I can’t remember the first time I ate at Clearman’s North Woods Inn but once I had experienced what this restaurant had to offer, it was instantly a favorite of mine forever. When you first arrive you will almost think that you are in the mountains right there in the middle of Covina, CA but it takes but a glance around to be reminded that you are in the city. This place is one huge log cabin with snow on the roof. Yes, there is snow on the roof or at least the appearance of snow but it certainly gives the place some charm.
When you walk inside it takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to their lighting but once you adjust it is like stepping into another world. The place is dimly lite with what appear to be candles but I think they are actually lights. You will instantly feel like you have been transported to a ski chalet somewhere else in the world. There is a giant stuffed bear that welcomes you when you walk in and a cozy fireplace area for you to sit and enjoy peanuts while you wait for your name to be called.
The Peanuts – These things are everywhere, they have bowls of them set out on tables everywhere but when your name is called and you are taken to your table you waiter will walk up and toss a bowl full of them on your table for you to enjoy while to decide what you will be having.
Cocktails – There is a full bar here so I imagine they can make just about any drink that you order. Wine, beer whatever you choice. When we were young we would get Shirley Temples with lots of cherries, I think it was a Roy Rogers for the boys. As an adult I have enjoyed several fancy drinks with straws and umbrella’s and for non-drinkers they have a selection to accommodate you as well.
The Food – I usually will order some kind of steak which they have several cuts for you to choose from, seafood and chicken are also offered and my favorite of all is their Stuffed Lobster Tail, man is this amazing. They cook up a good sized lobster tail and they lift up the meat and put a good amount of almond stuffing in the shell and replace the meat back on top, I tell you this is the best lobster I have ever had.
The Potato – This has always been one giant potato, usually more than you can eat. You have the options of having their whipped cheese sauce, the usual sour cream and chives or what I like to order, the mushroom gravy. This is a really rich, full of flavor and mushroom slices that goes great on the potato or your steak as well. I usually get the whipped cheese because I am part mouse and a side of the mushroom gravy. If a giant potato isn’t enough you get a side of rice pilaf as well and this is some really good pilaf, very flavorful, again the best I have had.
The Other Sides – These include endless amounts, all you can eat red cabbage salad which is awesome, what I believe is a blue cheese dressing mixed with lettuce, it is so simple but carries a big flavor and then there is the bread. Their signature cheese bread is the bomb and I always make sure I get a fresh bowl full just before I am done so I get to take it home. You can buy the spread in the store but nothing compares the the restaurants.
If you haven’t been you need to make a point of checking this place out at least once, check online for other locations at Clearman’s North Woods Inn
