3 Best Restaurants in The Inland Empire, California

This former trading post-turned auto shop-turned-church-turned-saloon finally found its purpose as Temecula’s most popular bar and restaurant. Gone are the 1960s brawls, replaced by friendly service and a scratch kitchen turning out burgers, sandwiches, and main-event entrees like cast-iron ribeye, blackened achiote pork chop, and rustic chicken with risotto. For an impressive starter, kick off with the charcuterie board made with local cheeses, breads, and meats. The industrial-style bar means business, boasting 23 ingredients in the Bloody Mary alongside beers and wines produced in Temecula. Other than ice cubes and ice cream, you won’t find anything in the freezer. All desserts are made in-house, meaning you can clean that plate of bourbon bread pudding and salted caramel ice cream knowing that the chef was behind the magic.

Innovative food and drink menus make this clubby restaurant on the historic Main Street promenade very much shaken, and not stirred. Grab a front-row seat on the patio or head inside for a table overlooking the neon bar to enjoy cocktails such as the But First, Let Me Take a Selfie (arrives with a Polaroid of you) or the Bonnie and Clyde (arrives with a flaming counterfeit $100 bill) and entrées like the short-rib melt or the honey jalapeño–glazed salmon on peanut slaw. Vegans will be pleasantly surprised with a variety of options. It’s one of the few places in Riverside open daily for dinner, with a “last call” way past midnight.

At this shop, bar, and restaurant inside a former orange-packing house, you can purchase wines from around the world and enjoy them on-site. Throughout the day, pair your selection with seasonal small plates and specialty cheeses and, for dinner, entrées like poke tostadas with sushi-grade ahi tuna and an organic beef burger with smoked bacon, aged cheddar, and spicy tomato aioli.