IHOP — Restaurant in La Mesa

I went here because I received a$20 gift card for the holiday and I don't know how this restaurant is still in business. It was the worst food I've ever had . My waitress was fine the food was absolutely terrible. I wanted to complain but it really wasn't my waitress fault. I ordered a appetizer sampler platter and that was so gross every item was over cooked and so hard the condiments that came with the platter were literally frozen like dipping in to a slushy the chicken strips were so scouting hot that you would think the slushy marinara sauce would be a good thing but they were so hot that the slushy dipping sauce didn't help at all it's still burnt your mouth. Country fried let me just say don't try it. Jesse had the Colorado omelette and not sure what was in it the "meat" was closer to mop head strings as far as taste and consistency. It's was like a science experiment gone way bad. $50 and the fact that this is IHOP and the pancakes had so much baking soda in them I could have gone and buffed my car using those horrible pancakes cause there is no way I could swallow a bit cause they was so dry with butter and syrup and a water to chase it with the worst pancakes I mean sodium bicarbonate cakes . Half the order was on the table when asked if we wanted a box. Immediately Jesse and I said NO No Please just. The check. And then waited at the register for someone to come take my money for. 20-30 minutes. Yet I still tipped my waitress. I don't want anything for free I would be too scared to eat here again. Maybe fire the manager for allowing such horrible food to be served. This is a restaurant I payed $50 and left hungry...

Both my husband & I love to have pancakes on Sunday , we decided to go to IHOP on broadway in La Mesa. We walked in, we where so nicely welcomed with a beautiful smile as soon as we passed the door☺️😁. Our hostess introduced herself and seated us to a comfortable booth. Right away asking us if we care for coffee and gave us menus. Leticia was an absolute delight, never stopped smiling and showed genuine care for the quality of service she provides to her customers. During our chat, we found out that she wasn't supposed to work that day but was happily covering for a collegue who wanted to be off that Sunday, I can tell you, she truly shows how much she likes her work and the people she served at IHOP. Her entire demeanor is a true ray of sunshine. She closely listened to our dietary needs, our GF pancakes were deliciously fluffy, and our side of hashbrowns were cooked to perfection.. We cannot wait to come back for more. IHOP is a great place for breakfast or at anytime you have a craving😁. Kudos to whomever hired Leticia, take good care of her as employee like her are rare. I also have a little suggestion for management while employees like Leticia make a good impression for the restaurant, somme can hurt your reputation as fast, 2 other employees that were mostly at the cash register at the time we eat were actually making comments about customers that we found to be of poor taste. Overall...

The service was good and very prompt. Food just isn't as good as it used to be. Haven't been there in a while and I probably won't go again for another long while.

2023 update! My grandson likes to come here and we have come here more often. However over the last few visits..everytime it makes me not want to come back. It takes along time to get seated, served, and there is never anyone in the front. Today (10/8/23), my family and I walked in. We counted 5 available booths. I asked the kid up front if we can sit there, he says no it will be a few min. Then I ask for another booth, he says that one we don't seat people at. Then he leaves and says let me find you a table. My daughter looks over the wall and there were 2 available booths on the other side. Understanding its a Sunday morning but customer service is customer service. And this is what is lacking at this particular IHOP. We ended up walking out as we watch the kid walk from one side of the restaurant and back into the back area. Hope the family that came in as we left got seated in one of the AVAILABLE booths timely. Needless to say I won't be visiting...