March 9, 2008

Monday Madness - Eating Lemon Grove, part 2

Gluttony or Gourmet ?

Let me guess that you like food. In a recent survey more than 3 of 4 people confessed that they like food. Don’t be ashamed, you are not alone. Let me tell you about a local city that has more restaurants per square mile, more restaurants per person, and more restaurants than you can shake a stick at.

We’re continuing an exhaustive search to find every restaurant in Lemon Grove. It won’t be easy and we may gain a few pounds, but it is paramount that Redfin readers have this important community information. Along the way we’ll comment on some nearby housing opportunities.

We’re looking down on Lemon Grove Plaza with Albertson’s supermarket at the core. Most of today’s restaurants are within this plaza. We’ll eat our way from west to east on this adventure.

• Burger King is just off the map to the left. Not much I can add to what you already know about them. They have a fair amount of drive-thru business, but the inside is usually not busy.

• The Colonel’s KFC store is practically next door to BK. Employees here always seem cheerful. Lots of customers, you may have to wait a bit.

• China King is a treat. Popular items are the broccoli beef, sweet & sour orange chicken, egg fried rice but there is much more. Look for smiling Toni as you enter. These people take pride in their work.

A short walk away near Waite Street in La Mesa is 3726 Jill Lane, a condo built in 1990. With 2 beds, 2.5 baths and unknown square feet (it was only listed 3 days ago) it gives access to all the food and facilities of the Broadway strip. It’ll cost you $369k plus the monthly HOA fee of $250.

• Submarina- what can I say? This one’s small and clean and you know what to expect.

• Del Taco has an indoor playground, but the enclosure keeps the noise where it belongs. Staff is polite and friendly and food quality is reliable.

• Godfathers RIP. For many years they offered an affordable buffet lunch. Soon it will be a bank.

Walking east we find 7228 Waite with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and unknown square feet. Listed last November, the price has come down to $420k but you should know it was $335k in 2003.

• Carl’s Jr has a playground that only McDonalds can compare to, and many happy kids enjoy it while the parents savor a quiet meal inside.

• This McDonalds is the best in the county. It is one of many franchises with the same owner and they do something right. The staff is always happy. A meal is always better in a cheerful environment.

Just a little farther east is 7260 Waite Drive boasting 4 beds, 2 baths, 1,463 sq.ft. and built in 1953. It was listed Dec 3 and has dropped to $440k but you’ll want to know that the Zillow estimate is $358,500, Cyberhomes estimate is $320,675, and the epraisal estimate is $405,961. Don’t rush into this just now.

• Colima’s Taco Shop is the newest restaurant in the little strip mall. I hope you will try it because they seem to be struggling a to get started.

• In-N-Out has tasty burgers. I remember not so long ago when they opened to great fanfare. We all wanted one in our area and those first days were greeted with long lines of eager customers. Well the customers are still pouring in.

If you have dutifully followed the tour, you might be feeling some gastronomic distress by now. Take a few days to digest our adventure and come back in a week or so for another gluttonous gander.

see also:
Monday Madness - Eating Lemon Grove, part 1

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