Gillespie Field Café

It's always busy ,wait time long but worth the wait . Love seeing the planes take off and just relaxing with a good bloody Mary ...

Excellent Service and Fun watching the planes take off while you enjoy the atmosphere and the staff was great. Fun just spending some time there having a meal. My Husband and I were discussing my major surgery. I was having to do a job injury where I work for a Zoo

All the employees are so nice.. great food. I lovewatching the airplanes ❣️

Great spot to watch planes take off and land while grabbing a bite to eat. We had breakfast and it was good. Pricing was fair and service was quick and efficient.

Such a cute restaurant. We really enjoyed the big clear window showing the plans flying around. Just a cute experience and the food was delicious

My first time here !! Loved the food and the service - lisa was great!!!

A little surprise for me today. I wasn't expecting to fly into Gillespie, it was a last minute thought. Hungry! - I noticed on Google Maps there is a Cafe here. Ground gave me directions, I parked at the transient lot for airplanes; careful not to take up any of the flight school's spaces. Right next to the cafe was plenty of parking (on a Tuesday). The cafe staff were welcoming and the restaurant clean and the menu full of excellent choices. Breakfast is obviously popular here, looks tempting; diner style, lots of choices if you want breakfast items including biscuits and gravy. However, I wanted lunch and ordered their turkey melt sandwich with lettuce and avocado on it, accompanied with potato salad. It was plentiful and delicious, completely satisfying. The staff came around a few times making sure I didn't need anything; then when it came time to pay - no delay. I'm liking that, no song and dance for the check, pay and go! See you guys again soon.

Split pea soup. Jus like in the Navy. Outside patio seating. Watch planes land an crash.

This has been a favorite local restaurant to go to for decades. The patio is the place to eat when the weather is good. Watching a variety of aircraft land and take off is always a treat. However, inside dining is always available if you prefer. Food is great and plenty of it. Prices are reasonable. Wait staff is ALWAYS excellent. This little restaurant is off the beaten path and far away from the tourists. A wonderful place for locals to go.

I take my Grandson to the Cafe about 3 times a year since he was 2 years old. We Love the this place. Food is always good and service is great. We've had pilots talk to my grandson and let him sit in their planes. He loves this place. We have a great time there together. It's a little tradition for us. Jessica is almost always our waitress and she's awesome.

The staff is so wonderful. They are super friendly and really top-notch with service, and I have some picky friends! I order the same thing every time, so my food eating probably doesn't mean much. The veggie scrambler is a 5, though! The atmosphere was what I initially went for. I would not come here if you are trying to have deep conversation as it can get a little loud. It is an airstrip, after all. It is child friendly, dog friendly, and just a fun time for all!

This place is great! I found this place during COVID and I was homeschooling my kiddo. You can hang out and watch planes come in and out. There is a flight school next door so there seems to all ways be activity close by. The staff are super nice, food is good. It is overall a good place.

I grew up in this area but just recently heard about this place from a couple different people. Then read a bunch of reviews and gave it a shot. I got the county fried steak, gravy, eggs, & home fries, along with their home made salsa I read about on other reviews. The plate was empty before I knew it. Food was better than the other popular local breakfast spots I've been to and the service was perfect. Not overly attentive but I never had to wait for anything or go out of my way to get their attention. They were right on top of everything. I ate on the patio and the atmosphere was very relaxing. This will definitely be my new go-to. Now I need to try lunch.

Back to basic café. Food comes out quickly and does not sit on the counter waiting to be served. Great prices for the quality and quantity. Staff is super nice and efficient.

You're at the side of a run way near the end. Planes park within 30 feet of the restaurant. So there might be some engine noise here and there. It's not a fancy place, but it's a nice, clean American food diner. Veggie omelet with country fried potatoes and toast was delicious.

We love this place! Where to start? Food great always fresh and tasty. The staff and management are super friendly and courteous, always welcoming and genuine. I can't say enough. Last but not least they are most honest Americans. I lost my wallet and they retrieved it. It is rare today to find such good people. God bless you all for your hard work and integrity. Highly recommend...

What a cute little gem of a place ☺️ if you like watching planes take off and land while eating some good american favorites then you should definitely come here! What a fabulous date place for my husband and i ☺️🫶🏻

Tasty breakfast at a unique venue. Scrambled eggs & sausage on the biscuits covered with gravy was a new way to serve this traditional dish. Small plane engine noise is expected when next to a regional airport. Large covered outdoor dining area was a welcome addition on a mild summer morning.

This is our second time being here. It's always a great atmosphere for the kids to be able to watch the planes take off while eating their food. The prices are good and the food has always been delicious. I loved that they brought out the pancakes in the shape of a Mickey head, and that was without prompting from us. The blueberry pancakes were loaded with blueberries which was very nice as my kids love fruit! The staff has always been very friendly and we have never had to wait long for anything, even refills. Definitely something I highly recommend for anyone who is in the area. Even as an adult, we loved getting to sit outside and watch the planes take off and pull in to park. Can't beat the experience!

Awesome lunch experience. The server was very attentive. We enjoyed watching the planes take off from the view on the patio. We had a BLT, Hot Pastrami, Chicken Noodle Soup with a sandwich and a breakfast burrito. Dessert was blackberry cobbler -YUM!! We will be back!

Wonderful service, great atmosphere,great tasting food oh and did I say wonderful service. The waitress made sure our drink was full and not only that other waitress and who I believe is the owner kept making sure we were taken care of. First time there and definitely won't be the last.

Worth the wait exceptional service. You ge a beautiful view of airplanes taking off and landing. The food was well worth the wait huge portions! Be ready to eat and or take home leftovers. Our server Jessica was very attentive. Can't wait to come back.

Great food served with a smile. This morning I sat inside but they also have a nice dining area outside. I love the food here and it is served hot, like it should be. The staff is friendly and they keep your drinks filled. It is nice to see the planes take off and land with the hills and blue skies as a backdrop.

I miss this place. The food was great! Just as it is in person. The best made omelets I've had in the county. The burger is made well too, and they make it according to temperature preference. This is the first time I've ordered take away or delivery from here. The best takeaway containers I've seen, sounds like an odd thing to compliment but they were sturdy and microwavable. Probably reusable. They also packaged with care, for example every restaurant I've ordered omelets from always puts the fruit and bread next to the omelets. So when it gets to you the fruit is soaked in egg juice, or chilli. And the bread is soggy. They actually package it separately. Glad this place is open in 2020. Thank you to the staff.

Gillespie Field Cafe is the BEST all around cafe in San Diego. I've been a ongoing customer there since 2009 and every visit has been 5/5 Star Outstanding. My only wish is that they would open at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., and stay open for dinner. Plus, the new "Grab n Go is a huge convenience. The quiche is delicious 😋.

Mark Sikorski

Tasty breakfast at a unique venue. Scrambled eggs & sausage on the biscuits covered with gravy was a new way to serve this traditional dish. Small plane engine noise is expected when next to a regional airport. Large covered outdoor dining area was a welcome addition on a mild summer morning.

Metallic Mook

This is our second time being here. It's always a great atmosphere for the kids to be able to watch the planes take off while eating their food. The prices are good and the food has always been delicious. I loved that they brought out the pancakes in the shape of a Mickey head, and that was without prompting from us. The blueberry pancakes were loaded with blueberries which was very nice as my kids love fruit! The staff has always been very friendly and we have never had to wait long for anything, even refills. Definitely something I highly recommend for anyone who is in the area. Even as an adult, we loved getting to sit outside and watch the planes take off and pull in to park. Can't beat the experience!

Lindsey Cornish

Awesome lunch experience. The server was very attentive. We enjoyed watching the planes take off from the view on the patio. We had a BLT, Hot Pastrami, Chicken Noodle Soup with a sandwich and a breakfast burrito. Dessert was blackberry cobbler -YUM!! We will be back!

jamesinSD619

Wonderful service, great atmosphere,great tasting food oh and did I say wonderful service. The waitress made sure our drink was full and not only that other waitress and who I believe is the owner kept making sure we were taken care of. First time there and definitely won't be the last.

Amy Alvarado

Worth the wait exceptional service. You ge a beautiful view of airplanes taking off and landing. The food was well worth the wait huge portions! Be ready to eat and or take home leftovers. Our server Jessica was very attentive. Can't wait to come back.

my45acp1911

Great food served with a smile. This morning I sat inside but they also have a nice dining area outside. I love the food here and it is served hot, like it should be. The staff is friendly and they keep your drinks filled. It is nice to see the planes take off and land with the hills and blue skies as a backdrop.

Janell S

I miss this place. The food was great! Just as it is in person. The best made omelets I've had in the county. The burger is made well too, and they make it according to temperature preference. This is the first time I've ordered take away or delivery from here. The best takeaway containers I've seen, sounds like an odd thing to compliment but they were sturdy and microwavable. Probably reusable. They also packaged with care, for example every restaurant I've ordered omelets from always puts the fruit and bread next to the omelets. So when it gets to you the fruit is soaked in egg juice, or chilli. And the bread is soggy. They actually package it separately. Glad this place is open in 2020. Thank you to the staff.

Christopher

Gillespie Field Cafe is the BEST all around cafe in San Diego. I've been a ongoing customer there since 2009 and every visit has been 5/5 Star Outstanding. My only wish is that they would open at 6 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., and stay open for dinner. Plus, the new "Grab n Go is a huge convenience. The quiche is delicious 😋.

Costlo

It's always busy ,wait time long but worth the wait . Love seeing the planes take off and just relaxing with a good bloody Mary ...

Dave Arce

Breakfast with my gurl today at Gillespie Field Cafe one of our favorites with great service, food and air field scenery. Got to see a couple of jets land while we were eating this time around! ✈️

The minute we were greeted as soon as we got there, we knew we were going to like the place. Very friendly staff and amazing food. The portions are great and I recommend having at least one pancake. Had a good time with my family watching the planes land and take off. Really cool experience and we will definitely be coming back.

Got there just before they closed and was able to get a delicious sandwich and drink. Enjoy the sights n sounds n sunshine on their covered outdoor patio. I will be back.

Great food and service. Staff is friendly and helpful. Atmosphere is fun and very locally with retirees and families.

Been coming here as both a kid, pilot and now father. The location is great for watching planes with your family, just know you're paying a premium.

First time we were there. Lunch was absolutely great and the view of the planes landing and taking off was a bonus.

Great place to eat and enjoy the airfield. Food is really good and so is the staff. Very attentive and the place gets packed on the weekends. That just tells you that the food is really delicious.

This is a cool hideaway local spot where you can watch the skyline, planes doing taking offs and landings. Watch the sunrise over the hills and see lots of sky.

Caroline Harrod

This is a cool hideaway local spot where you can watch the skyline, planes doing taking offs and landings. Watch the sunrise over the hills and see lots of sky.

Jac

First time we were there. Lunch was absolutely great and the view of the planes landing and taking off was a bonus.

Xavier Vasquez

The minute we were greeted as soon as we got there, we knew we were going to like the place. Very friendly staff and amazing food. The portions are great and I recommend having at least one pancake. Had a good time with my family watching the planes land and take off. Really cool experience and we will definitely be coming back.

Blake Oleson

Been coming here as both a kid, pilot and now father. The location is great for watching planes with your family, just know you're paying a premium.

Esma S

Such a cute restaurant. We really enjoyed the big clear window showing the plans flying around. Just a cute experience and the food was delicious

V Gio

Great place to eat and enjoy the airfield. Food is really good and so is the staff. Very attentive and the place gets packed on the weekends. That just tells you that the food is really delicious.

Great place to grab breakfast or lunch. They seem to be always short staffed, but they work hard to take care of everyone. Prices are not cheap, but neither are the portions. Sitting outside on the tarmac for Sunday brunch is fun. Outside is dog-friendly.

Great place to watch small planes fly. The food was better than I expected! I had Minestrone soup (excellent) with garlic toast. The bowl was so big that I brought part of it home. Very nice wait staff. Open every day. It's a real treat if you're an aviation buff.

The atmosphere was good had breakfast the planes are flying around while you eat. Waitress was very kind and helpful. It's clean and well kept. The food was very good, we'll go back again.

Overall, a pleasant experience. My buddy and I ate her for breakfast. I had the eggs Benedict, it was good. Cool view of the airplanes. Service was fine. Prices were reasonable. I would definitely eat there again.

Nice patio to watch all the airplanes from. Food was average (burger and undercooked fries). Service average also. Fair prices.

Art

Overall, a pleasant experience. My buddy and I ate her for breakfast. I had the eggs Benedict, it was good. Cool view of the airplanes. Service was fine. Prices were reasonable. I would definitely eat there again.

v111pilot V

Nice patio to watch all the airplanes from. Food was average (burger and undercooked fries). Service average also. Fair prices.

The breakfast was decent, bacon was tasty and crisp, and senior price ok. The kitchen was efficient. The waitress was too busy yakking outside, so we waited a long time for the check. The hosted f8nall6 brought it and took payment for us and the table nearby. Watching the planes come and go was interesting.

Alice Baker

The breakfast was decent, bacon was tasty and crisp, and senior price ok. The kitchen was efficient. The waitress was too busy yakking outside, so we waited a long time for the check. The hosted f8nall6 brought it and took payment for us and the table nearby. Watching the planes come and go was interesting.

I want to rate this higher. Good service. Good food. But nothing great (well, except all the airplanes if you an aviation geek/pilot like me). Though everything is fine, it's not special. Menu is standard and will have something for everyone. But not sure if you'll find some different here. But that's ok because, like I said, it's all good. Good outdoor seating for safety precautions as well. Worth a try.

I’ve been a regular here for years and will continue to go because I like the atmosphere and food and the staff is friendly. Theres just not enough staff working on the busy days. 15 mins to get drink order, another 15 for food order. If you need something like condiments or creamer good luck. Flagging down someone is a challenge. Theres too many tables assigned to one waitress. I don’t know if that’s the waitresses choice or management but it’s affecting the customers experience. It’s a bummer because everything else about this place is great.

Heather H.

I’ve been a regular here for years and will continue to go because I like the atmosphere and food and the staff is friendly. Theres just not enough staff working on the busy days. 15 mins to get drink order, another 15 for food order. If you need something like condiments or creamer good luck. Flagging down someone is a challenge. Theres too many tables assigned to one waitress. I don’t know if that’s the waitresses choice or management but it’s affecting the customers experience. It’s a bummer because everything else about this place is great.