IHOP — Restaurant in El Cajon

Upon arrival, I was seated quickly. I switched tables a few times until i found one i was comfortable in. The table wasnt wiped down but they weren't expecting me to sit there. The orange juice tasted off, possibley powdered, i personally didn't like it. I oredered the lemonade sierra mist berry instead, and it was delicious. The food came quickly, the waitress was nice, even when I was super complicated. My silverware was dirty, and she gave me three whole sets of new ones lol. The food was delicious, one of the best french toasts in A 15 mile radius. For the low price, it's definitely worth it. I had great french toast before but it was way more expensive than IHOP, so definitely a good value here. Personally, i felt they just smothered the thing in strawberry syrup and whip cream, when I really wanted more focus on the flavored french toast. But to each their own... Everything was not greasy or oily. The potatoes could of used some seasoning. I would eat here again, definitely for the low price. But if im willing to spend more money, I'd go elsewhere. Definitely one of the cleanest ihops. I gave the waitress a good tip, and the person i was with said the burger was delicious. Personally, the burger looked watery from the wet lettuce and tomato. Good friendly service. 7/10 for decent food at a low price and...

This IHOP serves quality food, and the kitchen staff seems efficient when it comes to preparing dishes in a timely manner. However, the dining experience—especially in the back section near the dish area—was far from relaxing. One of the busboys, who appeared to be Hispanic/Latino, repeatedly walked past our table without any acknowledgment—no greeting, no check-in, not even a glance. While I understand bus staff aren’t always expected to engage directly with guests, the repeated cold demeanor was noticeable.

More concerning was the excessive noise he caused—clattering dishes loudly, seemingly on purpose or out of frustration. It happened at least eight times during our visit, each crash echoing through the space. It gave the impression that he was having a rough day, but unfortunately, the tension was projected onto the dining area. For guests with anxiety or for seniors seeking a quiet, pleasant meal, this kind of atmosphere is extremely uncomfortable.

Our server was friendly at first, but her attitude shifted toward the end of our meal, which only added to the overall discomfort.

While the food was satisfying, the atmosphere needs improvement. A more mindful approach from the staff would go a long way in creating a welcoming environment...

Exceptional Service That Brightens My Sunday!

From the moment we walked into the IHOP in El Cajon, CA, it was clear that my dining experience was going to be something special, thanks to my server, Ryan. His infectious energy and genuine love for his job were evident in every interaction. Ryan wasn't just serving food; he was serving up smiles with a side of laughter, making my meal memorable.

What truly set Ryan apart was his remarkable efficiency and organization. It seemed as though he was doing the work of four people, yet he never missed a beat. His ability to communicate with customers, ensuring everyone felt attended to and valued, was impressive. It’s rare to come across someone who not only excels in their role but also elevates the entire atmosphere of the restaurant.

I believe employees like Ryan are the heartbeat of any great dining establishment. His hard work, dedication, and positive attitude deserve recognition. I sincerely hope that IHOP considers promoting this gentleman because it’s clear he’s not just working a job; he’s passionate about making every customer's experience exceptional.

Thank you, Ryan, for making our visit to IHOP unforgettable. Your sense of humor and boundless energy truly made my day before...