%cb%bA Local Hang Out%c*%b and other Chula Vista, CA Restaurant Reviews

Popular with the sail boat crowd

too!

Restaurant Name: GALLEY AT THE MARINA

When the building was constructed and a restaurant opened up at the J Street Marina, it was a big disappointment to me. It seemed that the menu offered breakfast in the morning and unremarkable sandwhiches for the early afternoon. Such a waste for the spectacular location and of course the business didn't succeed.

Several years later some creative soul transformed the place into a relaxing, waterfront restaurant with a menu to please most people. It seems that Fran, the widow of Bill Muncey, a speedboat racing champion, had the imagination to see what her Galley At The Marina could be and she prevailed!

This comfortable restaurant right on the bay, overlooking the marina has a moderately priced menu, a great deal at Happy Hour and Tuesday, she offers, 'Spaghetti-Night,' all you can eat spaghetti for $6.95. Then on Thursday, it's 'Fish and Chips night,' all you can eat fish and chips for $6.95.

You may dine inside or out, the view is charming and every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night local talent provides live music for an entertaining evening on the bay.

Favorite Dish: Order what you like, for me it's Fish and Chips, Cobb Salad, Potato Skins, Jalapeno Poppers, Bloody Mary or in the evening a delicious martini. (Not necessarily all at the same time.)

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 422-5714
Address: 550 Marina Parkway

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Filippi's Pizza Grotto: Great Pizza!

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Updated by lmkluque

on Feb 28, 2006

Filippis Pizza Grotto

by lmkluque , 4 more photos

Restaurant Name: Filippi's Pizza Grotto

Filippis and I have a history. I managed this restaurant and worked there for twenty-three years. My son's grew up thinking of Filippis as their second home, had their first jobs at Filippis and almost all our family birthdays were celebrated there. All that, just to say that Filippis Pizza Grotto Chula Vista is a large, yet cozy, neighborhood, come-as-you-are, restaurant for all occasions.

The basket wrapped Chianti bottles holding dripping candles and the red flocked wall paper are gone now, but the red and white checkered table cloths have survived. Many people think of the decor as "Old World Italian" but, customers from Italy didn't agree. It doesn't really matter, it's a comfortable and affordable place to have a good meal.

There are about ten Filippis' in San Diego, not a chain. Individually owned by members of the DePhillippis family and the Chula Vista restaurant, owned by Cheryl and Alfred DePhilippis, is the second--I think--location established in 1952.

Favorite Dish: Now, as for my favorite dishes.

Pizza! Anytime, pepperoni & mushroom, easy sauce and no oregano. Occasionally pepperoni & jalapeno, easy sauce and no oregano. It is not necessary to order extra cheese on the hand-flipped pizzas as the cooks are more than generous with the mozzarella!

I also like the Spaghetti, Lasagna, Pasta Primavera, very creamy Fettuccini Alfredo and Veal Parmigiana on special occasions.

When I take my grand children to the J Street Marina to play in the park, we stop at Filippis for a Super Torpedo or Ham & Cheese Sandwich--both served on a crunchy torpedo role, both delicious and usually one is enough for all four of the kids.

For dessert Canoli!!

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 427 - 6650
Address: 82 Broadway, Chula Vista, California 91910
Website: http://www.realcheesepizza.com

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%cb%bZorbas%c*%b: Greek Buffet!

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Written by lmkluque

on Apr 2, 2004

Time for the Greek Dancers

Restaurant Name: Zorbas

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.

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Theme: Middle Eastern
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 422-8853
Address: 100 Broadway

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%cb%bEdelweiss Restaurant%c*%b: House of Munich No Longer!

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Written by lmkluque

on Jul 17, 2004

Dinner and a Movie

Restaurant Name: Edelweiss Restaurant

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.

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.

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Theme: German/Austrian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 426-5172
Address: 230 3rd Avenue

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%cb%bEl Torito Mexican Restaurant%c*%b: A Pretty Good Mexican Chain Restaurant

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on May 17, 2005

Don't Miss Happy Hour!

Restaurant Name: El Torito Mexican Restaurant

A festive and fun place to gather with friends or loved ones! /orito 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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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 425-6013
Address: 271 Bay Boulevard
Website: http://www.eltorito.com/

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%cb%bCasa Don Diego!%c*%b: One Of My Favorites

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on Jul 16, 2005

Casa Don Diego

by lmkluque , 3 more photos

Restaurant Name: Casa Don Diego!

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.

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

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.

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 426-6131
Address: 1199 Third Avenue

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%cb%bLa Bella Pizza Garden%c*%b: Filippis' Competitor

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Written by lmkluque

on May 17, 2005

They have patio dining

Restaurant Name: La Bella Pizza Garden

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 it 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. Be ware, the Veal Parmesan comes with french fries instead of pasta--like at Filippis.

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Theme: Pizza
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 426-8820
Address: 373 Third Avenue
Website: http://www.labellapizza.com/

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%cb%bStellas�s On Third Avenue %c*%b: New To The Block!

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Written by lmkluque

on May 17, 2005

A New Place To Try.

Restaurant Name: Stellas�s On Third Avenue

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

Favorite Dish: The pastries, and Saturday brunch!

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Theme: Deli
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 427-6476
Address: 365 Third Avenue

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%cb%bThe Butcher Shop Steak House!%c*%b: Prime Rib At It's Best!

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on Jul 24, 2005

Understated Facade

Restaurant Name: The Butcher Shop Steak House!

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 ButcherShop 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.

Favorite Dish: The drinks are strong, they make the best of potato skins, the prime rib is tender and delicious. Order their homemade bleu cheese dressing for your salad and enjoy!

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Theme: Steakhouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30 » Currency Converter
Phone: (619) 420-9440
Address: 556 Broadway

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%cb%bUno%c*%b: Chicago Bar & Grille!

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Written by lmkluque

on Jul 24, 2005

Conveniently Located in Chula Vista

Center