This is one of El Cajon's hidden gem. Food 5/5 Service 5/5 I first learned about Gillespie Field Café from a coworker when we worked at GBS on Friendship Drive. This was more than 5 years ago and I've been hooked ever since! They always have great food and service! I highly recommend their country fried steak as well as their fresh squeeze orange juice, but honestly, all the food I've eaten here has always been good. I also love watching the planes take off & land from the side. This place is perfect for families, foodies, and plane lovers in your life! They have plenty of seats & parking on a busy weekend afternoon. Thank you again for the great food & service. Recommendation: Country Fried Steak with potatoes, fresh squeezed orange juice and unlimited coffee. read more

1st time here and we enjoyed our breakfast here. Good good. Good diner food selection. Friendly service. Fast service. Nice view and ambiance. Classic American diner. Love this place. read more

Great cute little Cafe right on the air strip. Indoor/outdoor seating. Plenty of shade and fans going to keep the outdoor dining bareable. It wasn't too bad. Plenty of parking and handicap Got seated within 5 mins. Service was a tad slow, however it was busy. Although seemed like there was plenty of staff to be a little more attentive. Other than that, no stars docked. Young kiddos and they did thier best. Food came out hot, its pretty decent food. Good coffee, and the salsa was our favorite thing. Packed with flavor and just enough spice. Great little place to have breakfast or lunch. Very simple menu, great view of the planes landing and taking off. Feels like an honor to see pilots and retired pilots. We have leagues on Saturdays and this has made our place to go to right after for breakfast . Happy yelpers! read more

See all

Nice place to have breakfast and watch airplanes take off. Great cheese omelet, the biscuit was ok nothing special!! The staff were very friendly. read more

See all

Decided to come in on a day off since every time I try to come in on the weekend, it's too busy. The service was great. The gentleman who sat me was very kind and let me choose inside or outside. Since I was alone, I sat at the bar so no tables were taken. The biscuit and gravy I ordered were good and came out hot. The coffee was okay lol (I'm picky w/ coffee), but was also fresh and hot, and they kept it full which I appreciate. The employees were working their butts off. The young lady who helped me was great, very efficient and kind. Definitely recommend, and I'd come back. Great for kids too bc the planes. read more

See all

Such a great meal here. So excited I finally got to try it. Server was so kind and it was a great space. Had the choice of being outside or inside. Coffee and meal felt like a good price :) read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

After years of hearing about this cafe thought I'd try it out with my visiting brother. I can see why the locals love it. It's cozy! Cutely nestled in the airport field I was expecting a little more protection from the fuel filled air. Don't get me wrong, it's cool to see the planes, if you can through the gating. Sitting in the patio you get more experience of the air than cool flights and when the plane do fly it's hard to talk or feel any sense of a private convo.. Now the food. This is really more a diner than a cafe. Eggs, pancakes and basic sandwiches are offered. I was shocked to order a mocha and be charged extra for mocha! It was ridiculously expensive but looked good. My salad was unremarkable as was my brother's omelet. While I really appreciate the cozy feel, I was hoping for more. read more

See all

Came here early for breakfast with a friend, and we had a wonderful experience! The service was fast and efficient. I ordered from the senior menu, and it was the perfect portion size for me--plenty of food and excellent value. The iced cafe mocha was also delicious. The highlight of the morning was definitely the atmosphere. It was so relaxing to sit back and watch the small planes taking off while enjoying our meal. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Senior breakfast and iced cafe mocha - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

The ability to watch light aircraft take off and land is nice. It's also good to be mostly outdoors, with good airflow, but have a bit of a barrier in between the tables and the runway. The seating in the indoor part of the cafe is pretty crowded, and the room seemed warm and stuffy even at 9:30 a.m., so we chose to sit outside. Food was decent. I always like to see how corned beef hash and eggs turn out at different diners. It's likely canned corned beef here rather than house made, but it was the right temperature, and the eggs were done as requested. Service was excellent, with frequent water and coffee refills. Absolutely nothing to complain about there! Overall, a good place for a standard breakfast or lunch in the early morning hours, or on a cool day, but I'd be willing to bet that unless there's air conditioning on the patio, hot days would be pretty uncomfortable. read more

The food is so good!!! Excellent service my grandkids had a blast watching the planes. I'm really happy we tried this spot definitely coming back. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Gillespie Field Cafe was a great find! The food and drinks were excellent, and service was quick and kind from start to finish. The atmosphere had such a fun, adventurous vibe -- made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

We went to the Gillespie Field Café for breakfast couple days ago. We took my wife's dad and he tried something different. He had the biscuits and gravy and thoroughly enjoyed it. I tried the corned beef has eggs and my wife had eggs and bacon. It's the same waitress as their it is always. She's always so nice and very efficient. There was a different helper there this time. The ambience is that of a airport type place lots of airport information. Dad's breakfast was great. My wife's breakfast was really good my corned beef hash had a burnt flavor to it. The eggs were perfect as I ordered, but I don't think I'll try that again. This is the first time that I didn't care for what I ordered that's not gonna keep us from going back. It almost seemed like they had lowered their prices for some reason could just be my imagination, but it seemed like it was cheaper than usual. Their coffee is fantastic and they're orange juice is better than most places. If you or your kids like to watch airplanes takeoff or land this is the best place to go for breakfast. Give them a try. read more

See all

Wanted to find a place for breakfast that allowed dogs and had a big patio area. We were in the El Cajon area for an appointment and found this place on Yelp. It has a great outdoor patio and it is right at the airfield which was kind of cool. The dogs had plenty of room as we were there pretty early so there was only one other table when we arrived. By the time we left there were more tables. Our server was nice, the food was tasty and it came out pretty quickly. We ordered the steak and eggs, oatmeal and biscuits and gravy. The steak and eggs came out really quickly. The steak was pretty good. My husband asked for over med eggs but they were over easy. I had scrambled and they were fine. The biscuits and gravy were good. The gravy tasted like a white pepper gravy with added sausage pieces. It wasn't too heavy either. The biscuit itself was OK. We would certainly return with our pups. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Steak and eggs and biscuit and gravy. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Was a great place to take our grandchild. The food was good. I shared fish and chips but there was a kids menu. I thought the fish was done just right. read more

On the hunt for a new breakfast spot since our regular place has been under delivering recently we came upon this place, and we are SO GLAD we did. This was one of the best breakfasts we've ever had! Located on the airport and able to watch plans take off is such a nice treat and surprisingly was not even that loud! Menu is large with plenty of breakfast classics, lunch, and even mimosas! A big surprise was how delicious the Bloody Mary was as well. The biscuits and gravy was excellent the gravy was so flavorful and the hash browns were cooked perfect! I asked for extra crispy and wow did they deliver! Eggs were cooked perfect, everything was outstanding! Service was fantastic were frequently checked up on and food came out fast. Plenty of inside and outside seats. Definitely check this place out if you want an amazing breakfast! See you soon! read more

See all

I've been here a few times and enjoyed the food, so it's time to review. It's right next to Gillespie field, so you'll have view of the airplanes and runway. The inside is somewhat limited on space, and if you sit on the patio you will have to deal with the elements. It's still nicely set up however. I've previously had the breakfast burritos and remember it being filled with the ingredients, and a hearty meal overall. This time around I did the Build Your Own Scramble. You get to pick 5 options all for the same price. They didn't skimp out on the proteins or any other ingredients. Service is always great, even when they're busy. Would definitely recommend stopping by for breakfast. read more

See all

Wow. I can't believe I didn't know about this place sooner!! Such a cool spot with outdoor seating overlooking the airfield. Food was DELICIOUS!! My Bloody Mary was on point. Service was friendly and quick!! I would go back again in a heartbeat read more

See all

Hidden gem! Nice outdoor seating with lots of shade and great views of the airway and planes. The staff is very friendly! Got the two egg breakfast with potatoes and side of biscuit and gravy and it was delicious. The vanilla latte iced was excellent as well. Might be new go to breakfast spot. The food came out pretty fast and was hot and fresh. 10/10 recommend. read more

Another dog friendly restaurant, these days with a new puppy is all I look for. Waited no more than 15 minutes although it was a busy Sunday morning. Staff was friendly and the view was great it was pretty cool to see the planes take off and my puppy enjoyed it too. Food was good. read more

See all

I was looking for themed cafes when I came across Gillespie. I was intrigued, a cafe right next to an airfield. I texted some friends and we set a date to meet here. We were a party of 6, with no reservation, but we were sat right away on the patio. Of course it's loud (the air field is literally right there) so it's not some place I'd take a first date but I quite enjoyed it. The staff was super friendly and the food was good, nothing really that special but also not the worst food I've ever had. Overall, it was a cool experience. If you're into aviation or have kiddos who don't mind noise, definitely come check this place out. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Biscuits and Gravy Gillespie Style - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Watching the planes takeoff and landing while eating breakfast or lunch is very cool.

Outside dining adjacent to the tarmac and planes parked. Service is always prompt despite how busy they get and the food always tastes fresh! Even saw local celebrity Shotgun Tom Kelley during my visit! Good prices, fresh food, typical cafe menu. What's not to love read more

Excellent service. Great patio, did friendly. Food was cooked to order. The fryer was down at the time, so no chicken fried steak :( read more

See all

I was hoping the food would be better. Cute little cafe at the airport with friendly enough staff but the food is so generic and oily and has no flavor. Too expensive for what it was. read more

I had a senior special, one pancake (delicious) bacon, scrambled egg-excellent Fun place to take the grandkid to see the planes and helicopters. Coffee, and food better than I was led to believe! Service is chill, Ambiance-definitely feels like a locals only place- read more

Fast and friendly service. It was a busy Saturday and a warm day. We sat outside in patio area. They multiple fans, umbrellas and Shaded areas. The waitress was very helpful. We ordered the CheeseBurger added bacon and got onion rings . I ordered the fish & chips. It came with side of slaw. My fish was cooked perfectly and had good flavor. I like the tartar sauce served with them too. The slaw had a good flavor too. The cheeseburger was a good size and had a good flavor. The rings were yummy too. We were impressed. Can't wait to come Back and try something new read more

See all

First time visiting this café, and no matter where you sit, you get a great view of the planes. They also have a nice little patio area if you prefer to sit outside. The breakfast menu offers a good variety of options, and the portion sizes are generous. The service was great--friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better. read more

Great little cafe located at Gillespie Field where you can enjoy a delicious meal all while watching planes take off and land. There's tables for all size parties and the service is impeccable. People of all ages will enjoy it. We look forward to coming back again soon. Highly recommend read more

See all

Fun place to have breakfast or lunch watching the airplanes take off and land. The food in general is pretty darn good. I definitely would recommend it. The ambience outside watching the planes with the locals seems intimate. Unless you've been here before, it can be a little tricky getting to the parking lot to the café. As a couple or as a group we come here all the time. We definitely will be back soon. read more

Sunday brunch at this nice cafe. Learned the existence of this cafe through a magazine article. We sat outside and it was quite windy, but we wanted to try the experience. We had to wait a lot to get our food. It seemed that the place was quite busy, but there were not enough wait stuff apparently. Food was tasty, but came out a little on the cold side. I was a little concerned how the hash browns seemed a bit too dark. Not sure if it is due to not changing the oil often. I ordered a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, I guess they were not big in providing a good amount of steak. Prices are reasonable, I guess okay for what you get. I was really glad we got to try this cafe. I love to try different cafes, if you know me by know. Not sure I will be back but if you find yourself around this area, try them out. Leave your comments and we will compare notes. Happy meals! read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Outdoor seating - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Fun atmosphere with being able to see the planes, pretty crowded for a Monday lunch. Service a bit slow, but very friendly. Our group had a club, and two of us had the chicken sandwich, one without mayo, which I wished I has asked for since way to much mayo on my sandwich. Fries were good. Would like to come back and try breakfast and compare. read more

Great club food (golf, yacht, etc). I love places that have a club sandwich and a great bowl of chili. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We loved watching the planes take off and land. We will definitely be back! read more

Little "hole in the wall" place that was surprisingly great! Breakfast was good, coffee good, service great, prices good, views great, portion sizes fair, cleanliness great. It was fun watching the planes take off and land! Would be fun for kids and outdoor seating that is great for dogs. read more

Food: 5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Service: 5/5 As returning customers, it was good to help local owned business. read more

See all

It's 2026, maybe the menu should offer some gluten-free options for those who are traveling. Or know your menu well enough to label what items are. Chili usually is, but if it's not labeled, who would know for sure? Gluten-free bread has been around a long time as well. American comfort food is loved by all, even those with dietary needs to survive. If one person in the family cannot eat, the whole family leaves, so you're losing more than one sale. A trained staff, and proper menu gets the sale every time. Just food for thought! read more

Hot Quick Burrito Place was clean and lively- but quiet. 10:30 on a Monday morning. Great seating inside and out each with a fine view of the airport activity. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Breakfast on the tarmac - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Food is really good and the service is good and if you love Planes then this is for you.

Well here i am and i never thought it would come down to this. I love this place or at least I used to love this place. Service and food was beyond great before. I was online and read some reviews on here, and they said that the club sandwich had a ludicrous amount of bacon, and it was out of this world beats everyone's sandwich. I had to try it. I came in ordered it. The waitress was not very happy. Maybe she's having a day. But regardless, there was at least 1 1/2 pieces of bacon on my whole sandwich. I let her know what I read on the reviews. And she said she can't help what people write. I get that, but if somebody wrote that a Pizza had so much pepperoni. And I come in for a pepperoni pizza and it only has a few pieces What would you think? Anyway? All she said was, I can charge you for some more bacon And I told her there's hardly any bacon in my sandwich right now. Why would you charge me? Long story short, I will never ever go back there again. And it wasn't the girl with glasses, and it wasn't the skinny girl in the back that does dishes Sometimes it was the other girl. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Club with a tiny piece of bacon!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Very good food. Fun to sit & watch the airplanes take off & land while eating your breakfast &/or lunch.

This is a neat little experience. You can watch the airplanes land and take off. The food is surprisingly hearty and tasty. I enjoyed my plate of corn beef hash and eggs. They have breakfast fare, burgers, and sandwiches. There is some alcohol here as well. I drank a mimosa on a lazy Sunday brunch with my meal. read more

Gillespie Field Cafe - Corn Beef Hash and 2 Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all