Been sitting in my drafts for a very long time so some things may be different....clearing out my photo roll and realized I never finished this review. Separate restrooms for men and women Patio seating in back Specials board on desk when entering $.50 charge to use cc Checking in first save 20% Got the burger, yum! This was back when I could eat gluten. read more

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We stopped by for the first time a few days ago to pick up lunch, after learning that our "go to" burger spot, Chili Coast, had closed permanently :( . Sad news, but the silver lining is we found another spot that makes a great burger! Our first was the mushroom and swiss burger (comes with bacon!) and the Philly cheese steak. The burger was great, excellent grilled flavor and we love that you can select how you want it cooked - medium rare! The cheese steak was good too. Nice size portions of meat in both. And their house-made chips are delicious. The dining room has a cool, old-school diner vibe. Friendly service too. We will be back to try breakfast items and more lunch choices. read more

Man this place brings back Vista Ice Box vibes. The decor is a bit kitschy, and it could use a deep scrub and freshin up but the sandwiches are spot on! Fresh and piled high- we enjoyed the patio and the crispy house made potato chips! If your fussy take them Togo! If you like local owned mom and pops then come and sit! But whatever you do- support local- oh and watch the hours- and days they are open read more

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I love this old school dinner vibe and the outdoor back patio. Food is great for the price. A huge plus for the 395 sandwich and the burgers: Juicy and perfectly cooked. I also like the fact that they are made with 1/2lbs patties. Please make sure you try the chips! (I love mines unseasoned) They are spectacular! Very good value for money. Very friendly staff and local patrons. Support your local veteran owned business! read more

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Such a great little sandwich/ burger place. They workers were so friendly. Wish this place was closer to our house . If it was we would definitely be regulars . The ambience was great. read more

Big portions. Great sandwiches. Very nice personal attentive employees. Great environment

Food was down home and fresh. Generous portions. Soup hearty and delicious. Only open breakfast and lunch. I like this because they focus on just those meals. Perfect. Support this local gem. read more

Food was amazing, love the chill local feel, and the service was great, very friendly service. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Burger was juicy, great taste. French fries were seasoned very good. - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

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This really may be the best American Cafe in all of America. Go figure, a prior American service member is the proprietor. MMMERICA ! The walls inside are strewn with memorabilia from the services, I think mostly all Marine Corps. There's even a couple of Spec Ops dudes looking for the LZ below and a frogman navigating his RHIB across some dry lumber. Best potato chips on the whole planet. I have never had such a phenomenon of texture and flavor. These potato chips are the ONLY potato I have ever had, that tasted wonderful, even being refrigerator-cold the next morning. The chips still had a crispy texture and plenty of a seasoned and salted flavor. Definitely the chips were the star today. We ate two plates today for lunch. The first Philly Cheesesteak I have had in this area that actually used Cheese Whiz sauce instead of provolone or jack cheese found on most others. Definitely some carefully home-crafted treats today. The basic burger was fresh and had a whole world of flavor and freshness. The fries on that plate seemed to not have been cooked enough and were soft, limp and flavorless. We also had a side dish of some great house-made onion rings. They were rather tasty. The service was a bit hit or miss as we ordered from the counter and the food brought out to our table just steps away from the kitchen. There was also what appeared to be self serve ketchup bottles and chili peppers on the service counter. A little strange for the first timer, but probably quite normal for the obviously local regulars. There's even a cozy patio outside in the back for dining outside on a nice day. Good fresh food and friendly staff. Stop in a give 'em a try. Dicks read more

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My wife and I stopped by here to pick up a couple sandwiches to go and then babysit the grandkids. It's been a while since I've found a deli that actually offers Italian roast beef and if you find one that does, this is really a treat if you like your beef spicy. Once i sat down to eat, I had already eaten half of the sandwich before I got a picture. It was excellent. The chips are homemade, and I would recommend having them separated from a hot or cold sandwich and put in a separate bag to keep them perfectly crispy. The squaw bread on my wife's sandwich was outstanding and fresh. Overall, you can't go wrong here as the price is fair and the food is excellent. Customer service was great as well. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Turkey avocado sandwich on squaw with homemade chips - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

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Came across this fine little restaurant. Great food amazing staff I'll definitely be back. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

The sandwiches were great! We will definitely be back again and again! The gal at the counter was helpful and kind.

First time here for lunch with a girlfriend I ordered the chicken avocado sandwich and she ordered the tuna sandwich. It was very quiet. We were the only ones there so Service was awesome potato chips that people rave about were good a little spicy for me, but they were cooked dark which I like and thick chips. My girlfriend liked her tuna sandwich, but she didn't like the potato chips. Chicken sandwich was just OK, I would definitely return and try something else on the menu read more

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We finally made to Big Jim's today! Great diner. Awesome food. If you like sandwiches, this is a must-try. My wife ordered the pastrami. She wanted more meat. I tried and a bite and wish I ordered her sandwich. I like the meat-to-veggie ratio. She comes from the more pile-high pastrami realm. I had the club. Bread was so soft. For both sandwiches. I added extra lettuce for a little crunch. We both said yes on the pickle. The house made chips were pleasant. Friendly atmosphere. Clean restaurant. Definitely recommend for a lunch outing. We plan to return to the try the Italian dip and maybe one of their famous hamburgers. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Club with extra lettuce. - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

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Friendly staff, great American food. Fries are well seasoned and my Patty Melt was cooked as requested . Highly recommend!

I want to begin this review by saying that I expected better, especially since I've heard great things about this place. The food was sloppy and the service was not acceptable. The cashier was beyond rude. I ordered the 395 hotdog, not knowing that there was also a 395 sandwich. The cashier put my order in as a sandwich, but I reminded her that I ordered a hot dog. Mind you, this was my first time coming to Big Jim's 395 Grill. The cashier acted as if I was giving her a hard time even though she wasn't taking the time to go over the menu. Not to mention, my food looked deconstructed. The fries were soggy and tasted reheated. However, the ambience of the place was like every other place. The restaurant had a podcast being played for people to listen to and the restaurant was clean. Lesson learned, don't eat at Big Jim's 395 Grill. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - 395 Dog - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

This place is awesome, & really awesome to see old friends. Coffee is delicious. Pure americana breakfast with great omelettes, Lunch sandwhiches and chips are all 5 star. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Jim Cambell Edsons Raiders Guadalcanal said that was best breakfast ever. - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

So good they have a chicken sandwich on their menu... Temporarily I think. Not sure but it's really good read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Chicken sand - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

This place is a hidden gem. A good spot to grab lunch. I like to support small businesses and this place is great. The staff are always friendly and the sandwiches are very good. They have an outside seating area in the back as well. I can always depend on this place for lunch. I will be back read more

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This is a nice off-the-beaten-path eatery. It's clean, open with easy seating. The staff is friendly. I had the lunch special, deep fried pork tenderloin. It comes with chips & a pickle. Very good. I would order it again, but first I have to try one of their breakfast meals! read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Menu board - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

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Hands down best chips, so good! Also a big supporter of Veteran non-profits so that's a plus! read more

Clean restaurant. Friendly and they let me use the restroom when Jack In The Box's bathrooms were closed to people. I needed to go and I was panicked! Anyway, we've eaten here a few times over the years and it is always good, friendly service and the back patio is nice. We always try to avoid those corporate places that have sucked up all these family run spots. read more

With a 4.5 star average, had big expectations coming here for lunch. My Turkey on Squaw sandwich was priced right at $7.75. The chips and pickle were good, but the sandwich itself was pretty basic, like something I could make at home myself. I wish it had leaf not shredded lettuce and mustard and onions. But that's on me for not specifying. The chili was indeed pretty good- a bit sweet with just the right spice kick. My son's $10 1/2 pound burger and fries was a better value, and I liked the bite I had. Maybe all of the great reviews are for burgers and breakfast, but I think I'd skip the sandwiches. Mostly pleasant service. read more

Super friendly! Nice relaxing little spot.... Jim's got the best burgers thank you for seasoning your burger Jim! Excellent masterfully done classic burger read more

Big Jim's was a great find. We happened to be up in Vista and decided to drop in for lunch. Props to Jim, thanks for your service - USMC. The juicy burgers and crispy, seasoned fries were served nice and hot. You get plenty to eat with the 1/2 lb burger and large order of seasoned fries. And you can't beat the prices. I'm always happy when I find a place that does things right. Jim pickles his own jalapeños for the South of the Border burger. If you find yourself in Vista stop in and treat yourself to a great burger. read more

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Excellent food and customer service! We were in town for a football game and stopped at Big Jim's for breakfast. We enjoyed it so much that we went back after the game for lunch! The food was fresh, delicious and the staff was very friendly. Highly recommend!! read more

We had them cater an event for us. Portion sizes were great and sandwiches were delicious. Food was ready when promised. Highly recommend!

Our favorite stop when we are in Vista! Great food and always find someone friendly to visit with while we are there!

Frankly, it's a mystery to me that I was their only customer for much of my meal mid-morning on a Saturday. I came because I was visiting the area for a few days and Yelp highly rated the place. Typically, a 4.5-star rating on Yelp means the place will be crowded. Yet, the waitress indicated they don't have a big breakfast crowd, except for the third Saturday of each month when they host an antique car show. I had the Big Jim Combo for breakfast: three eggs, three slices of bacon, two fluffy pancakes, hash browns, and toast, all for $10.95! Simple food and a good price. Put all that together with a casual atmosphere, friendly service, and a bit of country music on the radio and you have one very enjoyable experience. read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - The Big Jim Combo - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

Everything was amazing! Reasonably priced. Best salad I've had in ages in Oside and Vista.

Greek Salad! I was ecstatic to eat a fresh salad on a warm day. To add, look at that awesome portion! But there's mold in my salad... so I couldn't bring myself to continue eating. Something tasted off, but I thought it was just the vinaigrette I've never had before. Everything looked fine until I got a closer look. I'm so bummed. 2 stars- Moldy feta cheese shouldn't be consumed. Everyone else was happy with their meal. I guess everything else is okay except salads? Lol read more

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I have been here a couple times but a couple months ago, I ordered a burger for takeout. I picked it up and brought it home. I'm one of those freaks that cuts my burger up with a knife and fork, sue me, but I'm glad I did bc when I cut it in half a cluster of hair got pulled out by my knife. When I tell you I gagged Not one hair, which I would've understood, a CLUSTER. A small cluster but seriously it was gross. I threw out the whole thing and I've never gone back and I will never go back. read more

Got the day off today cause I caught a splinter in the eye at work yesterday. I live right down the street. I can walk here if I wanted to. I love spots like these. Ordered the big Jim! Staff was kind! They have a beautiful patio that is under maintenance. I told them to reach out to me since I'm a carpenter. I will work for pancakes, haha. Seriously. I will be back with my girlfriend! read more

Big Jim's 395 Grill - Burgers Near Me - Vista, California

I ordered a Philly cheesesteak. It was amazing. The best I've ever tasted. I recommend this place. I have to go back and try other stuff.

Great burger at this local place! Quick service and fresh fries with my delicious cheese burger! Will definitely go back, looking forward to the dog friendly patio. read more

The food is beyond good and the staff are good people! I would recommend this café to anyone!

We had Italian Beef on a roll and an egg salad sandwich. We also split an order of onion rings. We enjoyed both sandwiches. Horseradish was added to the beef. The batter on the onion rings was good and they were served hot. However, the onion inside was mushy. I'm guessing they were frozen and not fresh. Definitely not enjoyable. read more

I used to love this place but then I bit into a burger and pulled out not one, not two, but 3 hairs... I'm sorry I can't go back.

I discovered Big Jim's 395 Grill through online reviews, most of them very good. I visit this area of Vista every month or two and wanted to find a local burger/sandwich place that's not one of the regular fast food places. I went today for lunch. Unfortunately, my experience resulted in overly greasy food, long wait, and I was overcharged. The lady at the counter was very nice and friendly. I had already reviewed the menu online, plus looked at it in the window before going in. I decided to get the Cowboy Burger. Two different sites online showed it as $9.50. I believe the price in the window showed $10, and then when I got to the counter, the price on the menu was $12. Wow, this was surprising, but I see on my receipt that I was actually charged $12.99 plus a $.51 "convenience fee". So, I was charged $13.50 for what was shown online for $9.50 and then, $10 in the window and $12 at the counter. Come on, I was charged $4.00 more than I expected. I figured, it better really be great to justify this! After I ordered, I sat down very close to the counter. A few minutes later, a lady I hadn't seen before came out of the kitchen with 2 orders of food in her hand that she was taking out to a table. She stopped by and asked me if she could take her break now. I said, "excuse me, what are you asking me?". She said, "can I take my break now, I haven't had a break since 7:30 this morning". I said, I don't care and didn't know why she was asking me! Well, I saw her then head out to the parking lot. I then began to realize that she must be the cook and by her taking a break meant nothing was being done about making my food. Seems like someone could have explained, I was in somewhat of a time crunch and this made me late for my appointment I was going to. When I finally got my food, she thanked me for letting her take her break. I still think it was rather odd that she asked me if she could take a break. My burger was hot and looked good, but realized it was absolutely dripping in grease. Some grease is expected, but this was soaking into the bottom bun and running all over the tray. My fries were not hot and weren't anything special. The grease was way too much and gave me bad heartburn. Anyway, I expected much more and was really disappointed with the price gouging. That is not right at all. If you raise your prices, then correct your menus in the store, in the window, and on line. read more

Super good food. Great service. Friendly folks. This place is a must!! The Turkey sandwich was amazing -- and it is now my new go-to place.