Julian Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in San Diego Country Estates

The nicest thing about this horrid tourist trap is the scenery outside of it. Horrible service and middling food all around.

Our nightmare visit started with a purported 10 minute wait time that turned into 35+ minutes of us having to repeatedly ask if there was seating as we watched other groups who came later walk in before us….

Once they begrudgingly let us inside, they sat us in the corner with the most nauseating incandescent lighting. The lightbulb above, that could pass for hospital lighting, was so bad that we had to ask to move tables to prevent our growing headaches from worsening. Of course the waiter was annoyed. She rolled her eyes, and as if she was doing us a favor, said we could if we move if we took our stuff ourselves.

At our marginally better table we began eating and drinking our overpriced slop. The three coffees we had were disgusting; reminiscent of leftover coffee that had been scooped from the bottom of a grimy pot that had been left out and forgotten about for over a week. The only thing I will give credit for is the cider, but that’s not saying much as it would take a miracle to mess up apple juice (but I wouldn’t put it past them).

As some side notes. We could overhear the waitress, Rebecca R., complain loudly to another worker in Spanish that we moved tables. Also the bathrooms suck, with urine and trash littering the ground. Regardless, we powered through and made it to the check.

I’m used to automatic gratuities for large groups, but for four people is ridiculous. We were not forewarned that we would be charged this fee, but at the bottom of our check was a 18% forced “gratuity.” Maybe it’s their form of insurance because they know that their service is so atrocious that no one would willingly leave a tip….

As we walked away the cashiers, two short, young, female workers ran outside the building to the steps, looked for us, saw us, laughed then ran back inside. Seconds later one peeked out, saw us, did a mocking wave bye and ran back inside. Glad to know the child workers are as rude as their adult counterparts inside.

The only way I can imagine this place still being in business is that tourists don’t know better. I hope this review can save you from an awful experience here. Avoid at...

5/5 Stars - A Culinary Gem: Julian Cafe and Bakery Review

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Julian, this charming cafe and bakery has earned a loyal following, and for good reason. Julian Cafe and Bakery is a must-visit destination for foodies and anyone seeking a delightful dining experience.

Ambiance: Cozy and Inviting

As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked goods and the rustic charm of the cafe's decor. The cozy atmosphere, complete with wooden accents and vintage touches, immediately put us at ease.

Menu Selection: Vast and Varied

The menu boasts an impressive array of options, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From classic breakfast dishes to innovative sandwiches and salads, every palate is sure to find something to savor.

Our Dining Experience

We opted for two signature items:

1.⁠ ⁠Garden Burger with Coleslaw: A flavorful, vegetarian masterpiece. The patty was cooked to perfection, and the coleslaw added a delightful crunch. 2.⁠ ⁠Tuna Melt with Fries: A classic comfort food elevated to new heights. The tuna was fresh, and the melted cheese complemented it beautifully.

Beverage Delights

To accompany our meal, we chose:

1.⁠ ⁠Warm Apple Cider: A sweet and tangy autumnal treat that warmed our spirits. 2.⁠ ⁠Caffe Latte with Cinnamon: Rich, velvety and infused with subtle warmth.

Service: Attentive and Friendly

Our server was attentive, knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the menu.

Recommendations and Tips

1.⁠ ⁠Arrive early to avoid wait times. 2.⁠ ⁠Explore the bakery case for mouthwatering pastries and desserts. 3.⁠ ⁠Ask about daily specials.

Rating Breakdown

•⁠ ⁠Ambiance: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Menu Variety: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Food Quality: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Service: 5/5 •⁠ ⁠Value: 4.5/5 •⁠ ⁠Overall Experience: 5/5

Will We Return?

Absolutely! Julian Cafe and Bakery has earned a spot on our favorite destinations list.

Ideal For

•⁠ ⁠Families seeking wholesome meals •⁠ ⁠Couples looking for cozy retreats •⁠ ⁠Food enthusiasts exploring local flavors •⁠ ⁠Travelers seeking authentic Julian

Visit Julian Cafe and Bakery and indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you...

I had a hankering for some apple pie and wanted to go for a ride, so I road my 23 all the way from Orange County to Julian in San Diego county for a slice of Julian's famous apple pie, yuup they're famous for their apple pie. This is a great local restaurant it's in historic Julian, and is very popular so be ready to wait if your coming on the weekend. But you owe it to yourself to take "a personal wellness day off" from work and come visit on a weekday invest in your personal happiness remember "work-life balance" I ordered their Cafe burger added bacon it was delicious cooked fresh with lots of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickels the fries were crispy 😋 The menu stated that "Julian Cafe and Bakery was the "Original Julian" pie maker" so I was very excited to try their apple pie. So I also ordered a slice of apple pie for dessert. Like I said the burger and fries were good 😋 However the apple pie was a disappointment, I ordered a slice of the traditional apple pie, when it was served i noticed the size was very small, and the apple filling looked a couple of days old, the crust was dry and hard there was very little taste to the pie, I mean it didn't taste fresh at all, I was very disappointed. Maybe just a bad day for pie at the Julian Cafe and Bakery. Maybe next time I'll try the Julian Apple pie Company down the street for dessert 😉 The staff is friendly and service quick, food is good, prices reasonable with good portion size. Enjoy 😋 Tell them Smokey Fred sent you...