First time at this restaurant and the service was great. My wife and I ordered the Chicken fried steak. Outstanding. Love the family atmosphere will definetly return. read more

Been there. Brrakfast. Steak and oe eggs. Basic. On the patio a while back. There's better and worse. Service was ok. Coffee was always filled. Felt rushed ...do to the fact I was in a four top table..but the sun forced me there. Only one other table was down at the time i arived. Never the less. Not five stars. But not bad. Btw. The just sold out. Now ...it's a "all Mexican kitchen staff" The name is the same. The owners are NEW. BE PREPARED FOR CHANGES? just saying read more

Super busy on Labor Day but worth the wait. The brisket and eggs was a hit. I have never in 33 years of life had brisket for breakfast, let's just say I'm gonna focus on making the Norm! For my first time at this place I was quite pleased. I'll be back. read more

This restaurant has preferred customers with reservations that may never show up at all. I was giving a compliment and the lead waitress yelled at me making false accusations. I had completely stopped talking to anyone of the staff except when my meal was screwed up. I had given a tip of one cent. This was such a hostile environment. I had forgot my smart phone. I came back and waiter John got it for me and wished be a good day. And I complimented him, "It is great to meet an honest man with customer service skills." She started yelling at him with me walking out the door. This restaurant has their preferred customers. And I am not one of them like many other hard working males. And I have never been out of line on anything. So I will be taking my business elsewhere. read more

First day back after being closed for the virus. They had a soft opening with just a few tables. They have been serving take out during this time. Had my southern scramble with pancakes my wife had a strawberry waffle. Glad there back. read more

So last Friday morning I YELP'd a bunch of breakfast places close to Lakeside and this restaurant popped up on my radar. Because I had time to decide I looked at 5 different YELPs on this place and was sold. My younger brother and I found the place very easily and was lucky to have front door parking available. When we walk through the front door, we look around and notice there are a lot of folks sitting down enjoying their meals and smiling at their breakfast guests sitting across from them. We also noticed the servers who were meticulous about carrying drinks (hot/cold) with one hand and never spilling a drop. There was a wide range of patrons from different walks of life so being an Anthropologist major, this place is where I wanna eat and observe! So we sat next to a fella who was eating alone, chipper and willing to talk to us about his order. It looked simple and really good. He ordered the 2 eggs your way (over medium) with bacon, a side of grits and a side of pancakes. He had me at grits & Pancakes. So because the menu was pretty busy looking, I got exactly what our neighbor ordered. My brother, being the pancake guy that he is, ordered a stack of pancakes with 2 breakfast sausages and 2 eggs over medium. Needless to say we licked our plates clean. The pancakes were amazing. The syrup is heated warm so when it hits the tops of the pancake, it soaks in and doesn't run off like that cheap syrup from commercial restaurants. I did try a piece of my brother's breakfast sausage and was taken back to when I was 8 and my papa used to make us Sunday breakfasts with sausage, eggs and pancakes. As for me, my plate of deliciousness was good too. The grits reminded me of the movie "My Cousin Vinny" when Joe Pesci goes to the restaurant and the menu had 3 items only: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner. With the breakfast came a helping of southern style grits. Anyway I loved the grits bowl, it was creamy like expected and came with a knob of butter on the side. The bacon they serve is so damn good, I wanted to buy a package of unopened and uncooked bacon they had in the refrigerator. I think the closest store to sell bacon of that caliper is COSTCO in Carmel Mtn Ranch. We enjoyed our meal and can say the place is LEGiT. They obviously love American Racing because the hallway is riddled with Daytona 500 photos. I don't understand the sport, but am sure glad we have a San Diego Native who made a name for himself in the industry, Jimmie Johnson! So, if you're in the El Cajon area and are hungry for homestyle cooking that won't break the bank, Check this joint out and go let them know how their doing. Its a good thing and I'm sure going to take my family there for another experience of Good Grinds. read more

Izzy's is awesome! Came here last Sunday for the first time and have been back 2 times since. Great food ( brisket is off the hook), great staff, great service. See you soon read more

The food and portions are great. Very busy place . The staff is on their game. Must try this place .. read more

Izzy's Cafe - Omelettes are huge and tasty. Large portions... - Barbeque Near Me - El Cajon, California

First time eating at this place. I placed a to-go order. I was going to order from another place but I'm glad I didn't. Unlike the other place, they had great customer service over the phone & when I arrived. I ordered the country scrambler with hash browns and a short stack. When I arrived I was helped right away. While my food was being retrieved from the kitchen I was asked if I had been helped twice and everyone in the restaurant seemed happy. I forgot to get a drink so I ordered a coffee and I was offered various creamers. Like they took the time to make sure i had everything. The service was outstanding and stood out to me, as a walk in take out customer. I can't wait to come again and sit down. The food was big portions and tasted great! If you have some choices to choose from in where to stop in and eat, definitely choose this place. read more

Reminds me of country cafe....the food is just ok. Plenty of meat centric choices, really not the place for a vegetarian or vegan. Service is slow, but you will love it if like country food with lots of meat and eggs. read more

First time in this place, I came to car heaven audio to have an installation on my truck, while waiting the owner recommended me to check this place out, and all I have to say is that I had the best burger in all east county!! Prices are reasonable, and they have an amazing customer service!!! read more

You don't find places like this too often anymore -- a local cafe where you get homestyle cooking -- the breakfasts are fantastic! Our network business group meets here once a month for breakfast. read more

Inhad to give this place a try with such awesome reviews. Came in one weekend morning, got off street parking, place is small, cozy, and cute. Everyone seems very busy and if you are not a regular you may get ignored. Once we got a seat i looked over all of their delicious Bfast options I was stuck in between french toast or the California Omelette after several rounds of eeny meeny miny moe, I decided to get the omelette simply because it had avocado (my fave). Food took a long time to prepare maybe because it was a busy morning. however I saw many customers get their food before us that had arrived after us. Once I finally got my order there was no avocado on it. I let my waitress know that they forgot the avocado and she said they ran out someone was supposed to get it earlier but never did. -_- then she said if i wanted to order something else instead. After waiting for that long i said no its ok, but i think they should tell you if they have the ingredients or not before they make your order. Food however was good. Probably won't be returning. read more

Everything is good here! They're brisket is delicious, so is the beef hash. Pancakes are fluffy, the omlettes are a huge, and the muffins - OMG - the BEST!! We always take at least 4 extra home! I like the cozy, at home feel here, and the staff is always super friendly. read more

I stopped in here on a Wednesday for a late breakfast. I was by myself. It took a few minutes for someone to acknowledge me at the front waiting for a table (I guess most people go in through the back door). I was sat and brought coffee. there wasn't any cream on my table, and no one greeted me again for about 10 more minutes. So, I got impatient and asked the table next to me if I could have their cream since they weren't having coffee. My server finally came to check on me and see if I was ready to order. I got a big plate of biscuits with gravy and sausage patties with a poached egg on top and a side of hashbrowns. This plate could definitely feed 2 people very well. I only ate half of the entire plate. And I was stuffed. Overall the food was really good and a lot of food for the price. The service could be a little quicker but overall my waitress was very nice. I would come back if I am in the area read more

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

Mom and Pop feel for sure. Great coffee. Fast refills. You feel like you're right at home, complete with the teddy bear mugs and the older ladies running the place. Their buttermilk pancakes really are the best, and I highly recommend trying it on the side. I had an open faced fritatta which was massive and tasty--didn't much like the chicken fried steak my friend ordered. He didn't seem to like it much either, because it tasted like beef and was pretty flavorless. Overall, it's an inexpensive place to eat in El Cajon and the service is very friendly. I wouldn't come here for a nice Sunday brunch though. read more

Good home cooked food, local hangout. In my opinion, breakfast is the best thing here. We've tried almost all the breakfast items and never been disappointed. Be sure to check out your coffee mug, if you order coffee. read more

Izzy's Cafe has to be one of my very favorite breakfast spots in the area, and breakfast just happens to be my favorite meal of the day. That, and the fact that they're located practically across the street from our family mechanic, means that while Mike is tracking down that funny sound under the hood....Izzy's is doing something about that growling in my stomach! It's almost a ritual now, whenever one of the cars needs maintenance. Then again, a birthday breakfast for one of the kids is a good reason, too. Really, most any excuse will do! Their Country Omlette, smothered in gravy, comes with biscuits and gravy on the side, and a big ol' helping of hash browns or country fried potatoes. That's my personal pick, and it only sets you back about $9.00. Now, I know that doesn't qualify as health food, but it sure is good eatin', and I'm just not into bean sprouts or tofu, ya know? If I'm really hungry, I can JUST finish the whole order, but the kids always have to take some of theirs home, because the portions are really generous. A lot of the menu is just good American food and border favorites, done right, and some is what you'd call "comfort food," like that country omlette. Nothin' gourmet there. (Anyway, "gourmet" is just code for, "you're gonna pay too much for that, and STILL be hungry!") The service is good, the hostess and waitresses are friendly, the food's great, and their prices are reasonable. What more could you want? Izzy's is not so much on curb appeal, but then, you weren't planning to eat on the curb, were you? Inside, it's "old guy cool," or at least that's what my kids tell me. It's done up with old photos and vintage memorabilia, and just has a nice, homey feel to it. They're open from 7:00 to 2:00, Monday through Wednesday, but stay open until 8:00 for the supper crowd on Thursday and Friday. Saturday's back to the 2:00 PM closing, but they open an hour earlier that day so you can get an early start to the lake, or get busy on that "honey-do" list you've been putting off. (Ugh!) Sundays, they don't open at all, and I figure that's so folks'll be free to go to church on the Lord's day. I'm getting hungry just talking about Izzy's. My old car MUST be needing SOMETHING worked on! read more

Yummy...I first ventured into Izzy's alone yesterday for an omelet. After Tyler's closed, I was in search of a new breakfast place. I was promptly seated in the back dining area and my order was taken immediately. I had to use the bathroom...and this was a disappointment. It looked clean, but smelled like a 5th grade boys school bathroom. There is only one toilet in a private bathroom for both men and women. The seat was up and I was a bit grossed out...You can imagine what the bowl looked like... I decided to look beyond this and return to my table (after fiercely washing my hands) where my frosty diet coke was waiting for me. My omelet arrived WITHOUT my side of avocado that I had requested. When I mentioned this, the busboy brought me the most beautiful slices of perfectly ripe avocado. The omelet was fluffy, full of everything I requested and was served with salsa. The salsa was amazing and I didn't even ask for it. My diet coke was never refilled and the server never acknowledged I was missing my avocado. This place is delicious...so much so, I took my husband back here today for breakfast even though the bathroom was a bit gross. We both ordered the carnitas scramble. Unbelievably good...and many refills on the diet coke. I will be back. Sorry had to knock a star off for the restroom but staff should be in there more frequently to tidy up. read more

Love this place. Especially the Chicken Fried Chicken. Great hash browns too. Friendly service and great old country diner ambience. I highly recommend this place! read more

I have to say the food was absolutely delicious. John is the best waiter they need all there servers like him. You must try this place.

Horrible service. Food was mediocre at best. When complained to lady manager she got really angry and ask us to never return. And we won't

My fiancée and I went there for lunch and it was great! The staff was amazing so was the food and atmosphere. We definitely will be returning soon! read more

Salty, expensive and unimpressive. If u are not over 70, or a cop you will feel out of place.

Lori, the owner, and Rosie, our server, were amazing. I made reservations for 25 people for my Saturday birthday brunch a week or two ahead. Saturday morning I found out that it was only going to be 15 of us and we ended up showing 15 minutes late for our reservation but Lori and Rosie were so relaxed. They had everything ready for us when we arrived. Lori (somehow) recognized me by name the moment I walked through the door. (It was my first time there! We'd only conversed over the phone.) Our table was set. I had a special occasion plate and confetti around my seat, waiting for me. The service was impeccable, THE FOOD AMAZING. All of my friends loved their food, loved the service, loved the staff. All of us are anxious to return. I can't rave enough of this place. I'm so grateful. You only turn dirty 30 once! Thanks, Rosie and Lori, for helping make my birthday flawlessly memorable. xo read more

Omgosh been in this area for 10 yrs. First time here. Patio area was nice and cool. Service was fantastic. The food was amazing. Took a togo menu. We will be back. Nice Dimond in the rough. read more

Cute little place. Slow sometimes, especially when it's really busy, but the food never disappoints.

A delightful little gem with excellent service!

A hidden gem in El Cajon. Huge menu, great staff, nice portions, tasty chow and the decor has a nifty fifty's feel to it. We went for breakfast and it was great. I had no idea the specialty there is BBQ until I read the reviews here on Yelp. We're looking forward too going back and trying more. read more

I can't say anything other than..COME TO THIS PLACE! It's some of the best food I've had in a long time. Nice thick slices bacon and delicious homemade gravy. I absolutely will be a regular here. Service is outstanding and the food is absolutely delicious. Wife and I have been here 4 times this week because it's so good. I highly recommend the chicken fried steak and eggs paired with a delicious sweet tea! read more

Izzy's provides you with real homemade cooking that reminds you of the good old days with mom's comfy cooking. They have the BEST (and I mean the BEST in my book) Chicken Fried Steak (not the frozen kind that other restaurants serve). Their gravy is thick and not watered down, their home potatoes are seasoned just right and cooked to perfection. YES, I LOVE THIS PLACE! This is as close as I can get to my mom's cooking (and remember, nothing usually can beat mom's home cooking) - but Izzy's can. THANK YOU IZZY'S for providing a family environment with excellent food - they even have a patio area that you can take your dog (now that's family friendly). :) read more

My husband and I were in the El Cajon area and looked on yelp for the best breakfast. We went to Izzy's Cafe. The staff were very friendly as soon as we walked in. The service was excellent! Our food was wonderful! They make the best veggie omelette! Great coffee! We live in Chula Vista but will definitely come back again! read more

Just had a nice early dinner and just loved it. The Club was just right, but the ribs are among the tastiest I have ever had. Endless ice tee and great desserts too. They say the breakfast is the thing here so we'll give that go next. The service is really swell too. The gals are super sweet and attentive. read more

Easy going staff and friendly service. The food is great and the prices are decent. I love the chicken fried chicken and the tuna melt. Lunch time could be a little crowded. read more

Im a fan, breakfast is sooo good. You leave this place stuff with great food. I had biscuit and gravy. Oh my, this was heaven. The only downside, it can get crowded, especially weekend. But it is worth waiting. You won't be disappointed. read more

Absolutely delicious, best breakfast in town. The staff is polite, friendly and quick. Definitely a do over.

A friend introduced me to Izzy's Cafe today & was I ever pleasantly surprised! We both ordered the Veggie sandwich on toasted sourdough w/ avocado, tomato, baby spinach & mayo. Perfectly toasted & delicious fresh ingredients made this memorable. The accompanying coleslaw was a great side too. Izzy's lost 1 star bc a persistent fly circled our table during our entire 45 min. lunch. Bring your swatter :) read more

Fresh home style cooking. Quick friendly service. Small and retro feel. Great BBQ. No complaints!

Great food and atmosphere, staff is responsive and courteous. This is a great low key BBQ place also, prices are very reasonable for quantity and quality. Love eating here. read more

Came in on Sunday for the first time. Venessa was our server and was very friendly. She suggested trying the brisket and eggs & meat lovers omelet...and they were soooo good!! Coffee could've been a little better, but great food and service and we'll be back! read more