We stopped in during the lunch rush, and while the line looked long, it moved fast. The staff handled the midday crowd like pros: friendly, efficient, and unfazed. The building itself? A total transformation. What used to be a bank is now a modern, airy restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, revamped from the ground up. There’s even beer on tap, which paired perfectly with the hot day and a juicy burger.
What We Ordered:
BBQ Brisket on a Pretzel Roll
A slow-cooked 14-hour BBQ beef brisket, topped with sweet chili hickory glaze, Stand slaw, banana peppers, and spicy honey mustard BBQ sauce, all on a locally made pretzel bun. The flavor? Spot on. The brisket was tender and bold, and the toppings elevated it from good to crave-worthy.The Stand Burger
A classic done right: beef patty, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Stand sauce on a buttery brioche bun. I stole a bite from my guest, and yep…it holds up. Sometimes simplicity is the win.- Short Rib Grilled Cheese
Chipotle and beer–braised beef, crispy onion strings, hickory sauce, and bacon tomato jam, all packed between double parmesan-crusted sourdough with melted triple cheddar. It’s as over-the-top as it sounds—in the best way. Rich, smoky, crunchy, cheesy—if you’re into comfort food, this is the one to try.
Why It’s Worth a Visit:
The menu is massive- burgers, hot dogs, wraps, sandwiches, salads, bowls, fries, desserts, even a kids’ menu. There are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, so no one in your group is left out. Whether you’re craving a salad, a wrap, or a full comfort food spread, The Stand delivers.
This isn’t fine dining, and it’s not trying to be. You walk in, order at the counter, grab a table, and your food is brought out. It’s casual, clean, and quick, but still packed with quality. The prices are totally reasonable for the portions and quality, and the parking lot actually had space, even during peak hours.
Bottom line? The Stand is a solid addition to Santee. It’s refreshing to see something open that isn’t another fried chicken chain. If you’re hungry and want something satisfying, flavorful, and not fussy, this place is worth the visit…and probably a second one too.
More Than Just a Meal—A Community Partner
What makes The Stand stand out even more is what they’re doing beyond the kitchen. They actively support local schools, youth sports, and community groups through fundraisers and events. Whether it’s a flyer night for your kid’s school or a team dinner after a game, their setup: with indoor and outdoor seating, TVs, beer on tap, and a welcoming vibe, makes it an easy, fun spot to gather and give back.
In short, they’re not just serving good food—they’re doing good business.
📍 Located at 9355 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071 (formerly a bank, now totally transformed)
🍽 Menu & more info: thestand.com
