Press Box Restaurant + Bar

4.4

17 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Neighbourhood gem
Great for happy hour
Child-friendly

An East County neighborhood community gem for over 15 years, Press Box Restaurant & Bar offers a refreshing take on all-American classic cuisine. Featuring a wide selection of local beers on tap, original cocktails, and a whiskey lovers dream, Press Box's menu highlights creative bar staples like "Mediterranean Chicken Skewers" and "Beef Cheek Nachos," alongside more classic dishes like the "Ribeye with Seasonal Potatoes and Vegetables" and "Smash Burger Sliders."

Owned and operated by Executive Chef Joseph "Papa Joe" Salem, the same mastermind behind the restaurant "Sahara of the Middle East," Press Box incorporates a Mediterranean flare into both the menu and design. Items are sourced fresh on a daily basis, and chef's specials can be found as a constant addition. Opened daily for lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch, the restaurant also features a large selection of TVs to highlight the upcoming game of the season.

Additional information

Location
2990 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019
Phone number
(619) 713-6990
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Mediterranean
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Joseph Salem

Offers

Sunday Funday!
Multiple dates available
Sun - 11:00 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Happy Hour all day Sundays! 11AM-10PM Special priced appetizers | Craft cocktails | $1 off draft beers | $6.5 house wines

Baked BrieUS$14.90
wrapped in puff pastry | bourbon honey drizzle | almonds, walnuts, peanuts & dried fruit | granny smith apple | lemon zest | french baguette
Balsamic BrusselsUS$14.90
crispy bacon | feta cheese | balsamic reduction | parmesan cheese | harissa aioli
Kung Pao Brussels SproutsUS$14.90
kung pao sauce | harissa peanuts | feta | bonito flakes | scallions
Crispy CalamariUS$15.90
harissa peanuts | jalapenos | harissa aioli
Hummus PlateUS$13.90
pita bread | kalamata olives | feta | cucumber | tomato | scallions | EVOO | paprika (+ steak $7 | gyros $6 | chicken skewers $6.50 | blackened grilled shrimp $7.50)
Papa Joe's MeatballsUS$13.90
3 pc | veal, beef & pork meatballs | mozzarella | marinara | artisan sourdough
Fried Risotto BallsUS$14.90
3pc | mushroom-mozzarella | marinara sauce
Potato SkinsUS$13.90
3pc | crispy bacon | green onion | melted cheddar | crème fraiche | sriracha
Sheet Pan NachosUS$14.90
shredded melted cheese | nacho cheese sauce | jalapenos | salsa fresca | crème fraiche | cilantro (+ steak $7 | grilled chicken $5 | avocado $2.50)
Short Rib NachosUS$21.90
slow braised beef short rib | nacho cheese sauce | fontina cheese | harissa | crème fraiche | lettuce | scallions
Giant PretzelUS$14.90
nacho cheese sauce | spicy mustard | cornichon | pickled jalapeños
Angus Beef SlidersUS$14.90
white american | caramelized onion | chopped jalapeños | mayo | Hawaiian roll (+ fries $5.90)
Chicken Tenders or WingsUS$14.90
garlic parmesan | sweet chili | house bbq | lemon pepper | cajun rub | buffalo | vadouvan (french curry) (+ fries $5.90)
Buffalo FriesUS$16.90
crispy chicken | buffalo sauce | green onion | ranch
Garlic Pamesan FriesUS$9.90
crispy fries | fresh minced garlic | butter | parmesan

Salads and Vegetables

+ grilled chicken skewers $6.5 | grilled wild shrimp $7.5 | faroe island salmon $8.5 | NY Steak $10

The CaesarUS$12.90
romaine hearts | breadcrumbs | pecorino romano (half salad $6.90)
The WedgeUS$13.90
pancetta | bleu cheese crumbles | tomato | chives | smoked baby bleu dressing (half salad $7.90)
The BalsamicUS$13.90
organic spring mix | shredded cabbage | blue cheese crumbles | cherry tomato | candied walnuts | house balsamic
Seasonal VegetablesUS$8.90

Sandwiches & Burgers

Our burgers are ground fresh in house using the finest chuck roll short rib & brisket. Served with either shoestring fries, tots, or sweet potato fries.

Chicken SandwichUS$14.90
crispy chicken | calabrian aioli | pickles | lettuce | confit tomato | brioche
Pesto Chicken ClubUS$15.90
thin sliced roasted chicken breast | crisp bacon | tomato | avocado | white american | pesto mayo | grilled sourdough
French DipUS$17.90
thin sliced ribeye | fontina | veal jus | french baguette
All American BurgerUS$15.90
white american | lettuce | tomato | onion | pickles | spread | brioche bun
BBQ Western BurgerUS$18.90
white american | bacon | lettuce | tomato | bourbon bbq sauce | shoestring onions | chipotle aioli
Bacon Mushroom CheeseburgerUS$18.90
white american | caramelized onion | mushroom | bacon | lettuce | tomato | spread

House Made Pizzas

Pepperoni + RicottaUS$18.90
mozzarella | marinara | pepperoni | ricotta make it spicy + chopped calabrian chilis $1 + hot honey $1
MeatloversUS$18.90
garlic confit | marinara | cherry tomato | mozzarella | fresh basil | extra virgin olive oil
MargaritaUS$15.90
garlic confit | marinara | cherry tomato | mozzarella | fresh basil | extra virgin olive oil

Pastas

Mac & CheeseUS$10.90
macaroni |classic cheese sauce | breadcrumbs
Pesto PenneUS$14.90
basil arugula pesto | parmesan | cream | cherry tomato (+ grilled or crispy chicken $6.5 | grilled wild shrimp $7.5 | faroe island salmon $8.5)
Lasagna BologneseUS$16.90
pancetta beef & pork bolognese | pomodoro sauce | parmesan | mozzarella | béchamel sauce
Spaghetti & MeatballsUS$18.90
Papa Joe's famous veal beef + pork meatballs | marinara | parmesan
Crispy Chicken Fettuccini AlfredoUS$19.90
panko chicken | garlic | butter | cream | vermouth | red pepper flakes
Beef Short Rib ParpadelleUS$19.90
slow braised beef short ribs | crushed tomato | red wine | breadcrumbs | house ricotta
Shrimp ArriabbataUS$19.90
grilled shrimp | penne pasta | spicy pomodoro | crushed tomato | butter | cream | chardonnay | parmesan | urfa chili flake

Entrees

Mediterranean Chicken SkewersUS$11.90
garlic confit | marinara | cherry tomato | mozzarella | fresh basil | extra virgin olive oil
NY Steak FritesUS$10.00
10oz ny steak | cacio e pepe butter | shoestring fries
Filet MedallionsUS$22.90
two 3oz medallions | seasonal potatoes & vegetables
RibeyeUS$24.90
10oz USDA Prime aged | cacio e pepe butter | seasonal potatoes & vegetables (make your turf surf + 5 grilled shrimp $7.50)
Lemon Caper Faroe Island SalmonUS$23.90
lemon caper butter sauce | chef's roasted vegetables | basmati rice (FAROE ISLAND SALMON| Because salmon from the Faroe Islands are able to roam freely in sizable contained environments, their diet is natural, rather than controlled.)
Catch of the Day

Sides

French FriesUS$5.90
Sweet Potato FriesUS$5.90
Tater TotsUS$5.90
House SaladUS$5.90
cucumber | tomato | red onion | house balsamic
Mashed PotatoesUS$6.90
Mac + CheeseUS$6.90
Half CaesarUS$6.90
Half WedgeUS$7.90

Soup of the Day

Soup of the Day
Cup $6.00 | Bowl $9.00

Kid's Menu

Kids 12 & under | includes milk, juice, or soft drink

MacaroniUS$9.90
butter + parmesan | pomodoro | mac & cheese
Cheeseburger SliderUS$9.90
Fries | Add Extra Slider +$5.00
Chicken TendersUS$10.90
Fries
Grilled CheeseUS$8.90
white american | sourdough | fries

Desserts

Chocolate Sticky Toffee Sponge Cake
Vanilla bean gelato
Chocolate Chip Pizooki
Vanilla bean gelato
Lemon Ricotta CheesecakeUS$11.90
Lemon curd | seasonal fruit | bee pollen
GelatoUS$5.90
Vanilla bean
Apple pieUS$10.90
Vanilla bean gelato

What 17 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

17 Reviews

C
Cindy
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food...great nachos and chicken wings. TV's all around the room so was a great spot to watch the game.
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
New York State
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The food is the best part about this place, the service on the other hand was horrible. We ordered sliders and they brought out every single meal besides the sliders. Not a big deal, except when you ask politely they forgot something. 20 minutes later…still no sliders. Tried to say sorry it’s on the house, here’s a pazooki have a nice night. Talked to the manager and he even said it’s been an on going thing with ownership. Won’t be back again.
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V
Valerie
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The new menu, which is a combination of the next-door Sahara restaurant, is a brilliant one. Not only can we get traditional Mediterranean food, but we also get regular press box offerings, which have consistently delicious features. The Fish and Chips was a hit; it had a crisp batter and was not greasy, which is sometimes hard to find. I enjoyed the chicken skewers, which were marinated just right with lots of chunks of white meat chicken nestled on a rice dish that included plump golden raisins. The cocktails, I enjoyed the lemondrop, were delicious, and our hostess/server, Fatima, was personable, professional, and efficient. The ONLY criticism is that we need to have more martini glasses. Both my Lemon Drops were served in a champagne glass.
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G
Gina
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We actually increased our group to 15. I worked with the manager Fatima to make that happen. She was so accommodating and friendly. Once we arrived, our server Christina and all of their support staff were amazing! They were attentive, fast and our good was delicious! Thank you Press Box team!
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D
Derek
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place to watch a Padre game with family or friends. Great energy and the service is amazing. Definitely coming back for game 4!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The prime rib was cooked to perfection and the loaded mashed potatoes were delicious! The French Dip sandwich was so loaded, had to get a box for all the leftovers!
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JJ
JesusJ
San Diego
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The app allowed my to make a reservation 30 mins in advance when I showed up the restaurant didn’t even seem to know about my reservation and they were full by this time at first they basically told me there was nothing they could do maybe try the restaurant next-door which to me seemed ridiculous. If you allowed me to make a reservation how would you not be able to seat us so eventually we asked and they said they would be able to sit us in about 40 minutes, which would be atleast 30 minutes after our original reservation time so we just ended up taking our business somewhere else
Press Box Restaurant + BarResponded on June 10, 2024
Hello, We're so sorry to hear about the miscommunication regarding your reservation. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and this is definitely not up to our standards. We would love to make it up to you and hope you might join us again!
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J
Janet
VIP
San Diego
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service was exceptional and the food was well prepared. It was pretty quiet which we appreciated as we are hard of hearing. We will return for another meal.
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CW
CaroleW
VIP
San Diego
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tried their new menu and absolutely loved the lasagna! One of the best I’ve ever had; delicious! Hubby had the ribeye and it had great flavor, just a little tough. Overall great experience with friendly service.
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DY
DebiY
Central Coast
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Miss the old menu for sure. Steak was tasteless and no where near as good as before but cost $10 more. Way too much greasy butter on the plate, could hardly eat the vegetables floating in grease. Wine options by the glass totally boring. Miss the Spanish wines, its actually part of why we would dine at Press Box at least a couple times a month. Not sure we will be back which is sad because it was a favorite. On the plus side Fatima is wonderful and we were happy to ve greeted by a familiar face.
Press Box Restaurant + BarResponded on May 27, 2024
Thank you for your feedback--we're sorry to hear the steak was not to your liking. We're constantly working on our menu and will provide your input back to our kitchen staff. If there's a particular wine you're looking for, please let us know as we'd love to add some fan favorites back to our menu if we can. As for Fatima, she's a gem and we're so happy to hear that you love her!
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FAQs

Press Box Restaurant + Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 713-6990.

Press Box Restaurant + Bar is rated 4.4 stars by 17 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 8, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Google Map for Press Box Restaurant + Bar

2990 Jamacha Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019

Additional information

Phone number
(619) 713-6990
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Mediterranean
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Joseph Salem

Press Box Restaurant + Bar

Make a reservation

Additional information

Sunday Funday!

Shared Plates

Baked BrieUS$14.90

Balsamic BrusselsUS$14.90

Kung Pao Brussels SproutsUS$14.90

Crispy CalamariUS$15.90

Hummus PlateUS$13.90

Papa Joe's MeatballsUS$13.90

Fried Risotto BallsUS$14.90

Potato SkinsUS$13.90

Sheet Pan NachosUS$14.90

Short Rib NachosUS$21.90

Giant PretzelUS$14.90

Angus Beef SlidersUS$14.90

Chicken Tenders or WingsUS$14.90

Buffalo FriesUS$16.90

Garlic Pamesan FriesUS$9.90

Salads and Vegetables

The CaesarUS$12.90

The WedgeUS$13.90

The BalsamicUS$13.90

Seasonal VegetablesUS$8.90

Sandwiches & Burgers

Chicken SandwichUS$14.90

Pesto Chicken ClubUS$15.90

French DipUS$17.90

All American BurgerUS$15.90

BBQ Western BurgerUS$18.90

Bacon Mushroom CheeseburgerUS$18.90

House Made Pizzas

Pepperoni + RicottaUS$18.90

MeatloversUS$18.90

MargaritaUS$15.90

Pastas

Mac & CheeseUS$10.90

Pesto PenneUS$14.90

Lasagna BologneseUS$16.90

Spaghetti & MeatballsUS$18.90

Crispy Chicken Fettuccini AlfredoUS$19.90

Beef Short Rib ParpadelleUS$19.90

Shrimp ArriabbataUS$19.90

Entrees

Mediterranean Chicken SkewersUS$11.90

NY Steak FritesUS$10.00

Filet MedallionsUS$22.90

RibeyeUS$24.90

Lemon Caper Faroe Island SalmonUS$23.90

Catch of the Day

Sides

French FriesUS$5.90

Sweet Potato FriesUS$5.90

Tater TotsUS$5.90

House SaladUS$5.90

Mashed PotatoesUS$6.90

Mac + CheeseUS$6.90

Half CaesarUS$6.90

Half WedgeUS$7.90

Soup of the Day

Soup of the Day

Kid's Menu

MacaroniUS$9.90

Cheeseburger SliderUS$9.90

Chicken TendersUS$10.90

Grilled CheeseUS$8.90

Desserts

Chocolate Sticky Toffee Sponge Cake

Chocolate Chip Pizooki

Lemon Ricotta CheesecakeUS$11.90

GelatoUS$5.90

Apple pieUS$10.90

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Press Box Restaurant + Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Press Box Restaurant + Bar restaurant rated?

Is Press Box Restaurant + Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information