This week, since America celebrated its Independence Day July 4th - we felt it best to visit a couple of American style restaurants. Our two picks this week are certain to set off some post 4th of July fireworks! Enjoy and please let us know your thoughts on our website blog at www.gaylesbiantimes.com and click on Dining.

If you’re hungry this is the place to chow down. Owners Brian Savage and Brian Stout have put together a very complete menu capable of appealing to the hungriest of men, women and children. They serve everything from breakfast all day to nightly specials.

One of our favorites is the Honey Stung Chicken. This half bird meal served with choice of soup or salad, vegetable and choice of potato. When the food arrives it’s hard to image how one person could possible eat so much food. We also love the Tortilla Soup and always find room to enjoy a cup.

The atmosphere is always fun, staff warm and friendly. Brian’s also has Daily Specials and you can always see what they are as you drive by and check out the Marquis located near the street.

Watch out if you order dessert! I swear these men must be from Texas! The desserts are bigger than life and you will look like a big pig when your server lands the sweet pleasure before your eyes. Everyone in the restaurant will have a comment as your sinful indulgence is paraded around the counter prior to making it to your table.

If you leave here still hungry after eating a full meal, you are one sick bitch and should get some help!

Brian’s also has a beautiful outdoor patio for those smoking enthusiasts, one of the few left in the county of San Diego. All in all, this is one of our favorite places to eat.

Brian’s American Eatery is located at 1451 Washington Street in Hillcrest and they are open seven days a week.

Frank said, “What a disaster!” Not only is this place old and outdated, but the food really sucks! We had the meat loaf dinner and I swear I would rather have eaten a can of Alpo. The vegetables looked like they were at least 30 days old and flat out tasted like crap! Dining here is like eating at a convalescent home.

This is definitely a place for those without any teeth and the food can be swallowed whole. One of the creepiest things is the way the managers stare at you while you eat. One old guy has a long salt & pepper pony tail and it only adds to the atmosphere of being totally gross.

We were amazed at how ugly this place is but they do a decent job of keeping it clean. I think this was the only saving grace of this experience. If you are trying to make an enemy or really do not like someone but have to be nice, this is the place to treat them for a bite to eat. I promise you they will gag!

This is a popular place for “Trailer Park People,” and Frank swears he has seen some of these people on the Jerry Springer Show!

Johnny R’s Family Restaurant is located at 2611 El Cajon Blvd in North Park, open 7 days week.