Perhaps one of the oldest existing restaurants in the area, Marie Callender’s Restaurant opened on Alvarado Road in 1978.
Owner Joe Flaherty started working there in 1985 and purchased the franchise in 2009. This is the only Marie Callender’s restaurant left in San Diego. Lucky for us, it is in our neighborhood.
Many have enjoyed Marie Callender’s pies over the years.
“The one positive about the last couple of years is that pie sales have substantially increased. We make them fresh every day. We have about 25 different flavors and when you’re stuck at home, you need to try them all,” Flaherty said.
Some favorites over the years have been rhubarb, razzleberry, key lime, chocolate satin, coconut cream, apple or french apple. Don’t forget their thick and tasty cheesecakes: New York cheesecake and marble triple chocolate cheesecake are hard to resist.
During the pandemic, servers definitely got their 10,000 if not 20,000 daily steps. The outdoor seating was set up in the parking lot, which was a ways away from the kitchen. Now they have moved back indoors.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to have our salad bar again if things continue on this positive trend with the virus. It has always been one of our most popular items. Our other popular foods are our chicken pot pies. The mini pot pie combo with a caesar salad and a slice of pie are our number one selling item,” said Flaherty.
The menu is extensive with salads, sandwiches and skillets. A tasty meal might be one of the two skillets offered: Spicy beef and chicken skillet and Thai shrimp skillet. Try Marie’s meatloaf sandwich with the famous original recipe of meatloaf that started in Marie’s original restaurants. A classic French dip sandwich or grilled ham stack on grilled parmesan sourdough is perfect for a spring lunch.
When there is a pie sale, it’s a perfect time to stock up or try something new. Currently lemon pie and lemon cake pie are the spring specials.
Located at 6950 Alvarado Road, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Grub Hub delivers also.
Visit: mariecallenders.com/store/san-diego/.
