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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Chula Vista

American food

A meal that captures the classic American spirit without feeling like a tired chain restaurant.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Little Italy Ristorante, Chula Vista in San Diego image 1
Little Italy Ristorante, Chula Vista in San Diego image 2
Little Italy Ristorante, Chula Vista in San Diego image 3
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Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with soft, calm music and classic Italian decor featuring photos of Canali di Venezia. The vibe is warm and inviting, blending old-school movie style with real Italian charm. Guests enjoy a relaxing setting that feels like dining in an authentic Italian neighborhood.

Food comes out hot and flavorful with quick service. The zitti pasta loaded with cheese stands out, and overall dishes deliver a fantastic taste true to a 5-star rating.

Chicken wings stand out as a highlight with strong flavor. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich offers a solid, classic taste. Pizza also ranks among the notable options.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is served by the most amazing, friendly, and attentive staff."

"You have to try the fettuccine Alfredo; it's the best food I've ever had."

"I ordered the Philly cheesesteak sandwich; it was very good."

Good to know

1

They are open late until midnight.

2

Happy hour specials are available; check for specific times.

3

A small Caesar pizza costs around $20 when ordered through mobile apps.

02
Jollibee image 1
Chicken restaurant

Spacious dining area with communal seating offers a quiet, positive vibe. Food arrives quickly and features crispy, juicy fried chicken alongside sweet, cheesy spaghetti. Cleanliness stands out compared to other fast food spots.

Food arrives hot and fresh with quick service, especially at the drive-thru. The three-piece chicken dinner is less oily than typical fast food, and the overall quality stays consistent with freshness and taste.

Fried chicken stands out with a crispy, satisfying flavor that pairs well with the original taste spaghetti. Burger steaks come with gravy and mushrooms, adding a hearty American twist.

People are saying

"You have to try the peach mango pie; it's a great snack."

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

"I thought the fried chicken here was the best."

Good to know

1

The food comes out quickly from the drive-thru.

2

There is a good deal on a bucket of 12 pieces of chicken for $27.

3

The pies cost $3 each.

03
The Balboa South image 1

Spacious dining area styled like a microbrewery with dim lighting and dark furniture creates a relaxed, casual vibe. Large screen TVs and two outdoor patios support family gatherings and social events. Music plays loudly, energizing the space while steady service maintains a chill atmosphere.

Food features great taste and outstanding quality with careful attention to allergies. Service includes a shift to full service dining and attentive bartenders enhancing the experience.

Hamburgers come made to order with tender meat and buns like cumulus clouds. The cheeseburgers are juicy, well seasoned, and cooked just right, often paired with garlic fries.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be the freshest and most flavorful."

"The food here is phenomenal, with incredible flavors."

"You have to try their juicy, flavorful American food burgers."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned, with all food made in-house.

2

Street meter parking is available for 25 cents per 30 minutes.

3

The restaurant is pet-friendly and has a special dog menu.

04
Caliano Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizzeria with authentic New York style pizza and retro arcade games creates a chill, family-like vibe. Several TVs show sports, and cold, affordable beer is available on tap. Seating is ample despite the shop's size, making it easy to find a spot even during lively times.

Food comes out fresh and hot with consistently great quality. Prices match the delicious and satisfying meals served by a hardworking team.

Cheeseburgers stand out with savory patties and well-matched toppings on both regular and deluxe versions. Buffalo wings come with little breading and strong flavor. Classic New York style pizza also features on the menu.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was absolutely delicious."

"The food, especially the pizza, was surprisingly good and amazing."

"The American food, especially the pizza, is delicious."

Good to know

1

They sell slices, which is rare around here.

2

The pizza takes about 2 hours to come out.

3

I paid $10 for two slices and a drink.

05
iWok Chinese Kitchen image 1
Chinese restaurant

Chinese kitchen with hard seating designed for eat-and-go style offers an inviting, chill atmosphere after school and work. The place stays clean and well-maintained, serving large portions at reasonable prices with a focus on takeout.

Food tastes consistently fresh and maintains high quality even during late takeout orders. The Chinese dishes offer amazing flavor that stands out compared to other places.

Chicken wings stand out as the main dish here. They come in full trays and are consistently described as amazing and a family favorite.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was fantastic and tasted super fresh."

"The fried rice here is fantastic and well seasoned."

"Their American Food chicken wings are amazing and the best out there."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for pre-orders, especially for chicken wings.

2

The portions are large and reasonably priced.

3

Takeout options are available for all dishes.

06
In-N-Out Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Clean, modern hamburger restaurant with a quiet, cool atmosphere and fast delivery. Crowds form due to limited seating and long drive-thru lines, making indoor dining or counter ordering preferable. Burgers stand out for their fresh ingredients and consistent quality.

Food arrives hot and fresh in under 15 minutes, consistently delicious and affordable. Burgers stand out with excellent quality and taste.

Hamburgers stand out for being simple, fresh, and very flavorful. The double cheeseburger and animal style fries are popular choices, with grilled onions adding extra taste.

People are saying

"I thought their hamburgers were the best, simple and fresh."

"I thought the food was excellent and tasted fresh."

"Their American food, especially the hamburgers, is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

2

Parking is limited and can be challenging due to high traffic.

3

Seating is often limited, especially during busy times.

07
Captain Sam's Fish & Chicken image 1

Corner store setup inside a liquor shop creates a deli-style atmosphere without seating. Fried seafood and chicken stand out with crispy batter and fresh frying techniques. Prices lean toward the higher side, and the vibe is casual and straightforward near the sea.

Food comes out fresh and hot with super flavorful southern fried style. Meals stay affordable and taste consistent across locations.

Fried chicken stands out with flavorful southern style and crispy tenders. Meals include fries and coleslaw, which is tasty but a bit overdressed.

People are saying

"The seafood here is delicious and incredibly flavorful."

"I'd eat Captain Sam's fried chicken every day if it were healthy."

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Captain Sam's Fish & Chicken is a take-out only restaurant with no dine-in options.

2

Debit and credit card transactions incur an extra 50 cents; cash is preferred.

3

The lunch meal costs around $10, which is considered affordable.

08
Wienerschnitzel image 1
Fast food restaurant

Indoor dining offers a clean, casual atmosphere with spooky decorations and a friendly, chill vibe. The place is dog friendly and known for made-to-order hot dogs and chili dogs. It stays quiet and not busy, making it a relaxed spot to sit and eat.

Food comes out hot and fresh with plenty of it. The quality stays consistent and delicious, making it a solid spot for comfort food and nostalgia.

Hot dogs stand out with all beef options and a unique way of slicing. Chili cheese fries and corn dogs pair well, creating a classic combo. Hamburgers also hold their own among the offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be always great and fresh."

"I loved the chili dogs and chili cheese fries here."

"Their chili cheese dogs and fries are so good."

Good to know

1

Wienerschnitzel is the only original location left in Chula Vista.

2

Dining in allows you to enjoy fresh food.

3

The restaurant is clean and efficient.

09
bb.q Chicken Chula Vista image 1

Tiny, clean space plays K-pop on TVs with a clear sound system, creating a casual vibe. Korean fried chicken stands out with huge portions and affordable prices, attracting those seeking flavorful, crunchy dishes. Sapporo on tap adds a distinctive touch to the dining experience.

Korean fried chicken tastes just like in Korea, always freshly prepared and hot. The food is consistently delicious and pairs well with great service and a satisfying atmosphere.

Chicken wings have an extra crunch and strong flavor. Honey Garlic Chicken pairs well with creamy coleslaw and sweet potato fries. Fried chicken stays moist and tasty.

People are saying

"The food here is so crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor."

"The Kalbi wings are juicy, crunchy, and smoky."

"The American Food here, especially the chicken, is super crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

The wait to pick up food can be about 45 minutes to an hour.

2

Online ordering is easy and often ready earlier than estimated.

3

Parking is convenient and not an issue at all.

10
Brewjeria Taproom & Kitchen image 1

Underground space with an open-air concept hosts live rock bands and rotating local art shows, creating a strong sense of community. The atmosphere stays lively and welcoming from day to night, with Padres games often playing on screens. Handmade tortillas and craft beers complement the vibrant setting.

Food here stands out with delicious carnitas tacos and consistently fantastic dishes. Both food and drinks regularly exceed expectations.

Lamb hamburger stands out as very juicy and costs $16. Carne Asada Nachos and surf and turf tacos offer solid options. Mole tater tots come in a large portion and are good.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious, especially the carnitas."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

"The burlesque shows here are top-notch and truly amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times for food during busy hours, especially on weekends.

2

Half Off Tacos are available on certain days, check the schedule.

3

The venue hosts unique events like the Beautiful Bodies Burlesque show regularly.

11
Grind House image 1
Coffee shop

Small, dark, industrial space with graffiti and skateboards on walls creates a laid-back, chill vibe. Music ranges from solid background tunes to loud DJ sets, enhancing the open-air seating experience. Puppy-friendly atmosphere with complimentary treats adds a welcoming touch.

Fantastic coffee pairs with breakfast and lunch options that satisfy. Staff bring experience to every order, making food and drinks consistently awesome.

Grilled cheese sandwiches stand out with multiple cheeses and bacon in the deluxe version. The sandwiches have a rich, satisfying flavor that highlights classic American comfort food.

People are saying

"The coffee staff here is super friendly and always knew my order."

"I found the food and coffee to be delicious."

"This American Food's grilled cheese is so good, I wish everyone knew how to make it."

Good to know

1

If street parking is unavailable, there is a big pay-to-park lot in the back.

2

Parking meters cost only 50 cents to park.

3

Grind House offers a versatile menu with various flavors of coffee, matcha, and teas.

12
The Search Bar & Restaurant image 1

Open concept space blends indoor and outdoor areas with multiple TV screens showing sports. Upbeat atmosphere features live DJ music and encourages singing and dancing, attracting a young, lively crowd. Family-friendly booths and tables offer a welcoming environment amid a modern vibe.

Finger foods like cauliflower, nachos, and loaded fries stand out for their taste. The menu offers a variety with fresh ingredients and good seasoning, making the food consistently delicious.

Wings, burgers, and tater tots come out hot and cooked well. Finger foods like cauliflower, nachos, and loaded fries taste good, but the chicken wings are average.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always amazing."

"The bar staff, especially Kayla, are super friendly and accommodating."

"The American food, especially the burgers and wings, is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 6 p.m. on event nights.

2

Cornhole night happens every Tuesday with a lively atmosphere.

3

Dancing starts after 10 p.m. when the DJ arrives.

13
Family House of Pancakes image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small, crowded space with an open kitchen and 1960s diner decor creates a family-style atmosphere. Noise levels are high with loud conversations and a packed, lively vibe. The setting feels homey but cramped, making it a bustling spot for breakfast.

Food here features big portions and excellent quality. Meals consistently come out delicious and satisfying.

Home-style cooking features large portions and crispy hash browns. Eggs Benedict comes out fast and stands out for its quality. Steak and eggs impress with good steak quality. Grits offer a healthy option.

People are saying

"The breakfast portions here are massive and so flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and the portions are huge."

"The American food here has huge, satisfying portions and great flavor."

Good to know

1

An omelet costs $21, scrambled eggs cost $18, and coffee is $3.50.

2

The portions are huge, providing good value for the price.

3

Parking can be difficult in the area.

14
Galu Café and Delicatessen image 1

Small coffee shop with outdoor seating and a family-like atmosphere creates a cozy vibe despite cramped space. Loud order shouting and a TikTok-heavy playlist add an overstimulating edge. Patio offers sunlit relaxation but can feel less peaceful due to flies and limited shade.

Food here is gourmet quality with great prices. Drinks and dishes come made to order and to perfection, featuring standout items like the banana crème latte and matcha.

Reuben sandwich stands out with its classic flavors. The grilled cheese pairs well with tomato soup and earns high marks.

People are saying

"The cafe's coffee and matcha are genuinely the best, rich and smooth."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I always came back for the grilled cheese with tomato soup."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be hard to find nearby.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

3

The café has no inside seating, only outdoor tables.

15
Grater Grilled Cheese image 1

Sandwich shop offers gourmet grilled cheese with generous portions and an urban, cozy atmosphere. The menu includes specialty mac and cheese and sandwiches with unique twists like lobster and pastrami. The vibe is casual and lunch-focused, attracting those who appreciate upscale comfort food.

Food features great quality and delicious sandwiches and fries. Meals come very filling with sauces that enhance the flavor.

Grilled cheese sandwiches stand out with options like lobster grilled cheese and Fiery Torta. Mac and cheese dishes, especially the lobster mac and cheese, offer rich, savory flavors.

People are saying

"I experienced the best grilled cheese I ever had."

"The grilled cheese sandwiches here are delicious and saved the experience."

"I've never had a grilled cheese this delicious before."

Good to know

1

The menu features a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches and gourmet sides.

2

Prices for sandwiches start at $8.99 for the build-your-own option.

3

Online ordering is available and easy to use.

16
Board & Brew - Eastlake image 1

Restaurant combines indoor and outdoor seating with a loud, crowded atmosphere featuring skateboards in the dining area and a separate beer section. It attracts families and kids who blend into the lively noise, while offering a variety of craft beers and classic sandwiches known for their freshness and flavor.

Food offers excellent taste with consistently delicious options. The setting includes skateboards in the dining area and a separate beer section, adding to the vibe while enjoying the meals.

Fresh and filling sandwiches like the California Delight stand out. The Cobb Salad is consistently delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the craft beer, especially the Turkado and Dos Copas Lager."

"The food here is delicious and always well-prepared."

"The American Food here, like the Cobb salad, is delicious and super filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches and California beers.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere suitable for families and groups.

17
Vogue Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Small space with Star Wars-themed decor and plenty of televisions creates a bohemian, lively atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating offer options, with a dog-friendly environment and a positive energy that suits sports fans and trivia nights.

Food here stands out for its excellent quality and delicious flavors. Staff pay close attention to serving both food and drinks with attentive service.

Crispy tater tots stand out alongside buffalo wings and fish tacos. The menu also features a German sausage sandwich, pulled pork BBQ burger, and chicken schnitzel.

People are saying

"The beer selection here is great, especially the German varieties."

"I thought the food here was awesome."

"I thought the smash burger sliders were sinfully delish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Mondays with $5 beer specials.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Happy hour is available from Monday to Friday, 3-6 pm.

18
Buffalo wing star image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Small chicken wing spot combines drive-thru and car wash for convenience. Atmosphere feels awkward with limited parking shared with car wash. Known for buffalo fries and large wing portions with flavorful sauces.

Food here is consistently good to great with amazing prices for the quantity and quality served. The menu features fire flavors that stand out during every visit.

Buffalo wings stand out with a rich buttery flavor, though sometimes chicken thighs arrive instead of wings. Pulled pork fries offer a tasty twist and get consistent praise for their flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be straight up fire."

"I tried the buffalo wings and fries; they were pretty good."

"The buffalo wings and pulled pork fries are amazing American food."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult as the lot is shared with a car wash.

2

Prices are great for the quantity and quality of food offered.

3

Portion sizes are generous, especially for wings.

19
Denny's image 1
Restaurant

Classic diner with vintage style and cozy booths offers a bright, clean setting. Atmosphere ranges from friendly and inviting to occasionally disrupted by loud music. Open 24 hours, it serves good value breakfast with notable pancakes and omelets.

Food arrives fresh and delicious, served exactly as ordered. Service is quick and attentive, with staff checking in regularly.

Juicy hamburgers stand out, especially the bacon avocado cheeseburger and sampler. Late-night options include a club sandwich, and boneless chicken wings offer a moist, tasty choice. The seasonal Pumpkin Pie Milkshake is rich and creamy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The staff here is so Kid Friendly, always greeting you with a warm smile."

"The American Food here is great, thanks to attentive service."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Denny's on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

2

Friday nights are particularly busy, expect longer wait times.

3

The wait time for food can be long during peak hours.

20
Agave Grill & Café image 1

Cafe combines chic lounge design with a comfortable booth seating and a spacious patio. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suited for relaxed meals or casual gatherings. Amenities include a coffee bar and power bank rentals, supporting both leisure and work.

Food here is consistently delicious with dishes like Chilaquiles prepared just right. Staff provide great service alongside the tasty meals.

Steak and eggs come with a choice of how the steak is cooked, offering a flavorful start. Tater tots and sweet potato fries are fresh and crispy, often paired with breakfast items like the croissant.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented."

"The breakfast chipotle chilaquiles have a creamy, spicy sauce."

"The American food here is always fresh and flavorful, especially the tater tots."

Good to know

1

There is parking available in the back.

2

Agave Grill & Café offered free parking.

3

The breakfast cost $20-$30 per person.

21
Lime in the Coconut image 1

Restaurant combines tropical and midcentury modern tiki decor with a cozy lounge area and bright, casual setting. Atmosphere stays low key and stylish, suited for relaxed nights with friends. Speakeasy in back adds a secretive, exclusive vibe requiring reservation or password.

Food here is consistently awesome and very good. Happy hour offers $7 mai tais and aloha margaritas alongside a variety of dishes.

Wonton ahi tuna nachos stand out with their unique twist and strong flavor. Wings and chicken sandwich also deliver solid classic American tastes, while pulled pork is not available.

People are saying

"The Speakeasy staff, especially Lily and Natalie, made us feel like family."

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"The American food, especially the burgers, was really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with $7 mai tais and aloha margaritas.

2

Reservations are required for the speakeasy located in the back.

3

Parking is available behind the venue.

22
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina (Chula Vista, CA) image 1

Huge sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs and multiple large flat screens shows a variety of games and UFC fights. Atmosphere is loud with classic Latin music playing at club volume, creating a vibrant but noisy environment. Security is tight with armed personnel and ID checks at entry.

Food arrives quickly, usually within 15 minutes even when busy. The menu offers good variety and the dishes are consistently tasty with friendly service supporting the experience.

Wings stand out with Cajun seasoning and a decent spice level. Loaded fries come highly recommended and add to the American food options. Pricing leans toward the expensive side for the mix of wings, fries, and drinks.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The service here is excellent, my glass was never empty."

"The American Food here, especially the wings, is pretty good."

Good to know

1

Expect a $150 minimum per table during major events like the Super Bowl.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Security checks are mandatory at the entrance, including a pat down.

23
Denny's Restaurant image 1

Curved booths shape the seating area, creating a vintage atmosphere with a clean and welcoming environment. Music plays softly, supporting a quiet and peaceful vibe ideal for relaxed dining. The place accommodates pets and offers late-night dining options with a variety of food choices.

Food stays delicious and properly cooked with consistent quality across locations. Options are available late, even at 4:00 AM, offering good variety and reliable taste.

Handmade double cheeseburgers come on brioche buns and taste great. The sirloin steak cooks exactly to order, and the soy-based chicken fried steak stands out as very good.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and properly cooked."

"The servers here are so attentive and patient with kids."

"The sirloin steak and French toast here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Denny's Restaurant on Tuesdays.

2

Denny's Restaurant allows pets in the outdoor seating area.

3

The restaurant operates 24 hours a day.

24
New Mandarin Canton Chinese Restaurant image 1

Small space with minimal decor and a family atmosphere offers a chill vibe despite being consistently full. Seating is tight, creating a cozy but busy environment. The mall setting is clean and straightforward, supporting a casual dining experience.

Food offers delicious mandarin dishes with generous portions that can cover multiple meals from one order. Prices stay low while maintaining tasty flavors throughout.

Salt and pepper chicken wings stand out with a strong salty flavor. The fried chicken wings come with rice and have a high price point compared to the menu listing.

People are saying

"The salt and pepper chicken wings here are amazing."

"I found the Chinese food here to be the best option."

"You have to try the fried chicken wings; they're the best."

Good to know

1

The dining room closes at 8:30 PM, not 9 PM.

2

There are no wait times for food orders.

3

The restaurant offers large portions for reasonable prices.

25
KFC image 1
Chicken restaurant

Bright, clean space with 1950s music playing and staff who sing while working. Offers free WiFi and a large, wheelchair-accessible parking lot. Menu features value meals and three chicken styles, with well-served portions and fast delivery.

Food arrives quickly and stays hot for takeout. The menu offers delicious chicken, solid side dishes, and satisfying desserts, all consistently good in quality.

Fried chicken stands out with crispy tenders and a classic 3-piece meal served alongside coleslaw and lemonade. The chicken pot pie offers a hearty, comforting option.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and hot."

"This American food is a delicious treat, I found it delicious."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is large and wheelchair accessible.

2

The delivery service is very fast.

3

The menu includes numerous value meals.

26
Novo Brazil Brewing - Otay Ranch image 1

Spacious brewery with huge TVs showing multiple sports creates a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Kids enjoy a dedicated play area and free video games, while the crowd brings great energy without chaos. The vibe feels welcoming and distinct from corporate chains.

Food features amazing flavors and pairs well with good beer. Service keeps plates and drinks coming steadily.

Carne Asada Fries and Sunset Slam kombucha stand out as shareable items. The Mac and cheese tastes rich, while the hot dog resembles a Costco version with a Hoffy wiener.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and reminded me of home."

"Sandy's beer recommendations were amazing and she was super knowledgeable."

"I loved the great American food, especially the burger and hot dog."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

There is a $15 cover charge per person on fight nights.

27
Canada Steak Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Interior resembles a lobby with a TV, creating a simple and unpretentious setting. Atmosphere feels friendly and cool, though space is small and unappealing for dining in. Menu offers extensive options including some uncommon items, with hearty meals at reasonable prices.

Food comes out fresh and cooked to order every time. The dishes are consistently delicious with excellent quality.

Freshness stands out in the hamburgers with perfectly cooked cheeseburgers and gyro meat. The menu includes unique items like the Porterhouse steak plate and chili cheese fries, offering more than typical burger joints.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and expertly prepared."

"These burgers are juicy and cooked to perfection."

"I loved the American Food here, especially the steak burgers."

Good to know

1

A hamburger combo and a philly cheesesteak combo cost $38, including tax but no tip.

2

I discovered that prices on the menu were only for cash payments, with no notice indicating this.

3

I paid $14.99 for each gyro with cash, but with my debit card, each cost $15.59.

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Chula Vista, California

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