The Back Abbey (Claremont) - Yummy Burgers and Beer

[attran99]

I was in charge of entertaining my husband's college-age cousin and his frat boy friends from Texas for the night, so I took them to The Back Abbey. Tons of beer and gastropub-like burgers in Claremont Village on a Thursday night...should be plenty of entertainment for the boys, right? Of course, it was.
The computers were down when we arrived and it was super crowded, but we managed to find a table outside because it was too hot inside for the boys. We ordered a round of beers (and I'm not a beer drinker)...pale ales for them and a famboise (raspberry) for me. The raspberry beer was like juice...which was quite fine for me because I'm just not a fan of beer.
We ordered a full order of the Belgian fries to share...and they were really good. Super crisp and pillowy soft and mashed potato-like center. Served with ketchup, horseradish chive aioli, and a roumelade.
For the burger, I ordered the Back Abbey (Aged Gouda, mustard aioli, caramelized onion, Niman Ranch bacon, and micro greens served on a Brioche bun), as did two of the other guys. One ordered the Backyard (Butter lettuce, red onion, tomato, pickle and 1-year-aged cheddar cheese served on a Brioche bun with a side of red remy). I have to say, the burger was delish! The brioche bun was a light richness to the wonderfully cooked medium rare beef that was seasoned just right. The saltiness and crispness of the lovely bacon added taste and texture, while the micro greens lightly dressed in the mustard aioli gave it some freshness. The caramelized onions gave it a sweet little finish. Probably on my list of top five burgers. The burger came with a small mesclun salad dressed lightly with the mustard aioli.
The boys seemed to enjoy their burgers and beer...and the people...err...girl watching. It's their first trip to the L.A. area, and they started driving at 9AM on Wednesday morning to get here. They were completely full and exhausted after one beer. It was a nice low-key evening to cap off a day of driving, family visiting, and sightseeing for them.

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The Back Abbey
128 Oberlin Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

[degustateur]

I agree with you 100% attran99! The Back Abbey rocks. Everything from the locale and vibe to the food and service is fantastic. Among the best burgers to be found anywhere and the Belgian fries really kick. Their selection of beers and ales is amazing, including about thirty or so on tap. The Rochefort Trappist is awesome as is the Westmalle if one prefers something a bit lighter. Burgers and beer, a match made in heaven.

Problem is, it is usually packed. So, attran99, why did you go and announce it to the world? (^_^).

Just kidding, fellow Hounds, about the announcement that is. It is well worthy of your patronage.

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The Back Abbey
128 Oberlin Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

[attran99]

Ain't that the truth, degustateur! It was super packed when we arrived and continued to be packed until we left. It was all so good I had to share with the world...but lucky us, most of the CHs live west of here so very few of them will ever be in our neck of the woods to pack The Back Abbey even more so. I was super impressed with the raspberry beer...loved it!
In case you ever want drinks or a place to chill after The Back Abbey, Hotel Casa 425's bar and lounge next door is an awesome place for chi-chi cocktails. I love the courtyard with the couches and tables...elegant and trendy all at the same time.

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Hotel Casa 425
425 West First Street, Claremont, CA

The Back Abbey
128 Oberlin Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

[degustateur]

Thanks for the heads up on 425. I will be checking it out. You know, attran99, I’m very pleased with Claremont’s current crop of venues. Among my fav’s are Viva Madrid, La Piccoletta, Tutti Mangia, Inka Trails and, of course, The Back Abbey. I really really miss 3 Forks – what an unfortunate ending. I hear that it will be reopening. Any word?

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3 Forks
580 W 1st Street, Claremont, CA 91711

Inka Trails
1077 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711

The Back Abbey
128 Oberlin Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

Tutti Mangia
102 Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

La Piccoletta Restaurant
114 N Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711

Viva Madrid
225 Yale Ave Ste B, Claremont, CA 91711

[attran99]

I'm a fan of Inka Trails, too. Need to try the rest of your recs.
I actually never got a change to try 3 Forks...I hear they renamed it The Forks...I thought it was supposed to open sometime late last year, but that never happened. I wonder what the deal is.

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Inka Trails
1077 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711

[degustateur]

Viva Madrid should probably be first up. A fairly authentic Spanish Tapas Bar offering over 50 delicious small plates plus selected full entrees and desserts. My favorites include Gambas Ajillo (shrimp in garlic wine sauce), Tosta con Cabales Queso y Peras (toast with Cabrales cheese and red wine with poached pears), Calamares Con Chorizo (stuffed squid with chorizo, onions, & herbs), Emanada De Pollo (chicken, onions and red bell peppers) and Chuletas De Cordero (broiled marinated lamb chops). Full bar and great ambiance in a charming part of town. Love this cozy place!

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Viva Madrid
225 Yale Ave Ste B, Claremont, CA 91711

[attran99]

We went to Viva Madrid and tried all of your recs...simply superb! I think I could live there and get fat. It's now a favorite of mine, too!
Also tried Tutti Mangia for Wine Tasting Tuesdays...for $10 you get to five glasses of wine and appetizers...now if that's not a deal, I don't know what is. They have a different vineyard come in and showcase their wines. I was pretty impressed.
FYI, 3 Forks/The Forks will not be re-opening. I'm super sad, I really wanted to try it. I was in the Village not too long ago, and noticed that a new place is setting up shop where it used to be.

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Tutti Mangia
102 Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711

Viva Madrid
225 Yale Ave Ste B, Claremont, CA 91711

[pslpsl]

3 forks/the forks is no more: they are opening a Eureka Burger in that space...

http://www.eurekaburger.com/