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New Yorkers 1st Choice
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American food and salad in Kearny Mesa

A crisp salad that holds its own on an American menu instead of being buried under heavy dressings and fried toppings.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 1
Angry Petes Pizza Kearny Mesa image 2
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Pizza restaurant occupies a refurbished 90s Taco Bell building with Detroit-style pizza and a drive-through. Atmosphere blends retro arcade games and board games, creating a quirky, family-friendly vibe. Space feels welcoming and encourages hanging out beyond just dining.

Salads here stand out with the Caesar salad and the arugula peach salad both tasting fresh and flavorful. The Pasta Salad also comes recommended for its quality and taste.

Detroit style pizza stands out with its thick crust and crispy edges. Chicago deep dish pizza also features a rich, hearty filling and is notable for its generous toppings.

People are saying

"I thought their Detroit Style Pizza offered a taste of Detroit."

"This Detroit-style pizza has a fantastic, cheesy crust."

"The Caesar salad here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Angry Hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with $5 draft beers.

2

Happy hour offers a slice of pizza and a beer for $11.

3

Trivia night is held weekly and is engaging for guests.

02
Adrian's Surf n' Turf Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, family-owned seafood grill with hand-crafted furnishings and a fast casual setup where orders go at the counter. Atmosphere stays relaxing and friendly with a fun music selection and quiet pace. The place draws steady crowds despite its unassuming, modern storefront.

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad features a generous amount of Ahi and offers a great portion size. Grilled chicken salads here stand out for their freshness and flavor compared to other spots.

Hamburgers with Brie stand out alongside a fantastic ribeye steak. Eggs Benedict and coleslaw also feature prominently in the American menu.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are awesome and the chips are crispy."

"I ordered the American Food steak, cooked to rare perfection."

"I thought the grilled chicken salad here was the freshest and best tasting."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have a bathroom, so plan accordingly before visiting.

2

Expect higher prices on the menu, with items averaging at least $4 more than expected.

3

Parking is ample and available near the restaurant.

03
The Fire Spot image 1
Restaurant

Charcoal grills create a smoky, vibrant atmosphere in a small, cozy space with tables close together. The place fills quickly, leading to long waits and a lively, bustling vibe. Strong smoke and limited ventilation add to the intense grilling experience.

Brisket stands out as a signature dish here, known for its rich flavor. Lamb, chicken with bone, and chicken wings also feature as solid options in the American food lineup.

People are saying

"The Korean food's quality meat just melts in your mouth."

"The cucumber salad here is so good, I ordered more."

"The American food here is worth waiting hours for."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

04
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

The salads stand out with the Peruvian Chopped Salad offering a refreshing taste and a little kick in the dressing. A creamy cilantro sauce enhances the side salad, and a cooked Peruvian salad with rice and plantains adds variety beyond the menu.

Crispy chicken wings stand out as a key dish. Pork tacos and loma saltado also feature alongside them.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"The American Food chicken wings are so crispy."

"The Peruvian Chopped Salad is amazing and has a little kick."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

05
Anny's Fine Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant offers a spacious, clean interior with a casual, unpretentious vibe and loud Mexican music that energizes the space. A covered patio accommodates large groups and families comfortably. The atmosphere feels like a vintage pizza parlor with a chill, relaxed mood.

Salads feature juicy chicken and a fried chicken option that stands out. A hamburger salad offers a lighter, tasty choice for those wanting less.

Cheeseburgers stand out with rich flavor and quality. Cajun fries and hand-made milk shakes complement the menu well, alongside buffalo wings and a salmon burger.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be really tasty and delicious."

"I found the chicken salad to be delicious and juicy."

"You have to try their burgers; they're so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is often full; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

2

The average cost for two burgers with sides is around $43.

3

Generous portion sizes make it a good value despite higher prices.

06
The Butcher Shop image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse with old school Rat Pack style features red leather booths and a real fireplace creating a swanky, low-key vibe. The atmosphere is relaxed with 70s music playing and a bar known for classic cocktails. Spacious booths and preserved antique details add to the plush, vintage feel.

Chargrilled Caesar Salad offers juicy bites with a deconstructed presentation and fresh croutons. Garden salad comes with prime rib combos, providing a simple, fresh side.

Steaks like the Ribeye and Porterhouse come out cooked exactly to order with great temperature control. Prime ribs are tender and juicy, often served alongside flavorful medallions and filet cuts.

People are saying

"The steaks here are always delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The prime rib and Porterhouse steak here are amazing."

"The steaks were cooked to perfection and quite delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 10pm with great food and drinks.

2

The B.A.G networking event occurs on the second Tuesday of every month.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like Valentine's Day.

07
Mic Drop Comedy image 1
Comedy club

Small venue with an Alice in Wonderland theme creates an intimate atmosphere where every seat feels close to the action. Professional improv keeps the crowd engaged and the energy fun without crossing lines. Full bar and kitchen offer creative cocktails and distinctive food alongside strong comedy acts.

Asian inspired dishes include salads that balance out the French fries. Burrata Salad stands out as a fresh, creamy option among the offerings.

Shrimp and grits stand out with rich flavors. Nachos come with beef or classic toppings and have a great taste. Corn cup and drinks complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and the staff is friendly."

"The American Food here is hilarious and made me laugh the whole time."

"The staff here is super friendly and provides great service."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available on site.

2

Mic Drop Comedy does not require a food or drink minimum.

3

Doors open at 9 PM, but seating may be delayed.

08
Sunrise Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Old-fashioned Chinese buffet with spacious seating and a huge salad bar. Atmosphere stays calm and quiet despite occasional loud chatter. Regularly plays Taylor Swift music, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Cold bar and salad bar offer solid options for vegetarian dinners. Salads include a killer ambrosia salad and a notable seafood salad that stand out.

House-made sheet pan apple pie stands out with warm, rich flavor and careful preparation. Fried chicken rates high and pairs well with Cajun soup. Classic American sides like pizza, French fries, and garlic bread are also available.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty great, especially the apple pie."

"The salad bar was huge with lots of great options."

"The apple pie with ice cream is out of this world."

Good to know

1

Cooked oysters are available only during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday dinner hours.

2

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs $20 per person.

3

There are no drink dispensers; drinks must be ordered separately.

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Kearny Mesa, San Diego

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