Thanks for dropping by to read the food blog, mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is unable to get near a computer right now, as is Ed(from Yuma). Cathy is available and has something food-related to write about.
More than once, I have heard about cities like El Cajon, Santee and La Mesa being located 'all the way out in East County' and too far to drive to, even for good food. In return, I have told people to look at a map of San Diego County so they could realize the size and the real center of our County.
Heading East on the 8 Interstate freeway, past Alpine are signs indicating you have entered the Cleveland National Forest, a 460,000 acre wilderness environment within urban boundaries.
Taking the Highway 79 exit and driving North for about 1.5 miles, you will see a few businesses and on the left-Descanso Junction Restaurant. The corner land and building was originally a gas station (in 1920) and in 2004, Descanso Junction Restaurant opened.
Stepping inside, the decor (memorabilia of motorcyles, horses and the West) is comfortable and reminiscent of the past. There are many 'regulars' eating and meeting here.
The menu is rather extensive and there are also chalkboard specials (hanging in the Saloon area when you walk in).
Since I've only met clients here for lunch (and they were paying, so I ordered a quesadilla
/whiteboard special), the breakfast menu was overwhelming (in a good way, with my being undecided for a while). I opted to try something more or less 'traditional'-the Country Scramble ($8.99)- scrambled eggs with homemade biscuits, homemade gravy and (really good, thick, skin on) breakfast sausage. Yes, I realize the gravy with country fried steak with this same gravy will probably be my choice next time.
The Mister chose to ignore traditional breakfast choices and instead, the Smoked Bourbon Tri-Tip with eggs ($11.99). Wow! The meat was perfect (medium rare, which he requested), the smoked Bourbon flavor was so good and new taste point for me, the over easy eggs had those yummy orange yolks and those home fries were really really great!
Check out the menu and Monday-Friday specials listed; in case you might want to eat on the way home after enjoying a staycation within the county that doesn't involve the ocean. There is a lot to see and do in San Diego.
Descanso Junction Restaurant 8306 Highway 79 Descanso, CA 91916 Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Website
Definitely my kind of breakfast, don’t even need lunch or dinner after that.
Thanks for representing east county! There are lots of interesting things on the dinner menu. I should go and visit Julian again…
Nice review, I drive by it on the way to Lake Cuyamaca, never stopped in though. Looks like a hearty breakfast.
We took home a lot of leftovers, Bill.
I try to vary the locations of my posts, Soo. Locals know what’s good. The food here has been great every time I’ve stopped here.
I can see why people pass it, Jason-so close to getting or leaving the Forest. Its worth the stop.
I remember passing this on the way to Julian. Next time, Bert, TC and I will have to stop here (country fried steak!).
Wow, you went the long way to Julian, cc!! I’m thinking Descanso Junction does CFS the right way.