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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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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

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.

A great place to enjoy a breakfast or lunch outside or inside. Watch the planes land or takeoff great place to take the kids pet friendly. Just a nice place to go. The wait staff is extremely friendly and professional I am a regular here read more

Cafeteria food at best. Went with my Bestie for lunch and it was meh. Had the senior half sandwich and soup. Nothing to write home about and the soup was loaded potato with just a gob of pepper and bacon thrown in. Included a package of saltines. Maybe it would be better atmosphere on a sunny day? But I'll never know, not planning on returning. The vibe wasn't especially friendly. I was excited to try it out because I love the Cafe at Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. This definitely was not that. read more

A lovely situated Cafe on an air strip in El cajon/Santee. My kids love seeing the airplanes take off as we eat our breakfast. The service is usually prompt but sometimes they can be a little behind even when it's not so busy. My main issue was with there food, it is subpar. I ordered the chicken fried steak and eggs and was really disappointed. Everything was bland and the gravy was a bit runny. I ordered cheese on my potatoes and they had just sprinkled cheese ontop of the potatoes without melting it so it had a weird texture. I've worked in restaurant kitchens so I know when people cut corners and this was definitely what happened. I might give this place another go around because of my kids liking the place. But I'll be weary about ordering that same plate again read more

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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

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I have lived in Lakeside all my life, how have I missed this wonderful cafe? Great food, fast service and a fun location. The prices were on par with other local restaurants. Seeing all of the planes up close, there doesn't seem to be any other place near Gillespie field that you can watch planes any longer. The patio is a great place to sit. The only thing I would recommend is to sit inside if you are sensitive to fuel smells. I assume if you get there early in the morning you don't have any of that. I will definitely be back! read more

Great food + quick & friendly service. My family loved watching the planes take off! Ordered the corned beef hash with country potatoes & toast, delicious! read more

Always enjoyable pla enjoyable to eat. Bring your dog and eat on the patio. If you like airplanes it's the place to go. Food is good too!! read more

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

Tasty food, great ambiance. Watching planes leaving or arriving while having lunch was an awesome experience!

Moved here about one year ago. Tried Gillespie Cafe on a whim, had a hard time finding it!!!It became my Go To restaurant for me and my visitors. I've had breakfast and lunch and the service is exemplary and the food is cooked to order. Love that it's so close to the idle planes for the most part. Don't go for supper as they only do breakfast and lunch. Very clean restaurant with excellent serving staff! read more

On the upside, cool spot for aviation buffs especially to have lunch next to the airport with great views of the planes and the runway. The Chinese chicken salad was excellent and tasty. Unfortunately I made the mistake of ordering something off of the "senior menu". What I got was literally a fragment of a sandwich with virtually nothing in it. It came with a cup of soup which was decent tasting though not especially hot. Unless you want basically 1/4 of the food , if that, for 2/3 the price of a full entrée do not order off the senior menu. I should've returned it as I saw lots of other food going by that looked good And this was embarrassing to serve in any restaurant. The whole idea of a senior menu is to give a slightly smaller menu item for a good price but this was a terrible representation of that. You're not doing your customers any favors by having that as an option and frankly should remove it from your menu. read more

Nestled in a corner next to Gillespie Airfield you'll find this small but delicious Cafe. I had no idea this Cafe existed until my friend brought me here for an early morning breakfast. Walking into the Cafe, I was immediately greeted by the kind staff who were tending to their customers. We opted to sit outside where you'll find plenty of patio seating. After sitting down, our server was quick to come outside and welcome us again and ask us what we'd like to drink. After providing us their menus, I found that there were plenty of breakfast items to choose from, such as pancakes, omelets, traditional breakfasts and more. I ordered the California omelet with a side of hash browns and toast. While waiting for the food to come out, I really enjoyed the fact that this Cafe was adjacent to the airfield. You can see the pilots walking out to their airplanes to get them ready. You'll also be able to watch planes land and take off. For anyone who loves aviation this will be a big plus. Now the food was really good. The omelet was filling and absolutely delicious! The toast was toasted just right and the hash browns were crispy and delicious as well. I will certainly be coming back here in the near future try out their other breakfast items. If you're in the are and looking for a a cup of coffee and delicious breakfast then please come check out Gillespie Cafe. read more