American cuisine.
A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant
4. El Torito - La Mesa
4.0
Excellent(480)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 8 times today
The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.
A photo of The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant
5. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room
4.7
Exceptional(47)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 5 times today
The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room in La Mesa offers a captivating grill experience that sets it apart as a top-tier destination for Grill cuisine. Diners rave about the option to "grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill," creating a unique and engaging dining atmosphere. For those who prefer their meals prepared, the restaurant boasts expertly grilled steaks with an array of mouthwatering entrees. Guests frequently highlight the "amazing seasoned meat" and impeccable service, making every visit memorable. With live jazz music enhancing the experience, the Riviera Supper Club is not just a meal, but a full sensory delight!
A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant
6. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa
4.0
Excellent(89)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 5 times today
Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.
A photo of Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant restaurant
7. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 1 time today
We are a family owned restaurant. We take pride in the preparation of our foods & used only fresh ingredients. We personally select the ingredients to prepare our sauces & dressings daily from our family recipes that originated in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Aĺ our dishes are plentiful and delicious. Allow our family the pleasure of providing you with a delicious dining experience.
A photo of Red Tail Bar & Grill restaurant
8. Red Tail Bar & Grill
3.7
Very Good(6)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Crest
Red Tail Bar & Grill at Singing Hills Golf Club is our newly remodeled grill, blending its midcentury charm with a modern twist. Experience the dining room or terrace’s combination of timeless elegance, relaxed comfort, and scenic views with our Southern California-inspired menu throughout the day, from morning to night. It’s the ultimate destination for weekend brunches or family gatherings.From post-golf libations to meeting up with friends, Red Tail Bar is the place for specialty cocktails, delectable appetizers, and a full menu of gastro-pub classics. Plus, enjoy one of our local beers on tap during Happy Hour between 3PM—6PM, Monday through Thursday. Surrounded by the nostalgic allure of its vintage roots, Red Tail is a great space for any occasion!
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
9. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(104)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Lemon Grove
Booked 4 times today
Lemon Grove Bistro is a delightful culinary destination that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine right to the heart of Lemon Grove. Renowned for its authentic flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Patrons rave about the “delicious and well-presented” dishes, with many highlighting the “excellent food and outstanding service.” The kitchen expertly crafts Mediterranean classics with a modern twist, ensuring each plate is a burst of flavor. Tucked into a historic mission-style building, Lemon Grove Bistro offers not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.
A photo of Dave & Buster's - San Diego restaurant
10. Dave & Buster's - San Diego
3.7
Very Good(106)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 12 times today
Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Katie
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I can’t count the number of Mexican/ Latin American restaurants I’ve tried in the US that have failed to live up to anything you’ll ever get in Mexico and beyond, but that said, overall I give this place a thumbs up. Food = solid. No complaints in our party who ordered everything from fajitas to kids menu items. Vibe =nice, relaxed. ( Coronado standards) Prices = Again, decent by Coronado standards.. Customer Service =Great. Our server was really helpful and low pressure. We felt the staff was really attentive, ALMOST crossing the line to too attentive, but happy to give some grace as we know the alternative is less ideal.
    More info
    Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
    •
    4.8
  • GREGVIP
    San Diego •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 13, 2025
    Overall a very good experience. Carne Asada and Shrimp tacos were delicious. Cocktails were great and overall the value was very good comparatively. Will be back!
    More info
    Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • Annette
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 9, 2025
    The absolute best experience at Blanco Fashion Valley. I took my staff there for birthday celebrations. I first had to call because we were late for our reservation due to meetings and traffic. The lady on the phone, Olivia, was so nice and helpful. Then the food was all amazing!! Service was amazing. And even when they called the manager over so I could get everything settled, he was great. Usually there’s one person that’s not the best, but everyone was so great and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. The drinks were yummy and so pretty too. 🙂
    More info
    Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
    •
    4.7
  • karil
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 25, 2025
    We love Ortega’s! We meet friends there regularly for the fabulous margaritas, nice ambiance, and delicious food. The staff is friendly and efficient.
    More info
    Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    •
    4.5
  • FoodieintrainingVIP
    San Diego •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 15, 2023
    We increased our party size from 4 to 6 people. The staff accommodated our request. The selection of food and beverages was fantastic but the taste was even better. The servers were engaging and polite and professional. Everything was served in a timely manner. Even after we left, it was down pouring and two of the employees opened the door and beckoned for us to come inside and wait out of the rain. We 6 were very pleased and highly recommend this fine establishment.
    More info
    Piedra SantaPrice: Expensive• Mexican / Southwestern• Tijuana
    •
    4.4

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