Thanks for stopping by to read about food here on mmm-yoso!!! today. Kirk is enjoying the weekend and Cathy is writing.
El Cajon has some interesting, local places which have withstood the test of time. I haven't written or even photographed some of my 'little secrets' in over ten years of blogging and finally have gotten around to it.
Located at the South East corner of Broadway at Mollison, this small market is known for its meats, fresh tortillas and small kitchen, located just to the right when you walk in.
The menu is uncomplicated. Everything is fresh and prepared to order, by taking the meats straight from the sales counter over to the kitchen area. There are a few (5) tables in the center of the store (which has a small Produce area, wall of refrigerated beverages, wall of refrigerated staples and one (two sided) set of shelves).
These photos were all taken from my seat at the table. Ol' Rodeo's is small. 
Soon enough, our 'Combination Plate' ($6.99) order of birria (choice of goat or beef; this is goat) was brought over (also, four freshly warmed tortillas, not pictured). This flavorful, rich, spicy stew hits all the taste points. 
The obligatory leftover photo; you can see bay leaf and some bones and gristle. This large bowl of stew had close to a pound of meat in it. The rice and beans here are very good in addition to the fresh corn tortillas.
We also ordered an adobada taco ($2.49), so we had something to eat while the other person was enjoying the birria. As mentioned, the meat for grilling was pulled from the meat counter (where it is $3.99/lb). The pork pieces, marinated in red chile sauce with vinegar and oregano was so fresh and flavorful. I was asked if I wanted avocado or guacamole on top. No extra charge.
Superior quality food, wonderful people working here (it's a Mom and Pop place). Known for its carne asada, which will be a separate post.
Ol' Rodeo's Meat Market 927 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619) 401-7351
Want dessert? Go out to the parking lot…
This landmark building used to be a pizza place called "The Leaning Tower" (there were two other locations in San Diego; one is still partially standing (last photo) and the other, which anchored Clairmont Square, is gone). This family run frozen yogurt business has existed for 41 years and this location was purchased when the Leaning Tower of Pizza went out of business, around 1988. 
The menu changes a bit each day and there is always one dairy free and one sugar free option, as well as two or three low fat yogurts in addition to nonfat choices. There are plenty of topping choices, but we are purists. 
Tart Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry, Baby size ($3.60)- a lot of frozen yogurt to share (especially after that birria). Tart, well flavored, quality yogurt.
Yogurt Mill 935 Broadway El Cajon 92021 Open daily Mon-Thur 10-10, Fri-Sat 10-11 Sun 11-10
This is why you can walk from Ol' Rodeo to The Yogurt Mill…
See that Yogurt Mill tower brought back memories from the late 80’s. During our college days, my best friend and I would make the long trek (for us South Bay girls) to El Cajon to visit our favorite, but now defunct record shop, Blue Meannie. We would see the Tower on our way to the record store. Frozen yogurt was also a big novelty back then. Nice to know this store is still there.
Mom and Pop places are the best! That was quite a bit of food and yay for not being charged extra for avocados too.
A landmark, cc!. It’s so great that the building is still used and that frozen yogurt is still so popular. Ol’ Rodeo is a wonderful place-the meats are high quality and the small kitchen puts out high quality; better than a lot of taco shops.
I have driven by lots of times but never stopped. Thanks for showing me what it’s like inside. I’ll give the tacos a try next time I’m over there. Leaning Tower looks great!
nice that the two shops are next to each other!
It’s really small, Soo. The food is quality, which is all that matters. Everyone working is really nice.
It’s nice to be able to park once and get a meal and a treat out of it, Kat.
Aww lots of memories there ❤️
Our first visit to the Yogurt Mill was right after our first visit to ‘your’ Vietnamese restaurant which had been there for so long, YY. That little block is kind of the ‘center’ of El Cajon to us.