Best Southwest American Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

14 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.7

Exceptional(745)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Experience the heart of Latin American cuisine at Casa Gabriela in Downtown La Mesa, where Chef Gabriela Lopez crafts a menu with deep roots in her Mexican heritage and a cosmopolitan flair from Tijuana. Diners rave about the authentic, hand-crafted dishes that evoke the spirit of Baja California and beyond. "The enchiladas were delicious," and "Crispy carnitas was the best we have ever had," are just a glimpse of the glowing reviews that highlight the quality and creativity of the food. The ambiance, from the spacious garden to the cozy loft, complements the exceptional dining experience, making Casa Gabriela a must-visit for authentic Latin American flavors.

A photo of Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.2

Awesome(2137)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 24 times today

Black Angus Steakhouse in El Cajon is not just a haven for steak lovers but also a hidden gem for seafood enthusiasts. While primarily celebrated for its steaks, the restaurant also excels in delivering mouth-watering seafood dishes, making it a must-visit for every seafood aficionado. Patrons rave about the perfectly cooked Lobster and Steak Trio, with one customer mentioning, "Lobster and steak cooked perfectly. The shrimp was delicious." Another diner highlighted the salmon, describing it as "good." This consistent praise of their seafood offerings underscores the quality and authenticity that Black Angus brings to its seafood cuisine, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2009)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Farmer's Table in La Mesa is your go-to destination for an authentic, farm-to-table breakfast experience. Celebrated for transforming locally sourced organic ingredients into delectable dishes, this family-friendly eatery excels in creating a welcoming atmosphere ideal for starting your day. Patrons rave about the quality and variety, with glowing reviews like, "We all loved mother's day brunch at Farmer's Table" and "I love having breakfast here! The Huevos Divorciados and the Chilaquiles are SO GOOD!! 🤤". Whether you're indulging in their famed bonfire pancakes or the hearty carnitas omelette, Farmer's Table promises a breakfast where every dish is a highlight, ensuring an unforgettable morning meal.

A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

4. El Torito - La Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(440)

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 BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant

5. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

3.8

Excellent(77)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 7 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.

6. Social Tap

4.5

Awesome(33)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to your new favorite pregame. Social Tap San Diego sits at the edge of Petco Park, and is the perfect place for Padres fans, locals, and visitors alike to gather for high quality cocktails and bites. This elevated bar scene takes the best of sports bars to a new level, bringing you an incredible dining experience while you cheer for your favorite team.

A photo of Press Box Restaurant + Bar restaurant

7. Press Box Restaurant + Bar

4.3

Awesome(13)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Rancho San Diego

Booked 1 time today

Press Box Restaurant + Bar in Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, is a celebrated staple of American cuisine with a unique Mediterranean twist that only enhances its classic allure. Celebrating over 15 years as a neighborhood gem, this spot is helmed by the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Joseph "Papa Joe" Salem. Patrons rave about the "delicious" food and "excellent" service, with highlights including the "Ribeye with Seasonal Potatoes and Vegetables" and innovative "Beef Cheek Nachos." It's not just the food that receives glowing reviews; the atmosphere is consistently praised as "fun and warm," making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you're there for the sports, the wide selection of local beers, or the "best spicy pineapple margaritas," Press Box promises a top-notch dining experience.

A photo of Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant restaurant

8. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(3)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Experience the heart of Sonora and Sinaloa at Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant, where every dish tells a story of tradition and culinary mastery. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of La Mesa, this family-owned gem stands out for its commitment to authenticity and freshness. Patrons rave about the "amazing pico de gallo" and "perfectly cooked shrimp," highlighting the careful attention to quality ingredients and homemade recipes. From the tantalizing machaca and eggs to the creamy jalapeño shrimp, every meal is a fiesta of flavors. As one customer put it, "If I could, I would give this place more than 5 stars. This would be my last meal if I got the death sentence." Mario's is not just a meal; it’s a memorable dining experience that keeps locals and newcomers alike coming back for more. Join us at Mario's for a taste of true Regional Mexican cuisine right here in La Mesa.

A photo of Red Tail Bar & Grill restaurant

9. Red Tail Bar & Grill

(0)

Price: Expensive

• 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 The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant

10. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.7

Exceptional(26)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 6 times today

At The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room in La Mesa, the meat cuisine is not just dining; it's an experience. Renowned for their unique "grill your own steak" feature, this spot ensures that every guest can enjoy their steak exactly how they like it. One diner raved, "Steak was amazing," highlighting the top-notch quality of their meats. Whether you choose to grill it yourself or have it expertly cooked by the kitchen, the authenticity and flavor are always spot-on. Along with their craft cocktails and vibrant live music, The Riviera offers an unforgettable atmosphere where every meal is a celebration. Their consistent quality and service make it a must-visit for meat lovers seeking a standout dining experience.

‘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

T
Teah
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Had the vegetarian sweet potato bowl and it was amazing! The fusion of flavors is hard to be and the quality of food is excellent. Husband had fajitas and despite being a smaller portion he felt the quality and flavors were amazing and would order them again! The tres leches is potentially the best we’ve had! The service this time around was excellent- waiter friendly. Made mom feel special for her bday w a card, happy wishes and a nice desert! Planning to return
More info
Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.7
D
Donna
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We made last minute reservation and enjoyed a quiet lunch. We have always like going to Fred’s as it is a festival environment and fun to be there and hear the music and laughter of others. This time it was quiet due to it being a Monday afternoon and not much going on in the area. The food was very tasty and service great. And it was pleasant and relaxful to enjoy lunch in the unusual quiet environment . DJ
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Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.4
L
Lattie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Better than expected! Great service, food & ambience. We enjoyed it!
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.7
R
Ralph
Seattle / Eastern Washington •67 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 1, 2024
Great meal and service. Food really pops and has great flavor. Whole experience very pleasant with attentive service and great atmosphere.
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Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.6
C
Cynthia
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food was delicious! The drinks were also delicious! Food is moderately priced, but the drinks are quite expensive! Guacamole was plentiful and very tasty! Our server was extremely helpful and personable! First time at blind and we would come again!
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Downtown
•
4.6

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El Cajon / Lakeside

Mexican

Best Southwest American Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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14 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4. El Torito - La Mesa

5. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

6. Social Tap

7. Press Box Restaurant + Bar

8. Mario's De La Mesa Restaurant

9. Red Tail Bar & Grill

10. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

See what locals rave about

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