01
Best for sunset views
Coco Palm Restaurant
Fairplex Hillside • Upscale Cuban Restaurant • Best For Date Night
A polished Cuban spot perched above Pomona with strong mojitos, hearty classics, and one of the best sunset views in the valley.
Perched above the Fairplex, Coco Palm feels like a mini getaway with its palm-lined terrace, city lights, and live Latin-leaning energy on busy nights. The menu leans into Cuban comfort—think ropa vieja, lechón, and paella—backed by generous portions and tropical cocktails that don’t feel like an afterthought. It’s where locals book anniversaries, birthdays, and any dinner that deserves a bit of extra ceremony.
02
Classic special-occasion pick
Pomona Valley Mining Co.
Hilltop Above Pomona • Rustic Steakhouse And Buffet • Best For Celebrations
A throwback hilltop steakhouse known for its sprawling valley views, prime rib, and hearty Sunday champagne brunch.
Pomona Valley Mining Co. leans hard into its mining-camp theme, but behind the kitsch is a reliable steakhouse with sweeping views that keep locals coming back. Prime rib, big salads, and old-school sides anchor the menu, and the champagne brunch is a weekend ritual for families and big groups. It’s the kind of place where you book a big table, linger over dessert, and watch the city light up below.
03
Best for pasta and wine
VITA Italian Bar & Grill
Downtown Arts District • Modern Italian Bar And Grill • Local Favorite
A contemporary Italian spot in downtown Pomona serving polished pastas, wood-fired mains, and a good-value wine list.
VITA brings a downtown edge to Italian comfort food, with a menu that moves from crisp calamari and salads to rich house pastas and grilled mains. Portions are generous without feeling heavy, and the wine list hits that sweet spot of interesting but still weeknight-friendly. It’s an easy pick when you want something nicer than a slice shop but still relaxed enough for a midweek catch-up or pre-show dinner.
04
Lively downtown hangout
El Jefe Cocina Mexicana & Cantina
Downtown Pomona • Lively Mexican Cantina • Group-Friendly Spot
Bold, party-ready Mexican plates and tequila-forward drinks in the middle of downtown Pomona’s nightlife strip.
El Jefe is built for energy: music up, plates coming out hot, and a bar that can handle a round of margaritas for the whole table. The menu hits all the crowd-pleasers—street-style tacos, saucy enchiladas, and shareable platters—making it easy to order family-style. Weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and live music turns the space into a social hub, especially if you’re rolling in with friends.
05
Best pre-fair or event dinner
McKinley’s Grille
Fairplex Hotel • Farm-To-Table American Restaurant • Best For Pre-Event Dining
A calm, farm-inspired spot at the Fairplex hotel with seasonal American dishes and easy access to events and the fairgrounds.
Tucked inside the hotel at the Fairplex, McKinley’s Grille is the low-stress choice when you want a proper sit-down meal before a concert, expo, or the LA County Fair. The menu focuses on approachable American dishes—think steaks, burgers, and seasonal mains—with a bit more polish than you’d expect this close to the parking lots. Its spacious dining room and patio make it a dependable option for families and out-of-town guests alike.