My Meal Cost: $63.57 for two plus tip. Health Rating A. Yelp 4 stars
OK, so this is a blog called Dining in Pomona, and, if you were observant, you may have noticed that this place is in CHINO? What gives?
The raison d'etre of this blog is to promote Pomona business and to get people to contribute to our local economy. So why a place in Chino? The way I choose to justify it is that it is owned by our Lincoln Park neighbor Rodrigo Avila, so I know that at least some of the money comes home. It may be a stretch but it's my blog, so . . .
The raison d'etre of this blog is to promote Pomona business and to get people to contribute to our local economy. So why a place in Chino? The way I choose to justify it is that it is owned by our Lincoln Park neighbor Rodrigo Avila, so I know that at least some of the money comes home. It may be a stretch but it's my blog, so . . .
Located near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Central Avenue in Chino, the Riverside Grill is a wonderful spot for a good meal. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I've been there for lunch and the selection of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and burgers is quite extensive. They have limited indoor seating, but they have a fully covered patio which is where we usually try to dine.
On Fridays and Saturdays they have live music. We've seen folk singers and light rock in the past. This particular Saturday evening we heard vintage music from a duo with guitar and woodwinds (clarinet and saxophone). They played some great jazz standards and easy listening classic rock. AND they were not so loud that you couldn't enjoy your dinner and light conversation.
On this particular Saturday evening, there was a special 2 for 1 (at that time it was a Wednesday and Saturday special) which included most of the items on their somewhat smaller dinner menu (13 items).
Restaurant critic Allan Borgen said of the Riverside Grill, ". . . the portions (are) large and the prices are almost dirt cheap considering the quality of the dishes that are served . . . This restaurant is an outstanding restaurant for that outstanding casual gourmet quality meal."
The lovely Mrs. C and I both opted for the Ribeye steak. Hers medium rare, mine rare. This meal came with a salad, rice pilaf, and steamed vegetables. We also ordered a bottle of Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel wine. They are really known for their beer bread, while it wasn't part of the special, it is included if you order off the regular menu. You've got to try it at least once, it's well worth it.
First out was the salad which was a nice combination of greens with red onion, sliced mushrooms and I had a nice creamy blue cheese dressing. The Lovely Mrs. C had hers with the Italian dressing.
The steak was done just the way that we both ordered, grilled to perfection. The rice had peas and carrots and the vegetables were well steamed, not too soft, but with a slight crunch to them. The wine was excellent for those who like a full-bodied red wine.
Comfortable outdoor dining, in a lovely setting, good food, good wine, and listenable music. We will certainly be back for more. And, if you go, please say hello to Rodrigo and maybe see if you can coerce him to open a clone in our fair city.
