My husband I decided to stop in for dinner tonight. It was our first time even thou we live in the area. When we walked in I noticed we were the only ones there but I didn't think much of it since it was near closing time. The waitress was nice and attentive. I ordered the chicken fried chicken and my husband ordered the brisket sandwich. He said his sandwich was ok. My chicken fried chicken was disgusting. The chicken was paper thin with so much breading on it that it was not even cooked through. The gravy had no flavor just flour. The corn on the cob tasted like it was boiled in dish water. I would never eat here again. read more

Had a most delicious brisket salad My husband had a huge beef brisket sandwich Fast and delicious service read more

Izzy's is a local favorite for those who know. I appreciate the extra accommodations they made during the COVID shutdown so we can still enjoy their delicious meals. Lunch breakfast or dinner I have never made a regrettable choice. read more

Really really really great pancakes ! Such deliciousness, I added chocolate chips to mine and I won't ever find another this good. I also had the eggs Benedict and they were also very good. Amy took great care of us too, will definitely visit once I return to the area. read more

My favorite Cafe in El Cajon...The food is always great..The staff is friendly..Been coming here for years

One of my favorite breakfast spots!!!!....chicken fried steak and eggs...yum... Best pancakes...light and fluffy, and the taste Where else can you get bbq ribs for breakfast/eggs and potatoes or brisket/eggs and potatoes Potato salad like homemade!!! Give it a try read more

Always great food there! One of the best local restaurant's.. If you haven't seen there, you have to try it..

Wow is all I can say about Izzy's new dinner menu/service! We were already big fans of breakfast and lunch here, but a couple months ago they began serving dinner too! It is amazing!! I had one of the specials, a huge baked potato with barbecue brisket, smothered in cheese...Amazing! My husband had the chicken Cobb salad which came with quesadilla on the side! So fresh and tasty! Also had the navy bean soup (soups of the day, which was like grandmas home cooked! Great expansive menu, and you can even get breakfast all day if you want!!Everyone should check out Izzy's for dinner...it's incredible!! read more

Izzy's Cafe - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

They are on top of it! Just dont go on Mothers day as they make ya wait, but still great service and great food.

Great food and service! I've been going here for many years now, I recommend it, especially for breakfast!

I was very impressed with this place and cannot wait to go back! The menu is huge! They have alot of unique items for breakfast, including dishes with BBQ port and brisket. It was hard to decide what to get. The portions are large. I wound up getting the omelet with pulled BBQ pork. The pork was tender and very flavorful. You can tell that everything here is homemade. Service was fast and friendly. I would also like to recommend the bacon. Great smoked flavor. The pancakes were light and airy and had a great buttermilk flavor. read more

There menu is huge. So much to choose from! They had Baby back ribs for breakfast too! I was starving on my way to work one morning and I looked up on yelp for a great place I can go to for breakfast. I saw tons of reviews for the baby back ribs and I thought..what?? So, I had to try it myself. The meals are huge portions, the customer service was great. It's very laid-back and has that mamma's kitchen feel. The baby-back ribs were tender and fall off the bone, came with grits and scrambled eggs as well. And also a side of buttermilk biscuits! It was delicious, I'd definitely go back again! read more

Izzy's Cafe - Baby back ribs, eggs, and grits for breakfast plus a side of homemade buttermilk biscuits! - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

Live around the corner. Good muffins. Small portions. Nice people... rip off I'm over it. Going to check The Breakfast House next.

This is the best breakfast place in the East county guaranteed. Not just because of the food. The waiter John is an absolute superstar. He always makes you feel at home. He never acts bothered by any requests. The owner is super cool as well. I would highly recommend this place. read more

Very good , first time here I had the pancakes. Excellent service even tho it was very busy! Second time here is right now, I ordered the Club House and it was AMAZING. We just so happened to get a waitress on her first "dinner" and even still she was really good ! Overall great experience and would recommend it to anyone that wants good, affordable and good service.! read more

Izzy's Cafe - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

So glad I have Izzys another try! VERY nice and helpful staff. My lunch was delicious, especially the HOME made bean soup.

We have been eating here for a few years now and love it. We had breakfast yesterday and the food and service were great. Recommend everyone should try it and you will find it like home. Staff treats you very well. Roy & Patty Compton read more

The old owners were great but now the new owner has added Sundays to the days of operation. I've been coming here for years. Never a bad meal. My favorite breakfast is the shredded beef omelette. Sounds weird but it's wonderful. 4 eggs, shredded beef and chesse topped a mild tomato salsa and sour cream. Served with choice of potato and bread. Also order a side if their homemade salsa. It has great flavor and kicks up any eggyy dish. Bring your appetite or a friend. 5555tyyyy Favor5ite lunch would be either the sourdough bacon cheeseburger or the tuna melt. Both come with a side. Side note: I always order a side of their homemade BBQ sauce for my burger, try it... trust me, you'll thank me later. read more

Food and service are amazing!! Ask for John, this gentleman was probably the best server I've ever encountered. Did not need a notepad, took down both my wife and I's order, checked in numerous times with us for refills and if everything was okay. Truly an amazing restaurant and staff! Steak was out of this world!! read more

Izzy's Cafe - Steak and eggs with a Mediterranean omelette. Amazing!! - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

I had the Country Benedict, biscuits and gravy with two eggs, sausage patties and potatoes. Excellent service, friendly, comfortable country atmosphere. My hearing isn't very good, so when the waitress listed off the options for how I wanted my potatoes, I chose 'Crunchy'. She smiled politely because that wasn't one of the options and she brought out delicious 'Country' potatoes instead. I'd give 5, but the coffee was only 2. read more

Izzy's Cafe - Izzy's Delicious Country Benedict - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

Old, run down, rude staff, poor quality food is just a summary of why this place should have been shut down 10 years ago. There prices are astronomical fir the quality of food you get. The staff are older and tired so they are rude. Food service is a difficult industry in this climate and I get that although if Im paying $5 for 1 egg I don't expect to be treated poorly by the staff. If you want good breakfast you're better off at dennys. read more

Wow! Every bite is delicious! Also wonderful friendly service! Don't miss this East County Gem.

Overall the service was fantastic. The staff was very attentive and the food came out quickly. The food I'd say was about a B. It was good, but the country fried steak was tough and kinda bland. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the fruit was fresh and crisp. read more

They are now offering dine in. Our server John was on it, he provided excellent service. The food was very tasty. Cute little place

Had no idea this place existed, and we felt like we were gonna get another one of those mediocre Cafe 67/Lakeside Cafe type joints when we walked in. I am soooooo glad we stopped in here. I hadn't researched, we literally just saw the first restaurant in the area that WASN'T the terrible Pancake House, and parked the car. I ordered the brisket breakfast, my wife got the ribs. Funny how the brisket is what everyone on here is raving about. It was really, really good. As another reviewer said, I prefer seat myself type joints, too, and this is one. Makes me feel like I'm back home in a state where you can still buy a nice house for under $100k. We will be back, and I'll bring other people. Really good food. read more

I love this spot!! The silver dollar pancakes are the star of the show, best pancakes I've ever had. Biscuits and gravy hit too!

Let me say I rate restaurant stars based on if it's a family restaurant or 5 star restaurant strictly on their level and expectations. I don't compare Apple to oranges. The place has a new owner that was a quiet, but personable. He brought out water, talked to us about the history of Izzy's. Now on what people come to Yelp to know Small, but warm and didn't feel crowded, we sat ourselves which I actually liked. I ordered the brisket breakfast which all Yelper's recommended and it did not disappoint!! Food was hot, fresh and flavorful. The portion was share worthy, but I'm greedy. My other guest orders the rib breakfast with biscuits(fresh) , country potatoes and eggs. The other ordered the large omelette with side of bacon (she said they clearly just killed the cow because it was fresh!!). Amy, was truly the best waitress because she was around, but not overbearing, friendly and funny.. I totally recommend!! read more

Fav is the corned beef hash, my husband loves their hot cakes. great quick service and we love the cute coffee mugs(they are varied, from random businesses or have random sayings are on them). Usually they are quite busy but we've never really had a long wait -definitely worth checking out for a nice old school diner breakfast. The decor is really cute too, with license plates and vintage posters/pictures on the walls. Very homey and welcoming. read more

Always have their breakfast, my wife and kids love their Food. Specially Their Desserts. We go early after Sunday service.I have also tried their Ribs , pretty Good. read more

This is becoming my regular breakfast place. Good home cooking, generous portions and genuine friendly staff! Plus I,want to steal the sign in the bathroom that says ""All unattended children will be given espresso and a kitten" how could you not like free kittens? read more

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Selection:5. Quantity:5. Quality:5. Atmosphere:5. Service:5. Convenience Factor:5. Overall Score:5. Casual meals close to home. BBQ & smoked items are a great addition for El Cajon. Definitely not a "greasy spoon" diner and not just for breakfast, although it is available at all times. The owner and staff have shown that they are all-in, especially during "the Vid". We've been patrons for years and hope to be for years and years to come. read more

Great food and amazing service, can't go wrong here. Make sure to try the be back ribs or chicken fried chicken! The corn fritters are a must try, kids are them no problem, veggies CHECK! My only complaint is the hours, the are closed Sunday, Monday - Wednesday open till 2PM, Thursday & Friday open till 8PM (yea!) then Saturday open till 2PM. read more

Izzy's Cafe - Chicken fried chicken - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

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This place is amazing! The food was to die for and the biscuits were so fresh. The BF had to scoot out a little early to get to a meeting, and they comped his coffee as he wasn't able to enjoy it. Great customer service, right on it. Loved the mason jar glasses and 50's vibe. We will definitely be back! read more

Didn't have to wait for a patio table at 12:30 on a Friday. Friendly staff, quick and delicious food. They were careful with covid procedures for anyone who's concerned about that. They pre-butter your toast and pancakes, which I consider an asset, but ask for it on the side if you don't. read more

Stopped by Izzy's this morning. I happened to be in the neighborhood. It was my first time there. I received a good meal well worth the price and great customer service. Since El Cajon is not in my neighborhood, I won't be a regular customer, but I'll make a point to stop by every now and then when I'm in the neighborhood. read more

Great brisket! I always shy away from it at most places, even if they boast about it, because it's just a tough thing to cook. However, this place has figured it out. It was absolutely tender, with a great bbq sauce that didn't cover up any flaws. The ribs were also stellar, with a good layer of smoke, and tender but still retaining a little bite; Just how I like it. Nice little hidden gem. Would greatly recommend a stop here, be ye local or traveling down to San Diego. read more

We love the brisket here and the portions are more than enough. Wait staff is friendly and attentive. Food served quickly

This review is for one item/visit. I love a good CFS chicken fried steak and heard Izzy's had one. The steak itself was as advertised; terrific. Real deal meat, great thin tasty breading. The gravy on the other hand seemed to be that canned bland white stuff, but the steak prevailed anyhow. (Best CFS gravy is at Bobs hideaway cafe in Carlsbad-amazing) I recall the taters being good too. Now the coffee... Hmmm; good food recipes need not change; that can be a bad thing. Coffee on the other hand HAS EVOLVED! Coffee from the 50's sucked (weak, bland, dead) and that's apparently what you get here. Maybe starbucks has made coffee snobs of us all but oh well. I personally will not revisit a breakfast place with lousy coffee; it's half the experience and unfortunately has been a dealbreaker for many a pThe saving grace with Izzy's is I ask asked the waitress if I could bring my own and she proclaimed absolutely! We'll see how it goes I'll be back... starbucks cup in hand; don't gimme no stink eye Miss Izzy. Take two- while I originally visited Izzy's for the CFSTEAK, I now return often for the BRISKET n Eggs. Upon visiting the restaurant, the Smoke aroma eventually led me to try the Briskets seductive smoky tender tasty goodness; and oh my... how good it is. Not to mention probably the only place in town that offers it for breakfast. Get the bbq sauce ON THE SIDE! as the meat needs no masking/ruining; it gloriously stands alone with just a little salt and extra pepper, Oyeah. You can dabble with the sauce. And I do now bring my own coffee in a Swell bottle paying for an empty cup. No problem, as this great meat/meal simply merits great coffee. Maybe no stink eye but a little silent treatment depending on the server. ALL good in the neighborhood read more

I intentionally drove all the way out to this town in order to experience what seems to be the last of the "down to earth" breakfast cafés that once existed abundantly throughout Southern California but now unfortunately, so few exist. Those cafés that offer you simple breakfast with grits and homemade gravy. When they ask you if you want to slab of ham, they really mean a slab. And when you order steak and eggs for breakfast they give you a real steak that is cooked to perfection, a little bloody. When you order a homemade muffin it is really homemade. When you order butter biscuits they actually taste like butter, a lot of butter. You know it's authentic when there are license plates on the wall dated 1955. And the servers and cooks have been working there for over 30 years and they probably are the children of the original owner. read more

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Been here a few times and I love it. Service is good and food is good. Taste like diner food and it just reminds me like a home cooked meal. Love the pancakes very fluffy. And you can tell that everything is made there and not pre made or pre bought patties or mix or whatever. Will keep coming back here for breakfast and lunch. I also love the decor inside reminds me of restaurants I would eat at when I've been on a roadtrip. Will be returning. read more