M W.

Food taste great, service was friendly and helpful, went during the week and it was a nice relaxing meal.

Omar S.

As long as I've been in San Diego, going on 30 years, I've been frustrated by the fact that since people here don't really know what good BBQ is, they'll eat and like whatever "Q" they're served, as long as it smells smoky and is served in a relatively rustic manner. But the County always has at least one exceptional place, and sometimes, if we're lucky, there will be a couple in business at the same time. We mourn the passing of Brooks and Bobbye Huffman's eponymous shop; Duntae Bright's Barnes' BBQ; Martin Murphy's SQUE BBQ; Jeff Chan's Union BBQ; and Ami and Brandon Standafer's El Barbecue. At the moment, two local spots truly shine: Bowlegged BBQ, owned by Kenneth Hawkins and three Stance family members, all of whom serve up great barbecue and some of the best chicken I've ever eaten; and Jay's Southern Cafe, in Alpine. The meats at Jay's Southern Cafe are slow-smoked daily, with oak, and several times, I've hopped in the car and driven a half-hour for a plate of the restaurant's country goodness. Points off for no sweet tea, but points added for outstanding fried sea bass, excellent chicken and Five Guys-worthy French fries. Plus which, Jay Cousins and his family (this is most definitely a family operation) are among the nicest and most hospitable people you'll ever meet, and I'm including people you already know and love. Finally, if Alpine seems like a long way to drive for barbecue, remember that you regularly drive to Orange County for Vietnamese food, or South Bay for menudo, or wherever you go for whatever you like. This restaurant is worth your attention and your gas money, and should be added to your rotation.

Shirley F.

Food is southern delightful. Jay is so sweet . His helpfulness is outstanding. Ambience is comforting cool . Go there and support this important restaurant. Have a party there . But order ahead so he can have food ready.

Mona G.

I just got back from Louisiana 2 days prior and didn't have time to whip up a southern feast for my son as planned (I'm just exhausted). This restaurant came through for me at the right time. I HAVE NOT eaten inside this establishment yet, but I did order food 'TO GO' for my crew (my kids)! They enjoyed it & my review is based on their experience and my objective observations. The consensus is that I will bring them back again (basing this mostly off their taste buds, so don't get mad at me...I only tasted 1 French fry. ) ___________________________________________________ About Me: I'm seriously a "Southern Belle" with Cajun and Creole taste buds, coupled with the need to have authentic options for smoked meats, whether Texas Style, Mississippi, Alabama, etc.... (I grew up with one of the best pit & barrel experts ever, and he taught me everything -my Dad. I'm forever grateful to him for my chef-in-training childhood -especially for waking me up early in the morning to prepare the smokers. When I'm at home, prepping and smoking is a source of comfort, its also an art & its ritualistically nostalgic for me. As for Southern CA & what lead me to Jay's Southern Cafe: I'm very particular when it comes to trying anything that's been "smoked" down here . I have had several mediocre experiences. ___________________________________________________ How Did I End Up At Jay's Southern Cafe??? So...my oldest son's birthday was yesterday, and I started researching. I had no idea that this spot was in Alpine. (I could slap myself for not knowing, but I'm busy, and I have a lot of 'trust issues' when it comes to anything claiming to be Southern food in San Diego County.) On a leap of faith (after reading some of the Yelp Reviews), I went to Jay's Southern Cafe and ordered him the 1/2 smoked chicken plate "to go." He had greens and okra for his side dishes. By the time my son got home from work, I knew he would need to reheat his meal, but he couldn't help himself and devoured it within a few minutes. (That's a great sign.) He said: "the breast is moist, through and through." "This chicken is seasoned." "I don't believe it -this is good chicken." "Wait a minute -this place is in Alpine?" ___________________________________________________ So, the first experience was great for my crew: my other kids also enjoyed their food: My daughter had a kid's meal (Baby Jay's Rib, Fries & Applesauce. My other son had the pulled pork sandwich with fries. (The food met both of their expectations.) I love yams, but they were sold out (and that's a good sign for me because I didn't get there until 6:15 pm to place a to-go order, and in my head, I'm thinking they sold out because they are just that good. ) I will go back to try the yams and some of their other side dishes, such as fried okra and greens. ___________________________________________________ WHAT DID I TASTE??? ***One of my son's fries fell out of his pulled pork sandwich to-go container upon him opening it in the vehicle immediately after we exited the restaurant, and I caught it in my hand -so, I did get a chance to taste something from here! (The french fry was cut perfectly; it tasted great, not oily, still had some skin on it & an authentic "potato" flavor, crisp on the outside, with a tender-soft texture inside.) ________________________________________________ Pointers: *The Service was friendly (not fake, not "over-the-top fake," etc.). It was just authentic service, and I appreciate that. *The order didn't take long at all. *I watched several people "happily" leave, including those who had dined in. *After eating the smoked chicken, my son asked about their hours and days of operation. He didn't even sit down to eat. He stood in the kitchen and wolfed down the half chicken to the bone. *I am so relieved that my son enjoyed his weeknight bday meal, thanks to Jay's Southern Cafe. {While there, I inquired about how long they've been open. I was told that that opened during the pandemic. What a gem this is for the Alpine Community.} Side Note: Please believe me when I say I am highly critical regarding anything in SoCal that claims to be a smokehouse, southern restaurant, and especially places claiming to be Creole/Cajun restaurants.... I can't help it; I was partly raised by my Grandmother (a legendary restaurant cook in New Orleans who came to the city as a country cook from Crystal Springs, MS). Additionally -I'm a bonafide southern cook with high standards & I greatly respect the flavors of the foods my ancestors raised me on and the recipes handed down to me.

Liz G.

To say Jay's Southern Café was mind blowing would be an understatement... My boyfriend and I took a little trip to Alpine for the night on Valentine's Day. We were in an unfamiliar area and weren't sure where to eat. Thank the Lord I used the right search words in yelp and this incredible restaurant popped up. People apparently drive from all over to taste this barbecue. We were so fortunate that our hotel was right down the road. On Valentine's Day evening, we both shared the brisket sandwich with coleslaw and grits. My grandmother used to make brisket and no one has ever come close in terms of juiciness and quality of the meat until we ate at Jay's. Brisket was so tender and the oaky smoke flavor was Absolutely delicious! Jay's barbecue sauce is out of this world. Coming from a Jewish family, my bar is very high for coleslaw. Jay's coleslaw is hands-down. The best I have ever had anywhere... Including my family reunions! Their sweet potato cinnamon roll was otherworldly! I have never tasted anything like it. I'm not even a dessert person, and I found myself devouring it when we got back to our hotel. So soft and bursting with flavors. Our server on Valentine's Day was Jeremiah, and exuberant, genuine, and professional young man who went out of his way to talk with us and make sure we enjoyed our food. He came by at least three times to make sure we loved everything. What an incredible young man! We loved the food so much that we were back today for their special brunch, which includes cheese, jalapeño and bacon grits. Jeremiah recommended it the night before so we had to try it. I ordered the brisket over grits and my boyfriend ordered the fried shrimp over grits. We were truly blown away by how delicious the cheese, jalapeño, and bacon grits was. So creamy and flavorful. The flavors were bursting in our mouths. My brisket was amazingly juicy and flavorful, just like the night before. My boyfriend's shrimp was delicious. We ordered two sides of the coleslaw just for good measure because it was that good. This place is truly a gem in San Diego. I have never had such delicious barbecue, anywhere! There are awards all over the walls, and the entire family runs the business. I would highly recommend every San Diego again or those visiting to make the drive up to this amazing family run establishment.

Shauntina S.

Yes it's good. Don't be sidetracked by the location, this place is legit. I am on a weekend getaway in the mountains and usually I'll find some small town spots to support. I was a little skeptical seeing this bbq southern cafe in the middle of a small town. I have zero hesitation telling you to come eat here. First- the service, there was a young man at the counter and he was welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. He told me what his favorites were, helped me pick sides and let me know what the wait time would be. Also melted my heart when we handed my order to the kitchen and said "here you go dad". Love a family spot. The food, I got the ribs combo with macaroni and cheese and potato salad. These two sides are the make it or break it in my family. The Mac was delicious. Flavorful, creamy with a browned top - perfect. The potato salad was not my family's normal- a little sweeter, less egg and mustard but was good. The ribs..... they fell apart, in the best way. Well seasoned didn't need sauce but the sauce took it over the top. Get EXTRA sauce. The only things I would say is it's hard to see inside due to the reflective glass on outside so I couldn't tell they were open. It was lunch time and I was the only one there. Makes me sad. San Diego this is worth the 30 min drive, get up here.

A b V.

Having a quick meal with my wife at Jay's cafe.The owner is wonderful atmosphere is great.Nice place to come with family friends for a good meal. The fish was incredible mouth watering finger licking, the side were great,also those yams,my lord!!! I will be back later this week!!

Nickalus D.

Just finished a hike and what a way to end the trip up in Alpine, but with amazing barbecue? Classic southern spices in a very conveniently located venue. Everyone is so kind, from Vi as you walk through the door. Jay, wow man thanks for bringing good soulful food to the area. Being born and raised Louisiana, I loved seeing the NOLA artwork all over the walls and can say the food is the real deal; it truly feels like home. We all will be coming back.

Wings undercooked may need to be cooked longer I'll just give it another try maybe order something different next time

Colleen I.

We had an early Mother's Day celebration at lunch today at Jay's and it was SO delicious! The Shrimp & Grits and the Fish & Grits were divine and the Ribs & Chicken were super tender with just the right amount of smoke. Oh, and did I mention the Greens??! Never thought I liked them but these are addictive!!!! Service was great and we even got to chat with Jay for a bit :)

Darius B.

TIER. As a "foodie" from Northern California, I made the trip after hearing about Jay's, and I can confidently say it was worth every penny. From the warm hospitality and the inviting restaurant vibe to the cleanliness and the diverse clientele and staff--it's just the place to be. NOW, THE FOOD: Everything was incredible. Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating because the flavors were that good. The portions are generous, especially the catfish (as you can see in the picture). And the okra and shrimp & grits were hands down THE BEST I EVER HAD in my life. Jay's is now my go-to spot in San Diego. Absolutely top tier. Huge thanks to Chef Jay, Ashley, and the team