Janet's Cafe — Restaurant in El Cajon

I’ll never eat at this place again, and I’d suggest you think twice. On Saturday 5 September my wife and I, along with my brother in law and sister in law and niece sat down for breakfast. While we were eating we all witnessed one of the most disgusting things we’ve ever seen. At a table near us sat a father, his daughter (young 20’s) and son (17-18). They had their Bull Terrier secured on a leash. When their meal arrived the daughter placed the dog on a chair and started to feed the dog using the fork and spoon. Then she proceeded to allow the dog to drink from the cup of water provided by Janet’s Café. When our waitress returned to our table I pointed out what they were doing and she personally witnessed the dog being fed by the girl using the utensils and allowing the dog to be fed directly from the plate. I voiced my concern, and asked her if that was a standard practice, and how inappropriate that was. I raised my health concerns and health codes. She said she’d speak to her manager. Our waitress never came back to our table. The young lady continued to feed the dog. Then the table nearest them let their kids play and feed the dog as well. When it was time to leave I asked to speak to the manager and it turned out that the manager was the person sitting nearest them, and she was fully aware this was going on. She allowed her kids to feed the dog. I voiced my concerns to her, and she told me that she understands my concern, but didn’t want to do anything because they’re regulars, and she sees them do this all the time. She also explained to me that she didn’t want to create a disturbance. She wasn’t even aware of California Health Standards. So if you eat at Janet’s there is a possibility you’re eating off plates and utensils that pets have used. These are some of the standards that food service need to adhere to when allowing pets to dine outdoors with customers. Pet dogs may be allowed at the exterior areas in outdoor dining areas of a food facility if the following requirements are met: • A separate entrance is present where pets do not enter through the food establishment to reach the outdoor dining area. • No food preparation shall be allowed at the outdoor dining area, including the dispensing/mixing of drinks and ice. • Customer multi-use or reusable utensils such as plates, silverware, glasses and bowls shall not be stored, displayed or pre-set at the outdoor dining area. • Food and water served/provided to pets shall only be in single-use disposable containers. • Employees shall be prohibited from having direct contact with pets while on duty. • Pets shall not be allowed on chairs, seats, benches, and tables. • The outdoor dining area shall be maintained clean. • In cases where excrement or other bodily fluids (urine, saliva, vomit) are deposited, an employee shall immediately clean and sanitize the affected areas. • The outdoor dining area shall not be fully enclosed (a fully enclosed dining area shall be considered to be part of the interior area of the facility). * Business operators must still follow local ordinances related to sidewalk, public nuisance, and sanitation issues & State requirements regarding...

I have been to this restaurant once prior a year ago with Ms. Dorothy, a long time real estate agent in El Cajon and was pleased with the service then. This time around, NOT SO MUCH. I had just underwent two hours of surgery and my mother and I decided to get breakfast. I was the one who recommended Janet’s Cafe. As soon as we sat down, the busser came over and asked what we wanted to drink. I informed him, one cup of water and one coffee. After he left, I recorded a quick video of the menu and the inside of the restaurant because I wanted to leave a review about how much I had loved it. An old waitress by the name of JEN I believe, walks right up to our table and stands there smiling condescendingly at me without saying a single word. Just standing there. Smiling.. I just looked up and said “Hello! How are you?” She said “GOOD.” And still stood there just smiling. I informed her we already ordered our drinks. A few minutes later she walks up to the table again, she is about 1 ft away from me, but this time with her phone straight in my face and laughs and says in a very RUDE WAY “I love recording everything hahaha.” So I played it off by saying “oh it’s okay, I do too. I love recording beautiful places and leaving reviews and getting others to come experience restaurants that are great.” My God, she gave me a disgusting look once I said that. She goes on a rant telling me I’m invading people’s privacy and how the world these days is all about social media and how I shouldn’t be recording inside a public place and I looked at her and said “Is that why you gave me a pure dirty look?” And she said “hahaha YES” (still smiling like a cruel villain). I completely lost my appetite. I explained that sometimes a quick video holds memories that will last years and years, even though everything has changed, a video or photo captures that time and moment. She was not sold and still was SO RUDE. I refused to eat at that restaurant. My mother enjoyed her breakfast, but MY GOD that was the most horrible waitress I have ever encountered. Horrible customer service. If you don’t want any customers having a phone or recording the food or your restaurant to post a review, post up signs that instruct so. I just think this * woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I would have reacted differently if I hadn’t been in so much pain because of my surgery.

In response to your response, we arrived yesterday at your Cafe (April 19th) around 9:50 - 10 AM. As soon as you walk into the door, we were seated at the very last booth on the far right by the window in the corner. Hope...

Atmosphere: Upon stepping into the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the cozy and intimate ambiance. It exuded a charming "mom and pop" feel, which added a unique charm to the dining experience.

Service: The staff deserves praise for their friendliness and attentiveness. Their warm and responsive demeanor made me feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout the meal.

Culinary Adventures: Now, let's talk about the main event—the food. It was a bit of a rollercoaster. While some dishes were delightful, others left much to be desired.Hits: The Sunday prime rib was the highlight of the meal. It was perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. This dish truly showcased the culinary expertise of the kitchen.The biscuit and gravy were also a pleasant surprise. They had a delicious flavor profile and left a satisfying taste on the palate.

Misses: Unfortunately, not everything lived up to the standard set by these dishes. The eggs, for instance, arrived disappointingly cold. This was a letdown, considering the otherwise friendly service and charming atmosphere.

Conclusion: In summary, my visit to this three-star restaurant had its ups and downs. While the atmosphere and service were exceptional, the food was a bit of a mixed bag. The memorable prime rib and delicious biscuit and gravy were highlights, but the cold eggs were a letdown. If you're looking for a quaint dining experience with some tasty options, it's worth a visit, but be prepared for a hit-or-miss...