This is how you do it folks! Been here three times and we've had different dishes every time and so far everything is delicious. Service is on point, like I said I've been here three times in probably 5 months and the crazy thing is on both return trips the guy recognized me like this is the epitome of mom & pop business right here. You feel seen and you realize the money your paying for your delicious food is going to real folks and not some corporate overlord nonsense. The vibe of the place is an industrial-esque sports bar the style that was super popular during the hipster face of restauranteering where everyone was going for the stripped down minimalist aesthetic but for this place it works. They have high seats, low seats and a couple TVs playing live sports with no real obstructions. We always come at off peak hours so I'm not sure how packed it would get but this seems like a good place to catch a PPV fight or something IF they don't pack everyone in like sardines. The food, jeez I should have probably made this the start of the review the food is decadent. EVERY dish we've tried has been packed with flavor, healthy portions, and fair prices. I recommend anything on the menu but if you want to get out of your comfort zone get the balkan fries, they're so good you won't regret it! This is the kind of place you want to see in business the people rock, the food is great, and you feel like part of the community patronizing here. read more

I can't remember the name of their newest sandwich... but it smells and tastes delicious! Think of a Balkan style Philly Cheesesteak with juicy pork shoulder on a hoagie. Smothered with cheese and their Balkan feta mix, it was absolutely a winner! Once again, just the very nicest family and great customer service! read more

Old World Meat Company - Balkan style Philly Cheesesteak with Juicy Pork Shoulder - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

How good was my experience at Old World Meat Company? So good, I cried. I grew up eating Balkan food and my first bite of the cevap (minced meat sausage but there is no casing; just the meat hand-formed and grilled) tasted like "the olden days" and tears started flowing because of the happy memories and flavors it brought back. Bosko and his family own, operate, and create the menu at this restaurant and they are friendly and welcoming and passionate about the food and service they offer, and it felt like coming home. The Food: I had the Mixed Plate, which comes with grilled minced meat sausage, grilled pork shoulder and a side of coleslaw (prepared the Balkan way with oil and vinegar). I chose the Balkan toppings, so the meat was served on a naan type bread topped with the Balkan toppings which consists of white onions, kajmak (feta cheese/cream/butter spread), diced bell peppers, and ajvar (bell pepper and eggplant spread). The sausage is perfectly seasoned, the pork shoulder tender. A friend and I also shared a half-order of Balkan Fries with sausage topped with Balkan toppings. The combination of the fries, sausage and toppings is a tantalizing, mouth-watering marriage of flavors. Bosko brought a sample of the chicken since we hadn't ordered it and it was full of flavor and oh so tender. If you've never had Balkan food, you are in for a very delicious treat. The first time you eat here, I suggest you get the Mixed Plate with Balkan Toppings. Ask them to add a side of chicken to your plate so you can sample that too. I think you'll find you've died and gone to Balkan heaven. If you want to know what every person of Balkan heritage grew up eating, this is what we were eating. The Drink: They offer a good variety of beers on tap, both local brews and name-brand. Soft drinks and iced tea are self-serve. Nice. The Ambiance: The restaurant is located in an older, tiny little shopping mall almost at the end of East Valley Parkway. Bosko's father bought the building back in the 70s so this is a location that is near and dear to Bosko's heart. As you first walk up to the restaurant, the first thing you notice is the wonderful smell of the smoker filling the air with the unmistakable scent of good-meat-things-happening. Taste buds, get ready for a grand ride. There are picnic tables outside but it was a warm day and we wanted to sit inside. Inside you are greeted with a clean, open and welcoming space, newly decorated with bright white tile in the kitchen and service area, and rustic wood boards on the wall. Seating is at either picnic-style tables or taller tables with stools. Two TV sets were airing sports programs, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. The ceiling features open duct work that's shiny and new and there's corrugated metal sheet on the bottom half of the walls, which all together makes the place feel fresh and warm and comfortable. The menu is easy to read and straight-forward. While we were there, a softball team was hosting their end-of-year party. The place was full to the rafters but we never felt like it was too many people or too loud. Value: The prices are extremely reasonable. Let's just say my eyeballs didn't pop out of their sockets like they do at some restaurants. Everyone in my party was pleased with the portion sizes, and we all felt like we got more than what we paid for in terms of the quality of the food and the taste of the food. Catering: Bosko was telling us a little about how he came around to opening the restaurant and we learned that before this he did catering, serving whole roasted pig, lamb, sausages. He shared that they are going to cater for an event that will have 1,200 people!! The softball team I mentioned in "The Ambiance" section had their food catered in-house by Bosko. They had hero sandwiches which looked fresh and delicious and fully loaded with deli ham, turkey and toppings. These were served with fries and a green salad. Old World Meat Co also caters the traditional Balkan foods they serve at the restaurant, which would make any party a hit with guests. Bosko is passionate about his food and culture and is eager to share it with people, so if you have a party coming up, give Bosko a call and see what he can do for you. Take Some Home: You can purchase a package of frozen sausages to take home with you. I forgot to ask if they come pre-cooked or if you grill them yourself. But either way, they would be a great addition to any meal you serve at home. Final Thoughts: Do yourself a favor. Come and partake of this oh so delicious food and I think you will find yourself wanting to come back again and again. The food. The ambiance. The value. The nicest people you'll ever meet. Old World Meat Company is the whole package. A five-star experience for sure. read more

First time here. Decided on a burger American style. When my food arrived first impressions were that the food looked great. Then I took a bite. My "burger" was missing the meat. Casually mentioned it and we all got a great laugh out of it. When my corrected burger showed up with meat and was nice and hot. The patty is a mix of beef and pork but it just didn't appeal to me. It had a great charred flavor but didn't taste like I like a burger to taste. Ground beef is my preference. Maybe go with 1/2 beef and 1/2 bacon? Just preference and not a bearing of the quality of the food. Anyway, it was tasty and I enjoyed it. Next time I'll probably try one of their smoked options as the place smelled really good. Good people, friendly service too. The restaurant was clean and is good sized with family style seating. read more

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For the long weekend, I was looking for some BBQ places and stumbled upon this place! Got the mixed plate Balkan style. The mixed plate had beef and pork sausages along with some pork shoulder served on a pita bread and coleslaw! What is Balkan style? Onions, Bell Peppers, Sweet Bell Pepper Spread, and Butter/Feta/Cream Cheese Spread. I thought it sounded interesting, so of course I had to try it! There was quite a bit of meat and definitely filled my tummy! It was so good! I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Old World Meat Company - Inside the restaurant - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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Friendly service, quick wait for food, clean and open establishment, ample seating. Overall, a pretty cool spot. I got the mixed meat plate Balkan style so that I could try everything. Both the price point and the portions were generous. I really enjoyed what I ordered. I'd give it a 7.5/10 with a ten being the best food I've ever had. My mom got a basic Italian sandwich and I think she's probably going to branch out and try something different next time. read more

Old World Meat Company - Mixed meat plate Balkan style with potato salad - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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Oh yum! First time here so we tried a chicken plate and mix plate, one with the Cole slaw, one with fries. Meats were so tasty with just the right amount of bbq sauce, served on a delicious pita topped with a small amount of diced sweet onion. Slaw is more like a salad with oil and vinegar which I found to be delicious. Great balance with the bbq sauce. A big portion. Fries were delicious, perfectly done and an ample amount. We dined in and enjoyed the dining area with plenty of seating for large groups .coke products to serve yourself on the fountain machine. Bathrooms were also easy to find and clean. Friendly staff and many diners like us were saying it was their first time here which I love - support small family owned businesses! read more

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The hubs found this place because he was looking for places to eat in Escondido. He loves this sort of place so we decided to try it out. We came right when they opened. Lots of parking, lots of seating, and nice open space. The menu is very simple and has good options for everyone. It's a small family business and we love supporting these sort of establishments. The owners were super friendly and they gave suggestions on what to order. They also explained what was what and they were super helpful. We ordered a large Balkan fries with chicken. That chicken was so flavorful. It was also cooked so well because it was juicy. The toppings on top of the fries gave the dish so much flavor and different textures. The fries were also excellent. It was nice and crispy and man, I would go back just for the fries. The hubs got the mixed plate. It had such god coleslaw because it's just oil and vinegar and some seasonings. It was refreshing and had a great crunch. I prefer this kind of slaw over the one that's made with mayo. Per the hubs, the mix plate was enjoyable. He really liked it because it was something different and you don't normally get at other places. The meat was cooked well, had good flavor and not salty. Overall, it was such a great experience. The space was great, the food was delicious, the price was right, the portions were good, and they cater! We definitely want to go back to try their other dishes. So so good! read more

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If you love supporting local businesses in Escondido, especially when the food and hospitality are both this good, you have to visit Old World Meat Company. You'll be supporting a great local family business and getting some seriously good, Balkan food in the process. Definitely worth a visit! Highly recommend. read more

Incredibly friendly staff and delicious food. Came in at a slower tine and still felt like i got tip top quality food. Had the 4 rib combo and the valley sandwich. Great portions for the price too. Not skimping at all like some places. Will definitely be back read more

Old World Meat Company - Valley sandwich - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

Excellent customer service, great value & very delicious food. Homey western decor & 2 big tvsà read more

Made the drive down from the San Gabriel Valley today. My first visit, but decided to take my son as he was here from New Mexico to his favorite place . Great spot to meet up with family and friends, and we did just that. DELICIOUS and the most incredible service. We had the beef ribs and the Balkan Fries. The ribs were so good. I didn't get a chance to take a picture. The fries were off the charts . Thank you for a great meal,great service and an incredible experience. We'll be back ! read more

Old World Meat Company - Balkan Fries - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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Succulent meats, great flavor, and great service! We ordered a little bit of everything on the menu. Portions were generous. There is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors - the outdoor patio was a great spot for the kids. Can't wait to come back for some more Balkan style goodness. read more

I don't understand the reviews. It's like they're for a different restaurant. This place should be called Old World Sausage Company. I was craving some BBQ as we drove buy. The big "Barbeque" sign and the smoker out front caught my attention, so my wife and I went in and asked what BBQ they had. We were told they only had sausage. Even the hamburger was made with sliced sausage. I asked what was in the smoker out front and the girl at the counter (who said she was part of the owners family) had no idea, but they don't sell any BBQ, only sausage. So, we ordered the "hamburgers". I guess if you're a sausage person you might say it was pretty good. I was disappointed. Look closely at the pics of the menus. You will see I am right. Everything (except the cold sandwiches is sausage. NO Barbeque! As far as atmosphere... the seating is a bunch of picnic tables. No character to the place. A bunch of old kitchen equipment is stored all over the place. read more

Saw the bright red canopy and outdoor seating on The way home. Told my hubby there's a new place - let's go try it out. Come to find out it wasn't new, it has been tucked away into a very small strip mall until now. With their new location and bright colors ..there she's stands! A place with rustic type decor, nice long tables, two big screen TV for sports and great oldies music playing in the kitchen area. We went for an early dinner, so only one other customer inside. We Viewed to the menu ahead of time and we knew exactly what we wanted... burger dog American style. We had shared fries. A nice lady was at the counter ready to assist us. In 10-15 minutes, here she comes with our meal. First impression are always the best and the look of this dog didn't disappoint. My mouth was watering! The Sausage dog made of beef and pork was covered with all the yummy things. My bun fell apart- and it was just fine because the bread is not the star! My first bite was wonderful. The dog itself had wonderful flavor and toppings. The Skinny fries were good not too greasy. In my opinion, I would say it's up there with a Chicago dog- and maybe even better because of the sausage. We will certainly return with family or friends in two! read more

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A must try in Escondido! We found this place while looking for local restaurants after our visit to the Safari Park. A family owned restaurant with the nicest people, this restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall with a great outdoor patio and a beautiful interior. The menu had my husband at meat plates but it has a little something for everybody. Our teen loved that their burger was on a non traditional ciabatta bun ( her fave) and I enjoyed their sandwich options. Meat plate included pita bread and feta cheese in the mix a nice surprise. We highly recommend and will definitely be back! read more

Old World Meat Company - Burger and fries - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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Perfect little spot. Fresh food. Friendly family owned. Will definitely be coming back again. Best spot in the Escondido. read more

Old World Meat Company - Italian sub - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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I had gone here with my husband some time ago but had never written a review. I got the burger dog Balkan style and it was delicious. My husband got the sausage plate, which he also said was very good. Ever since then, I had wanted to go back and so I asked my sister if she'd like to go and told her how good it was. She wanted to try it so we went yesterday and based on my recommendation, she and I both had the burger dog Balkan style. I have to say it was a major disappointment! While the sausage was good, it was overshadowed and essentially ruined by the fact that the bun was cold...not just cool, but cold like it came right out of the refrigerator. The same thing was true of the red pepper Balkan-style topping. I understand they can't warm the sour cream/feta topping, but the bun and peppers should be warm. My sister asked if it was like that the first time I tried it and I said absolutely not...I would've said it was just meh and never recommended it to anyone if it was. It's definitely a bummer to recommend something, then have it turn out to be such a letdown! Sadly, after this last experience, I won't be returning and definitely won't be recommending it to anyone. read more

Tucked away on the east side of Escondido, stopped in for a quick lunch to find the soccer game on, and a good atmosphere of people enjoying food and the game. Customer service was great, the cashier helped us make a great decision on what to try for our first time here. Balkan style is the way to go! I ordered the pork plate and it was very filling! The quantity and quality of the food was so good for the price you pay. We were both pleasantly full by the end of our meal. read more

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Food is great and the portions are unbelievable. Service is beyond comparable... They definitely treat you like you are part of their family. It has sports on for those arm chair athletes. read more

Bosko and Laura always come through for our family whenever we need them. Their food consistently exceeds our expectations, and we know we can count on them whenever we're entertaining. We especially love their ćevapi and kajmak--two Serbian specialties we simply can't live without! They've helped us on countless occasions and always go above and beyond to provide everything we need, and then some. Thank you, Old World Meat Co., for your exceptional food and incredible service! read more

This family owned and operated casual dining restaurant is a delight! I frequent this restaurant with my family several times a month and have always had a consistently positive experience. For those of us from the Balkans, (or anyone who appreciates Balkan cuisine), this place is something incredibly rare. San Diego has very few places where you can find authentic Balkan sausages, ćevapi, smoked meats, and other specialties that taste like home. It fills a huge gap in the local food scene. The sausages are made with traditional recipes and flavors that you simply won't find at a typical barbecue restaurant. That's exactly why many of us keep coming back. As for the atmosphere, it's simple and unpretentious. The rustic setting feels more like a family-run market and grill than a chain restaurant, and that's part of its charm. If you're looking for authentic Balkan food (plus additional offerings - check out their menu for the smoked rib specials and various sandwiches), something that's incredibly difficult to find anywhere near San Diego, this restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves to be appreciated for what it is. read more

Old World Meat Company is hands down our favorite place for lunch or dinner in North county. The burger served balkan style is my favorite item on the menu. The patty is a delicious beef and pork blend that is super juicy, flavorful and is served on a fresh ciabatta roll. The feta cheese and bell pepper eggplant spreads go together great and is unlike any other burger I've had. The flavors are fresh, slightly sweet, and I have not found a burger like it. Get there early to get the ribs. They came out party style and covered with a smokey, sticky bbq sauce. The meat came off the bone easily and I couldn't get enough. Their newest item, the Valley sandwich, is gunning for the balkan burger's number one spot. I get it with the pork shoulder and meat is tender and flavorful without falling apart. I get mine with as much pepperoncini as I can. Old World serves up the only coleslaw that I have found to like. Very basic vinegar based slaw with black pepper and cabbage. It pairs well with all of the menu items and rounds out the meal well. They have 4 big screen TVs that will regularly be showing Padres games, golf tournamnets, NBA and a host of other sports. You can sit comfortably by yourself, bring in a group of ten or be anywhere in between. The patio almost always has a smoker going cranking out that beautiful BBQ smoke smell. We look forward to going and chatting with the owner and his family. Bosko, Laura and all of their kids have great attitudes, come out to check in on how you are enjoying the food, the experience, and how you have been. They take immense pride in their food, their heritage, their city and, being a local, I absolutely love to see it. If you are looking for a local gem to take friends, family, out-of-town visitors, or just yourself for a delicious, filling, new and family friendly place, I can not recommend Old World Meat Company enough. read more

Visited 2/28/2025 Wow I'm so lucky I ran across this place. I Was Amazed how Tasty Old World is. It's a whole different Style of Ground Beef Sandwiches. A mixture of Beef, Pork and Specialty Spices not found anywhere else that I've found. A cross from Burger to Sausage to Hotdogs in Flavor. Quite Unique and Addictive to your palette I Suggest Trying Everything But For Sure Try The Old World All American Burger Dog and The Balkan Style Dog. Both are Amazing and a great Value for The Price. For those that like sausages Definitely Try The Sausage Plate. A Harty Serving of Old World Sausages and Condiments with a Fresh Pita and House Made Coleslaw. Very Filling and Satisfying. This Family Run Place is a must Try for All Foodies. read more

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They have got one of the BEST chicken sandwiches I've ever had in my life. Super welcoming mom and pop business with a great atmosphere/service . Would definitely recommend to anyone especially if you're an Escondido local. Owner Bosco is super nice! read more

Old World Meat Company - Valley chicken sandwich - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

Hidden gem in Escondido serving delicious BBQ. It was my first time so I had to try the sausage plate, cole slaw and fries. Sausages were so juicy and tasty. I love that everything is made in house by the owners. It's a mom and pop shop so they are cooking in the kitchen while their son is taking orders. They were very friendly and welcoming. You can tell they love being there. The cole slaw was very vinegar forward which I liked, and the fries reminded me of McDonald's fries They have a few beers on tap so I got a .394 which tasted fresh. Big restaurant with lots of tables and a couple TVs to watch sports (including Padres games). Clean and great atmosphere to go with the family or friends. Looking forward to going back! read more

Old World Meat Company - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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At Johns Auto Pros, we send our customers to Old World Meat Market while they wait for their vehicles to be serviced--and our staff loves going there too! Everyone enjoys the great quality, selection, and friendly customer service. We highly recommend them! Michael read more

Thank you Yelp! We left SD safari park and were looking for a lunch spot. Of course, I checked Yelp for recommendations and found this GEM. Our family focuses on protein, the title caught my eye. It didn't disappoint. We were met by Laura (one of the owners), The place has beautiful word work and exposed beams, it's very clean. Laura took our order, we ordered her recommended items, they hit the bullseye! The entrees were generously sized, cooked to order, and delicious!! My son had the sausage plate- 5/5 with generous side of coleslaw. I ordered the Greek salad with chicken. For the salad it had spring greens which is a premium. The chicken was melt in your mouth delicious 5/5. My husband had the anti pasto salad which was delicious too. 5/5. We also ordered a side of fries which was a generous portion as well. I wish we had a place like this in Huntington Beach. The charm, the service, the food and the attention to detail was very evident. Hurry and get over to them, you will be delighted! read more

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Where to start?! Upon entering the restaurant (after discovering it on Yelp), I was greeted by multiple employees which made me feel very welcome. At the counter I was met by Nick who helped me figure out what to order and set me up with a full rack of ribs which is what brought me to the restaurant in the first. I gotta add, the smell... I felt like one of those cartoon characters that get drawn in by the scent trail lol AMAZING. Anyway. After Nick set me up, Bosco greeted me and made me feel like a friend. I've never had such an experience in a restaurant. I'll be back to this lovely place for sure! I wrote the above before I got home to feast upon this glorious assortment of goodness. I gotta get back to eating but the food is ON POINT! read more

Old World Meat Company - Amazingness - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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I just attended a picnic that was catered by Old World Meat Company. The chicken was all meat without any fat or gristle on it. It was so flavorful that it did not need any sauce, but the sauces provided were quite delicious. The team serving the food served generous portions and they were all so friendly. I'm looking forward to our annual picnic next year and will be popping in for lunch at OWMC for more of that chicken until then. read more

Friendly customer service, a mixed Balkan plate, cold beer, and live tv's wound up a better deal than a drive through. I'm glad the smoker drew me in. read more

We stopped by old world meat company for lunch on a Thursday. The interior is so nice and cozy, especially compared to the unassuming exterior and strip mall location. This is a family run business and it shows in their kind, welcoming service. The owner Bosco stopped by our table and chatted and was so kind and personable. He truly cares about his customers. The prices are fair and the food was excellent. The kamjak is so addicting and indulgent! I would love to see them add Greek style to their Balkan, all American, and BBQ styles. I would get a Greek chicken pita plate with fries every day! The meats are so flavorful and the portions are generous. Can't wait to return! Truly a local gem! read more

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Every-time I go in the food is always amazing and the portions are big. Top quality food and the owners are always the nicest people. Highly recommend the Italian sub "hot" and the half order of Balkan fries with chicken. This is a weekly stop for me. read more

Old World Meat Company - 1/2 order of Balkan Fries with Chicken. - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

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i ordered the sausage plate and the flavors were absolutely amazing. the balkan fries on the side were so good that i ate every single bite.

My mom and I went to old world meat Company today. It's a family owned business with a community vibe. Bosco, Laura, and crew treat their customers like their friends. The food was delicious. Mom and I shared an Italian sandwich and some french fries. The cost is very reasonable for the quality and amount. The sub sandwich was the best I've had in years. The french fries were delicious. The restaurant was spacious and clean. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. I can't wait to go back and try more items on their menu. read more

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Update - their new expanded space is open and it's BEAUTIFUL !! In the same shopping center, but across the street. What an awesome space for a casual hangout or family gathering! Congrats OWMC Team!! read more

Old World Meat Company - Hot dog - Balkan style ! - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

I'm not easily impressed, but was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and friendly owners of Old World Meat Company and their authentic Baltic cuisine. Can't wait to come back on the weekend to try out their baby back ribs! Great indoor seating too! read more

This place is the absolute TRUTH. One of the best lunches I've ever had in my life. Best flavor, best portions, best value, best service. The owners are right there with you and have the best energy as well, but the showstopper is the food. I got the mixed plate and the amount of food for how much I paid is insane, it felt like I was robbing them. Don't think about coming here, just come here and tell all your friends about it after. read more

Old World Meat Company - Mix plate - Meat Shops Near Me - Escondido, California

This place it's really good! They moved across the parking lot to a new and bigger space. It's very open and bright, a few TVs to watch sports and lots of seating option. You order at the counter, the staff member Nick was very friendly and welcoming. I got the chicken plate with fries and my husband got the combo plate, both were amazing. read more

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Hands down one of the best new restaurants in Escondido! Not just a meat company but rather a family owned restaurant serving the BEST sausages and grilled meats. Upon entering, we were entertained by a small band playing traditional Eastern European music. At the counter we were warmly greeted by one of the owners, Laura who described their menu items and we got to see some delicious entrees being served. We were really impressed by how Laura accommodated us when my husband ordered an entree that wasn't currently being prepared but she made it for him anyways! Our food came out quickly and was delicious! Their Balkan fries with sausage was top notch. I got the half order and it was huge! The ambience was warm and family friendly. Lots of seating and also outdoor dining for you and your fur babies. The owner Bosco came over and chatted with us and we were happy to learn he is a fellow Orange Glen alumni! We shared fun stories from growing up in Escondido and we loved hearing about his events he holds at the restaurant supporting local school's sports teams. This is genuinely a great place with awesome people! We will definitely return time and time again! They also cater! Looking forward to their 80's night too. Heads up on the location. If you blink you could drive right past them, so keep your eyes peeled. read more