Good food between Palm Springs and Pomona on I-10?

[brixton77]

Hey all,

Every weekend I drive from Palm Springs to West LA, and the first hour is just a slice of hell on the I-10. I go through Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Redlands, Loma Linda, Rialto, and Ontario.

Other than Redlands, which seems ok except for the smog, the entire trip is just Mad-Max. Once I get to the Pomona area, I know where some good places are, but everything before that is just a vague wasteland. I generally end up eating at the wonderful Chinese places in Monterey Park.

Are there any hidden jewels on that first hour of the I-10?

I am a true omnivore. If there is a great truck-stop along the way, that would be super-cool. It doesn't have to be trendy or fancy. Just really good.

best

brixton77

[yumyumyogi]

Yikes. I feel your pain. I just moved to the desert from NYC. A few place I've found so far:

THE GRAND OAK STEAKHOUSE & BAR
About 5 minutes drive off Rt 10. A nice surprise - food and atmosphere. On a beautiful property with lavender fields, cypresses, and olive trees.
http://hsresort.com/thegrandoak/index.htm

MU
An organic Thai restaurant in Redlands. A bit on the pricier side, but pretty darnn good.
www.mumartini.com/MU.html

Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!

[attran99]

That's one heck of a drive...and you're right, the first hour is a slice from hell. My in-laws live out that way, and there is no decent food anywhere in the vicinity of Banning and Beaumont. We live closer to the latter end of your slice of hell...so here are some picks for you:
Kick Back Jack/BC Cafe (Rancho Cucamonga and Claremont) - The one in Claremont is right off of the Indian Hill exit. Love their breakfasts...their blueberry pancakes are like gigantic blueberry muffins that have been smashed flat. The super home fries are delicious...topped like loaded baked potatoes or chili cheese fries. During lunch service, they bring out homemade potato chips free of charge. Please note they're only open until 3 everyday...no dinner service.
Kazama Sushi (Claremont) - Awesome sushi! The owner has over 30 years of experience and serves one of the best spicy tuna rolls I've ever had.
The Hat (Rancho Cucamonga and Upland) - I love their pastrami, chili cheese fries, and they have pastrami chili cheese fries that will probably kill you and those you share with, but worth every bite...just make sure that they added chopped tomatoes and pickles on top...the acid helps cut through the grease.
Crusty Tart Bakery (Upland) - Limited hours on Saturday and closed on Sunday. They have lovely baked goods. I love their cinnamon rolls and scones.
Cafe Allegro (Upland and La Verne) - French/Italian food. Awesome service. I love their seafood dishes and the hubby likes the chicken parm. If the lobster bisque is available, I suggest you take them up on it.
Old World Deli (Upland and West Covina) - The broasted chicken is the best fried chicken I've ever had. It does take time (15-20 mins) to cook, but so worth it. They also have some really great salads, and make their own roast beef for their deli counter.

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BC Cafe
701 S Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711

Caffe Allegro
186 N 2nd Ave, Upland, CA 91786

Kazama Sushi
101 N Indian Hill Blvd Ste C1-104A, Claremont, CA 91711

Cafe Allegro
2124 3rd St, La Verne, CA 91750

Old World Delicatessens
2648 E Workman Ave Ste 1, West Covina, CA 91791

Old World Delicatessens
821 N Mountain Ave, Upland, CA

B C Cafe
10123 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Hat
857 N Central Ave, Upland, CA 91786

Crusty Tart Bakery
130 S Mountain Ave, F Upland, CA

[Chowpatty]

There's also lots of good Chinese on the 60 around Rowland Heights, but that doesn't really answer your question.
I always wondered about Gramma's (?) diner around Beaumont myself. But actually I think this needs to be on the California board.
This came from a post on the California board:
"If you are willing to drive to Redlands, there are several excellent restaurants clustered around downtown, The Farm, Joe Greensleeves, Gourmet Pizza."