Best Southern American Restaurants in La Mesa

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronadoCrest

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

97 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

1. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2046)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • La Mesa

Booked 62 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 The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant

2. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.6

Exceptional(46)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • La Mesa

Booked 3 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

3. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

4.0

Excellent(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • 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.

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

4. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(102)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lemon Grove

Booked 3 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 Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

5. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.4

Awesome(2172)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 19 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 KnB Bistro - College Area restaurant

6. KnB Bistro - College Area

4.6

Exceptional(1)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • College Area

Booked 2 times today

A photo of Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant restaurant

7. Emiliano's Mexican Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(6)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Grantville

Booked 1 time today

Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant offers the perfect spot to enjoy a California sunset with a refreshing margarita on their spacious patio. If you’re dining with a furry friend, their dog-friendly front patio welcomes pets. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with complimentary chips and salsa, the perfect way to start your meal.Must-try dishes include the Sizzling Fajitas al Comal, packed with tender meat and fresh veggies, the Birria Tacos, served with rich consommé, and the Enchiladas de Mole, smothered in a velvety, flavorful mole sauce.No visit is complete without one of Emiliano’s legendary margaritas, made with premium tequila and fresh ingredients—starting at just $6! Whether classic, fruity, or spicy, there’s a perfect margarita for everyone.Come for the food, stay for the view, and sip on a handcrafted drink as you soak in the beauty of the California sky at Emiliano’s!

8. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6625)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 65 times today

Herb & Wood in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that elevates rustic, wood-fired dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with California's commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Diners rave about the "incredible dinner" experience, showcasing "amazing, flavorful food" and "outstanding service." The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Signature dishes like the pork belly and filet mignon are praised for their exceptional taste. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Herb & Wood promises a "truly memorable culinary experience."

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

9. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.6

Exceptional(4660)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 95 times today

Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego's Little Italy is a quintessential hotspot for authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary flavors. This gem pays homage to its roots in the fishing industry with a mouthwatering menu that features renowned dishes such as the lobster roll and clam chowder, praised for being “chock full of clams.” The vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service are frequently highlighted in reviews, with one diner noting the “excellent experience, food, and ambience.” With a stellar raw bar and an enticing happy hour, Ironside promises a “delightful experience” that diners find irresistible.

10. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4879)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 36 times today

Cowboy Star in downtown San Diego is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of regional American heirloom recipes with a modern twist. Their commitment to using locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients shines through every dish, offering "exceptional quality" that diners rave about. Known for their impeccable service and warm atmosphere, Cowboy Star is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, with one reviewer exclaiming, "the best steakhouse in San Diego, PERIOD." The diverse menu, which includes top-notch wine and cocktails, ensures that every visit is a "memorable and enjoyable experience," making Cowboy Star a must-visit for any steak lover.

‘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.

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La Mesa

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