Best Fun Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

22 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(737)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 7 times today

Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

2. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4151)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 11 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. With an updated nautical decor, the busy Oyster bar is hands-down the local favorite. Lush flowering foliage outdoors creates an elegant dining experience on one of two charming patios.The La Mesa Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch every Sunday.Join us for our signature Happy Hour.

A photo of Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon restaurant

3. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4.3

Awesome(2120)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • El Cajon / Lakeside

Booked 27 times today

WE’VE BEEN MASTERING OUR CRAFT SINCE 1964, so you could say we know a thing or two. Our cuts are aged at least 21 days, seasoned to excellence, expertly flame-grilled and served up just the way you like it. You’ve earned it. Whether you’re here to throw back a couple with old friends or trying to finish off the High Noon Feast on your own, there’s always a seat for you. So here’s to the nights you can’t remember and the steaks you won’t forget.

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

4. Limoncello La Mesa

4.5

Awesome(290)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 5 times today

Welcome to Limoncello, your go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of La Mesa. At Limoncello, we pride ourselves on delivering a true taste of Italy with our carefully curated menu inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our dishes showcase the rich flavors of Italy, crafted using only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and delectable desserts, each plate is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Come savor the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in La Mesa at Limoncello, where every meal is a journey to the heart of Italian flavors.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2001)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 23 times today

Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.

6. Social Tap

4.5

Awesome(33)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

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.

7. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2379)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 4 times today

Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.

A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa restaurant

8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

3.9

Excellent(76)

Price: Moderate

• American • La Mesa

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 Retreat Pool & Cabanas restaurant

9. Retreat Pool & Cabanas

4.7

Exceptional(322)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • El Cajon / Lakeside

Everyone needs to treat themselves from time to time. If you’re looking for a getaway from the everyday, look no further than Retreat Pool and Cabanas. Our El Cajon venue offers guests the opportunity to relax, soak up some Vitamin D, and escape in a picturesque aquatic oasis. We offer an array of entertainment and performers throughout the summer months. Our unique and thoughtful layout features two beautiful pool areas and a cleverly designed lazy river. You’ll feel layers of stress melt away as you float down the slow-moving lazy river, taking in your surroundings at a leisurely pace.

10. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(407)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 20 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Teresa
San Diego •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
We dined here for lunch on Thanksgiving. The waitress, Olivia, was extra nice to our table. They could have used a few more folks to bus tables and help serve. Non the less, we had a nice meal and no dishes to do.
More info
Black Angus Steakhouse - El CajonPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• El Cajon / Lakeside
•
4.3
G
George
San Diego •29 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We almost always have a great time and meal at The Brig , as many of us call it! Three good friends decided to have fun and carefree lunch during the holiday week and Julia, our server put the whole experience over the top with her humor, professionalism, and attention to detail. Give that woman a raise and keep up the great work…and thank you for making our lunch extra special!
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
J
Julie
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
Great food! We got Chicken Tinga Tacos and Sirloin enchiladas. My $5 Margarita was beautifully presented. There being a slight chill in the air, I was given a cozy, bright red throw to put over my legs. A delightful and tasty experience.
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.6
C
Craig
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 20, 2024
Nice server and good service. Food was excellent. I will definitely come back
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Limoncello La MesaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.5
S
Stephanievip
San Diego •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
This is a neighborhood gem I go to regularly. The food is high quality, the service is efficient, and the location is great! Highly recommend.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.4

Best Fun Restaurants in El Cajon / Lakeside

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. Brigantine La Mesa

3. Black Angus Steakhouse - El Cajon

4. Limoncello La Mesa

5. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

6. Social Tap

7. Antica Trattoria

8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - La Mesa

9. Retreat Pool & Cabanas

10. Madi

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