01
Best overall pick
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Montclair Place Area • Lively Modern American Restaurant • Best For Groups And Mixed Tastes
A big, buzzy spot where you can bring a crowd and still find something for everyone on the menu.
Lazy Dog leans into the all-day, all-occasions role with a menu that runs from burgers and salads to wok-fired bowls and weekend brunch. The room is spacious, the bar is active without being overwhelming, and the staff is used to juggling large parties. It’s a smart choice when you’re meeting friends at Montclair Place or need an easy, reliable option after shopping or a movie.
02
Top steakhouse
Black Angus Steakhouse
Central Avenue Corridor • Classic Western-Style Steakhouse • Best For Hearty Dinners
Old-school steakhouse comforts with solid cuts, big sides, and a relaxed, familiar feel.
If your idea of a night out is a proper steak, potatoes, and a cocktail, Black Angus hits the mark. The menu sticks to the classics—prime rib, ribeyes, baked potatoes, and campfire-style desserts—with portions that satisfy serious appetites. It’s an easy go-to for birthdays, work dinners, or anytime you want that dimly lit booth and a strong pour at the bar.
03
Best for modern Mexican
La Popular
Near Claremont Village • Upscale Contemporary Mexican Restaurant • Local Date-Night Favorite
Stylish Mexican cooking with thoughtful cocktails, good for lingering over shared plates.
Just a short drive from Montclair, La Popular brings a polished take on Mexico City–inspired dishes, from tacos with house-made tortillas to richer plates built around slow-cooked meats. The dining room feels lively but not rushed, and the bar turns out balanced margaritas and agave-focused cocktails. It’s a strong pick when you want something a little dressed up without feeling formal.
04
Go-to for sushi and a show
Tokyo Kitchen
Along Foothill Boulevard In Upland • Teppanyaki And Sushi House • Best Interactive Dining Experience
Chefs work the teppan grill with flair while the sushi bar keeps rolls and nigiri coming.
Tokyo Kitchen is the kind of place where dinner is part meal, part performance, especially if you reserve a teppanyaki table. Expect sizzling steak, shrimp, and fried rice cooked right in front of you, with a bit of showmanship thrown in. If you’d rather keep things quieter, the sushi bar side offers a wide range of rolls and sashimi in a more laid-back setting.
05
Essential barbecue stop
Gus's BBQ
Claremont Village • Southern-Inspired Barbecue Restaurant • Best Comfort-Food Craving Fix
Slow-smoked meats, sturdy sides, and a cozy storefront vibe draw regulars from Montclair and beyond.
Gus’s serves up smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with a choice of sauces and sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The space feels warm and neighborly, and the menu works as well for a casual date as it does for a family dinner. Go early on busy nights—once the most popular cuts are gone, they’re gone.