We used to love coming here when Tap Water Grill first opened. It was the perfect stop after taking our daughter to the playground at Santee Lakes, and we recommended the smoothies to so many friends because they were genuinely delicious. Unfortunately, the quality seems to have gone downhill. The smoothies now taste more like lemonade mixed with fruit purée and just aren't the same as they used to be. On our last visit, we were also charged $1 plus tax for a small side of ranch, and it wasn't even particularly good ranch. It's such a shame because this place started off so well. It feels like another example of a business cutting corners over time, and the quality that made people love it in the first place gets lost. read more

Wanted to love this place and tried multiple times but can't do it. The service is always mediocre and seems like they don't want to be there and the food is nothing above average. We went for the concerts that start at 5 and were surprised to see that they completely change their menu over to a "concert menu" an hour before. Maybe 2 options and nothing posted saying they would be cutting 95% of their menu off at 4. Seems lazy and I think good business practice and marketing would be to make people aware. Eat before and save your money. read more

After walking around Santee Lakes for some exercise, I stopped in here for a quick breakfast. I purchased the English Muffin breakfast with ham, eggs, and cheese for $7+. It was a tasty breakfast sandwich with a decent amount of savory ham and eggs. I had the egg scrambled. The eggs were a little over-salted but not too bad. The English muffin came nicely toasted. All seating is outside but they offer a large covered patio. The lady who took my order was very friendly. They offer a variety of breakfast and lunch items. It came to my attention that they plan to include BBQ soon. read more

See all

Came here on opening weekend and there was a few things they could work on but overall it was a great time. Order at the counter and they call your number when your food is ready. Food was great! The fries were really good and crunchy and the burger and sandwiches were delicious and fresh. They have a variety of drinks and a few alcoholic beverages as well. When our number was called they did not give us everything we ordered we had to go back to the window and show them what we were missing. Having to wait for our missed items was a disappointment when others at our table were already eating. The view and atmosphere of this place is really great, right on the lake. There's live music occasionally and misters on those hot days. Food was great, hopefully they have improved because this location is definitely a great spot for a nice quick meal. read more

See all

Santee Lakes has now become an even better experience thanks to Topwater Grill. The food was amazing and had us coming back for more! Service was fast and the staff were friendly making sure we were well fed. Would recommend to anyone in the area, especially after a long day of fishing . read more

Topwater Grill - Ordering Station - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santee, California

See all

While camping at Santee lakes we wanted to try the food at the Topwatwr Grill. It is located near the entrance of the camping ground. It was our last day and we stopped by for breakfast. You place your order at the front counter and they provide a buzzer device to notify you when the food is ready for pick up. So there is no table service. Top water Grill is an outdoor seating are on a very big deck over the lake with a very nice view. I was not impressed with their drink selections. I ordered a "boba" which was basically like a strawberry mango lemonade/ koolaid tasting drink with some bursting boba of choice. I did not like it at all so went back and ordered a caramel latte, I thought I'd be hot but it was cold and out of a premixed non dairy machine. The latte lacked flavor, it tastes like watered down chocolate milk. I did really enjoy the bagel Sandwich I chose, it is called the sunrise bagel melt and it was pretty tasty. You get to choose your protein and it's a bagel sandwich with lots of avocado, pepper jack cheese and a fried egg. I also tasted the spicy chipotle wrap, it was okay it did not have much of a chipotle flavor. If I'm ever back camping I'd probably get the same bagel sandwich but I'd bring my own coffee. read more

See all

Wow, this place inside Santee Lakes is super cute. It's inside the recreation center.. but the entire area is super relaxing for an entire spring or summer day (really any day in San Diego). Topwater Grill had some delicious and well-made healthy options. I had the Ciabatta pesto caprese, and my family had other things like the salmon quinoa bowl. The sweet potato fries were yummy. Be sure to bring the coupon with the parking lot at the gate for a small discount. read more

I originally came here and loved it, now if you come here on concert night you only have two items to choose from hamburger or chicken sandwich that's ridiculous, when online you are posting a huge menu. Also charging .75 cents for a cup of ice, ouch! read more

Went for the Saturday afternoon concert, paid $7 to get into Santee Lakes. We ordered a hamburger and fries and a alcoholic beverage, they deducted the $7 since our order was above $20 The hamburger was Ok, the fries were better and serving was good. The alcoholic beverage was below par. The deck and entertainment was great read more

This place took over the Angry Pete's pizza spot that was here. Expect tourist prices since this is at the lake. I did enjoy the cowboy burger. It's basically a western cheese burger. They do sell some booze here. I was able to nab a blackberry White Claw. You're paying for the view for the most part. read more

We came by for the music. Ashley E Norton entertained this Saturday on the deck. It was a great venue and really nice vibe and views. Set up by her Americana style performance. We ordered the Blue Moon on tap. Delicious wings which were on the Yelp menus and not the QR coded one. They were spectacular with the home rub. The sweet potato fries were enjoyed by my wife and nicely cooked. Thanks for a great Saturday evening. read more

See all

Drink was horrible took a few sips and could not drink any more. As for customer service this lady with black hair,pale complexion, and tattoos with glasses had bad customer service and was rude especially with the tone of her service. Overall wasn't the nicest worker, would not come back along as Of her customer service and the quality of the drink. read more

Visited Topwater the first week it was open, the service was friendly and they were ready to take our order right away. We ordered the Early Bird and Chicken Quesadilla, my partner enjoyed her plate and my quesadilla was tasty as well! I'm sure as they get more patrons the service will speed up, but really enjoyed our lunch by the lakes. read more

Love that this spot is here! Had the Earlybird Breakfast & chicken quesadilla, which were yummy! Deck is huge, with fans & heaters. Restroom & a park is close by. They call your number over a speaker. Many drink options available. They had options such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast items, sides, salad, & beer. Thanks Alicia & Kevin for the nice service! read more

See all

Service good. Location beautiful. Food terrible. Kid's hot dog says it's served on a warm bun, we received some weird nonsense on toasted hoagie rolls. The kid's menu is the same as the adults menu. I threw all the food in the trash but drinks were good though. read more

See all

Got the pepper jack burger and garlic fries and it was SO good. A little pricey but the service was good and my burger was great! Nice outdoor eating in Santee. read more

We visited today june 19th. The staff was kind and shared their favorite items off the menu with us. Which made it easier to order. Our boys got kids meals. There were like 7 options which was nice. My mom and I both got sandwiches and loved them!! The location was perfection. Plenty of covered seating, a nice breeze, and everything was clean and organized. It was amazing. We will be back. read more

See all

30 minutes wait for chicken tenders and a chicken burger with a short order line. If you want to know the calorie count of their smoothies they have them posted. No prices posted though. You gotta ask. read more

Topwater Grill - Smoothie menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santee, California

The deviled eggs that I ordered were pretty good. However, I was held hostage for two hours waiting for them. If I had known, I was gonna have to wait around in the hot sun for two hours before my six deviled eggs were ready, I definitely would not have ordered them. Just a heads up. read more

The food and service and variety are great for the family and kids. Reasonably priced and food and staff was good .

I ordered $74 dollars worth of food. The fries and onion rings were under cooked. Paid $4 dollars for a literal handful of garlic fries, received 5 onion rings and a hanful of regular fries. All under cooked and had to put in my airfryer. Ordered the fries and chicken strips. Also, undercooked and had to cook. Not worth the price. Order#5755 read more

Topwater Grill - Garlic Fries not a basket like I paid for - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santee, California

See all

The service we received from everyone working here was above and beyond!! I can't say enough good things about the service. The whole experience was so great! The food was delicious. And the outdoor seating area overlooking the lake is just so beautiful and relaxing. Very kid friendly. There were even some toys for our kids to play with. I will definitely be coming here more often. read more

Great service and delicious food! I recommend any burgers and steak sandwiches. Loved the mozzarella sticks 10/10. Steak sandwiches cooked perfect. read more

See all

Food was great and the ambience is amazing ,great view, I love that area of Santee and after my morning walk, it is nice to stop by and have some coffee and enjoy some snacks read more

This place is located within Santee Lakes. You order at a window and pick up your food at another window when called. Pretty much fast food. I ordered a Cuban Sandwich and my wife ordered a grilled chicken sandwich. We shared an order of onion rings. My sandwich was basically a ham, cheese and pickles on toast. It wasn't even close to a Cuban. The chicken sandwich was ok and the onion rings were definitely out the freezer. Had they not reimbursed us for the park entrance fee the bill would have come to almost forty dollars. There was no value in that. I gave it two stars because sitting on the deck by the lake was nice. Not worth a return trip. read more

View is super. Food is just so-so but way too expensive!!! for a stand-in-line-to-order-pick-up -your-own-food-clear-your-own-table. I'll take a picnic next time. read more

Ah hello! Angus burger on the deck by the lake! Take a good walk and come get a fresh salmon power bowl.