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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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

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

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

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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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.

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

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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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

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

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

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 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

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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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

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

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

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

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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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.

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.

Best breakfast of all time!!!!! i went last week after walking out of a jack in the box mad at the prices and wandered into this one with excellent prices but at a real restaurant and it was epic amazing quality and quantity! i was so impressed i can't stop thinking about how incredible and delicious it was! i have to go back and try everything now, the menu seemed to have every amazing thing possible for breakfasts and lunch sandwiches!! ahhhhhh!!!! it was so good!! (also these girls are local so it felt extra good to be part of the community!!!!!!!) read more

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

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

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 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

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.

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.

Best sandwhich in Vista! The 395 sandwich was so good, and the house made chips were delicious. Will definitely be back!

Jim Rutan, the owner, is a retired Marine and Life member of VFW Post 7041, and a member of their Honor Degree unit MOC Pup Tent 40. Jim received a call early last week with a request to support the setup staff and volunteers for the North County Vista Veterans Stand Down. Jim didn't hesitate. His timely donation of money, resources and time for this program that helps support our Homeless Veterans helped make the event a huge success. Thanks, Jim. And also, he has the best sandwiches in Vista - and anywhere else along Route 395. read more