Jay's Southern Cafe

As long as I've been in San Diego, going on 30 years, I've been frustrated by the fact that since people here don't really know what good BBQ is, they'll eat and like whatever "Q" they're served, as long as it smells smoky and is served in a relatively rustic manner.But the County always has at least one exceptional place, and sometimes, if we're lucky, there will be a couple in business at the same time. We mourn the passing of Brooks and Bobbye Huffman's eponymous shop; Duntae Bright's Barnes' BBQ; Martin Murphy's SQUE BBQ; Jeff Chan's Union BBQ; and Ami and Brandon Standafer's El Barbecue. At the moment, two local spots truly shine: Bowlegged BBQ, owned by Kenneth Hawkins and three Stance family members, all of whom serve up great barbecue and some of the best chicken I've ever eaten; and Jay's Southern Cafe, in Alpine.The meats at Jay's Southern Cafe are slow-smoked daily, with oak, and several times, I've hopped in the car and driven a half-hour for a plate of the restaurant's country goodness. Points off for no sweet tea, but points added for outstanding fried sea bass, excellent chicken and Five Guys-worthy French fries.Plus which, Jay Cousins and his family (this is most definitely a family operation) are among the nicest and most hospitable people you'll ever meet, and I'm including people you already know and love. Finally, if Alpine seems like a long way to drive for barbecue, remember that you regularly drive to Orange County for Vietnamese food, or South Bay for menudo, or wherever you go for whatever you like. This restaurant is worth your attention and your gas money, and should be added to your rotation.

Everything is top notch. We asked if there were any suggestions and we were told to try everything. I'll be coming back to try everything...and then have more. San Diegans. It's official. We don't have to go to Texas to get good brisket.

Yes it's good. Don't be sidetracked by the location, this place is legit. I am on a weekend getaway in the mountains and usually I'll find some small town spots to support. I was a little skeptical seeing this bbq southern cafe in the middle of a small town. I have zero hesitation telling you to come eat here. First- the service, there was a young man at the counter and he was welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. He told me what his favorites were, helped me pick sides and let me know what the wait time would be. Also melted my heart when we handed my order to the kitchen and said "here you go dad". Love a family spot. The food, I got the ribs combo with macaroni and cheese and potato salad. These two sides are the make it or break it in my family. The Mac was delicious. Flavorful, creamy with a browned top - perfect. The potato salad was not my family's normal- a little sweeter, less egg and mustard but was good. The ribs..... they fell apart, in the best way. Well seasoned didn't need sauce but the sauce took it over the top. Get EXTRA sauce. The only things I would say is it's hard to see inside due to the reflective glass on outside so I couldn't tell they were open. It was lunch time and I was the only one there. Makes me sad. San Diego this is worth the 30 min drive, get up here.

Still just as good, with a huge plus. FRIED OKRA. It is fresh and fried to perfect! I'll just leave this here...

I don't usually think about food... or have "hankerings" for a certain place... BUT THIS PLACE!!!! HFS I am in love with this placeFirst I can't believe it took me so long to come here but some friends took me and I have been HOOKED on the BBQ EVER SINCE.The meats are so tender and fall off the bone. Oh and not to mention the staff is so kind, they treat you like family. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but what isn't these days... It's true legit southern BBQ, more along the lines of Louisiana Arkansas style, not Texas style. If you know BBQ, you know there is a difference. This place is definitely trip worthy up to Alpine, just make sure you check the hours before you come. Thanks Jay for opening your restaurant here in Alpine... I love your food, so does my son! Thank you sir!

We recommend Jay's Southern Café. And we are giving them five stars. It's our first time here. J, the owner greeted us at the counter.We ordered the brisket dinners with fries and beans. It was amazing maybe some of the best but we've ever had. The music is really fun. Makes you think you're in Louisiana

The food is AMAZING and the service is quick, warm and inviting. I particularly recommend trying the grits, collard greens, and brisket; they're outstanding!

Excellent Brisket! Very well seasoned; no sauce needed, but if you want, they have spicy, regular & mustard (?, I believe). Family owned; Welcoming environment; and ALL the sides are Great! Grits are thick; Fries are crisp & delicious; Fried Okra is a favorite; They've got Baked Beans; Greens & Mac N Cheese. A choice of Spicy or Regular BBQ sauce; The FISH is scrumptious! All u can eat Fish Fridays, and comes w/a tasty different type of tarter sauce. Yep - I go often. EXCELLENT service every time. Oh, and now serving alcohol. GET IT YALL!

I don't have a problem with the food, service, or prices; they were all adequate..But to run out of brisket on a Saturday at 1:30pm is not cool.To charge extra for more than a single side of bbq sauce is not cool, especially when you offer both regular and spicy.And the BBQ sauces? Neither were all that good. A little too sweet and runny.San Diego doesn't have much real BBQ IMO, but there are certainly better choices.

OMG! The flavors! Outstanding!!Every bite I can't decide which to eat again next. Probably the BEST BBQ I've ever had. I so wish I lived closer. MmmmOh...the BQQ sauce served was delicious and I ate plenty. But I finally took a bite of the ribs sans sauce and they were amazing alone. Almost forgot to mention the all you can eat fish on Friday...today. My husband ate his fill! Would have had a fourth platter if allowed. He loved the Cole slaw & baked beans.