Cafe La Maze

First tyme there. Early dinner. 12oz Primerib was out of this world. Thick, less fat, medium rare, Perfecto,, French onion soup delicious but served in a tiny cup, veggies fresh not canned, baked potato decent size, Beef bone entree, tender beef, not crowded or loud, dim lighting, plenty of parking, clean bathroom.

Would like to take the time to say an honest review, 1. And foremost if you love and enjoy quality food. This is the place. 2. Prompt service, once seaterd I needed nothing; warm bread and butter (delicious) started and sides out shortly after! 3. Unlike a chain restaurant no offense; I was asked upon serving, if my steak was to my liking (huge) and yes it was. Thank you la maze for now multiple experiences and dishes.

I've loved in National City for 5 years and somehow missed this gem! The food was amazing, atmosphere intimate but inviting, and the service was spectacular. Big shout out to our excellent server Roxanne, she was friendly and very attentive! Will be back with friends very soon.

Perhaps one of the best prepared mediam rare steaks I have had in a long time. Staff was very pleasant and courtous. Great food great atmosphere. A winner.

Best Prime rib ever! Fun atmosphere good food. Love the 1950s steakhouse vibe.

spent Thanksgiving here, and they didn't disappoint, everyone enjoyed their orders, i chose the Thanksgiving turkey plate , we all loved the choice of coming here, and the staff were wonderful. I hope to come back soon. 👍

This is an old school type place! It feels like one of those historical places that's a big part of the community. With the different shade of red upholstery and pleather booths gives you that 70's vibe. Then we get an older waitress with blond hair up in a bun. It was Classic! To top it off live music from Ray who I remember from the butcher shop! The menu is simple but the prices are on the high end. What you pay for in my opinion is the Atmosphere the place was packed!! Would have been an excellent experience if it wasn't so hot inside! We'd actually just walk out for some fresh air! We wanted to stay at the bar for some drinks after dinner but it was just too hot inside and that's on a cool day. I can't imagine how hot it gets in the summer. Overall it was good food, friendly service good experience. Small parking lot in the back or street parking if available.

GREAT PLACE--- Nice draft beer selection. From the outside you can't tell how cool this place is. The prices are are more on the higher side. But, you can find appetizers that are reasonable. On Thursday nights starting at 7pm, they have a live band playing Jazz. Really fun and local people sing. It's not karaoke though, so if someone wants to sing they have to sing well.

Let me first say that I love Cafe La Maze. It's an old school steak place that has some of the best prime rib, shrimp cocktail and steak fries. Add a cold beer. I am in heaven. "We treat you like family" is a cliche you hear a lot of businesses throw around. At Cafe La Maze they really do. The service is the best. They really take care of you. Tula, one of the servers there is a total sweetheart. She is the best. One of the reasons my family and I love coming here. Tula cares about her customers and everyone loves her. My family has been coming here for over 30 years. Not much has changed. Great food, great service, affordable prices in a nice relaxed atmosphere. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, burgers; everything I have eaten here is straight delicious. Remember to save room for dessert. I recommend the cheese cake or carrot cake. Both items are winners. Support local family owned businesses especially the good ones. Cafe La Maze is the best. The reason we keep coming back and will come back. Eat here. Cheers.

I've only been here once. I had the prime rib sandwich and it was very good. The service was very good. I love the throwback decor; it's like traveling back in time. The only thing missing was cigarette smoke and a member of the Rat Pack. It would be real cool if there was a Sinatra imitator available to sing at this venue. I'm definitely going back!

Didn't take photos this time, hence the prime rib bites were more tender than our steaks. It was juicy without au-jus and the creamy horseradish which had little to no bite. House salad with beets, cold ice-burg was served on ice cold plates like the Imperial House Restaurant. I went for the petite cut NY Steak medium rare with char and it wasn't that... it was pale on the outside and pink on the inside with no char and chewy. The carrot cake was delicious and buttery nipple shots were awesome for our first date anniversary a year ago. The live music and red & gold wallpaper is beautiful. Makes the history of this place shine. Come if you like local, corny and the down to earth staff. We have been here a lot in the past and the place isn't as busy... but we come for its nostalgia and live music.

La Maze (which I learned I have been mispronouncing as Luh Mah-zayyy for years) is living in the Wayback Machine. This 1940s/1950s-era restaurant is known for its prime rib, retro charm and live music, which is on rotation every night of the week. It's common for cover singers and cover bands, some of whom have been performing here for years and years, to be performing the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin -- lots of jazzy classics. Overall, it has a warm, inviting atmosphere and is frequented by all types (albiet, a bit more senior): couples, families, seniors at the bar, people who work together. But it feels outdated and certain pockets of the restaurant are very bright while others can be a bit dark, but not in the romantic way. Then team is very kind, but overrun. They really could use additional support during the evening rush. And there are no star attractions, like your steak rolled out on a cart or your roasted prime rib carved tableside. In many ways, it feels like a standard diner-style restaurant. I went with the prime rib, and would return for the prime rib alone. I found that the mozzarella sticks are a bit stiff, the calamari is unfortunately served as strips and the ribeye, which cooked nicely at medium rare, was lacking in flavor. The restaurant is family friendly, so that's another consideration. I would consider this more of a spot to take your family, not a romantic or special date. Also, parking can be a challenge, as the restaurant has a parking lot on the smaller size, and the rest is residential parking. There is the main front entrance, and an entrance in the back, which takes you right to the bar (which gets busy). There is also a tiny dance floor in the bar areas, which does get some use during the busy hours.

Been wanting to try this place for a long time. So, my husband decided to take me to celebrate my birthday. Sad to say it was a disappointment. 3 stars is for the service which was excellent. However, the food was a huge disappointment. I ordered prime rib (medium) with rice pilaf and I got the driest prime rib I've ever had. Didn't even bother touching the rice because it smelled weird like it was spoiled. My husband ordered the rib eye. Although it was cooked right, it absolutely had no flavor. I do see why people like coming for the old school nostalgia. Food wise is a big No thank you!

Let me share with you a little magic. Now I know my reviews may be a bit lengthy and long-winded now if that's the case move on this isn't for you. However, if you'd like to find an amazing place to be yourself and not get kicked out, this place may be for you. Now this was based on a short time we all know had a had a few more drinks I probably wouldn't be writing this or would be trying to go fundme some bail money. I had a beautiful drink made by Manny that not only made me smile when it hit my tasebuds but also made me know I was in the right place. I had come to this establishment about a month earlier and sat at the bar for a drink. The personalities are a medley of oh wow, that's awesome to o wow! My advice is to come with a friend as you have someone to talk to if no one is there, but honestly, you'd probably make a friend if you didn't. Be kind and ask people questions. That's how you learn about other humans. But if you choose to come and not talk, at least be kind. These people work hard to male you happy, and they deserve to be treated well. Cafe La Maze, you have no idea what an asset you have with Manny. He is you places and you're lucky he is there creating such a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you.

Another great night here. Sara was absolutely fabulous! The food is always great as is the atmosphere. The reason we come here - consistently 5 star!

The Prime Rib is excellent, but thus time, my date and I ordered the 14oz Rib-eye entree. The steaks looked like strip steaks, no bone and not alot of marbling. Favor was just ok. The vegis and mash potatoes were cold. Not a great experience this time.

This is my favorite spot to have that special dinner once in a while. It's for like a nice date as the food is great as well as the drinks. Sometimes they have live music or a singer that recites old songs in Spanish which I love so please bring cash too too is well worth it. It has this retro look with old school booths and the dim lighting adds to the look. Plenty of street parking and they have parking in the rear.

National City has a gem in this steak house. Parking lot is available but if it's full you will be circling to find a street spot. The service here was top notch. The servers were all polite and super accommodating. Drinks were refilled often. Questions were answered. They charge an 18 percent gratuity for parties of 6 or more as an fyi. The food was very good. I had a Cafe La Maze cut prime rib. I think it could have been slightly juicer but it was still very good. The sides were perfect. I enjoyed the French onion soup. The menus are under the glass partition on the table so the options were always available to see. Ambience was surprisingly very good as well inside.

I had the privilege of dining at this historic restaurant. The ambiance is dated between the mid 1930s- early 1940s. The seating is very classic, with gold wrapping with red faux velvet design. Famous classic actors and actresses have stopped in to eat here. From Clark Gable to Errol Flynn, Jane Russell, and few others. I enjoyed the food. I had the Shrimp Scampi and it was delicious. The service I had was incredible.

Went here for the first time today. It was the BEST prime rib I have EVER had!! Would definitely go back. We went for dinner at 5pm. The service was fast and our waitress was friendly and attentive. Don't let the look inside fool you. It has the perfect amount of old timey vibe. I love places like this. We ordered zucchini for an appetizer. Came out fresh hot and crispy. Again all the food was great. Will for sure be going back. A wonderful time

This establishment is an amazing Restaurant. Food is always hot and served in a timely manner. The Ambience is retro melancholic with it's original decor and music that transports you to another era. As you walk in you are always greeted by an amazing staff that make you feel like family. They have the best bartenders who always make your drinks exactly how they were ordered. You need to meet Manny one of their amazing bartenders who will be helping you. Manny is courteous, friendly, professional and he will make you the best Mexican Candy drink you've ever had. Nicole And Monty are very sweet and awesome ladies!! Overall experience is always great. Don't miss out on their life music !!

There were 6 of us, 3 couples. We all had prime rib except for my husband, who had the Salmon, all, EXCELLENT dishes!! Cocktails were great and our server, the vivacious MONTANA was extraordinary! She made great recommendations & was so efficient....and so much fun! Desserts were fabulous as well!! And to top the evening out, live music with a dance floor!

The food was amazing. I got the shrimp scampi and my friend got the prime rib sandwich. It was super good. Our waitress was very nice and she was attentive to us both. I had a Pinot Grigio to drink. Super kind. A little hot but it was okay.

The ambiance is reminiscent of old Vegas. The prime rib was out of sight delicious. The service was great and our server Tula was very attentive We will be back to visit soon and can't wait to enjoy another meal here.

i was there last night with my mom and sisters, i forgot to ask for our server's name but the receipt said sara so i'm assuming that's her unless they share registers. anyway, the food was so yummy, and our waitress was the kindest! young blonde girl super attentive and constantly checking in, grabbing us absolutely everything we needed with the sweetest attitude. seriously too kind, also another waitress we love is greek and i think her name is Tula? she always says hi to my mom. super awesome clean place and they play jazz. the carrot cake and cheesecake were so yummy as well! highly recommend this place because of the awesome service we get every time! and it's such a cute place!

We looked at the reviews, we wanted a nice place to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we decided to go.WHAT A MISTAKE!! We asked for a quiet booth and was stuck in a corner and were promptly forgotten about. When a server finally came, my wife asked if they had champange, and the server said yes, but didn't say what type. When she asked for the wine list, the server acted as if we insulted her mother. My wife asked for Moscato, which the server said they had. What my wife got was FLAT RIUNITE THE SERVER SWORE WAS A MOSCATO AND THE AURGUED WITH MY WIFE THAT IT WAS WHAT SHE ASKED FOR. The long wait, The incorrect order, The argumentative server, WE LEFT The anniversary dinner went to another location: Good food, Attentive servers, And my wife got her proseco! If Cafe Meza is a quality steakhouse, then National City needs a new one!!

Went there 'cause a friend told me about it. Said I should try it. So I did. First off the place from the outside looks like a ran down hooker bar. The inside is ran down as well. The food was not what I expected. Their menu makes no sense. Got the 12oz steak. No salt or seasoning on it. Mashed potatoes also flavorless and baked potato....well it was just a baked potato....Bland.... Two pieces of brócoli and some slices of carrots. Nothing was seasoned. It was just a bad first and last experience.

For being an older building, it's in great shape. Very nicely decorated with fine furnishings. Wait staff are warm and inviting. Knowledgeable about their menu, and very attentive. The food... Why is 10 stars not an option?!?! The prime rib is perfectly seasoned and tender. The sides were very good, and the salmon soup was surprisingly great! (Kind of like vegetable beef, but with salmon instead of beef.)

The food and environment was very cool. The waitress was extremely attentive, making the experience even better. Don't miss out on this old school dining experience.

Food was excellent. Wonderful prime rib dinner. Fine service with a group of twenty. All were happy!

Always fantastic meal, service and I just love the old time steakhouse feel. Small intimate restaurant with long time employees who recognize and appreciate you. Impeccable food served with extreme graciousness.

This is a great hometown restaurant that truly celebrates local history and the local community. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and I've never felt unwelcome there. If you enjoy an old hollywood vibe, you'll definitely appreciate Cafe La Maze - they've even got a mural outside with Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and local music legend Rosie Hamlin. Take a minute to have a conversation with the staff or with strangers, and you won't be disappointed with what you discover. My favorite there is the prime rib, accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and a bowl of french onion soup. You can't go wrong!

This place needs to change their menu online. It's very deceptive. I called and ordered the fish and chips because the menu was for lunch that read $13, when I got there it was actually $29. The waitress said oh that menu is old online, so why not change it? I didn't want to cancel it because I was already there to pick it up, so I paid, but I was not happy. Yall need to change that, I know this restaurant is old as hell, but damn. Is that menu online purposeful? Also the food was not good at all. There was no seasoning on the fish or the fries. I will continue to pass by this place, I'll never go back and I damn sure do not recommend it.

I've recently returned to Cafe La Maze after a 35 year absence. And I've come back numerous times for the ambiance-- as provided by Manny, expert bartender and attentive waiter. My guest and I prefer to eat and drink at the tables in the bar. And we come here for the drinks by Manny. He mixed up a great Old Fashioned and Manhatten. His Long Island Ice Tea staggered my girl and she don't drink em anymore. Manny curates movies on the left TV screen, his specialty being Tarantino. We love Manny, he's why we return, time and again, if only for a salad and a shot.

I just want to start off by saying that I've never walked into an establishment and immediately felt welcome by the staff great place great food awesome drinks Nicole behind the bar is just so perky and bubbly. Judean always has a smart, quick wit and Montana. A fun little firecracker will definitely be coming back.

One of my favorite places in town to order a prime rib dinner. I love the old school ambiance with the large pictures of Hollywood acting legends and all of the large cushy booths to sit in. Although the small parking lot tends to be packed, if you circle around the area a few times you'll manage to get a spot eventually. Service is usually fast and good, and it looks like they've had the same satisfied staff working there every time I've gone in for the last ten years or more. On some weekend nights they have live music and dancing. It's not too loud, and you can still have conversations with the people in your party without needing to raise your voice too much.

Party of five on a Saturday night. The restaurant is maybe half full. Walking in, there is no clear path to the hostess station. We finally were noticed and seated. We asked for a drink menu but never got one. The food menus are under the glass on the table tops, very difficult to read. We ordered, and the food came out correctly. I prepared my baked potato, then realized the white stuff with chives on the top was horse radish, not sour cream. I waited for a new potato. My new York strip was tough and flavorless. Another guest's well done steak was so tough she asked for a new steak. And why was it cut in 3 pieces? My water glass was never refilled. The restaurant is noisy and has red and gold flocked wallpaper. I thought it was pretty pricey for the food, service and ambiance.

Food is was good but VERY disappointed that our great lunch experience turned into a nightmare when the bar tender who took our order charged our lunch incorrectly for a total of $247.80 and then came back to say he charged the wrong amount and that he would correct it. He charged our account a second time for the correct amount of 173.88 and that the 247.80 would be credited to us in 2-3 days. That never happened and every time my bank tried to contact them; they would claim that I authorized both transactions. The owner was all talk and never looked into it. A BIG disappointment and would not recommend it at all! Ended up paying 421.68 for 4 people, lunch - no alcohol, salad, appetizer and 2 order of fish and chips

The restaurant was very nice,. An old fashioned steak house. The service and ambiance were great. The food was good and hot, but my medium rare prime rib steak was overcooked. Not even pink. Same with my mate. The flavor was good and the meat was tender. Prices are very good. Well worth a second visit. Next time I'll,order a rare steak.

Delicious prime rib! Creamy horseradish sauce! Comes with soup or salad and potatoes of your choice. Hardly anyplace today does prime rib come with sides. Service is great. Drinks are generous. You actually get a full glass of wine! A friend went and was seated near the restroom door and told me later that the smell of the cleaner wafted out every time the door opened and closed. I told her she should have asked to be moved. They are very accommodating, and I am sure they would have made them more comfortable. It's kind of a funky atmosphere, but has a long, movie star history. You will love the prime rib!!

We have been coming here for years, but sadly, the last few visits have not been up to par. Tonight I ordered Shrimp and he ordered Ribs. Both were okay, but it has been better in the past. The salad was really bad. Turning brown iceberg and no leafy green. It also had a splash of cocktail sauce which was probably a mistake in the preparers part. The clam Chowder was very thin and watery. Every time we visit we say it will be the last but the ambiance tugs at our heart. Please do better Cafe La Maze

I was there this weekend and manny was just on point he be something else #so funny had no problem making a custom cocktail will be back !!!

I normally do not rate my experience.. but this time I just had to, because of the bartender Manny. He is one of the funniest good time kind of guy. He had me laughing all night and the drinks were superb.

This place is classic! It's an old style steakhouse and the food is pretty good! I've tried the prime rib, ribs, steaks/filet mignon and lobster along with many different appetizers and it's all very good! The portions are large and all entrees come with a huge salad which is delicious. It's a fun place that has live music with a band inside and a dance floor! I love coming here, it just feels like I'm not in San Diego and has that old time feel! I recommend checking it out if you're into a dark, gangsta steakhouse bar setting with good food and vibes!

Oh man what an AWESOME experience here! Got the VIP treatment by Teula. I got the big steaks and she recommended apps & all were good! If I HAD to nitpick it would be the shrimp cocktail that was just a little overpriced and underserved.. probably frozen from a bag but nevertheless enjoyable! Otherwise LOVE coming here to this National City INSTITUTION!!!!! They have live music and daily specials and definitely worth putting in the rotation! Thanks again!!!!! I ALWAYS forget to take pix when it counts!!!

We went here to celebrate a birthday. The prime rib was not juicy. We had blue cheese added to the fillets. It was old, very pungent and they put way to much on the steaks. The best things were the potato skins and rolls. None of the food was hot. I'm like WTF $210 and the food was not adequate. Way to many jalapeños in the margarita. The service was ok. And at 58 and 59 years old to get carded is ignorant. The service was also just ok. We were very disappointed and we will not be back.

Friendly staff good pricing delicious food recommended highly reasonable bar as well and lots of music in the nighttime

We went for a party. It was Friday night and we were told that there would be a band and that it would be loud. I was a bit concerned when we walked in because we were sitting right across from where the band set up. It turned out to be great music and it was loud, but not annoyingly so. We enjoyed the variety of songs that were played and the talent among the members. The music was conducive to dancing and many people at the party and in the restaurant joined in the fun. The food was very good. I had the half slab of ribs which was till a huge portion. The meat on the ribs fell off easily. this is a great thing when you are enjoying ribs. The salad that came with it was large, fresh and good. My husband ordered the salmon. It was prepared very well. It was moist and tender. Everyone at the party seemed to enjoy what they were eating. This restaurant was a pleasant surprise and we will definitely go back and invite friends to come with us.

Place is so good food good drinks good atmosphere is great Garlic Mashe. Caesar Salad all food is awsome

Had lunch here today. This place definitely deserves more than 5 stars. The service was the best I have had in a long time. Attentive but not suffocating. Very friendly. The food was a totally different story. This was the best PRIME RIB that I have had in too many years to count. I ordered it medium rare. It was perfect. I ordered the petite, which I got with mashed potatoes. It came with your choice of soup or salad, bread, and vegetables. Both my friend and I had to take half of our lunch home. I will be making this my favorite place from now on.

A little slow in the waitress but that's because this place is usually packed with no parking. Well worth the wait!

Worst restaurant ever. Customer service was terrible. All the workers were rude. It looked like they hated their job. It took them 1.5 hours to serve us. When we got our food there was a huge dead cockroach on my plate. I complained and all they said is sorry and that they would get me another plate. Yeah right, like we we're going to eat there after seeing that. We left instead. The health department needs to check this place.

I had a New Years Eve Dinner with my family last night and I was so disappointed!! Two of us ordered a medium well Filet Mignon and when they arrived they were more like medium rare! We sent them back and they came back a little less raw! Another family member received the wrong cut of meat and mashed potatoes instead of a baked potato! As the night went on our water, soda or tea was never replenished ! Because this restaurant is a little pricey you would think they would have more waitresses attending to the guests, especially a table of 12 . I don't think I will ever return for a meal at this establishment again. But I must say my margarita was too bad but I never had a margarita with a cherry in it!

`I had a very nice Prime Rib Dip from this well established eatery. I came with my brothers, one who ordered what I did and the other ordered the Rib Eye Steak. At $16 and some change, I asked for my dip's prime rib to be temped at medium rare. The sandwich comes with steak fries, but I upgraded to a house salad with blue cheese dressing for an extra $2. Local very good table bread and butter is complimentary when you dine in. The dip is simple and comes with a generous about of sliced prime rib on a warm roll served with a side of creamy horse radish and au jus. I was pleased that they hit the mark on the medium rare prime rib. It was perfect for my taste. The meat was juicy and tender. The au jus was good but a little on the salty side so I hesitated returning to it, so not to overwhelm the flavor of the meat. The type of roll they used was a great vessel for the sandwich. It was soft but held up well. The creamy horse radish was very good. The house dinner salad was quite good. I liked that they included some beats with the salad and that the blue cheese was creamy. Thank you for properly chopping up the ice berg lettuce for ease of eating. Service was friendly enough. I would recommend to always offer crushed black pepper with patron's salad. The place offers that old school atmosphere with low lighting and red high back booths. It's pretty cool.

This restaurant was horrible. I ordered pork Chops. The applesauce was spoiled!! Ruined my whole dinner. Will never go back. And will sure my friends. I give this place a zero!

1st time here and we enjoyed our dinner here tonight. Our server Toula was friendly and nice to us... attentive and accommodating We ordered prime rib and rib eye steak - was on point perfectly cooked The sides are generous portions and it was fast and all made to order Love the vibe inside friendly staff clean space. Friday nights seem to have live music and it was delightful Def we are coming back again.

I'll keep it short but a A lot of improvements are needed. I was hoping this to be a long-term Sunday dinner place with my family but after last night I think I may have to pass. We ordered the prime rib since it was their specialty dish. Unfortunately my prime rib was a dense hard slab of meat that I could barely cut with my steak knife. My sister had a plate of fat. I would've taken a photo but it was too disgusting. It was difficult to get the waitress to get our drinks water bread anything. She never came back to ask us how our food was or would've told her everything came out cold. It was odd when she picked up the plate of fat that my sister had on her plate she grimaced but didn't do anything about it. I have to wonder if the drinks were water down because I had three martinis and didn't even have a buzz. Very weird. I don't know what else to say just really sad and disappointed.