I regularly get asked, "Where is a good place to eat in Julian?" That answer depends on what kind of food you like. The good news is our local restaurants are putting out their best dishes ever! Julian is on it’s way to becoming a food destination. Not only can you find a variety of cultural foods, dietary options (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free) there are also dog-friendly dining options. Not bad for a tiny town!
Casual Dining
Colt’s Burger Bar
Colt’s Burger Bar is located inside the Julian Station. Here you can find Julian’s only burger cooked on an open grill. Their ½-pound grass-fed beef burgers are cooked perfectly to medium-rare and topped with fresh produce. Stop by to see what daily specialty burgers they are cooking up.
Julian Beer Co. (JBC)
Julian Beer Co. is known for its freshly-made, smoked BBQ, hand-tossed pizza, and of course, their house-brewed beers. A large variety of indoor-outdoor seating makes this place a popular hangout spot. My personal favorites are their pizza and ribs.
Julian Tea Cottage
In 1995, Edie and Jim Seger bought the house to be the home of their business, Julian Tea & Cottage Arts. Come on in for afternoon tea (reservations recommended). You can also find a vast array of gift items, stationery, teas, and seasonal items. When you call to make your reservations, just mention your dietary needs, like being gluten-free, for example, and they will make sure to have something ready for you.
Miner’s Diner
The list of things to do and see in Miner's Diner is endless. Throughout the diner, you can view the original vintage decor including vintage soda bottles, a US license plate collection, old medicine bottles, and so much more. You can take a seat at the original 1929 soda fountain or at a table. With either choice of seating, you're sure to have a unique 1930s dining experience. Their gold miners-inspired menu even has gluten-free and vegetarian options. My favorites are the Western Bacon Burger, the Veggie Melt (with bacon), the Ruben, the Grilled Cheese, the Miner's Melt, Chicken Tenders… Okay, clearly I love too many things to pick a favorite.
Julian Cafe
The Julian Cafe serves everything from breakfast to dinner and of course apple pie for dessert. The Cafe opened in 1972. They have a pie window where they sell whole pies for those who don't want to wait in line for a table at the restaurant.
Jack's Grocery and Deli
Jack's Deli has a variety of warm and cold sandwiches as well as their grocery store options, which allow you to get a sandwich, chips, and a drink.
Quecho
Tucked away one block off Main Street, this elevated restaurant has a wonderful indoor and outside atmosphere. Here you can find unique and simple dishes that are loaded full of irresistible flavors.
Heroes
Located in the De Luca House, built-in 1893, Heroes is a multi-generational, family-run business. Don't let the size of this tiny 1800s house fool you. Their hospitality here is impressive. They have indoor and outdoor seating with a view of the town, meaning you don't have to leave your furry friend in the car. The menu has vegan and vegetarian options. You can find hooks outside for your motorcycle gear. If you call ahead, they will work with you to make arrangements for your large party (weekdays preferred). To top it off, you can even order to go.
Soups and Such
Known for their fresh, simple, and delicious foods, Soups and Such is a great place for any meal. They even have vegetarian and vegan options.
Regulars Wanted Beanery
Regulars Wanted Beanery is known for its organic coffee and its craft specialty options. Here you can find yummy breakfast and lunch options. Their breakfast potatoes are DELICIOUS—just saying.
Higher-End Dining
Wynola Pizza & Bistro
Come enjoy yummy wood-fired pizza, drinks, and local art at Wynola Pizza. This place offers indoor/outdoor seating, craft soda, and vegan and gluten-free pizza options. Yes! They have a gluten-free pizza crust.
The Julian Grille
The cottage restaurant is beautiful inside and out. Here you can find soups, gourmet salads, fine meats, and seafood.
Jeremy’s on the Hill
Julian's very own Chef Jeremy Manley opened his first restaurant in 2007, Jeremy’s on the Hill. The menu here changes frequently in response to seasonal, fresh, local, organic produce, which is grown on Jeremy's sister's farm.
Romano’s Italian Restaurant
The Romano family has been in the bar and restaurant business since the 1920s when Antonio Romano opened his first restaurant. In the 1960s, Romano’s Deli in Pacific Beach was famous for Italian food. Then in 1983, the family opened Romano’s Restaurant in Julian. Here you can find Chicken Piccata, Sicilian steak (without breading), and so much more. Don't forget dessert! They have mocha cream, mocha cream sundaes, ice cream sundaes, and spumoni ice cream.
**All information provided in this post was correct to the best of my knowledge at the time the post was published. Information provided in this post may change without notice. Please double-check with the individual business for the most up-to-date information.**