First time at Jays Southern Café and wow... what an experience! Vi was a whole vibe--super sweet, friendly, and really helped my hubby and me decide on what to order since it was our first visit. She made us feel right at home. Now let's talk food... the brisket was out of this world! Tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of smokiness. Paired with the coleslaw (so fresh and delicious) and their BBQ sauce that was sweet but not overpowering, the whole combo was dynamite. I even had to snap a "before" pic of the plate--and let's just say the "after" pic didn't survive because it was THAT good! They were out of dessert during our visit, but I'll definitely be back to try that cinnamon and lemon pound cake that customers around us were raving about. Big shoutout to Vi and to Penelope (I believe she was the cook that day) for serving up not just a meal, but an experience. The layout was super cool and very clean. I never knew this place was in Alpine but I found my new barbecue spot. Definitely come and support as they are a hidden gem We'll 100% be back soon--thanks again for the warm hospitality and amazing food! read more

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Hey, Yelp Community! If you're looking for the BEST BBQ and Soul Food restaurant in East County, Jay's Southern Cafe is the go-to spot. My brisket sandwich with a special BBQ sauce was hands down the most amazing brisket sandwich I've had. OMG, that BBQ sauce was an added yummy flavorful touch along with the fresh creamy coleslaw...the combo sooo finger-lickin' good. The young man's customer service was top notch with a smile. I didn't have to wait. Thank you!! Whenever you're in the area, you have to stop by to eat some delicious authentic Southern food and support a local family-owned business. It's Alpine BEST kept foodie secret. read more

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We always come back for the wonderful food at Jay's Southern Café on arnold Way. It's the best place to eat barbecue in Alpine. Maybe one of the best places in San Diego. Jay himself will help you at the counter. Also, if you would like a party of more than six please call Jay 48 hours in advance to make sure he can help you with your order. The ambience really makes me feel like I'm at home in Louisiana read more

As long as I've been in San Diego, going on 30 years, I've been frustrated by the fact that since people here don't really know what good BBQ is, they'll eat and like whatever "Q" they're served, as long as it smells smoky and is served in a relatively rustic manner. But the County always has at least one exceptional place, and sometimes, if we're lucky, there will be a couple in business at the same time. We mourn the passing of Brooks and Bobbye Huffman's eponymous shop; Duntae Bright's Barnes' BBQ; Martin Murphy's SQUE BBQ; Jeff Chan's Union BBQ; and Ami and Brandon Standafer's El Barbecue. At the moment, two local spots truly shine: Bowlegged BBQ, owned by Kenneth Hawkins and three Stance family members, all of whom serve up great barbecue and some of the best chicken I've ever eaten; and Jay's Southern Cafe, in Alpine. The meats at Jay's Southern Cafe are slow-smoked daily, with oak, and several times, I've hopped in the car and driven a half-hour for a plate of the restaurant's country goodness. Points off for no sweet tea, but points added for outstanding fried sea bass, excellent chicken and Five Guys-worthy French fries. Plus which, Jay Cousins and his family (this is most definitely a family operation) are among the nicest and most hospitable people you'll ever meet, and I'm including people you already know and love. Finally, if Alpine seems like a long way to drive for barbecue, remember that you regularly drive to Orange County for Vietnamese food, or South Bay for menudo, or wherever you go for whatever you like. This restaurant is worth your attention and your gas money, and should be added to your rotation. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Fried Sea Bass - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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Food taste great, service was friendly and helpful, went during the week and it was a nice relaxing meal. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Ribs, links, chicken and pulled pork with a side of beans and potato salad - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Food is southern delightful. Jay is so sweet . His helpfulness is outstanding. Ambience is comforting cool . Go there and support this important restaurant. Have a party there . But order ahead so he can have food ready. read more

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I just got back from Louisiana 2 days prior and didn't have time to whip up a southern feast for my son as planned (I'm just exhausted). This restaurant came through for me at the right time. I HAVE NOT eaten inside this establishment yet, but I did order food 'TO GO' for my crew (my kids)! They enjoyed it & my review is based on their experience and my objective observations. The consensus is that I will bring them back again (basing this mostly off their taste buds, so don't get mad at me...I only tasted 1 French fry. ) ___________________________________________________ About Me: I'm seriously a "Southern Belle" with Cajun and Creole taste buds, coupled with the need to have authentic options for smoked meats, whether Texas Style, Mississippi, Alabama, etc.... (I grew up with one of the best pit & barrel experts ever, and he taught me everything -my Dad. I'm forever grateful to him for my chef-in-training childhood -especially for waking me up early in the morning to prepare the smokers. When I'm at home, prepping and smoking is a source of comfort, its also an art & its ritualistically nostalgic for me. As for Southern CA & what lead me to Jay's Southern Cafe: I'm very particular when it comes to trying anything that's been "smoked" down here . I have had several mediocre experiences. ___________________________________________________ How Did I End Up At Jay's Southern Cafe??? So...my oldest son's birthday was yesterday, and I started researching. I had no idea that this spot was in Alpine. (I could slap myself for not knowing, but I'm busy, and I have a lot of 'trust issues' when it comes to anything claiming to be Southern food in San Diego County.) On a leap of faith (after reading some of the Yelp Reviews), I went to Jay's Southern Cafe and ordered him the 1/2 smoked chicken plate "to go." He had greens and okra for his side dishes. By the time my son got home from work, I knew he would need to reheat his meal, but he couldn't help himself and devoured it within a few minutes. (That's a great sign.) He said: "the breast is moist, through and through." "This chicken is seasoned." "I don't believe it -this is good chicken." "Wait a minute -this place is in Alpine?" ___________________________________________________ So, the first experience was great for my crew: my other kids also enjoyed their food: My daughter had a kid's meal (Baby Jay's Rib, Fries & Applesauce. My other son had the pulled pork sandwich with fries. (The food met both of their expectations.) I love yams, but they were sold out (and that's a good sign for me because I didn't get there until 6:15 pm to place a to-go order, and in my head, I'm thinking they sold out because they are just that good. ) I will go back to try the yams and some of their other side dishes, such as fried okra and greens. ___________________________________________________ WHAT DID I TASTE??? ***One of my son's fries fell out of his pulled pork sandwich to-go container upon him opening it in the vehicle immediately after we exited the restaurant, and I caught it in my hand -so, I did get a chance to taste something from here! (The french fry was cut perfectly; it tasted great, not oily, still had some skin on it & an authentic "potato" flavor, crisp on the outside, with a tender-soft texture inside.) ________________________________________________ Pointers: *The Service was friendly (not fake, not "over-the-top fake," etc.). It was just authentic service, and I appreciate that. *The order didn't take long at all. *I watched several people "happily" leave, including those who had dined in. *After eating the smoked chicken, my son asked about their hours and days of operation. He didn't even sit down to eat. He stood in the kitchen and wolfed down the half chicken to the bone. *I am so relieved that my son enjoyed his weeknight bday meal, thanks to Jay's Southern Cafe. {While there, I inquired about how long they've been open. I was told that that opened during the pandemic. What a gem this is for the Alpine Community.} Side Note: Please believe me when I say I am highly critical regarding anything in SoCal that claims to be a smokehouse, southern restaurant, and especially places claiming to be Creole/Cajun restaurants.... I can't help it; I was partly raised by my Grandmother (a legendary restaurant cook in New Orleans who came to the city as a country cook from Crystal Springs, MS). Additionally -I'm a bonafide southern cook with high standards & I greatly respect the flavors of the foods my ancestors raised me on and the recipes handed down to me. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Pulled Pork Sandwich served with hand-cut fries & in-house spicy bbq sauce. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

To say Jay's Southern Café was mind blowing would be an understatement... My boyfriend and I took a little trip to Alpine for the night on Valentine's Day. We were in an unfamiliar area and weren't sure where to eat. Thank the Lord I used the right search words in yelp and this incredible restaurant popped up. People apparently drive from all over to taste this barbecue. We were so fortunate that our hotel was right down the road. On Valentine's Day evening, we both shared the brisket sandwich with coleslaw and grits. My grandmother used to make brisket and no one has ever come close in terms of juiciness and quality of the meat until we ate at Jay's. Brisket was so tender and the oaky smoke flavor was Absolutely delicious! Jay's barbecue sauce is out of this world. Coming from a Jewish family, my bar is very high for coleslaw. Jay's coleslaw is hands-down. The best I have ever had anywhere... Including my family reunions! Their sweet potato cinnamon roll was otherworldly! I have never tasted anything like it. I'm not even a dessert person, and I found myself devouring it when we got back to our hotel. So soft and bursting with flavors. Our server on Valentine's Day was Jeremiah, and exuberant, genuine, and professional young man who went out of his way to talk with us and make sure we enjoyed our food. He came by at least three times to make sure we loved everything. What an incredible young man! We loved the food so much that we were back today for their special brunch, which includes cheese, jalapeño and bacon grits. Jeremiah recommended it the night before so we had to try it. I ordered the brisket over grits and my boyfriend ordered the fried shrimp over grits. We were truly blown away by how delicious the cheese, jalapeño, and bacon grits was. So creamy and flavorful. The flavors were bursting in our mouths. My brisket was amazingly juicy and flavorful, just like the night before. My boyfriend's shrimp was delicious. We ordered two sides of the coleslaw just for good measure because it was that good. This place is truly a gem in San Diego. I have never had such delicious barbecue, anywhere! There are awards all over the walls, and the entire family runs the business. I would highly recommend every San Diego again or those visiting to make the drive up to this amazing family run establishment. read more

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Yes it's good. Don't be sidetracked by the location, this place is legit. I am on a weekend getaway in the mountains and usually I'll find some small town spots to support. I was a little skeptical seeing this bbq southern cafe in the middle of a small town. I have zero hesitation telling you to come eat here. First- the service, there was a young man at the counter and he was welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. He told me what his favorites were, helped me pick sides and let me know what the wait time would be. Also melted my heart when we handed my order to the kitchen and said "here you go dad". Love a family spot. The food, I got the ribs combo with macaroni and cheese and potato salad. These two sides are the make it or break it in my family. The Mac was delicious. Flavorful, creamy with a browned top - perfect. The potato salad was not my family's normal- a little sweeter, less egg and mustard but was good. The ribs..... they fell apart, in the best way. Well seasoned didn't need sauce but the sauce took it over the top. Get EXTRA sauce. The only things I would say is it's hard to see inside due to the reflective glass on outside so I couldn't tell they were open. It was lunch time and I was the only one there. Makes me sad. San Diego this is worth the 30 min drive, get up here. read more

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Hit up Jay's Southern BBQ in Alpine and let me tell you my taste buds are still recovering from the party they threw. We ordered pulled pork, ribs, a brisket sandwich, plus potato salad, yams, and mac n' cheese. Here's the breakdown: * The potato salad... eh, let's just say it showed up to the game but didn't quite score. Respectfully, it tried. * The meat, though? Absolutely ridiculous. That smoky flavor? Unreal. It didn't just fall off the bone it leapt off like it was trying to run away and straight into my mouth. Tender doesn't even begin to cover it. * The yams? Straight-up dessert-level good. Whoever made those deserves a raise and maybe a medal. * The mac n' cheese? That pan of gooey, cheesy heaven was the main character of the whole plate. * And the house-made BBQ sauce? If they bottled it, I'd probably put it on everything steak, fries, cereal, you name it. Bottom line: the meat was smoked to perfection, the sides were a rollercoaster (with mac and yams holding it down), and that BBQ sauce tied the whole thing together like a masterpiece. Would I go back? Already planning my next excuse. Alpine, you're lucky to have Jay's. Pro tip: bring cash or be charged a 3% fee read more

I'd been eyeballing this place for awhile because my boyfriend is a big BBQ guy, but we're usually in the area for breakfast and coffee. But this year, we wanted to try something new with the family for his birthday and landed here for lunch. Oh, I regret not sliding in here sooner. I'm spoiled now, I don't think I can go to any other BBQ joint in SD. The beans were this decadent texture and savory yet cinnamon-y.The pulled pork on my fries was creamy and melty, and the slaw the was tangy yet sweet. The seasonal lemonade was super refreshing. And while I didn't taste the ribs but my sister-and-law ordered them and I watched the meat just slide clean off the bone. The atmosphere also made the experience for me. The interior is darker, moody, but still warm-toned. It's incredibly cozy and welcoming to the eyes. It definitely feels like someone plucked a little corner from the French Quarter and planted it in Alpine. The service was the cherry on top. As good as the food and as warm as the decor. Vi and Miss Michelle took care of us. They were patient with our rather spontaneous arrival as a fairly large group during a slow spell on Sunday. read more

Eaten here several times. My favorite used to be Grand Ole BBQ...until I tried Jay's. Jay's is now in first place !

Having a quick meal with my wife at Jay's cafe.The owner is wonderful atmosphere is great.Nice place to come with family friends for a good meal. The fish was incredible mouth watering finger licking, the side were great,also those yams,my lord!!! I will be back later this week!! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Fish meal - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Just finished a hike and what a way to end the trip up in Alpine, but with amazing barbecue? Classic southern spices in a very conveniently located venue. Everyone is so kind, from Vi as you walk through the door. Jay, wow man thanks for bringing good soulful food to the area. Being born and raised Louisiana, I loved seeing the NOLA artwork all over the walls and can say the food is the real deal; it truly feels like home. We all will be coming back. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Food soo good, it didn't last. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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A friend raved to us about the barbecue here, so we had to check it out. The hype was worth it. As soon as we parked, we could smell the delicious smells of barbecue coming from inside. I had the brisket sandwich with sides of potato salad and fried okra. Probably the best brisket I've ever had. My husband opted for the brisket and grits. Phenomenal! We'll definitely be back. Excellent food and great service! read more

Wings undercooked may need to be cooked longer I'll just give it another try maybe order something different next time read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Ordered some wings can't wait to try them. They look really good. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Fantastic BBQ place that's worth driving to. The pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are pretty legendary, and the fries are excellent. Quick service, great place for lunch. Check it out! read more

We had an early Mother's Day celebration at lunch today at Jay's and it was SO delicious! The Shrimp & Grits and the Fish & Grits were divine and the Ribs & Chicken were super tender with just the right amount of smoke. Oh, and did I mention the Greens??! Never thought I liked them but these are addictive!!!! Service was great and we even got to chat with Jay for a bit :) read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

TIER. As a "foodie" from Northern California, I made the trip after hearing about Jay's, and I can confidently say it was worth every penny. From the warm hospitality and the inviting restaurant vibe to the cleanliness and the diverse clientele and staff--it's just the place to be. NOW, THE FOOD: Everything was incredible. Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating because the flavors were that good. The portions are generous, especially the catfish (as you can see in the picture). And the okra and shrimp & grits were hands down THE BEST I EVER HAD in my life. Jay's is now my go-to spot in San Diego. Absolutely top tier. Huge thanks to Chef Jay, Ashley, and the team read more

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I've been here a few times now, and every visit has been fantastic. The food is absolutely delicious, and the portions are generous. This is a family-run business, and their pride in quality really shows. The young man who works the register, part of the family, is such a sweet, attentive person and makes you feel welcome right away. It's clear they truly care about both their food and their customers. Highly recommend! read more

I've had the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. The potato salad is very good as well as the baked beans. I recently tried the fish sandwich which I really enjoyed. Haven't had anything I didn't like. Thanks Jay for your wonderful restaurant read more

Hands down the best BBQ place I've tried! I love their brisket and fried fish and try their grits ( with bacon bits and jalapeño) is out of this world!!! Highly recommend read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Brisket - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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I ordered the chicken and fish meal combination, planning to share it with my wife, but it turned out to be more than enough for three and a half people! The food was perfectly seasoned and served hot, just as I ordered. The customer service was attentive and reflected the charm of a family-owned business. The homemade lemonade was absolutely amazing--so good, in fact, that it might be considered addictive (It's southern sweet though!). You might even need therapy after tasting how good it is! Overall, if you're in the Alpine area, it's definitely worth a visit just for the delicious food and inviting atmosphere. Two thumbs up! read more

If you're in Alpine this is the spot to go eat! Delicious brisket, fries, yams, baked beans! Can't wait to go back!

Great food, very personable service. Will definitely be back for their Friday fish fry. Good location, plenty of seating for the party of 8 I was with. read more

Stopped in with my wife, got the Large Brisket order for the both of us with Beans and Fries as our sides. The brisket was out of this world flavorful and tender, didn't even need a knife, the beans were smokey and spicy and worked very well with the fries and brisket. The Large order filled us both. The location is Central to Alpine and the dining space is quaint and very much BBQ/Country style Look forward to going back again soon! read more

A great place to eat in Alpine. The sausage was smoky and spicy, and my wife loved the collar greens. The ribs were very soft and flavorful. This will be our go to place for bbq in east county. Please support this local business. read more

Alpine has a quiet small town vibe a bit like Julian but without the horde of tourists.  Lots of one story buildings and land that hasn't been paved over. I love trying out bbq joints and was happy to see Jay's Southern Cafe in Alpine.  Inside I was greeted by a smoky aroma from the oak wood in their smoker and fine southern hospitality. I tried the fish and chips and a pork rib.  Fried seabass was coated with a crunchy southern style batter.  Loved the contrast between the sweet seabass flavor and the cornmeal batter seasoned with salt and pepper.  Fries were crispy and had a nice potato flavor.  The fish and chips were a huge dinner for me which I barely finished.   Pork rib had a smoky aroma while the sauce gave a sweet flavor.   Pork was tender and moist.  Pork was smoked with oak.  Very tasty. Banana pudding was sweet and had a tasty banana flavor. 2 ladies who were taking care of customers provided excellent customer service and were very nice. I'm impressed Jay makes delicious fried food and bbq at a great value.  $14 for fish and chips while ribs are $3.50 each. Next visit I tried 8 chicken wings.  Good for a small lunch.  Loved the southern style batter which was crunchy with delicious flavor.  Chicken was tender and juicy.  Among my favorite southern style fried chicken wings. Jay's Southern Cafe is my favorite spot to eat in this part of the county.  Great tasting food at reasonable prices and southern hospitality to boot.  Lots of free parking and cool trees to view. read more

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You did it again. That brisket is so good. Collard greens are awesome. Baked beans were a little sweet for me but tasty. Glad I found this place. Hands down best in San Diego and I like supporting family busines read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Brisket, greens and baked beans. Brisket amazing, greens amazing. Beans were a little sweat for me but tasty. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Love the ambiance. I had the fried fish was delicious! Best I've had in awhile. I'll be back again

Great experience! Food excelled my expectations I asked for a Brisket sandwich , boy!! Super tender meat, it melted in my mouth. Great customer service and ambiance, without a doubt, a hidden gem in Alpine. Super recommended !. read more

Third time I come excited to enjoy some good bbq. Third time the place is closed. The hours on google are wrong, and these owners don't respect their own hours. Oh well. read more

Recently tried this place for lunch. Their pulled pork sandwich was delicious. Fries were good and perfectly salted. And the Bbq sauce had great flavor. read more

This place is amazing! Took a day trip to Alpine and found this gem of a BBQ place. The meat is so tender and delicious. The sauce is so good. Their sides are to die for. The baked beans are sweet with a little bit of heat. The Mac and cheese is so cheesy. The yams are like candy. I highly recommend you stop in if you are in Alpine! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe is the best of its type and perhaps the best of all restaurants in San Diego. Even though it is 40 minutes away from me, I have eaten here more than all others restaurant in the county combined. including ones in my hometown. The owners, Jay and Ashley, are quite pleasant and outgoing. The service is great and, Heavens, the food is so tasty I wish more people knew of this excellent restaurant. All their dishes are wonderful, but my favorites are the fish sandwich, the pulled-pork sandwich, and the shrimp po' boy. I'm getting hungry just by typing this review. The food is wonderful. Go there. read more

I don't usually think about food... or have "hankerings" for a certain place... BUT THIS PLACE!!!! HFS I am in love with this place First I can't believe it took me so long to come here but some friends took me and I have been HOOKED on the BBQ EVER SINCE. The meats are so tender and fall off the bone. Oh and not to mention the staff is so kind, they treat you like family. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but what isn't these days... It's true legit southern BBQ, more along the lines of Louisiana Arkansas style, not Texas style. If you know BBQ, you know there is a difference. This place is definitely trip worthy up to Alpine, just make sure you check the hours before you come. Thanks Jay for opening your restaurant here in Alpine... I love your food, so does my son! Thank you sir! read more

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incredible food, the reason for the downgrade from a 5 has nothing to do with the food or service, but the availability of menu items. Frequently menu items are unavailable, which can be frustrating. But the food, holy cow, it is incredible, especially the collards and brisket. But you can't go wrong with anything ton the menu. So, if they don't have what you want, then something else on the menu will likely satisfy your southern cravings. read more

I've driven past Jay's a number of times. It's situated a little oddly on the road, so you might need to park a block over (I drove around the block 3 times, haha). Whatever you gotta do to get there, it's worth it! The smell when you walk in is amazing. The menu has lots of delicious variety. The staff is friendly and excited to share their tasty food with customers. My brother and I happened to go on all-you-can-eat fish Friday, and it was fantastic! Jay himself brought us all we could eat. We were both super impressed and can't wait to go back. read more

Drove 30 minutes from the city to try out this joint. Food was 10/10. Place feels like home. Taste is absolutely fire, customer service was outstanding. Chef Michelle's food was phenomenal. Only thing we didn't get to try was some Mac n cheese or cornbread but looking forward to it during the next round. Def will be back again. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Ribs, Brisket, greens, yams, fried okra & yams. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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Y'all. They official! Nuff said. Top 5 southern food spots in San Diego. Way out in Alpine.... You read that right lol I'm not bs'n. Try it on the way to or from the Bino read more