Where to Eat in Santee: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Oliva Fomby

Santee is a suburban city in San Diego County, California, with a population of 53,413 at the 2010 census. Although it is a part of the East County region, Santee is located just 18 miles (29 km) from the Pacific Ocean. The city is connected to the coastline by State Route 52, a six-lane freeway that runs from Interstate 5 in La Jolla to State Route 67 in El Cajon. The city is bisected by the San Diego River, a linear greenbelt that includes parks, trails and more than 1,100 acres (450 ha) of natural riparian habitat.
Things to do in Santee

1. Marys Donuts

8959 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071-2931 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American Breakfast, Late Night +1 619-448-4800
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 124 reviews

Marys Donuts

Located in Santee, Ca, Mary's Donuts has been going strong for over 26 years! We are open 24/7. We have the largest Apple Fritters you can find and a wide selection of donuts and bagels. We serve house blend, Starbucks, and Farmer Brothers coffee.

Reviewed By grandslamhomer - El Cajon, California

I stopped into Mary's Donuts in Santee the other day and tried a few of their donuts. I looked around and saw that Mary's has a wide range of donuts. Some that I had never seen before. There prices were reasonable, and there was a lot of people in the small donut shop. While you are waiting in line, employees are giving out samples of the donuts for you to try. But after looking around at everything I finally saw my donut ! The Maple Bacon Bars. These Maple Bacon Bars look a little like, and taste a lot like the famous Voodoo Donuts bacon donuts in Portland Oregon. I will definitely be back to Mary's Donuts.

2. Phil's BBQ

9816 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071-3834 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Barbecue Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 619-449-7700
Excellent
52%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 197 reviews

Phil's BBQ

Reviewed By cjhill95 - Chula Vista, California

After many stops at various "BBQ" places, we found a winner...for the area! Being from Texas, I am a bit of a BBQ/smoked meat snob, and so far this is the best place I have found. Tried the ribs and chicken platter, and the ribs were fall off the bone tasty, and the chicken was nicely smoked and not dry. We got our with the sauce on the side, as I didn't want the meat swimming in extra sauce. The sauce was OK, but I preferred the flavor of the meat without the added sauce on top. The baked beans were good, only warm int he bowl, would have liked them a little warmer temp when served. Also tried the onion rings...those were good! Overall, we will probably go back...it is a nice treat when we don't want to light up our own smoker.

3. Yogurt Mill

935 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021-4706 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American +1 619-579-1566
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 88 reviews

Yogurt Mill

Reviewed By jlwitaly - El Cajon, California

The Yogurt Mill is a great place for yogurt. Flavors change regularly as do special dietary offerings; sugar free, lactose free, etc. They have a language all their own to order, be sure to ask for a "Dropped Cup". Also, make sure your "Eyes aren't bigger than your stomach". Servings are jumbo! Enjoy winter or summer but if it's hot a lot of friendly people will be in line with you. Just be patient, it's worth it.

4. Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant

14120 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA 92021-2823 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Highchairs Available Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 8 - SGD 25 +1 619-561-6580
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant

Reviewed By krosas - San Diego, CA

This place is great! The service is always wonderful. On our first visit there, we mentioned it was our first visit. Our waitress brought us three things to sample. Needless to say, we were sold and have been back several times. Tasty food and good prices.

5. Starbucks

9325 Mission Gorge Rd, #101, Santee, CA 92071-3880 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, Fast Food Breakfast +1 619-596-4922
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Reviewed By Chuck B - California

What can you say the coffee is always good. Located right in the shopping center. Good parking and even a drive up window. service was fast even with a full house.

6. Anny's Fine Burgers

9862 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071-3873 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American Lunch, Dinner +1 619-258-8288
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Anny's Fine Burgers

Towne Center Shopping Center, just steps from the San Diego Trolley stop

Reviewed By Pentaxian - San Diego

A tasty casual dining restaurant in the Santee Towne Center, Anny's Fine Burgers has an amazing menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and fries. Order from the convenient menu posted on the wall, get your order number, find a seat and dig in when the food is delivered hot and fresh. Drinks are from the fountain and refillable. Anny's has ample parking plus is just steps away from the green line station for the San Diego Trolley.

7. Antonelli's Deli

1354 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020-1620 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Breakfast +1 619-440-8460
Excellent
75%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Antonelli's Deli

Reviewed By Stephanie H - El Cajon

I heard a lot about this place so we finally went! The sandwiches were huge. I got the roast beef and the flavor really wasn't that over the top compared to other good deli sandwiches. Perhaps because it was a basic sandwich. My boyfriend got a different sandwich and he said it was excellent! Next time we would get the smallest size because they truly are HUGE sandwiches. Also get there early or not at lunchtime because they get very crowded and you can be waiting for at least 1/2 hour to get your sandwich. I do believe you can call in your sandwiches too.

8. Kaffee Meister Coffeehouse

9225 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071-2980 Seating, Takeout Cafe Dinner
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Kaffee Meister Coffeehouse

Reviewed By jcjr2 - Green Valley, Arizona

Cappaciono was good, not outstanding or 5 star. Marked it down because with only 2 coffees ahead of me it took between 5-10 minutes to get my order after I placed it. Seemed like talk with customers and other staff slowed the process down. May give it another try as coffee was best so far in Santee.

9. Janet's Cafe

9225 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071-2980 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Waitstaff American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 619-749-1786
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Janet's Cafe

Reviewed By Jon M - Long Beach, CA

I really enjoyed my Turkey Club Sandwich at Janet's Cafe. The food and service were both excellent, and quick. The place was crowded, which one would expect as the food was awesome. I loved the onion rings as well, and my friend really enjoyed her omelette. I will return!

10. Cafe 67

12381 Mapleview St, Lakeside, CA 92040-1737 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 619-443-4100
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Cafe 67

Reviewed By bigbadbuyer - Santee, California

My wife's omelet was overflowing with veggies. My biscuits and gravy was filled with pieces of sausage mixed in with a wonderful gravy. All on the top of giant buttermilk biscuits. While I really enjoy the food, the service from the wonderful staff of ladies is really something. First of all they put up with an old guy like me and my antics. The coffee never empties or gets cold. This is just a great East County Cafe. Breakfast and lunch only. Get there early on weekend mornings.

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