Flame Bar & Grill

3773 Willow Glen Dr, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States
+1 619-612-1212
$$$ Bar & grill
(277 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Flame Bar & Grill in El Cajon serves up a robust Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dining experience fused with a lively bar atmosphere. Located on Willow Glen Drive, this spot fits comfortably into the neighborhood’s casual dining and nightlife scene, attracting groups of friends and local regulars looking to unwind with flavorful food and well-crafted drinks.

The interior balances an energetic vibe with enough space to enjoy conversation without being overwhelmed by the live music or entertainment often featured here. Guests can expect a warm welcome from the staff and attentive service that keeps an eye on your table without hovering. It’s a place that works well for both casual dinners and evening outings, especially when you're in the mood for sharing plates or enjoying a mixed grill selection with friends.

The menu showcases a variety of Mediterranean staples and bar favorites that stand out in both flavor and portion size. Popular choices include the Hummus and Pita Bread, fresh Fatoush and Tabouli Salads, and hearty platters like the Mixed Grill or the spiced Chicken Tikka. For those interested in cocktails, the Mai Tai crafted by their mixologist Joel offers a creative twist, while fans of spirits will find a decent selection of bottles available, including renowned options like Hennessy and Casamigos. Sweet tooths can finish on a traditional note with Knafeh, a syrup-soaked pastry that anchors the dessert offerings.

This spot caters well to groups who appreciate a social atmosphere without sacrificing the quality of their meal. The dining experience leans into generous servings and layering flavors, making it ideal for sharing around the table. The presence of live entertainment adds a dynamic edge, often bringing a celebratory feel but with enough volume control so that you can still hold a conversation comfortably if seated thoughtfully.

Flame Bar & Grill works best in the evenings when the bar buzz picks up and the room fills with energy from music and chatter. Whether you’re dropped in by locals in the know or visiting from elsewhere in the San Diego area, expect a friendly, neighborhood-oriented ambiance paired with foods and drinks that invite lingering and sharing.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Has live performances
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Has dancing
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Tuesday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Wednesday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Thursday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Friday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Saturday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Sunday

6:00 PM - 2:00 AM

277 Reviews
Sarmad Khemmoro

23 Dec 2025

I was invited here with a couple local friends who live in San Diego. The owner welcomed us warmly as I think they know my buddies very well. We had a good table not close to the stage which good so we do not get deaf by the loud music . The services was great as the waitresses keep checking on us. The appetizers were delicious and the main course of different meats on a wood tray was looking and tasted fabulous. They had at least 2 singers there plus the belle dancer who made the environment nice. I know some ppl had bad experience from the reviews I read, but mine was outstanding and great.

Megan Ames

30 Nov 2025

Wow, this place is so good! This was our first visit and we loved it! My husband got the Coco Loco which was stunning and he highly recommends it. I got the chicken shawarma wrap and it was perfect. It was exactly what I wanted. We also got the churro bites with vanilla ice cream (no pic because we annihilated it immediately) which we really enjoyed. Service is great, our waitress was attentive and the manager came to check in with us. Will definitely come back!

Samaa Alesi

03 Nov 2025

I did enjoy the view and the place , the food was fine and the service was good

Chaz Nezha

01 Nov 2025

I recently visited this Mediterranean restaurant and I was blown away by the amazing food and atmosphere. The portions were generous and everything tasted absolutely delicious. If you're looking for a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling hungry, this is definitely the place to go. What really sets this restaurant apart is the entertainment they provide. They have a singer perform almost every weekend, which adds a fun and lively atmosphere to the dining experience. It's a great place to come with friends and family for a night out. Another highlight of this restaurant is their $40 buffet that's available Thursday to Sunday during Ramadan. While the selection of dishes was good, I did feel that the price was a little on the high side considering the limited selections they have in the buffet. However, the quality of the food more than made up for it. The service was excellent and the staff were friendly and accommodating. They were happy to explain the different dishes on the menu and offer recommendations based on our preferences. Overall, I highly recommend this Mediterranean restaurant for anyone looking for a great meal and a fun night out. Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just looking for something new, this place is definitely worth a visit.

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