JJ’s Island Grindz — Restaurant in Chula Vista

JJ’s Island Grindz is an absolute gem in Bonita, conveniently located right across the street from Aurora Park. One of the first things you’ll notice is how easy it is to find parking—since it’s right in front of a large parking lot, there’s typically plenty of space available. The restaurant itself is impressively spacious, with a fantastic outdoor seating area that’s pet-friendly. While indoor seating is slightly limited, they’ve got a connected bar area just to the side of the main space with more high-top counter seating, which is a great option if the main dining area is full.

The menu here is huge—almost overwhelming at first because there are so many options to choose from! But once you land on something, you’ll be blown away by the portion sizes and the affordability. The prices are incredibly reasonable for the amount of food you get. The entire place exudes tropical island vibes with a fun tiki theme, and even the staff uniforms reflect that. The team here is super friendly, upbeat, and welcoming, really embodying that laid-back aloha spirit.

I ordered the Chamorro plate, and it was absolutely massive! For just $23, I got four tender, flavorful ribs, two large scoops of red rice, a generous helping of creamy potato salad, and a cup of chopped chicken in a bright, citrusy dressing that was incredibly refreshing. My friend went with the Musubi (not “Matsubi”!), which is a Spam, rice, and seaweed roll—kind of like a sushi roll but with that signature island twist. He absolutely raved about it, saying it was one of the best he’s had.

If you’re into tiki drinks or just looking for a fun place to grab a beer, JJ’s has you covered there too. Their drink menu is full of tropical-themed cocktails that perfectly match the island vibe.

This is definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to, and I highly recommend stopping by if you’re ever in the area. Whether you’re here for a quick bite, a drink, or a full-on island feast, JJ’s Island Grindz is...

JJ's Island Grindz brought me back to the Islands with their Ono (delicious) food!

I was in the area one Saturday afternoon when my ohana (family) and I got hungry. We looked to our trusty Yelp app for some recommendations and found JJ's less than half a mile away.

We made our way down Bonita Rd. and found the restaurant. It looked like they were prepping for an event in their parking lot. We made our way to their patio and found a nice spot away from other guests. Indoor dining was not available due to COVID-19 restrictions but restrooms were open with a temperature check.

Here's what we ordered: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp - It was creamier than expected but still delicious. Shrimp was cooked to perfection and the sauce went well with the shrimp and rice. It is very garlicky!

Chamorro Combo: This combo came with Red Rice, Uncle Frank's Pork Ribs, Chicken Kelaguen, and Grandma Rosie's Potato Salad. The ribs had a good flavor but it the meat was tough. The red rice and kelaguen were good. You can taste the citrus flavor in the kelaguen. The potato salad was okay.

Empanadas - This came with 4 pieces and were really good. Even though it's fried, the empanadas melt in your mouth. It almost tastes like a semi-fried mass dough.

Hawaiian Combo: This combo came with Huli Huli Chicken, Kalua Pig, JJ's Macaroni Salad, and White Rice. The Huli Huli Chicken was excellent! Perfectly cooked and marinated. The Kalua Pig was good too but I wish it came with more -- oink! Sadly, the Mac salad tasted spoiled.

They also had canned Hawaiian drinks to help complete your island meal!

I really loved the customer service from JJ's Island Grindz. True island hospitality at its best. And the servers were all knowledgeable with the dishes.

I do hope to come back again and try their sushi rolls. I saw another table order that and some Yakisoba. Also, A+ for food presentation. The added orchid just makes me smile and feel the...

JJ’s Island Grindz in Bonita brings a vibrant island atmosphere right to the San Diego area, blending Guamanian, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Pacific flavors in a warm, laid-back setting. The friendly staff and tiki-accented décor create a welcoming vibe, and the enclosed patio—often paired with live music or DJ nights—makes it feel like a casual backyard celebration.

The menu is a feast of tropical comfort foods: standout items include tangy chicken kelaguen served cold with coconut and citrus, succulent kalua pork, juicy huli-huli chicken, hearty Chamorro combo plates, and expansive sushi rolls and bowls. Many dishes come with red rice, macaroni salad, or potato salad, giving a satisfying, home-cooked feel. Unique starters like beef lumpia, empanadas, shrimp patties, and garlic edamame are perfect for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience.

Portions are generous—most patrons take home leftovers—and the quality consistently scores high across platforms (around 4.6 stars). Drinks like the massive Kahealani’s Wave cocktail add to the festive mood, making it ideal for group gatherings or casual nights out. Whether you’re in for bold island BBQ or just craving big sushi rolls in a fun setting, JJ’s delivers a flavorful escape with aloha spirit.

If you're craving a true island dining experience—vibrant, flavorful, and fun—JJ’s Island Grindz hits all the right notes. From bold Chamorro and Hawaiian dishes to fresh sushi, shareable cocktails, and an unforgettable communal vibe, this place captures the spirit of the Pacific. It's perfect for celebrating, hanging out with friends, or just escaping into great food...