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Antique Row Cafe
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
3521 Lemon Grove Ave(at Lester Ave)
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Neighborhood: Lemon Grove
(619) 828-0071
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 9 pm
Sun 6 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Antique Row Cafe
Review Highlights
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"The prices are very fair and they serve breakfast all day." In 3 reviews -
"...era - an era when jukeboxes, Marilyn Monroe, and Coca-Cola..." In 4 reviews -
"...tons of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and James Dean photos up." In 2 reviews
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Reid B.
San Diego, CA
12/5/2011
I like all the old-timey stuff and high booths. The servers are very friendly and attentive. Coffee is the typical brown water, but you don't expect gourmet stuff at a diner.
I've only ever been here for breakfast, and it's always been fine. It's a fairly standard bacon-and-eggs/pancakes menu. Hard to mess up, honestly (though it can be done!)
Overall, I'm satisfied and have returned a few times. Prices are reasonable, service is good, food is what you'd expect (nothing more or less.) No complaints. I live close by, I don't think I'd drive across town for it... -
Review from Jack M.
Rancho San Diego, CA
12/1/2011 2 photos
Antique Row, what to say. I have not eaten her for at least 3 years and my past experiences have been okay. Let's say at least in the three star range, but this time I have to give them 2 stars because I was left disappointed with my meal.
I had a cup of French Onion Soup, a Chicken Philly Steak sandwich with a side of onion rings. I was really looking forward to my dinner because I had to return to work this evening for our Holiday Craft Night we put on for the children of our neighborhood school.
First, my soup was delivered to me, and my first impression was that it looked dank, like dirty water. (ref. to pic) Well, I regrettably tasted the soup and to tell you the truth, I am having a hard time describing the soup. Homemade, gee I hope not, pre-made or some sort of powder you mix up with hot water, perhaps. I really do not know, but all I can say, it did not taste good.
After that , I was hoping for some better luck with the sandwich and onion rings. Hmm..."sigh," I was optimistic, but struck down. The onion rings where greasy and more soft than crunchy. When I opened one up to see what the heck was going on, I could see soft spongy batter along the inside. Not a good thing. Perhaps their oil was not at the right temp.
Now the sandwich. The sandwich was just okay but it was overly laden with cheese. Gobs of cheese! To much cheese for my taste. I could not get a handle on the sandwich because the enormous amount of cheese. The chicken and mushrooms were good and so was the french roll it came on. However, it was definitely not the best Chicken Philly I have had. Unfortunately, I was not very happy with my entire meal. I hate when that happens.
It is safe to say, I will not be revisiting this place anytime soon. -
Review from Thore M.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Toal rock stars here. Been coming with my lady since high school (6 years +) and still a happy to see same family atmosphere entire time. Keep going!
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Review from Rocio S.
Spring Valley, CA
3/20/2012
I would give them 0 stars if I could. Never again will I go here. Food sucks. Not even adding salt to my omelette fixed it. Plus I ordered one thing and they gave me another. Was very disappointed. I DO NOT RECOMMENT IT!!!
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Review from Michele y.
Lemon Grove, CA
3/27/2012
In the past, I have treated friends to this local restaurant and eaten pleasant meals. However, after my last experience, I won't return unless I learn the restaurant changed ownership and/or hired a new chef. Their menu is too large and diversified for the current, unimaginative cook. My French onion soup and chicken Philly steak sandwich were disappointing. The cook proved clueless how to make a Philly Steak sandwich, how it should taste. For $8, it arrived as a dry, bland, overcooked mundane sandwich. The soup, cheap can standard.
Lemon Grove does not have many quality restaurants; fortunately, for us, adjoining cities do. -
Review from Sam P.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can only speak for the lunch special where I ordered the fish tacos. They weren't mind-blowing but were pretty delicious. The ambiance of the place is pretty neat with a lot of old stuff strewn or neatly organized across the walls and ceilings. Definitely a good place to stop by if you're in Lemon Grove
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Review from Thomas N.
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Place is a little random but once you're inside you feel like you're in a 60's diner. The seats/booths are high and you feel like its a private booth you're in. The food here is ok. I got a turkey club and it was smaller than what I usually get at most other places. My girlfriend asked for a chicken ceasar salad in a wrap but they ran out of romaine lettuce so they just substituted with regular leaf lettuce. The service here was nice and I would come back to support the local business.
Overall
-Pros: Good service
-Cons: They ran out of romain lettuce -
Review from Darlene B.
Lemon Grove, CA
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am a Lemon Grove local, so this is pretty much a cute little restaurant. I specifically came here for breakfast/brunch twice and there aren't any real complaints. There were two waiters helping us and I suppose it was convenient. I don't know if it was because there was no rush, but the food comes out really quickly. My dad ordered this awesome looking omelet, and I had a eggs/sausage/toast/hashbrown -- all was delicious, but it wasn't anything special.
The decor really makes you feel like you're in an antique shop! Therefore, all the old stuff makes it seem like they don't clean up the items around..the dust is settling on all of it. I assume it's a family restaurant because the menus and the walls have personal photographs. It's cute but I don't think it's universal. They do play all these oldies music that could possibly be entertaining. Idk why the waitresses wear these really small shorts with hideous tights -- not into it, borderline inappropriate. -
Review from Jonelle O.
San Diego, CA
3/31/2011
We had a little bit of a wait and the complimentary coffee outside didn't come with cups, but the food arrived quickly and was good. My omelette was tasty and the mushrooms were really good (I'm usually not a fan of mushrooms). I can't remember what they call it, but I tried their special potato cake that's made with a couple cheeses and herbs. It was good, but I'll probably stick to regular hashbrowns next time.
We didn't order the pancakes, but we drooled as a couple plates of them went by. They are HUGE.
Overall a pleasant place to have breakfast. We'll probably head back soon. -
Review from Chancie H.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had always wanted to try Antique Row...for years. I had heard from several friends how great the vibe and decor was. But, I wasn't impressed. I'm not keen on American culture so perhaps that is my malfunction. The food was just okay... your basic breakfast/lunch/dinner menu. I kinda felt the old booths were icky. Some cleaning might be in order...
The customer service was good. No complaints there. And the prices are fair. But, my overall impression was...meh. -
Review from alyssa z.
San Diego, CA
1/11/2011
Friendly service.. and that's where the good stops.
The food is very bland, at best average. I've tried their breakfast and dinner items to get a variety of tastes. There is NOTHING special about the food here. Save your money, your http://restaurant.com coupon and try somewhere else..
- Pancakes have a rubbery texture
- French toast was very bland
- Burgers are FROZEN
- Omelets are also tasteless/bland
Oh, and they charged me $1.50 to withhold the mayo from my club sandwich.. that's right.. charged me to NOT have something on my food, not an additional. What in the world?! -
Review from Thuy L.
7/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The service is wonderful and very helpful both times we been there. This place takes you back to the the 50's, the walls are filled with Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop collectives. You can relax on the booth while listening to some oldies but goodies. The place is unique however the food just didn't do it for me. We ordered salmon and steak and it was just bland. However we notice the food on the table next to us looks really appetizing, burgers, fries and sandwich. Next time we'll stick to those simple plates.
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Review from Leonard L.
San Diego, CA
10/24/2010
Antique Row Café
Adams Ave
Sunday October 24, 2010
3.5 Stars
At 8 a.m. there was no wait but I hear they can get busy. It's a cute place with very friendly and attentive service. They were quick on the seating, the order, getting a box, and the check. My water glass and coffee mug was never empty. The food was okay. The California Benny: English Muffin, Spinach, Avocado, Poached Egg, and Hollandaise. The hollandaise was good but not great and there a bit much on it. The Eggs were cooked perfectly but small. The spinach made the whole dish soggy. However, the Hash browns were the highlight of the meal. There were golden brown and crispy on both sides and the reason for the extra half star. I tried the pumpkin pancakes with apple compote on top. They were very cinnamon-y. I am not a huge fan of pumpkin but it was still good. -
Review from Debbie G.
Crest, CA
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place to have breakfast on Saturday morning. My Hubby and I have been coming here for at least 4 years. I love the fact they are grateful and friendly to all there customers especially the regulars.
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Review from Sharon S.
San Diego, CA
5/12/2009
The food is pretty bland and last time I went here, my friends and I were sitting outside and flies kept attacking our meal. I used one hand to eat w/ a utensil and the other was shooing off flies, which was pretty annoying and not to mention, disgusting. I mean, I know it was summertime and it's outside and all - but damn, don't you have a fly trap or something? I wanted to eat breakfast at Antique Row, not go shopping at a 99-Ranch Market/Vien Dong-esque fly-infested establishment.
In our party of four, we split the bill into two. It took our server a couple tries to give us our correct bills. Hopefully he was just NEW and not completely incompetent.
The fly "infestation" experience alone warrants a mere ONE STAR. That shit's pretty gross, man. -
Review from Jason T.
Chicago, IL
1/1/2010
Pretty damn bad. We came here on the recommendations of a friend. You know who you are!
Nobody liked their food. Dishes had to be sent back when they came out wrong. The service was terrible. I don't expect anything much at a diner type place. But the waiter didn't inform my GF that they were out of what she ordered until we all received our food.
Even the biscuit was nearly inedible. Not that one couldn't eat it, but there would be no reason to b/c it had no flavor. -
Review from ingrid s.
Lemon Grove, CA
11/30/2008
yummy breakfast menu! fun atmosphere too.
I'm glad they are in my home town of Lemon Grove! -
Review from Maria P.
Spring Valley, CA
1/5/2009
When you step into Antique Row Cafe, be prepared to be whisked away to another era - an era when jukeboxes, Marilyn Monroe, and Coca-Cola bottles existed.
I loved that there was a variety of dishes available for breakfast. If I remember correctly, the menu had one whole page dedicated to breakfast entrees. The breakfast I ate was the corned-beef hash dish that came with hashbrowns, eggs, and toast all for $8. The food came very fast and was served in generous portions.
Although the food was great, I must say that a true mark of an exceptional restaurant is its customer service. And as some of you know, I'm all about customer service. Well, this cafe lived up to my standards! I was greeted with a warm smile by the host and the waitress. Both of them had that warm and genuine aura about them. There wasn't anything fake about their service.Listed in: Restaurants
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Review from Nick T.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2008
Antique is right. The clientele here is antique and so is the decor. Well this is Lemon Grove so what do you expect.
The staff had some young folks. I believe its a Spanish family that owns this spot, judging by a few family photos around the cafe.
Not bad but I much prefer The Mission or Hash House A Go Go plus those places are in my hood.
Props for having tons of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and James Dean photos up. I know that has nothing to do with the food but I got a thing for Marilyn.
I've never been here for dinner and in all likelihood it probably wont happen. Too many other good night time restaurants that requires my attention. -
Review from Angela Y.
Fremont, CA
3/16/2008
We, a party of 5 people, came here for a Sunday brunch. The wait for a table took about 30 minutes. There is complimentary coffee outside for the patrons. They are very popular with the locals. The prices are very fair and they serve breakfast all day. They have several delicious flavored coffee. The service was VERY SLOW that day for us. It took our waitress about 10 minutes to take our order and another 20 minutes for our food to arrive. The portion size is more than enough. The tab was less than $45 for 5 people including drinks.
My biggest qualm with the restaurant is the long wait and lack of service. Otherwise, the food, the price, and the atmosphere are great. -
Review from Pam A.
Spring Valley, CA
1/11/2012
I really love that they let me order egg white omlettes. The interior reminds me of being in an old-time restaurant. It's a little bit of a wait sometimes but definitely worth it. Always had great service here and usually go for breakfast. Although I hear their lunch & dinner is delicious too.
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Review from Maria A.
La Mesa, CA
6/17/2008
What a diff! Sometimes a bit of a wait, but worth it.
Great breakfast...great service...Yummo grits (every time)
That's why I go back when I can. -
Review from Lynn P.
San Diego, CA
8/7/2010
I'd give 3.5 stars if I could.... but not 4.
Huge portions for breakfast. Tasty... better than any Denny's or IHOP... it's diner-style food.
Sit inside unless you care to have potential smokers around you.
A lot with free parking is available on the north west corner of 30th & Adams (behind the buildings). -
Review from Stephanie N.
Lemon Grove, CA
8/25/2011
My family and I have been coming to Antique Row Cafe since they opened. We love the atmosphere, the staff and the food. Our favorites - Fish-N-Chips, Philly Steak Sandwich, Panko Pork Chops, Chicken Pot Pie, and any of the breakfast items. I love the potato cakes as a side with my breakfast!
They have outdoor seating if you want to get some fresh air and sounds of the city (trolley mainly.) They have TVs inside which usually have some kind of sport showing (my husband likes that.)
It's a cute, family run restaurant with a small town feel! -
Review from Elizabeth H.
San Diego, CA
7/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I think this place is a local love resturant. Lots of locals come back here and love the workers, they greet us like family and we always talk about whats todays plans and so on. This is one of the best breakfast joints ive come across. Food is your basic but best breakfast and the love from the employees top it off. Only thing is dinner...not its best..they kind of run out of everything but be sure to come here for breakfast!
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Review from Jeremiah F.
Spring Valley, CA
5/3/2009
I've eaten here quite a few times. It's a cool little spot that I like to go to when I want a burger and don't want fast food. The food is excellent, although the corned beef on the reuben sandwich was cut too thick and was a bit tough. Everything else I've had there is A+. Service is alright, not bad, but not great.
It kind of reminds me of a poor man's corvette diner. -
Review from Marie T.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2010
i came here with the wifey because we live in Lemon Grove and pass by this restaurant all the time. We walked in and we were floored by the decor. Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, old Wheaties boxes, and coca cola bottles lined the room. It was pretty cool. i immediately envisioned both of us coming back here till we're old and wrinkly. We'd be those two old women who are regulars sippin on our coffee and taking 3 hours to eat a stack of pancakes o_O
We ordered the San Francisco burger, hash browns, country potatoes, and biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage links.
SF Burger - cheeseburger served on sourdough bread with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. it was good but not miracle making in my mouth.
You wanna know what was miracle making in my mouth?
The sausage links (pun intended). :P YUMMY IN MY TUMMY! sausage links and a bit of the biscuits and gravy. i was completely satisfied.
hashbrowns = yum
country potatos w/ cheese = yum
::note::
they serve breakfast all day... ::lil Jon voice:: YAAAAYYYYAAAAAHHH!!! -
Review from Tikal T.
La Mesa, CA
Updated - 8/27/2011
Still Sucks!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/9/2010
After waiting approximately 45 minutes for our breakfast, the waitress decides to bring it out.… Read more »
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Review from Christine G.
Santee, CA
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food. They have the best cornbeef and eggs breakfast!
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Review from Clair Y.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2010
Great food and service that is top notch---have never seen a wait staff that can compare with this one. We go every Sunday morning and although at times there can be a small wait to be seated, it is well worth the wait. I plan on making this a "must" place to go to when we have people visit from out of town as they do everything so consistently well!--Never a disappointment at Antique Row with their food or their service. Please note: The restaurant closes at 3 p.m. daily so only breakfast and lunch are served--but a better breakfast or lunch you could not find.
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Review from Mike B.
Santee, CA
6/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I started with nice fresh coffee, The server was very nice and fiendly,I had the Hobbo breakfast. It was GOOD! the only thing that was a small disappointment was the gravy on the biscuit, did not have that good rich flavor but egg scramble was great. My buddy's pancakes looked and tasted phenomenal! We will be back.
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Review from Heidi J.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2011
My husband and I thought we would give this place a try, worst mistake ever. We are both very sick. He ordered some greasy Hobo Scramble and I made the HUGE mistake of ordering a Turkey/Jack cheese crossant sandwich. The crossant was actually wet and old, broke apart. Smelled like a dirty wet rag! I did not see a slice of yummy Jack Cheese so the waiter says it is teeny pieces of grated cheese on my sandwich, gross thin CHEAP grated cheese, not even a slice! Awful, no mayo, so just dry turkey. Worst dining experience ever. Ordered a salad which was dirty (actual dirt, not rinsed) lettuce with ONE slice of a mushy tomato, nothing else. Costs us 30 bucks. What a nightmare! We are sooooo sick! :(
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Review from Jeff S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2011
Amazing little place. Awesome breakfast, cheap cheap prices, great service with a smile, you can't go wrong at this place. Try their Potato Pancakes, they're the best i've tasted yet. It's a must and they serve breakfast all day. Really cool little place with friendly staff, awesome food, and cool atmosphere with antique nick nacks all around.
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Review from lili d.
San Diego, CA
12/24/2010
I got a bill of over 30 bucks for three plates that are not worth it. i would not come here again, i've had much better.
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Review from Olivia B.
Lemon Grove, CA
6/3/2009
Went for breakfast on Saturday the wait was about 15-20 minutes, the hostes was nice and our waitress kinda forgot to bring our coffee it took her about 20 minite to realize she forgot the coffee and the funny part is we did not even get a apology ahh who cares if we wanted coffee ok so why am I giving them a 4 star ? the food was good and the place was fun to be at the decor is kinda cool. and well the food was good : )
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Review from Cheron C.
San Diego, CA
12/15/2010 21 Check-ins Here
Usually our food is really good, but sometimes our service is a little slow. Overall a good experience. hate their biscuits tho!
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Review from Jason N.
San Diego, CA
10/31/2010
It's good food. I just had terrible service. My poached eggs were hardboiled. Potato cake was cold. Sent both back and didn't see them again for twenty minutes. The table next to us sent all of their food back because it was cold. But my wife's eggs benedict came out perfect. Perfectly poached eggs, flavorful hollandaise. I don't get it. Either the kitchen screwed up, or the waitress left everything under the hot lamp for twenty minutes. I'll check back on Yelp in a while to make sure the problems have been resolved.
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Review from Alex T.
San Diego, CA
10/8/2010
My wife and went there last night for dinner for the first time at this location. We've been to the Normal Heights one many times before. It always seems busy in the morning, but had a decent amount of patrons for a Thursday night for dinner. The food was not phenomenal, but satisfying, especially for the prices. Fernando, our server, was very polite and helped make this 3 star review a 4. He was very helpful and always had a smile. I had a steak and panko calamari combo with a Caesar salad, veggies and onion rings. I had to take home quite a bit as the servings were huge. Again, the food was not not amazing, but better than most restaurants of this style. I will definitely be back, especially for all of the breakfast goodies and the service. And Fernando brought out a free dessert for us!
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Review from Alaina M.
Lemon Grove, CA
6/15/2010
I've been to this place so many times, and I don't have a problem going back. It's so cozy and family oriented and i absolutely love the retro memorabilia. I've only managed to go here for breakfast/brunch time and lunch. I haven't been here for dinner, but no biggie. Decent prices, friendly service, pretty good food. For being a random restaurant in Lemon Grove, I've got to give it to them for being one of the best I've been to here. I have yet to have a bad experience here, and I honestly doubt that I will.
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Review from marki m.
La Mesa, CA
12/12/2010
Great food and service!!! The wait staff is wonderful!! They are all very nice. The food is amazing!!! Alot of food for a great price. The interior decorating is fun to look at while waiting for your food.
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