I'm sure sometime in the past I have reviewed Izzy's as I've been going there for many years, even with the previous owners. Both owners have been five-star for me. I moved to El Cajon last year and I frequent the cafe quite a bit more. Whether breakfast or lunch, everything on the menu is great. Try it, you'll love it! read more

Food and service is always fire here! And just one of the few places in San Diego that still sells grits

Chocolate chip pancakes are so good, you'll have an out of body experience. Chicken fried steak is also awesome.

Surprisingly great diner for breakfast or brunch in El Cajon, on the outskirts of San Diego. Large variety including lots of vegetarian options, large portions, great service. I appreciate that they let you substitute the sides for no extra charge and clearly list the options. read more

See all

I've been really trying to focus on going to smaller mom and pop shops to support small businesses. My husband and I came here for breakfast because we were nearby since we were dropping off a car at the dealership for maintenance. First of all this little establishment is super clean, had such a really nice local and warming feel. Our server was attentive and our service was fairly quick. Gave this establishment a solid 3 stars as the food was pretty basic for breakfast. I had ordered the huevos rancheros and it was okay, nothing special about it. It could have been better but then again this is not a Mexican style breakfast place so I can't really complain there. My husband ordered a breakfast sandwich and he said it was good but also nothing special. I think if I were to come back here I would probably try one of their specials. read more

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

Service was and has always been top notch. Old style restaurant gives you that family friendly vibe. Food for the most part ok, hashbrowns taste like freezed dried. Hamburgers are a bit dry. Other than that good place to eat. read more

Somehow our name got dropped from the list so it took longer than it should to get a table. Service was slow overall. Food was ok but It's not worth the price . read more

Izzy's Cafe - Omelette: jalapeño, sausage, mushroom and spinach - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Think it's the best family diner that I ever been to in San Diego there's plenty out there but Izzy's sets everyone apart food is awesome people are nice great place I look forward to going there every time and I'm from mission valley so I'll drive all the way out there well worth it thanks Izzy read more

Great breakfast cafe. The bacon here is AMAZING. Cooked perfect every time. Great service. They have license plates and old memorabilia on the walls. Very homey. Thank you read more

Izzy's Cafe - 2 egg breakfast with sausage bacon sourdough and a coffe - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

If you didn't know to go to this place, you might drive right past it. But it's a landmark in the area. I heard about it for years and it took me forever to go there. I really like it. It's kind of fun and kitschy. They have license plates all over and pictures of Elvis and 50s memorabilia. The food is very good. Servers and support staff are very attentive. I often get the veggie scramble and it's very filling. They give you plenty of side options. My husband usually gets one of the omelettes or a meat and egg dish and likes every one of them. He really likes the brisket and eggs.Sweeney's French toast is amazing. I've never had anything besides breakfast there, but I hear the other food is great as well. read more

This was my first time at Izzy's! I know... where have I been? Anyways. Great food, amazing service! Leslie was our server. She was da BOM! read more

I was in the mood for a really great chicken fried steak, and Yelp helped me find this local breakfast place called Izzy's Cafe. I ordered a black coffee which came out hot and delicious. No need for sugar or cream! While I was sipping the brew, I was reading the menu and looking at reviews, and the one that stood out the most was the brisket and eggs. I changed my mind and ordered it. The eggs and hash browns couldn't have been better. I thought the brisket was tasty, but some of the bigger pieces felt a little bland. Overall it was a solid dish, but honestly I'm looking forward to going back for the CFS! read more

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

See all

This place is good and great with customer relations. Good food and good prices that won't break your wallet nowdays.. read more

Izzy's Cafe - Southern scrambled, gritsdeep fried country potatoes - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

Food is great All wattresses excellent. Friendly , excellent service. Remember my order every time. Love coming here Restaurant very clean. Thank read more

We go there for breakfast every couple of months, the best brisket ever. The best pancakes ever. Best service ever don't be afraid to try this place. You'll thank me later. read more

Everytime we have been here we have gone around 10am on a weekend morning and never have had to wait too long for a table. During summer time it does get pretty warm inside. They don't seem to have AC or don't use it. They do have fans going but it's still not enough to keep you comfortable. My poor son was sweating just sitting there waiting for his breakfast. They do have outdoor seating options but I have never chosen to sit outside. It is covered and looks nice but my son is sensitive to loud noises and it's on a busier street. Lots of parking available in the back parking lot. TYPICAL prices for a breakfast in SD. Very friendly staff! They are always so kind and helpful if you need help with anything or want suggestions on what to get! So far we have loved everything we have tried! Everything has that "homey" taste like something my mom would make me when I was kid. Not super greasy. Makes your heart feel happy. read more

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

I have passed by Izzy's so many times over so many years and the place is easy to miss. If you miss it, you are missing out! Amazing food, friendly service. It is always packed, so be prepared to wait. Although, you really won't wait too long. And, it's totally worth the wait! Be sure to get their coffee cake muffin, and ask for one to go! Can't go wrong with the corned beef hash. I am always on the lookout for a small breakfast place to be my go-to. This is the one! read more

I eat here weekly after first trying it 2 months ago. Simply the best food and value you will find for miles around. I can't stop eating the chicken fried steak as the gravy is unreal. The zucchini muffin will melt your butter and your heart. Even the coffee is supreme. The wait staff is super friendly. No joke, this is what heaven diners must be like read more

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

I meet my friends there fir bfast on weekends. Friendly staff and always a full house. Good food to. And....mimosas.

The food took a little long to make but is DEFINITELY worth the wait and is very delicate. The ambiance was very cozy and reminded me of those restaurants and cafes in the old timey movies read more

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

First off, SERVICE IS AMAZING! Food is great ! Great flavors although it was lacking sodium which is understandable but nothing a little salt can't fix. I definitely recommend this place to anyone. It's definitely a hole in the wall diner and you know those are the best ones. I got the country fried steak My BF got the scramble also read more

Food was delicious. Staff was super friendly. Look forward to eating there again. Plenty of parking.

Bathroom and walkway back to bathroom was the filthiest place I have ever been. Food was just ok.

We just by chance stopped by for breakfast and they were fairly busy. After about a ten minute wait we were seated and the waitress helped me with my order which I greatly appreciated as I do eat a lot. Our food was brought to us hot and delicious . Our waitress came by twice to make sure everything was good, it was great! Many thanks to start a great weekend with great food and service read more

In town for the week and wanted to try a place that wasn't a chain restaurant. Izzy's did not disappoint. Great breakfast and servers. Not a very big place but obviously a local favorite. Read a review and based upon that decided to give this place a try. So glad we did! read more

Cute cute cute! What an adorable, homey spot for brunch. Everyone was so authentic and sweet. If you need a good, home cooked meal and want to feel like you just visited your grams house, go check it out. The corned beef is read more

First time visiting Izzy's cafe, loved it. The ambience was wonderfully old school, the food was outstanding, with generous portions. The staff were very attentive, always checked I. To ensure we were taken care of. We would definitely recommend recommend read more

Food is excellent. Best biscuits and gravy I've found in El Cajon. Excellent pancakes and potatoes. Service is a little spotty as they seemed a little worn thin on the staff. Atmosphere was a bit cramped and crowded. Suprised by how loud it was for a little breakfast spot. Next time we will dine outside. Almost didn't get a table! Cleanliness was a 4 considering my mug and glass of water was both dirty with butter or batter on it. Didn't see the bathroom. We will be back for the food but maybe to go or outside next time! read more

Base on my experience . Customer service 4 Stars Waitress very nice ,but she did took long time to served us or offer something to drink. A I order Machaca plate 1 star The beans tasted like can beans. The machaca was o.k I couldn't get rid of the smell of machaca of my hands, it was bad smelly Machaca, I did not eat the beans. Now I did try the pancakes my friend had . I must say a. They're very delicious 4 stars bacon was to overcooked. As I said this is base on the plate I had , so I will try this place again but I will probably try something else. read more

See all

A classic family diner vibe- big portions, good food. Staff is friendly & provide good service. Our favorite diner in the area for sure!

I have been coming here for years. I love the atmosphere and the food is always good! read more

See all

The food was excellent! Enjoyed everything! I had the brisket and eggs and my wife ordered the baby back ribs and eggs! Really good, well prepared! read more

Not happy with the food yet again, dry overdone brisket and the plastic in my coleslaw sucked too. We threw it all away. I read more

Izzy's Cafe - This was in my coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

Excellent for breakfast or lunch. Everything is very good, but their pancakes are the best I've had (secret ingredient?), BBQ is excellent and the table next to us were loving the sausage patties. Love all the wait staff also.....even when they are crazy busy. read more

This was our first visit to Izzy's Cafe. Let me just say, it will not be our last. I loved everything about this place. First, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Things are setup outside due to COVID but they were so accommodating. Our daughters needed to use the restroom and they did not hesitate to go the extra mile to make sure my wife knew where to go. Not only that, they had a wonderful disposition throughout our visit. Second, the food was fantastic! Personally, I try the country fried steak and eggs and any place that serves traditional breakfast. I've had plenty around San Diego. Izzy's was not serving a frozen meat patty that was heated up. They made homemade country fried steak. Further, the biscuits and gravy were phenomenal! That's rare in San Diego. Lol. I felt like I was getting some southern comfort food. My wife LOVED her omelette as well. She immediately said that this was her favorite omelette. The kids enjoyed their meals, and at first I thought, "who doesn't love pancakes and French toast?" However, these pancakes were out of this world! Very fluffy and delicious! Honestly, I could go on and on about the food! I'll stop there for your times sake... lol Finally, they did the very best they could during this challenging times for small businesses. They were safe, healthy, and accommodating. I only hope they are able to remain open with a new round of shutdowns on the rise. If they cannot have dining inside or outside, I HIGHLY recommend ordering for pickup if it's available. Izzy's is a place that we want to thrive in El Cajon. You will not be let down with breakfast at Izzy's. I'll need to try lunch now! read more

See all

Great Brunch spot. Great service and amazing pancakes. I'm not a pancake guy but theirs are amazing. Other breakfast items were quality as well. I had an omelette with customized ingredients. Super happy with the food. read more

Sadly we didn't get a chance to try the food, which smelled good. Customer service was clearly lacking. After waiting several minutes at the podium we get yelled at from 15 feet away to go to the back of the restaurant to find a sign in sheet. While waiting we saw a young waiter and an older one be very gruff with a family with young children. The family appears to have been sitting a while, the older waitress wanted the children to move seats, the family and children both appeared to of been fine with the seating arrangement. Another few people came in and got the wounderfull service we did, we left and told them good luck. It is a shame, it smelled good. read more

Updating from last review. Owner reached out to my mom and was apologetic for what she had gone through. He offered her a meal the next time she was to go in. Today, my mom took him up on his offer. She had ham and eggs and brother had sausage and eggs with a side of pancakes. She said the food and service was real good. She also wanted me to post Raelynn was really good at her job and very friendly read more

We love everything about Izzy's except their oatmeal. It is very creamy which I love but I believe it's from the butter that they add. We stopped going there because I get oatmeal and it had been very salty. My husband and I both had it this morning and it was once again too salty. That's a deal breaker for us. Too bad, as the service and other food is excellent. Please stop adding salt and butter to your oatmeal. read more

Cool spot for those El Cajon OG locals. I literally thought driving here from my business partners airplane hangar i was driving though El Paso Texas on my way to meet El Chapo. I had the bbq pulled pork and jalapeño scramble with hash browns sans the bread. The pulled pork was Smokey and delicious and the eggs needed about 2 more to be a solid portion but overall the flavors were there. The only issue is my business partner who was an active duty SEAL and i were joking about wearing a mask to our table and how we used to be a free country. And someone who obviously didn't want to live another day kept smirking and shaking his liberal high and mighty head like he was shaming us for our position. I had to remind my business partner that this guy probably wouldn't fit in your trunk anyways so we should just be nice and smile as being a good citizen is more important than flexing on someone sometimes. But I digress. Go to Izzys for breaky, the food was good. read more