There isn’t an abundance of great American restaurants in Escondido. If you don’t know that already, congratulations—you’ve never had to eat a meal in the neighborhood. But you can find good food here—it’s just harder to locate. Here are 13 places to grab a meal when you finally visit.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido
$$ | (760) 294-7866 | WEBSITE
For a welcoming American dining experience that blends craft brews with outdoor garden ambiance, check out this restaurant from the Stone Brewing team. The staff at this spot in Escondido serves delicious tacos, flavorful burgers, and beer-braised short ribs, and presents them with friendly, attentive service.
Just know that the Parmesan French fries and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls will introduce a koi pond-fire pit situation: deciding whether to explore the beautiful grounds or linger at the table is the test of any visit. If you’d rather focus on the food, Stone Brewing also has a $28 lunch special with a main, fries, and a Sapporo.
Okavango Outpost
$ | WEBSITE
Okavango Outpost occupies a spot within a park that used to be a simple concession stand. And when you step onto the patio overlooking the rhino and giraffe habitat with its weathered picnic tables and a now-unused snack counter, it will definitely feel like a place you should be grabbing a quick bite between exhibits. But the stunning view from this unique dining spot should be savored.
Everything is straightforward–from the salty rhino pretzel that starts your visit to the hearty nachos topped with chicken and cheese. The creamy mac and cheese for the kids pairs wonderfully with its buttery breadcrumb topping, and the cold beer will make you realize that you need to smuggle a pretzel into the safari tram.
The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook
$ | (760) 796-5654 | WEBSITE
If all else fails, there’s always The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook. It has consistently tasty hummus plates, shrimp nachos, chicken club sandwiches, and you’re definitely not going to miss the views of wildlife like rhinos.
Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch
$ | (760) 745-4825 | WEBSITE
You overslept after a late night, and now you’re scrambling for a satisfying brunch spot. You need to know about Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch, a charming restaurant with authentic southern flavors. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend meal, but they can handle a quicker visit without making you feel rushed through a fast-food line. Start with the fried green tomatoes or the little bowl of huckleberries with a biscuit, then make sure someone tries the popular Cajun Benedict on sourdough.
Plus, the friendly staff and accommodating space work well for families in case your whole crew decided to join last-minute.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (760) 747-7112 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a reliable meal with friends in Escondido, heading to Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is usually a smart move. This spot is the best casual one in Southern California. This place is hard to categorize—it’s not as iconic as a classic diner, as trendy as a gastropub, or as corporate as a chain. But it still serves fantastic burgers, along with onion straws and a generous avo-Cobb-o salad.
And more importantly, it will give you a satisfying, quick meal for around $15–$20 per person.
Comstock Bar & Grill
$ | (760) 746-6188 | WEBSITE
Though it’s usually not packed, a good number of people at Comstock Bar & Grill either just finished karaoke night or are gearing up for the next round. This means you’ll fit right in regardless of whether you’re a regular or a first-timer (there’s no shame in belting out your favorite tune every Monday). This welcoming American spot has a variety of delicious classics, from French toast to omelets to other breakfast favorites, along with an excellent bar selection.
Plus, since it’s open with competitive prices, it’s a great spot to visit if you’re looking for a relaxed meal after work.
The Honey Baked Ham Company
$$ | (760) 738-7570 | WEBSITE
The Honey Baked Ham Company is conveniently located with adjacent parking, so it’s easy to find a spot even when you’re picking up a holiday feast or a special occasion meal. This busy American spot knows its main audience—families gathering for celebrations and groups looking for hearty, reliable food. The ham won’t make you write poetry, but it’s delicious—from the perfectly glazed spiral-cut centerpiece to the savory leftovers that can be used to make sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
Plus, the friendly staff is extremely helpful in selecting the perfect meal for your group, and meals are served quickly even if you’re using mobility aids. Some guests might miss a favorite condiment that’s been discontinued, but overall, it’s a great choice when you need something consistently satisfying.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (760) 737-5101 | WEBSITE
This popular American chain is perfect if you want a reliable meal before catching a movie at the nearby multiplex. Chili’s Grill & Bar is right in the shopping center and the best things on the menu are the hearty entrees. We like rotating between the classic Cajun Pasta with chicken and a custom plate of sausage, rice, and asparagus. They serve a full bar, but the iced tea is a solid choice if you need something refreshing after navigating the tight shared parking lot.
The service is quick and friendly, with the waiter, senior manager, and busboy all making sure you’re taken care of, though the ambiance can get noisy when it’s busy. It’s a go-to spot we’ll definitely return to, especially on a quieter weekday.
Bellamy’s Restaurant
$$$ | (760) 747-5000 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a memorable dinner after a day exploring Rancho Bernard, book a table at Bellamy’s. Though its cozy dining room has a relaxed, classic feel with live Jazz music, this American restaurant is lively enough for a celebratory meal where lingering over dessert feels perfectly natural. Their continental menu is creative, and that’s what you should focus on while you’re here.
Our favorites are the tender herb-marinated pork loin, rich French onion soup, buttery sea bass, and desserts like the decadent butter cake.
Home Sweet Home Cafe
$ | (760) 743-2233 | WEBSITE
This hometown cafe feels like it’s been around since people still used rotary phones. Ok, it’s not quite that vintage, but it does have that fantastic old-school diner atmosphere that makes you think of small town cafes back east. You can expect excellent breakfast options like corned beef hash, Eggs Benedict, and popular choices including the country fried steak and eggs.
Come here for a casual meal before exploring something charmingly historic, like the nearby California Center for the Arts or a stroll through Grape Day Park.
Board & Brew – Escondido
$ | (760) 573-0222 | WEBSITE
Board & Brew is a highly-rated American restaurant known for its delectable sandwiches and extensive selection of craft beer. This place has great housemade potato salad, so focus on that when you’re here. It will also be full of locals, but the kind who like the Turkado more than just any sandwich.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (760) 743-6612 | WEBSITE
Applebee’s Grill + Bar is a classic American grill inside a shopping plaza in Escondido. What’s a classic American grill, you ask? Taken from their menu, it’s “a welcoming dining experience with delicious comfort food.” But it turns out it’s not just welcoming—it’s more of a chic neighborhood spot that works perfectly for a family dinner or casual date night. Plus, the food is very good, with dishes like the Fiesta Lime Chicken or sizzling steaks with grilled onions, mushrooms, and garlic butter.
The “classic” part just means that the atmosphere is really pleasant, with friendly servers like Baylee handling busy times with professionalism and care.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
$$ | (760) 466-0700 | WEBSITE
American chain restaurants in Escondido can be bland or overpriced, often both. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is neither, which is perfect if you just spent the afternoon hiking at Daley Ranch and need some real sustenance. This lively spot with its bustling weeknight atmosphere offers the delicious sampler platter, the fan-favorite BBQ chicken pizza, and the must-try BBQ Brisket and Bacon Burger that some call the best around.
Plus, your table is always handled with exceptional care by attentive staff like Samantha C., who makes even large parties feel accommodated.
