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Welcome to Lake Henshaw Cafe

At Lake Henshaw Cafe, nestled along the scenic Hwy 76 in Santa Ysabel, California, a delightful culinary experience awaits. This charming eatery offers a relaxed country atmosphere with stunning views of the lake, creating an inviting retreat for locals and travelers alike. Renowned for its diverse menu, patrons can indulge in everything from decadent breakfasts to hearty dinners, with standout dishes like the Eggs Benedict and BBQ Pork Ribs impressing visitors. The friendly, attentive staff enhances the welcoming vibe, making each meal memorable. Whether you're craving a salad, pizza, or a delectable burger, Lake Henshaw Cafe promises a heartwarming dining escape.

Lake Henshaw Cafe: Reviews & Ratings

Christopher T.
Christopher T.

Great spot for, well, almost anything! Breakfast, salads, fabulous burgers, apps, Mexican, even pizza. Good margaritas,Bloodiest, etc. Don't miss this cool spot!! Connected to a fun little community store.

Bill S.
Bill S.

My wife and I were staying about a mile outside Julian. Breakfast spots were limited. We were driving along Hwy 76, and found this place. It was about 10:30 am. We ordered breakfast. My wife got an omelet that she said was the best one she has ever had. I had sausage and eggs with hash browns and toast. What a great meal. And the waitress/cashier/whatever was great as well. Sho's omelette had mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach inside them. On top was fresh avocado and crumbled goat feta.

Cibu M.
Cibu M.

We travel often between Borrego Springs and Palomar Mountain and make a stop at the Lake Henshaw Cafe. We love the view of the lake, casual country atmosphere, excellent service and menu selection. Tonight we stopped in and had a wonderful dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our server Alexa. She was kind, friendly, attentive, and thoughtful. We really enjoyed the salsa with the Mexican salad and Alexa brought us some extra chips and salsa to go as we packed up our left overs. Give this wonderful restaurant a try and ask for Alexa.

Chesney F.
Chesney F.

Great breakfast place! The eggs Benedict are the BEST and come with a fat slab of country ham. It was hard to choose between entree options! Next time I might try the Country Benedict. Super friendly people who love good food and good friends! On a weekday morning the dining room was pretty full and lots of local tribal members were catching up with each other. Overall great experience!

Brittany T.
Brittany T.

Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Portions: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Customer service: 5/5 Speed: 4/5 Price: $$ Outdoor seating: no ADA access: yes Restrooms: yes M/F Kid Friendly: yes Vegetarian options: yes Vegan options: no Ambiance: casual Pros: friendly staff. Good food. Cons: very quiet with no music

Martha M.
Martha M.

Came here one day from driving back from Julian. There are only far few & better restaurants out here especially if you live off of or nearby highway 79. But they're all not open 7 days a week, mostly just weekends & hours vary open late/closing early. I know this restaurant is closed 2-3 (?) days out of the week but open for all 3 meals closing at 8pm. Anyhow, service was good (our server was doing it all & so sweet), food was good & cozy atmosphere, though it can get crowded during the summer. We'll definitely come back, there aren't very many restaurants coming up from Aguanga to here unless you go back to Temecula, (Cahuilla Casino restaurant, Anza) or towards Julian Ramona/or further San Diego county rural or city. And the other ones are more bar atmosphere (which are fine when you're in the mood) except for the one golf resort with prolonged food wait times unless your part of the local inner circle.

Robert Z.
Robert Z.

Visited again 8/7/2022 This was my 4th time eating here. Last time 3 days ago I had The Fried Chicken and was quite pleased with how Crunchy on the outside and tender and Juicy it was on the inside. Great flavor and comes with a large Salad and large Baked Potato. It won't be the last time I order THE Chicken. Tonight I went with The Patty Melt with a side of the Homemade Potato Salad. The Patty Melt was delish and the Potato Salad was very tasty. Next time I'll be trying the old standby Cafe Style, The Bacon Cheeseburger. So far everything I've tried here has been good. That's a good thing for a Little Country Cafe. Well worth the stop.

Location

Welcome to Lake Henshaw Cafe: nestled in the scenic hills of Santa Ysabel, California, this charming eatery has quickly become a hidden gem for locals and travelers alike. As a part of the unclaimed resorts category, it boasts a relaxed country atmosphere that feels both welcoming and homey. If you’re cruising along CA-76, make sure to stop at Lake Henshaw Cafe—26439 CA-76, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070—a place where good food and a friendly smile await.

This cafe stands out for its diverse menu offerings that span breakfast classics, delectable pizzas, and refreshing salads. The reviews from customers paint a picture of a place where both flavor and community shine. Patrons have raved about the eggs Benedict, which comes adorned with a generous slice of country ham, as well as the expertly crafted omelets that feature fresh ingredients like mushrooms and avocado. It’s no wonder many declare this cafe a top destination for breakfast. As one happy diner noted, “My wife said it was the best omelet she has ever had!”

  • Breakfast: A diverse range including hearty omelets, classic pancakes, and delicious breakfast burritos.
  • Pizzas: Choices like Cheese Pizza ($15.00), Meat Lovers ($19.95), and the exotic Thai Chicken Pizza ($21.00) promise to satisfy any craving.
  • Desserts: Don’t miss the Mud Pie and Tiramisu—perfect for winding down your meal! Prices range from $2.00 for churros to $6.95 for the more decadent options.
  • Community Feel: With a connection to a charming local store, the cafe is a hub where locals and visitors mingle over good food and conversation.

Lake Henshaw Cafe also provides complimentary free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal spot for a quick meeting or leisure browsing. Customers appreciate the attentive service, with friendly staff like Alexa going the extra mile to ensure a pleasant dining experience. As one satisfied guest shared, “We love the view of the lake, casual country atmosphere, and excellent service.”

If you’re on a road trip through this picturesque region, Lake Henshaw Cafe should be on your itinerary. It's a place that embodies the essence of California’s rustic charm with food that warms both the belly and the soul. Give it a try—whether you stop in for a satisfying breakfast, a midday slice of pizza, or a sweet dessert to cap off your day, you're sure to leave with a smile.

Contact: For inquiries, you can call them at (760) 782-9180. Don’t miss out on this delightful dining experience!