The Inland Empire Restaurants

Downtown Riverside is home to a few ambitious restaurants, along with the familiar chains. The college town of Claremont has creative contemporary and ethnic fare. Innovative cuisine has become the norm in Temecula, especially at winery restaurants, some of whose chefs specialize in farm-to-table cuisine. The options are more limited in the smaller mountain communities; typically, each town supports a single upscale restaurant, along with fast-food outlets, steak-and-potatoes family spots, and perhaps an Italian or Mexican eatery. Universally, dining out is casual.

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  • 1. 1909

    $$

    Superb cocktails and craft-beer samplers, a something-for-everyone menu, and the always swingin' streetside patio have made this gastropub one of Old Town's jolliest hangouts. Starters like blue corn Kobe beef hot dogs, smoked chicken wings, and crab and shrimp empanadas pair well with the drinks; standout mains include the 1909 burger (love the bacon-onion jam) and braised lamb shank. Brunch—all the usual suspects, plus peanut butter French Toast, grilled tofu and kimchi, ahi tartare, and other nouveau fare—is a mob scene on most weekends.

    28656 Front St., Temecula, California, 92590, USA
    951-619–1909

    Known For

    • Superb cocktails
    • Streetside patio
    • Popular weekend brunch
  • 2. Oak Glen Steakhouse & Saloon

    $$$

    After surviving three major setbacks (a fire, the pandemic, and mudslides) this family-owned restaurant, a traditional steak house with a modern twist, is now one of the best eateries in town. Classic American dishes have a Southwest-meets-Californian influence, as evidenced by the cowboy burger, steak house asada tacos, lobster mac and cheese, and salmon with honey-ginger carrots. Among the 10 “handhelds” is the top-seller “OG Burger” with your choice of shoestring or hand-cut fries or a side of onion rings. This upscale saloon draws a crowd for the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas.

    38490 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, California, 92399, USA
    909-797–2844

    Known For

    • Blackberry mojitos and ginger mules
    • Sunday brunch ($50)
    • Tender prime rib

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 3. Pomona Valley Mining Co.

    $$$

    Atop a hill near an old mining site, this rustic steak-and-seafood restaurant whose decor reflects the regional mining heritage provides great city views at night. Although you're here more for the view than the food (heavy on steak and prime rib), it's generally well prepared.

    1777 Gillette Rd., Pomona, California, 91768, USA
    909-623–3515

    Known For

    • Authentic gold-rush memorabilia
    • Mud pie and bourbon bread pudding desserts
    • Sunday brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Sat., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 4. Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro

    $

    Expect to wait in line at this little sandwich spot on the pedestrian-only shopping strip outside the Mission Inn. At lunchtime, salads, soups, and sandwiches on house-baked breads are served (sandwich standouts include the chicken-apple sausage and the roast lamb topped with baba ghanoush); pastries, eggs various ways, and French toast are breakfast highlights.

    3639 Main St., Riverside, California, 92501, USA
    951-369–6030

    Known For

    • Specialty sandwiches for lunch
    • Sunday brunch
    • Vegetarian and vegan items

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
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