Amazing food and the staff are super kind and sweet! The spicy bbq sauce is incredible

I don't have a problem with the food, service, or prices; they were all adequate.. But to run out of brisket on a Saturday at 1:30pm is not cool. To charge extra for more than a single side of bbq sauce is not cool, especially when you offer both regular and spicy. And the BBQ sauces? Neither were all that good. A little too sweet and runny. San Diego doesn't have much real BBQ IMO, but there are certainly better choices. read more

1st time trying this place. Definitely coming back. When we came in we were greeted with a kind welcoming smile. We had the 4way combination plate ribs/chicken/spicy beef links &pulled pork with side of greens and Mac and cheese. You can feel the love in the food. Spices were great no need to add anything other that the bbq sauce . The inside is a perfect size, comfy and cozy, smells delicious. Thankful we found it and will be back. read more

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SOOOO GOOD!!! Everything was great. Family owned; Friendly service . My friend ordered the fish (fried perfectly) and grits ( cheesy yum) with a side of yams. She said the yams tasted just like her grandma's. I had the shrimp po' boy (delish) with a side mac' n cheese ( oh my ) . Got brisket & banana pudding to go. We will be back!!!! read more

The food is AMAZING and the service is quick, warm and inviting. I particularly recommend trying the grits, collard greens, and brisket; they're outstanding! read more

Buddy invited me with his family to get some grand ole bbq. So we hopped in his truck and headed east, past the 805, past the 15, past sdsu, then further east. After 40 minutes of driving we arrived at our destination grand ole bbq. Just in time for a late lunch on a Saturday. They have a large parking lot and we were surprised that it was pretty empty till we saw the sign on the door that it was closed due to a private party. WHAT?!!! Drive all the way out there even after checking their website to make sure that they would be open, not only open but advertised with live live music today. WTH grand ole bbq, update your website if you book a private party. Not to worry Yelp was there for the rescue. Jay's southern cafe was nearby and had good reviews. I was in when I saw the picture of the woodpile. A quick trip in the car and we arrived at the restaurant. Parking is street front or the adjacent lot at the end of the block. Walking in you are first hit by the bbq smell. Keep on walking and you can see the menu board and once you get to the end of the counter you place your order. Your eyes go over the menu trying to decide on what to try. From the poor boy sandwiches, the fried chicken, the southern bbq or the soulfood sides. How to decide? Well we had the 4 way combo with pulled pork, ribs, brisket and chicken and an extra entree of the ribs. For sides we got the bbq beans, fries and collard greens. We were helped by the owners' kids who work the counter this weekend. Once we ordered we made our way back to the tables, about 6-8 tables with a mix of long tops for groups and smaller ones for couples. Our food came out rather quickly and and the first thing I was impressed with was the portion sizes, we dug right in. The best protein on the bbq platter was probably the brisket, tender, juicy with great flavor and smoke. Next was probably the pulled pork, juicy and smoky and delicious with the mild bbq sauce that was recommended. Next was the ribs. These are spare ribs with lots of meat. Cooked well and glazed with bbq sauce the meat falls off the bone. The chicken was juicy with good flavor as well. Fries here are a small version of steak fries with skin on. The beans are on point and I couldn't get enough of them, but the collard greens are to die for. If you're looking for a new bbq spot and are in the neighborhood or even if you're not close by you must try this spot. The food is all delicious and the family running it are a delight. Great experience. read more

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Good BBQ. If you like Hot Links the ones they serve live up to the name. I recommend the 3 meat combo. We will be back to sample more of what they offer. read more

We hadn't been to Jay's in a while. Glad we went. Great food, friendly people and extended hours. We will definitely go back

Best place can't wait to go back. Just wow! Amazing people too! The ribs are huge. Everything has flavor

Holy Smokes. Or should I say smoked. Many a bbq joint have come to this location in Alpine only to perish for want of customers and I've eaten at all of them. The last time I had bbq this good was pre-covid, Kansas City, Arthur Bryant's. When I say best bbq in town, I mean it. Alpine has desperately needed a shot of flavor like what you get here at Jay's and if you haven't stopped by yet, you absolutely NEED to. read more

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This is an amazing local business that made us feel welcome and valued. The food was amazing and perfectly served. The restaurants ambiance was amazing while we waited for our food, we did not eat in. Would recommend and will return soon for sure! read more

Headed to the beach and looking for lunch on the way. We couldn't have picked a better place. My fried fish with cheesy grits, jalapeños and bacon was the best I've ever had. My husband's bbq pulled pork on fries with coleslaw was very tasty as well. We will be back again. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Fried fish, so tender, delicious cheesy grits with bacon and jalapeños. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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What a diamond in the country. We recently moved to alpine and was in the mood for BBQ. Boy oh boy. Real southern bbq with every piece SEASONED to perfection. The fish and grits was to die for. My fist time trying grits and it was so good!!! The fish was crispy outside and so juicy inside. JUICY. The chicken salad was really good as well. We are excited to attend the all you can eat fish on fridays tomorrow. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - The menu - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Fantastic food quick fresh made absolutely delicious. That was the best food. I ate in 2024. Thank you for your service.

Yesterday we found this gem in Alpine, CA while driving back from Julian. We met the family that runs in. First we were helped by Jeremiah assisting us with our order. Then served by his beautiful sister Penelope. Their mom Ashley was lovely and a pleasure to talk to. The barbecue man was Jay himself! Smiling and acknowledging us as we left. Warning description of the following may cause cravings!!! The meat just fell right off the bone, very smoky and flavorful. My sides were the baked beans that just melt in your mouth & the natural cut fries that were served up hot and fresh. Mike had the smoked brisket, French fries and the coleslaw was so tangy & scrumptious! I give this place a 100% read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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When I tell y'all I'm mad that I didn't find this place any sooner. It was amazing! We were greeted with the biggest smile, as soon as we came in. We were given excellent service. But the food! LORDDDD yes! The pictures speak for themselves. The brisket was so tender, the pork ribs were not dry at all, and fish!!! Yes yes yes ! well seasoned, well fried, the potato salad was also good, no big chunks of celery, no egg taste, just GREAT! The bbq burger was also amazing! The meat was good and well cooked, not dry or bloody, but good. The greens, were the thing i liked the most for sides! They are delicious and tender and well seasoned . They also have the good crunchy ice for the drinks! We got a lot of food for 80 dlls! Now the only thing I will says was that the red velvet cake was a little dry, I thought it was going to be moist, but it wasn't. But i didnt come here for the dessert, I came for the bbq and let me tell you that we were MORE than satisfied! Excellent service, excellent food, everything 10/10! COME HERE!!! read more

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our son just moved to Alpine. all I can say this place is 5 star amazing! I had the whole chicken, son beef brisket sandwich. everything is fresh, so flavorful. this is a great family owned business, this is a must stop, if passing by. honestly the best bbq place we have had! So glad we came in today! read more

I was working right in front of the restaurant, I was able to smell it and it caught my attention right away. I ordered the ribs with potato salad and the baked beans, the ribs absolutely blew me away! Takes the top spot in my life for ribs! 100% recommend the ribs, the sides complimented very well! I have absolutely no complaints and couldn't be happier with my experience! Hospitality and food tops the charts here! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Hands down the best southern food in all of San Diego highly recommended this restaurant. It was mine and my husband's first time eating here and we were beyond impressed!! Wide verity of menu choices and the kids menu was delicious as well my toddler ate his entire plate also a kid friendly restaurant which is a bonus for us. Definitely coming back! read more

Jay has been working hard and putting out top notch barbeque from Jacumba to his place now in Alpine. It's not an easy task to move locations and maintain the consistency and scale of sheer flavor like Jay is able to coax out of a fire. DO NOT sleep on the beef links , ribs , chicken brisket. Don't miss any of it. Thank you Jay read more

What a delightful place!!! Stopped here for my lunch break today. The woman behind the counter was very welcoming and helpful. Even though I was alone, she came to my table and checked on me several times. The dining room is spotless. I had the 8 piece fried chicken wings. Yelpers are spot on: this is fantastic fried chicken. Cooked to order, crisp and juicy. I didn't think when I ordered I would eat all 8 wings.... wrong! I even scooped up the crumbs from the coating. The spicy BBQ sauce was a great dipping sauce. Friendly service, clean and inviting atmosphere, delicious fresh food, and good prices... I will definitely be back. read more

Food was very delicious! We would definitely return to this restaurant, not only was the food great the service was just as good. The woman who took our order also checked on us several times throughout our meal. Definitely recommend the pulled pork sandwich & potato salad, Oh and the prickly pear lemonade is outstanding!! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Pulled pork sandwich with potato salad & brisket sandwich with French fries - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Finally came here for the first time, it was so good!! We ordered the pulled pork sandwich (yum!) and the 2-plate with beef hot link (super yum!) and ribs and a couple kid meals. Everything was so good and the sauces were great too! The server lady was so sweet and attentive. Will 100% be back. Happy to have a new restaurant to choose from in alpine. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

From the friendly service at the counter to the outstanding pulled pork and brisket we had, it was a great decision to stop in. The previous businesses in the unassuming building never impressed us until now. Jay's is amazing! read more

Amazing food, with a good shifting menu. The service is usually pretty good, and the food is so delicious. My favorite is the banana pudding. Their area is good, with ample seating. It's not usually super busy, but make sure you are available to wait, because their ordering system can be a bit slow. read more

Absolutely tasty sandwiches made with love Ordered 2 pull porks and fries( CUT FRESH NOT FROZEN) Call it in they take awhile to cook. And a Shrimp Po Boy also very good. Service was great even got Jay himself to wait on us. Do yourself a flavor swing on in. Will return!!! read more

Went back to Jays again today. I was greeted by a super nice woman, who was happy to explain any questions I had. I Got the "small" pork ribs plate with BBQ beans & tater salad. This is a lot of food for a "small" order! The Ribs were super juicy with an incredible smoke flavor. The beans & tater salad were also very good. A couple months ago, I came in & had the 1/2 smoked chicken. It was also 10/10. So good! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Oh my goodness this BBQ was SO delicious! I tried the 4 way with brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken the smoke was perfect and the sauces were on point. Everything was juicy and flavorful. I also tried collards for the first time and loved them. Definitely making a stop the next time I'm in Alpine read more

I've been eating at Jays since it was in Jacumba . The food has done nothing but gotten better and better. The staff are very helpful and there attention to detail is much appreciated. My kids love the fried chicken and my wife and I cant get enough of their brisket. read more

So good. Nice, crunchy outside of the wings and catfish. The bbq chicken half my husband had was good too. Wish the sides were a tiny bit bigger. Love the family that runs this place. The kid at the register is quite savvy. read more

This food is true happiness. It's like surprise bike on Christmas happiness. Eat the beans and the brisket and then send me a gift for making this the best day of your life. read more

Been meaning to do a righteous review for Jay's for a minute. When you're a BBQ aficionado/connoisseur like myself, you will travel far and wide for some good Q. Happy to say I found a spot: Jay's. I live up in the Orange County/Anaheim area, so I try to get down for a visit at least once a month on the weekends. But never mind all of that...let's talk shop. The ribs are on point! Big, tender, and the sauce is fabulous. Leans more on the sweet side, which is how I like it. Top it off with the candied yams and Mac n Cheese, and within an hour, you've got a full-blown case of ITIS going on. Definitely makes the drive home a bit challenging lol. Oh, and the staff is as nice as can be...really about that customer service. Eating there reminds me of my days living in Atlanta...good food, and hospitable people. Can't go wrong here...bring your appetite! And a bib! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - These are REAL ribs, not those flimsy ones you get at Applebee's or Chili's - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Last night we had the pleasure of dining in here. A group of us from the local book club met up. Keep in mind if you come at a busy time they only have one cashier. Yams are amazing. Please try them!!! My personal fave is coke products. And they have them! Prepare for parking issues. There is only one close handicapped accessible parking space. read more

My family and I have wanted to try Jay's since they opened, but we don't eat out often, so it took us awhile to go there. I am so glad we finally went! The day we went, they were having an early Thanksgiving special, so we each decided to order that with assorted sides to share. Let me tell you, everything from the smoked turkey and ham, to the cornbread dressing, gravy, greens, Mac and cheese, and black eyed peas were out of this world! And the portions were big. We had enough leftovers for dinner and sandwiches the following day. Now we are all looking forward to going back so we can try everything else on the menu. I also have to mention how wonderful the owners and staff are. They were so warm and welcoming that it felt more like visiting a good friend than eating at a restaurant. The entire experience left me smiling for the rest of the weekend. I can't wait to go back soon. read more

Who would've thought an Alpine there would be southern barbecue joint that is so delicious! The owners are warm and inviting, the food is delicious! I couldn't stop eating! I can't wait to come back and taste some more items off the menu! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Fish and chips(fries buried under) everything was delicious and freshly made and lightly crispy. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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Excellent Brisket! Very well seasoned; no sauce needed, but if you want, they have spicy, regular & mustard (?, I believe). Family owned; Welcoming environment; and ALL the sides are Great! Grits are thick; Fries are crisp & delicious; Fried Okra is a favorite; They've got Baked Beans; Greens & Mac N Cheese. A choice of Spicy or Regular BBQ sauce; The FISH is scrumptious! All u can eat Fish Fridays, and comes w/a tasty different type of tarter sauce. Yep - I go often. EXCELLENT service every time. Oh, and now serving alcohol. GET IT YALL! read more

Good food! Finally a real bbq joint in Alpine. It's been years since Ramon's closed and I hate going down the hill for food if I can patronize locally. Jay's has yummy bbq and soul food. I cannot eat fried food so it's only bbq for me. My friends said their poboy was great and fish salad was yummy too. My brisket was delicious! The sides I had were excellent. I will return. read more

Let's start by saying that as soon as you walk in you can smell the bbq!! Got greeted by 3 different people as I walked in!! Cashier was extremely nice and quick!! On to the food!! I ordered the 2 plate with two sides!! Ribs and pulled pork with yams and greens!! All 4 items were amazing!! You must ask for the spicy sauce cause it's like crack lol!! My wife got the fish plate with fries which was yummy and way too much for one person!! Service was great and both Jay and his wife are amazing people and I can't wait to come back(In two days probably lol) please give them a try and I promise you won't be disappointed with any part of this restaurant from the service to the food I give it 5 stars!! read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Ribs, pulled pork, yams and greens with amazing spicy bbq sauce - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

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I drove for 45 minutes desperate for some home cooking on a Saturday afternoon. I thought I was going to get some macaroni & cheese, collard greens, and yams, but to my surprise the only side dishes available were french fries, potato salad, and coleslaw. Definitely not the "soul food" options that I'm used to, I could've just stayed in El Centro and ate some more Mexican food. I ordered: large bbq ribs- the sauce was good but not enough meat on the bone, and a little too well done for my taste. french fries- it looked like sweet potato fries but I think it was cooked in old grease, very greasy. Coleslaw- sample size, but was tasty. Service was just okay. I expected a more friendly atmosphere since it's in a small deserted town. I guess this place has rave reviews because there's no other options in the area. This was my first and last visit. read more

Jay's Southern Cafe - Large bbq ribs, french fries (not sweet potato), coleslaw. - Southern Near Me - Alpine, California

Jays was great! The bbq ribs were sooo tender and delish! I loved there biscuits! The were Amazing! There was only one disappointment and that was there French fries. The fries didn't taste like they were cooked all the way through. So another words they were not crunchy on the outside and soft inside. They also were not salted enough and a very small portion of fries at that! If they would change there fries it would be a great improvement! read more