Places to eat in Chula Vista

In the heart of downtown on Third Avenue, this family owned and operated Italian restaurant's has been one of Chula Vista's favorite pizza places. This is not fast-food pizza like Dominos--which opened a shop across the street--this is a neighborhood family Italian restaurant . Like Filippis' Pizza Grotto. Both opened their doors in the mid-1950s and have been in competition since. Or maybe not. It seems that each restaurant has it's own loyal clientele.

Okay, just so you know my bias, I was manager of Filippis and Filippis is my favorite.

Favorite Dish: The flavor of the food is different from Filippis, but it's good too. I like the Peperoni & Mushroom pizza, Lasagna and Chicken Parmesan. Beware, the Veal Parmesan comes with french fries instead of pasta--which is how it's served at Filippis.

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This charming building is one featured on the Historical Tour of Chula Vista. Between the years of 1953 and 1968 this was home to Zontek's Cafe. After 1968, the new owners changed the name to House of Munich and the menu to German cuisine. More than thirty years later another change in name--Edelwiss--and menu--Austrian.

Edelweiss was the first and only Austrian Restaurant in San Diego and along with a fine meal it is a gathering place for Austrians and those wanting to practice the language.

Update:

The restaurant is located next door to the Vogue Theater and opened for lunch and dinner during the week and dinner only on Saturday and Sundays.

Favorite Dish: Besides Austrian specialties, they occasionally offer entertainment and always there are those wonderful Austrian desserts.

Update:

The Germans left, then the Austrians left, now the Thais are here and seem to be doing well. I haven't tried this restaurant yet and have heard mixed comments about it. It seems that people either really like it or really don't like it. Their prices seem to be a bit higher than most so that might come into play here. I've been told that the proportions are a good size. Thai is not a cuisine that I am familiar with, though I've had it a few times.

When I try this out for myself I'll tell you about the experience.

A festive and fun place to gather with friends or loved ones! El Torito is a chain restaurant and can be found in many locations throughout California as well as other States.

The budget minded might be interested to know that Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, between 4 and 8 p.m. at El Torito is an economical way to satisfy your hunger. During this time, drinks are less expensive and appetizers--Antojitos--are half price in the bar--Cantina and are quite filling. Later in the evening there is dancing in the Cantina.

The restaurant sections are full most of the time but usually the wait for a table is not long.

The restaurant is located west of I-5 on a quiet street and there is plenty of free parking.

Favorite Dish: Tequila Shooters, Chicken Fajitas, Ceasar Salad, which is not a traditional Ceasar Salad, but rather a signature version with a delicious cilantro-pepita dressing! I like this dressing so much I buy it from the grocery store to have at home.

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Casa Don opened it's doors more than thirty years ago and I've been going there ever since. It is a family owned and operated restaurant and bar with consistantly good food.

Every ten years or so, the decor is re-done to keep-up with the changing times. In fact the outside tables are a newer addition, convenient for their smoking patrons.

Update:

No more smoking on the patio. Chula Vista passed a "no smoking" law so you have to go out to the sidewalk or parking lot to have a smoke.

Casa Don is a restaurant and full service bar with fast and friendly service. However, they will not rush the pace of a meal.

Also I like their Sunday Brunch.

Favorite Dish: The Margaritas and Mexican Coffee are well made and delicious. Carne Asada is my all time favorite dish, but also I like the Chicken Fajitas and the Chili Rellenos very much. It all depends on my mood at the time.

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The building's been there for years, but Talavera Azul hasn't been there very long. They serve breakfast and lunch. The interior decor is restive it's a great place to sit outside on a sunny day having coffee and reading a good book!

Update:

Stella's is out and Talavera Azul is in. Talavera Azul means blue pottery. The decor is a pale blue with lots of pots around the place. The menu is now Mexican and the two most popular items are Chilaquiles and their Cafe de Olla. At least that's what I've been told. I haven't tried either yet.

Another thing I'll have to check on is whether or not they serve dinner. On their web page they say, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yet, they state their hours as 7:30 am - 2 pm? Interesting.

Favorite Dish: The menu is now Mexican but I haven't seen it yet or tried any of the food. I will let you know my opinion after I've checked it out.

Step into the past. Red leather booths, red velvet flocked wallpaper and dark wood, especially popular in the late forties early fifties, can be experienced at this popular restaurant!

Have lunch here!

Walking into the dimly lit dining room from the sunny outside is like going blind. You can hear but not see a thing! Close the door, stand still for a few moments until the pale glow begins to reveal the scene.

The Butcher Shop has a reputation for being "connected." If that is true or not I haven't a clue, unless the photo of Frank Sinatra with the owner is telling. Actually the owner of the ButcherShop and Frank Sinatra do have a connection, Del Mar Race Track.

Update:

The Butcher Shop Steak House was sold some years ago, but since the quality of food did not suffer at all, I didn't mention that. However, now not only has it been sold the new owners have changed the name to The Steak House on Broadway. They are still using the history of the original owner and I'm sure that it is with his permission.

Neither the decor nor the food has changed so it is still a great old place to experience.

Favorite Dish: Prime Rib At It's Best!

The drinks are strong, they make the best potato skins I've ever had, the prime rib is tender and delicious. What more could anyone want? Oh also I suggest that you order their homemade bleu cheese dressing--it is the best--for your salad and enjoy!

A mix of American, Italian, Asian and seafood can be found on this chain-restaurant's menu. They offer smoking on the outside patio, a full service bar and a festive atmosphere.

During Happy Hour the drinks are less expensive and two dollars are taken off regular appetizer prices as an enticement. Not a bad deal.

This is not one of my favorties, but there is nothing wrong with it or it's food, and there is plenty of near-by parking!

Update:

The place has changed names and owners. Now, it is BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. It's a big place so great for groups. Sort of a sports bar with TV's everywhere. The service is good enough and the menu is extensive.

Favorite Dish: The convenience of sitting down after hours of shopping is what makes this place worth suggesting. I do know people who frequent BJ's but I'm not one to go out of my way to eat here. I say this, not because of the quality of the food but because it is a big sporty type of place and that isn't really for me. However, there are many people who love these big, sometimes noisey places and would have a great time here. It is nice and comfortable, just not my style.

The menu is extensive and includes both light and heavy dishes, so no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find something that will appeal.

I have stopped here for a rest from shopping or to meet someone for drinks. I order a Bloody Mary. At meal time the Terryaki Salmon is pretty good.

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A Greek all-you-can-eat buffet for one low price. The open dining room arrangement is not a favorite with me, but the food is better than average so I dine here when in the mood for hummus and tabouli.

This is a family owned restaurant and watching the interaction between family members as they work, is pretty entertaining anytime, but on the weekends, lively Greek Dancers put on a very festive show.

Favorite Dish: The buffet includes popular dishes such as Spanakopita, Dolmathes, Moussaka and Lamb.

However, my favorites are the ample Salad Bar, Tabouli, Hummus, Pita bread and Baklava is my first choice of the many delicious items at the dessert bar.