It was ok. Place is small and we called ahead so no issue seating, but the booths and tables are small, hard to fit 4 people and the orders. read more

I usually get breakfast food but today I opted for one of the specials: meatloaf sandwich on sourdough bread with grilled onions and cheddar cheese and it was delicious! Breakfast is always good here so I thought I would give something different a try and I am very glad I did. Also, the service is always great, everyone is always so nice and helpful. I am so glad that they now open longer hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays! read more

ABSOLUTELY this restaurant and its staff have . The food is excellent & everyone wears a smile here. AWESOME PLACE!!!

I really dig this place. I don't go their to often because I don't live in the area, but every time I have passed through there, it was great! Their staff has always been really nice and the food rocks! read more

This place is a real gem. Good food, even better staff. The muffins are amazing, eggs cooked to perfection, bacon just how you like it, gravy so tastey, etc... I haven't had a bad experience with staff or food in the past 7 years. read more

Excellent food, free and ample parking, friendly and efficient staff, make this one of the best eating places in the San Diego area.

my mother and I went there about a week ago we had the machaca omelet with avocado it was the daily special I had ice tea my mom had water a few days later my mom was going thru some receipts in her purse and noticed the receipt from Janet's they had charged us for 2 coffees we never had or even ordered sure we should of went over the receipt when we got it BUT THEN WHO WOULD THINK THEY WOULD RIP US OFF THE SERVER KNEW WE DIDNT HAVE COFFEE I WILL NEVER GO BACK PLUS THE OMELETS WERN'T THAT GOOD SO I HOPE THEY ENJOY THE FEW BUCKS THEY SCREWED US OUT OF read more

Best place ever.....good food good service. Our favorite waitress Cheryl is amazing.

I have had their strawberry waffle and hash browns. They were both very good, but I would only recommend the waffle if you like something sweet. It was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They topped it with whipped cream and strawberries. read more

Call ahead for the best corn bread!!! We ordered the country fried steak with mash potatoe and gravy. Delicious. This last time we went they had not corn bread :( instead they had biscuits. In the past I have purchased a pie and OMG they are delicious! Take one home. Call before stopping by as they close early. read more

Been eating here every since I moved into the area! Always amazing "home style" meals, service is always great. The servers are so friendly and nice! I will continue to come here and eat and I bring all my out of town visitors here when they come! Love it! read more

If you're in the El Cajon area, venture down to Greenfield Rd and Main Janets Cafe to enjoy a super delicious meal. Generous servings, old town, down home cooked meals and friendly staff. This one made my Favorites list! read more

Janet's Cafe - Inside Janet's cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - El Cajon, California

Perfect little breakfast spot! They are always very well staffed with plenty of servers who are polite and quick. Food is also very nice, not too greasy and plenty of options. I've been back half a dozen times with friends and family...no complaints from anyone. read more

I've eaten here more than five times, but this last time things were bad. Denver omelette was not prepared correctly. I guess at the last second they remembered to put in bell pepper. Decaf coffee tasted like last nights sink water. I am thinking it was the day, hoping that is. I plan on eating there again in the past things were good. read more

The food was delicious and the workers were amazing.Very good customer service. The prices was reasonable and good portion of food.

My friend and I had breakfast this morning at this Cafe and it was amazing. I had the prime rib, scrambled eggs w/cheese and hash browns with grilled onions for $17.95. Wow is all I can say! Service was amazing, the place was packed and had a waiting line of names & we sat at the diner bar & had excellent service from Donna. What a pleasant brunch-breakfast, and the coffee was amazing as well. I brought a small french vanilla coffee mate creamer bottle from 7-11, and Janet's had my creamer in little cups, so next time I won't need to bring my own. 5 Stars to this little amazing breakfast/lunch diner. Will look forward to go again. read more

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! we called to make a reservation bc we were on the road and didn't want to wait forever the staff who took our call was very respectful courteous and just by their phone etiquette and the name of the place we knew we were in for a "mom & pops place" treat. Dawnna, AJ and the whole staff was very respectful, polite, smiles on their faces... I felt like I was back in the south and just perfect! We will definitely be back!! You know it is a good place when you hear multiple staff walk by and know someone by name, "Good Morning Franklin". Just so heart warming. Thank you all! read more

Pleasently surprised. Best breakfast I've had in El Cajon since I got here. 2 egg omelet with Jack and cheddar, spinach, smoked bacon and onions. Very good. Cooked to perfection. Reminded me of Sonoma or Napa. Hash browns average. Somewhat small portion. Pancakes good. Coffee a notch above other local breakfast places. Cup of what appeared and tasted like a homemade salsa was interesting and tasty. Service was good. Place was clean. I'd go back. read more

Went in for breakfast this morning and I'm just going to be frank, Janet's Cafe is "Off the Hook" "The bomb breakfast cafe in El Cajon. From the smile that greeted us, too The same smile that said have a great rest of your day. "Teamwork is Incredible and it's not staged" Don't change in any way. Food was very good and turn around time was under 5 minutes. They were at 75% capacity. . I'll be back. read more

Great Breakfast spot! Everything on the Menu is huge and the Coffee is always flowing!

We love Janet's! We have been here a few times for breakfast and it's great! The service is quick and friendly, the ambience is cozy, and the food is great (good quality, fair portions). Try the berry crepes (usually on the "specials" menu)! read more

Even though this place is a little far from home. I will come back some day sooner, in the fall. Great little local spot, it gives you that warmth as if you were in an all American Farmhouse. I loved the food and the service was great. I had the country fried steak and it was very tasty. Thank You Janet for a great breakfast read more

When we walked in we were greeted by some of the friendliness staff I have ever encountered! Upon observation, every customer was treated with respect and really fast too! I has a cinnamon roll like no other. It was soft, warm and oh so gooey! I actually had to have another a few days later, because it was so good, and the experience and food were the same. LOVE this place read more

Stopped here for lunch in between working a long shift. Came in super hungry and left super full. The place itself is a nice, quiet, and cozy restaurant. It was decorated in a way that made me and my two guests feel very welcome. We were all greeted by multiple staff members and led to a nice spacious booth. The server was prompt in getting our drinks and taking our order. The food came out really quickly and was overwhelmingly plentiful. I got the Turkey Club with fries and it was easily one of the best turkey clubs I have ever eaten. The fries were streak fries (thick cut)! I have never been here before but I will definitely be returning when I am in the area. I highly recommend this place to anyone that is looking for a quality meal where you won't leave hungry or with an empty wallet. Great job Janet's Cafe! Shirley and Francisco are awesome! read more

Excellent homecooking. Best breakfast in town. Steak and eggs are great. Service is fabulous and very friendly atmosphere.

Love Janet's my boyfriend and I try to come saturday or Sunday every week for an amazing breakfast and friendly staff! Love their omelets and corned beef hash! read more

I hadn't been to Janet's in a very long time so I decided to take my Mother-in-law. I was shocked at the bill. We didn't even order that much! It was over $30 for two of us JUST for breakfast. Food wasn't any better than your typical breakfast cafe. I just think it's way over priced for breakfast food. The waitress and staff were excellent and very accommodating though. Probably won't be returning. read more

I can't talk enough about this place, from there food, to the customer service, just and outstanding place to eat

Amazing food and great service!! Great restaurant to take your family too! Guaranteed to have an amazing experience!

I had a great service, my server she was very attentive. I didn't have to ask to refill my drink she automatically brink another one to the table. I'm very happy to come to Janet's cafe I had the fried chicken which is to die for, I'll definitely come again to try something else.... Thanks for the great service! read more

We had an amazing breakfast. Thick ham steak, eggs perfect over easy, homemade biscuits and gravy!! Fluffy pcakes, & yummy sausage patties. They bake pies also. We will be back read more

I'll never eat at this place again, and I'd suggest you think twice. On Saturday 5 September my wife and I, along with my brother in law and sister in law and niece sat down for breakfast. While we were eating we all witnessed one of the most disgusting things we've ever seen. At a table near us sat a father, his daughter (young 20's) and son (17-18). They had their Bull Terrier secured on a leash. When their meal arrived the daughter placed the dog on a chair and started to feed the dog using the fork and spoon. Then she proceeded to allow the dog to drink from the cup of water provided by Janet's Café. When our waitress returned to our table I pointed out what they were doing and she personally witnessed the dog being fed by the girl using the utensils and allowing the dog to be fed directly from the plate. I voiced my concern, and asked her if that was a standard practice, and how inappropriate that was. I raised my health concerns and health codes. She said she'd speak to her manager. Our waitress never came back to our table. The young lady continued to feed the dog. Then the table nearest them let their kids play and feed the dog as well. When it was time to leave I asked to speak to the manager and it turned out that the manager was the person sitting nearest them, and she was fully aware this was going on. She allowed her kids to feed the dog. I voiced my concerns to her, and she told me that she understands my concern, but didn't want to do anything because they're regulars, and she sees them do this all the time. She also explained to me that she didn't want to create a disturbance. She wasn't even aware of California Health Standards. So if you eat at Janet's there is a possibility you're eating off plates and utensils that pets have used. These are some of the standards that food service need to adhere to when allowing pets to dine outdoors with customers. Pet dogs may be allowed at the exterior areas in outdoor dining areas of a food facility if the following requirements are met: * A separate entrance is present where pets do not enter through the food establishment to reach the outdoor dining area. * No food preparation shall be allowed at the outdoor dining area, including the dispensing/mixing of drinks and ice. * Customer multi-use or reusable utensils such as plates, silverware, glasses and bowls shall not be stored, displayed or pre-set at the outdoor dining area. * Food and water served/provided to pets shall only be in single-use disposable containers. * Employees shall be prohibited from having direct contact with pets while on duty. * Pets shall not be allowed on chairs, seats, benches, and tables. * The outdoor dining area shall be maintained clean. * In cases where excrement or other bodily fluids (urine, saliva, vomit) are deposited, an employee shall immediately clean and sanitize the affected areas. * The outdoor dining area shall not be fully enclosed (a fully enclosed dining area shall be considered to be part of the interior area of the facility). * Business operators must still follow local ordinances related to sidewalk, public nuisance, and sanitation issues & State requirements regarding service animals. read more

Wow! That was the worst meal ever! Love the one in alpine but this one is outrageous! Don't waste your time. The food was horrible. The muffin was so hard it could have been used for a good game of stick ball. When we told our waiter he said well it was the last one. The manager who came over was so rude. Totally disappointed. I'll drive to alpine any day! read more

The food quality is slightly better than a Denny's and the service is slightly worse. I spent a lot of time looking at my plate and wishing the check would get there already. read more

This place was a total waste of money!! Not only were the home fries burnt, the juice was room temp, the muffin cold like it just came out of the freezer, the service was horrible and they are in no way kid friendly. I was with a party that had a 2 yr old having some behavioral things and the manager and waitress both rolled theirs eyes and kept rushing our meal. 3 out of the 5 plates left on the table were picked up without being asked if we were done or if we wanted to take the left iver with us. Not to mention, a adult meal made someone sick after eating it and the egg substitute that was ordered for a child was not egg substitute. Rude service, gross food. Save your money and AVOID THIS PLACE!!!!! read more

If you want to share a meal with a friend, BEWARE, they will charge you for an extra plate ! Should be no problem for them to offer another clean plate.. Will NEVER go back there, ever ! read more

Apparently the customer is always wrong at this establishment. I ordered the strawberry waffle when it came it was raw inside. I thought maybe there waffle maker was broken but I really wanted a waffle so they said they would remake it, when the second one waffle came out the inside was raw again!! Because my sister was done eating and on a time limit. I assumed that the third would also be raw. So instead I ordered French toast not what I wanted.....I WANTED a properly cooked waffle!!!!! The server gives us the bill it was $36 for 2 drinks a eggs Benedict and a strawberry waffle with eggs and bacon. They didn't apologize or say sorry for the inconvenience we like to discount your bill. So when I went to tell a manager how I felt and she told me that I was wrong the waffle was cooked and that steam was what made the waffle appear raw in the middle. I put the waffle in my mouth twice it was raw. I have eaten many waffles I know when something is raw! You're really telling me that I would just send back my food twice when I'm hungry it was not edible. The manager was so unprofessional saying that she inspected the food and that I was wrong. That's a really horrible way to treat a customer, I know all of your customers are 80 years old but when they pass away the younger generation will need to step up and complete your clientele base unfortunately for you I will never come back here. I will make sure I let all of my friends and family know as well. You better get ready to take your 20 years in business sign down you won't be in business much longer conducting business this way. read more

Always happy coming here. Food is good feels more home made. Really great little place. Feels cozy and with modern rustic decorations. Service is always great. Their busboy/host AJ has a great attitude, very efficient and attentive. Greets everyone with a smile. Really enjoyable place to go. read more

Let's talk lunch and dinner: I agree with other reviewers that this place DOES warrant four stars, but keep in mind that's based on East County standards. The food IS generally quite good, and the pies are awesome.One of the best things about Janet's is they have the right attitude, of trying to please the customer. To that end, here's a few things that could be improved to attract even more fans: It tends to be warm and stuffy. Instead of a recording or music service, they play a local radio station (and kinda loud), including all the commercials (not fond of hearing about septic backups during my meal.) It would be good to screen the restrooms from the dining area. (And timer-lights that go off while someone is using the restroom are a poor choice.) There's a tendency to push through the courses of a big meal very fast, e.g. hot entree lands on the table when you're still working on salad, and then they start asking about dessert. It's typical here to see a customer leaving with lots of to-go boxes of leftovers. I think that a key to more popularity would be to make sure people are comfortable sitting and dining rather than receiving everything fast, chowing down, and heading home. read more

The homemade cinnamon rolls are awesome. Nice homey atmosphere and food is delicious. I like that it's a little off the main drag too.