We were a party of eight and we all had a good experience. We sat outside and had a nice view of Santee. Our server was a lovely young lady. I wish I had got her name. She was attentive, friendly and just very good at her job. I decided on French Toast with Scrambled Eggs & Bacon. Other dishes for our group included Chicken Fried Steak, Biscuits, Muffins and Pancakes. It all looked so good! I loved the French Toast. The Bacon was perfectly cooked and the Salsa I was given on the side was tasty on the Eggs. My only complaint is I asked for a Tropical Tea (it's on the menu). The guy taking our drink orders kind of snapped at me saying, we don't have Tropical Tea! Not a huge deal but worth mentioning. read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Scrambled Eggs and Bacon They give a side of Salsa - New American Near Me - Santee, California

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I visited Janet's last Friday. My companion enjoyed her Fried Everything plate piled high greasy fried food. She loved it. however my revew of this place is if you love fried foods go there. if u want to eat well but sensibly, find somewhere else. Oh, I should mention the waitressdid not bring what I requested - marmalade. On leaving i requested the waitress put my food in the container so that bought her no tip from me. A tip is for service. i uderstand totally that a lot of people love eating there even though FAT and SUGAR kill u withPancreaticCancer read more

I've been a loyal customer at Janet's Restaurant for years--since my children were infants--which makes this experience even more unacceptable. Today's service was, without question, the worst I have ever received at any restaurant. Our server repeatedly addressed us as "hun." After enduring it multiple times, I calmly and politely asked her to stop, explaining that it felt disrespectful. I thanked her and kept my tone respectful. Her response? Condescending, dismissive, and completely unprofessional. After that, she avoided our table altogether. When she finally returned, she didn't speak to us--she tossed the receipt onto the table and walked away. I said "excuse me," and she ignored me entirely. When I went to the front to speak with a manager, I was met with the same level of indifference. I was told no manager was available--despite the fact that the owner had personally greeted us earlier. That lack of accountability is just as concerning as the behavior itself. The only redeeming part of this experience was a longtime server who stepped in and handled the situation with professionalism and respect. Unfortunately, one competent employee does not undo the damage of the rest. This was not just poor service--it was blatant disrespect, immaturity, and a complete lack of basic customer awareness. Staff like this should not be representing your business. After years of loyalty, this experience was beyond disappointing. It was unacceptable. read more

My husband and I decided to check out Janet's Cafe for brunch. We were sat inside at a table. It wasn't as stuffy and hot as.last time but you can tell they did not have the best air conditioning. We both got coffee and ice water.my husband ordered a country omelet woth white toast and fruit. I ordered eggs benedict and fruit. Thw food came out pretty quick and our server was friendly.My husband liked his omelet and it had alot of flavor. My eggs benedict was good except it seemed to not have much flavor in the hollandaise sauce. We both didn't eat alot of our fruit because alot of it was not ripe, especially the cantaloupe was very hard. We would most likely come back again another time. read more

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One of my favorite breakfast spots in Santee. I've been here multiple times and have always had a good experience. The staff is always friendly, the food is good, the portions are large, the prices are reasonable, and the vibe is chill and welcoming . I've ordered various items here, from their chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy, pancake/waffle combo, egg combos, to their pies and muffins. The food is always fresh and has good flavor. Their coffee is good, there are flavored creamers, and there is attentive staff to keep my cup full. The service is exceptional and very friendly. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Prices are reasonable and there is plenty of free parking. Love this place and worth trying. read more

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Ehh. This was NOT my favorite time coming here. I got the buffalo chicken wrap to go and when I opened it there was a huge pickle all over the wrap and I HATE pickles. The juice was all over the tortilla and I could only eat half of the wrap... I was really upset to be honest. I hate pickle juice so much and I had to cover the other half with ranch just to be able to eat it because I was so hungry. But the other half was just soaked in pickle juice. The chili... was not good. Tasted like bland pieces of beef in a bland tomato sauce. The fruit box was the only thing I was able to actually eat and enjoy. I'm pretty upset with how my food was. Will not be coming back probably... read more

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I found myself in Santee yesterday and decided I would have breakfast at Janet's. I am so glad I did. The food and service were amazing. I had a half order of biscuits & gravy with two eggs and bacon. I did substitute toast for the biscuit. My waitress was very friendly and attentive. Between her and the other staff my coffee cup was never empty. My eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly. The toast and gravy were also really tasty. The gravy had a little flour taste to it. Portions were very adequate. The restaurant is a little dated, shows some wear & tear and is dark. I noticed a lot of customers ordering breakfast muffins. I must say they captured my attention. They looked really good. I look forward to trying one on my next visit. read more

Visit March 2026 Recommended by my brother-in-law who had picked me up at Fix Auto Santee (see that review if you need a body shop). Janet's has a small town diner vibe. Walk in, cheerfully greeted from across the counter, pointed to a table to sit. It was morning so breakfast menu. I zeroed in on Granola French Toast and made it a "combo" adding on bacon and eggs. The bacon and eggs tbh were nothing special but dang that Granola French Toast was so good. Thick slices of bread and the granola crust added to the texture. It was already sweet so I didn't need to add anything else like syrup. Got a cold brew which was good. Place was clean and at the time of visit not too busy. I enjoyed that they greeted a couple of elderly regulars by name. They have a display case loaded with muffins, pies, and pastries to choose from as well. A good stop in the area read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Visit March 2026: Side bacon and eggs - New American Near Me - Santee, California

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Janet's wipes all competing local competition out of the water. The Trails, Jimmys, Brothers, Pattys, all of them are maybe 2 stars compared to this 5 star. The best parts are food quality and hospitality. It's hispanically owned and operated in Santee. This is a power move and they are successful on every level. I rate breakfast on all the tiny pieces. How is the quality of their sausage, the mushrooms, the avocado. These smaller items add to the big picture. All of them were perfect. The custom omelette I ordered had 3/5 of the items and the owner said he'd double up on the avocado and mushrooms. Yes please! The interior of the restaurant is smaller but quant. The bathroom, while the hallway looks rugged is nice. Nicer than the trails! We live in Del Cerro so this is a bit far for us but when we hit Santee (now referred to as Mission Valley 2) we will stop here for breakfast if we can. Highly recommend. read more

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Great food and service. Went for breakfast, staff was always checking on us, serving sizes were good, and everything was delicious.

This morning went to breakfast with my wife and friends and the atmosphere was excellent. Food was wonderful and our waitress was amazing. Great environment will always recommend this little place. read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Corn beef hash, eggs over easy sourdough - New American Near Me - Santee, California

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It was the first time eating there. I was joining my kids there for a birthday breakfast out on the back patio. A couple of things that I noticed when the person who was not the waiter or waitress came and asked would anybody like something to drink, I ordered a mimosa and it took forever to get there, and I wasn't even offered water in the meantime. When the waitress came and took the order, I ordered a side order of hashbrowns that was not included in my Southern biscuit gravy meal with bacon. The meal got delivered couldn't find the waitress asked the bus boy and they said they would find them and the waitress ultimately brought it out when my meal was practically finished and said they were running behind in the kitchen! The place did not look that busy. I think it was a situation she forgot? Observing the back patio I did not see a lot of people there, so my first impression is understaffed and too much is expected of the waitress, and the two people (bus boy and whoever the swing person was) that was assisting? Not to be too judgmental, I tipped her very well. The quality of the food was just so so - nothing bad, but it wasn't over the top by any means. Parking there is probably the worst of any location that I've went out to enjoy breakfast at. The stalls are either too small and a combination that people are terrible parking and cannot park correctly in their lanes. One thing for sure the amount of businesses that are there there is it's definitely inadequate parking availability. That's not a problem of the business. That's whoever owns all of that real estate. read more

The service at Janet's is always great. Came in for something small, but got a huge serving! The food is so comforting and comes out quickly. I was able to get seating outside which I love. I would recommend coming here because it's one of the good breakfast spot! They even have a couple seats outside in the front. Very cute! read more

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Janet's is a great place to get good service and good food consistently. This place is by the Santee library. A great place for breakfast, it's worth the wait if there is a line. Highly recommended! read more

This is our go-to breakfast spot in Santee! The yogurt parfait is delicious and huge, definitely shareable. The portions are massive, so you always leave with a to go box! The service is great and the staff is friendly. I love dining on the patio for people watching and the nature views of Mast Park. Inside is a "choose your adventure" of classic diner in the front, modern restaurant in the middle and nature on the patio. The pumpkin pancakes are a season must get. read more

Terrible experience. Highly highly DO NOT recommend! Attention to detail - horrible Service - horrible Menu options quality - horrible We went today when it wasn't too busy and was going to order a black bird sandwich to share. I have a severe dairy allergy so we just wanted to confirm the pesto had no parmesan or dairy in it and it took our waiter 15 minutes to confirm there was no dairy. Then we went ahead and ordered with no cheese and asked multiple times to please note the severe dairy allergy. We then waited over 30 minutes and once it was served - there was melted cheese all over it. We told the waiter and he didn't really care and took it back. We decided to leave after an hour starving with no food. We will not return read more

Food is prepared good and is delicious. Onion rings are great. Service with a smile. Ambience is cafe style a little loud at times they are very busy. read more

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I was searching for a restaurant that allowed pets since I am a new puppy owner and was not near my home. I am so glad I found this place. They welcome pets in their big back patio which is conveniently near the restroom and has a side gate in case you need to take your pet out for a quick walk. Service was great and the food was very delicious. They serve big portions. Their ranch dressing is one of the best I've ever had. I also ordered their cinnamon roll which is massive and shareable. They are a little pricey but I would definitely come back. read more

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Quick and friendly service. Quality of food was great and it got to us quickly even with a good amount of people being there for a Sunday morning. Nice atmosphere especially sitting outside on the back patio, very relaxing for a Sunday brunch. Bloody Mary's were tasty . No complaints about this place. Will definitely return again. read more

My wife and I love this place ! On the small side. Food is so good! The service is the best. We normally go for breakfast , they have lunch also. great biscuits and gravy ! Be carful it's huge ! They have a half order with two eggs and sausage or bacon and it's still huge ! Wife loves the spinach omelette. But everything they have is delicious ! Then they have pies, oh my goodness ! Restaurant is nice, and they have back patio seating that looks out to the park . Highly recommend this place. ! read more

food very good, but there was a good 10 bees surrounding our table outside and we kindly asked to get moved since my brother is very allergic and the server made rude gestures. Proceeds to follow us inside and have a disrespectful tone. read more

Amazing plates and flavor.. Ask for extra crispy homemade fries yum... omelets are great I've had almost all of them and its quality and QUANTITY which most placing aren't serving since covid.. read more

We brought our pup to Janet's for breakfast. From the minute we checked in the staff was super friendly and accommodating. We had veggie omelettes that were delicious and I had a cranberry muffin that was divine. We will definitely be back! read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Asparagus omelette with fruit and cranberry muffin, mimosa - New American Near Me - Santee, California

Food and service above and beyond Ice cold beer! Portions were huge; we should have split Every entree we had (party of 4) was delish My patty melt was the best Ive had! read more

The servers were kind and the food came out fast. For me personally I loved that back bar area too -- nice and spacious so I could talk with my friends. I had a solid meal. Pancakes are not my favorite but everything else was good read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Sausage links, pecan waffles, strawberry waffles - New American Near Me - Santee, California

Recent visit involves my wife's "best Belgian waffle ever had!" And my huge Reuben Sandwich, over stuffed with meat and just the right amount of sauce and sauerkraut. We have been enjoying the food here for years, competent staff, "down-home" ambiance. I remember huge normal regular cinnamon buns, really too much for one, great to split with your better half. Off the beaten path in Santee, worth visiting and trying for yourself! read more

I've been going with my parents to the Janet's in Alpine for years, but had no idea until last year that there were two more locations! As much as I love the rustic charm of the Alpine location, I think this one is my favorite. Weather permitting, Dad and I like to sit in the patio out back which runs alongside the San Diego river. It's really nice! It's also dog-friendly which is great for when my pup is in town. If you like the food at the Alpine location, this one is just the same. Good, solid American staples with large portions and fresh ingredients. You can't go wrong with breakfast. I'm never disappointed! The staff are very nice and attentive. The only negative to the place is the parking. There's plenty of it, but the spots are all really tight and people jam up traffic by the library. read more

After a morning of learning pickleball we were starving. We're now on a quest for a Sunday breakfast spot. Janet's cafe is very cozy. Don't let the outside device you, it has lots of pockets inside making out a larger place than you think! Mom had eggs, hash browns and pancakes which she almost finished. Everything was ok. About the same as IHOP, which we had been considering. I had the veggie breakfast burrito which was ok. A little too much tortilla for me. Like it a bit more stuffed. Hash browns were more like a potato pancake. I asked for mine to be well done but there was no difference between mine and moms. Portions were enough to fill us, only take home was some of the pancakes. Plating would benefit from some inspiration. Would have enjoyed a bit more flavor, especially given the home style feel. Not that its s deal breaker but, my ice tea was not replenished and it took a while to get my credit card back. We may consider it again if we're in a pinch or in a few months to see how it compares. Israel did a great job keeping our table clean as we went and was attentive. For our waitress, we felt like we were a stop on the way to bigger tables. read more

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Fantastic Santee staple and mom and pop shop. I had the country fried steak and it didn't disappoint! It's a great spot to meet a friend for breakfast/lunch and have good meal and coffee. Highly recommend. Staff was super friendly and the inside has plenty of seating. read more

My wife, child and myself visited here for breakfast this morning. We love to sit in the back patio area whenever we come, there is adequate shade and air flow to keep cool on warmer days. Shortly after being seated a nice waitress brought a plate of fruit for our daughter to enjoy while we decided what to order. My wife ordered the kids ham and cheese omelet with an everything bagel and cream cheese, they were able to replace the toast that comes with the omelet with the everything bagel so we did not occur an additional charge. I ordered the country omelet which comes with smoked bacon and cheese and is smothered in gravy, for an additional $0.50 I added ham to it. My omelet came with a side of hash browns and 2 fluffy pancakes. Overall the food was delicious, the only side not was it was heavy on the salty side. I enjoy saltiness but others would definitely consider this too salty. Still the food was great, prices are decent and service was immaculate. Definitely recommended this family friendly diner and when done you can enjoy a nice walk at Mast Park right next door! read more

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It's always a pleasure to stop by for breakfast or lunch with friends and family. The food is tasty, affordable, and consistently fresh, with fast and efficient service every time. The enthusiasm of the staff is truly impressive and adds to the overall experience. Pleasant music and a spotless location make it even more enjoyable. Highly recommended. read more

Came for lunch today and it was very good, the ladies are so very kind. Got muffins to go

Two days in a row food was great. Drove all the way from Yuma.Good food and people will back from Arizona.

On Sunday morning my husband and I wandered into Janet's in Santee. We put our name on the list and were seated in the bar area. After quite a while waiting for someone to come by and maybe bring us menus (even though a server walked past us a few times) i glanced around and questioned if there was a waitress working our section out loud. The couple at the next table must have said something to the guy that asked them if they needed more coffee or something and that guy came to our table and asked us what we would like to drink. My husband went and got us menus. Thankfully Valerie came over and helped us out even though it wasn't her section. Had she not come over when she did we most likely would have walked out. I'd like to publicly shine a spotlight on her and say what a great waitress she is!! Give her a raise read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Breakfast menu - New American Near Me - Santee, California

Great food and service. This place stays busy. They have the best chicken noodle soup but it's only available on Wednesdays. Portions are large. Food is fresh. They always have specials and eye appealing baked goods. This place is a must. The parking isn't the best because it's a busy area but once you are inside the wait is worth it. The place is always clean and the staff go out of their way. They take the time to get to know you and remember you at your next visit. This place is family and pet friendly. You can eat inside or outside. We visit at least once or twice a month. read more

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Good home cooking in a very comfortable environment! Great breakfast and lunch. I don't know if they are open for dinner.

Our experience left a lot to be desired. Although we came before it was busy, service was very slow. Our waiter "checked" on us once and didn't bother to ask if we needed refills or anything. Just a simple nod in our general direction. My husband ordered the bowl of oatmeal and I don't think we've ever seen a more bland, disappointing bowl of oatmeal. I had the chicken pasta salad which was okay at best, the onions almost made it awful. For a $9 giant bowl of bland oatmeal and poor service, I suppose we got what we asked for. read more

Great Service and food. I tried the Ruben on Rye. Excellent sandwich. Good vibes here.

I need to give this place a second try and then I'll update my 3 star rating. Turns out I came here on the last day of school so they were packed, meaning service was slow. Not a huge deal I ordered the Buffalo Chicken wrap and it was okay. Not my favorite wrap I've had, but I've also had worse. All of the other food at the table looked good so I'll order something different next time. It's in a busy shopping center so good luck worth parking during the meal rush. The outdoor patio is nice so I recommend sitting outside of you can. read more

Janet's Cafe and Deli - Buffalo Chicken Wrap - New American Near Me - Santee, California

Syarted this review a few years ago and never published it... Love my lunch and breakfasts at Janet's Cafe in Santee. Tasty and affordable for a quick bite in a local spot. read more