“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” ― Orson Welles
If you haven't eaten your way around Claremont, start now with this perfect beginner's guide. As the unofficial food expert on the Odyssey team, I would like to present my 10 picks for the fellow foodies out there. I hear you and I am here to help you. From mind-blowing burgers to delightful Asian fusion, I'm sure that you will find something that interests you.
1.Eureka!
I know this is a cliché, but also a must-go. You probably have been there already. Have you had their Truffle Cheese Fries or Napa Burger? Or the Jalapeño Egg Burger? Next time when you go there, don’t just stick with your usual go-to, try their Bone Marrow Burger, which is topped with bone marrow porcini butter and tastes absolutely beautiful. This is the first restaurant I went in there as a first-year student and was definitely impressed. Don’t worry; the list does not just end here. I have plenty more for you.
MUST TRY: Truffle Cheese Fries
Their address: 580 W First St, Claremont, CA
Check out their menu here.
2. The Back Abbey
This one could possibly be my favorite in the village. You may have gone there once or twice. Please go again and try everything on the menu. Not only are their fries a must-order, even the complementary side salad is ridiculously delicious. Because it is a gastropub, you can of course expect wonderfully brewed beer as their selection goes up to one hundred and ten different kinds from all around the world. Even if you are under 21, this place will not disappoint. Its small yet quality menu can ensure that every dish you order will be extraordinary. Their hours are also delightful in case if you have late-night cravings, which I almost guarantee will happen at some point during your college years.
MUST TRY: basically everything, definitely The Back Abbey Burger, Pommes Fries
Their address: 128 N Oberlin Ave, Claremont, CA
Check out their menu here.
3. Rounds Premium Burgers
You have probably been to Eureka or The Back Abbey by now, but you might have never heard of this place. Now is not too late. Seriously, this place needs no convincing. It will magically answer all of your burger cravings. If you have never experience the wonder of building your own burger, please go here immediately. Like what they say on their website, “Your burger, your way, every time.” Whether you are a meat-lover like me, or a vegetarian, or gluten-free, put whatever you want on it and make it your own special creation.
Must Try: BYO burger (duh), Garlic Fries (ermahgerd! Sooo good!)
Their address: 885 S Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA
Check out their menu here.
4. Euro Café
This cute little brunch place is perfect for your Sunday cozy mornings. Unlike the other commercialized restaurants, this place is family owned and operated, and remains as a hidden gem of Claremont. As one of the first Portuguese restaurants in Southern California, Euro Café with its truly quality food and friendly attitude, ranks top in casual dining. With their selection of classic Portuguese and Italian dishes, you will for sure find something that you love there.
MUST TRY: Linguiça Sausages, Coffee
Their address: 546 E Baseline Rd, Claremont, CA
Check out their take-out menu here.
5. The Spot
This place is ideal for a quick healthy casual bite. Their smoothies are yummy and the açai bowls are definitely the best you can find in walking distance from campus. Next time you go for a trader joe’s run, please go check out this place and get something to go. Trust me, you will be pleased.
MUST TRY: açai bowls, smoothies
Their address: 435 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA
Check out their menu here.
6. The Junction
As one of the best Asian fusion restaurants close by, The Junction offers a variety of delicious fusion dishes and great service, ideal for anyone who is eager to try out the trendy Korean style items such as Kimchi Fried Rice, The Junction Bowl.
MUST TRY: Kimchi Super Fries (warning: it’s large)
Their address: 1 N Indian Hill Blvd, Ste 102-103, Claremont, CA
Check out their menu here
Advanced Level Alternative: Far East Joint
If you have a car and are willing to travel a little further to an even better Korean fusion restaurant, be sure to check this one out. Not only is the price very appealing, the food itself is amazing. Trust me, this will answer all of your kimchi cravings.
MUST TRY: Joint Fried Rice (ideal leftover for those late nights study sessions)
Their Address: 1230 Lakes Dr, Ste 104, West Covina, CA
Check out their menu here.
7. Sanamluang Thai Cuisine
This is, hands down, the best Thai place around Claremont. Forget about the one in the village. This will for sure blow your mind. The noodles are thought to be among the best, if not, the best in Los Angeles. Please go there immediately. I am begging you.
MUST TRY: Pad See Ewe, Spicy Mint Leaves Fried Rice, Tom-Kha-Kai (OMG)
Their Address: 710 S Indian Hill Blvd, Claremont, CA
Check out their menu here.
8. Rolls N Wraps Indian Grill
This one may be a little far, but it is definitely worth the drive. Its authentic dishes have quite the good reputation among the South Asian community here. The food is absolutely delicious and the location is easy to find. If you want some true Indian food, go there. You will not regret it.
MUST TRY: Tandoori Chicken, any kind of Nann, Bengan Bhartha
Their Address: 9658 Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Check out their menu here.
9. Onishicho Ramen
You have never heard of this place? Surprisingly, I didn’t know that this place existed until recently as well. Before that, I have been commuting at least 20 to 30 minutes away to San Gabriel or Pasadena for a taste of that delicious ramen broth. This is actually just on Foothill! I know that this is not the best ramen that you will ever have, but for the price and its distance to campus, this place definitely is the perfect easy ramen fix for all you ramen lovers out there.
MUST TRY: Spicy Miso Ramen
Their Address: 504 E Foothill Blvd, Pomona, CA
Check their menu here.
10. The Hat
No kidding. This place has world famous pastrami. Their pastrami is obviously the bomb, but so is their price. For under five dollars, you get a serving size that is enough for two to three people. As a fellow broke college student, I totally understand the struggles. Even if you don’t like pastrami, their Chili Cheese Fries are divine. Please go there and taste for yourself.
MUST TRY: Chili Cheese Fries, Wet Fries
Their address: 857 N Central Ave, Upland, CA
Check out their menu here.
