Ranch Side Cafe

11355 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342, United States
+1 818-834-0031
$$$ Cafe , Restaurant
(468 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Ranch Side Cafe sits just off Foothill Boulevard in Lake View Terrace, blending a casual diner atmosphere with an unexpectedly diverse menu that reflects the local community’s mixed heritage. This family-run spot feels like a regular stop for neighbors, from families dropping in after a day at the nearby Discovery Cube to longtime locals who appreciate a relaxed table and friendly, familiar faces behind the counter.

The dining experience here is informal but comforting, with a menu that weaves together classic diner staples, Mexican flavors, and Ethiopian influences—an unusual combination that works well in practice. The vegetarian plate featuring injera, Ethiopia’s staple teff bread, pairs well with hearty sides like country-style potatoes or hash browns, catering to both adventurous eaters and those seeking simple, satisfying meals. Other notable dishes that reflect the café’s range include shrimp fajitas, pastrami sandwiches, and breakfast offerings such as the Cali omelet with pancakes or the Waffle Slam breakfast, making it a solid choice for any meal of the day.

Service here leans warm and laid-back, with the kind of attentiveness that comes from a place where people genuinely know their regulars. The space itself is unpretentious, favoring straightforward décor over trendiness, which helps the food and community vibe take center stage. Parking is convenient, right off the freeway, making it a practical stop for both quick bites and more lingering visits.

This is a spot where guests often find themselves coming back not just for the food, but for its sense of easy familiarity—whether that means sharing a veggie plate, digging into a chicken melt sandwich, or enjoying a classic root beer float. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to have a steady flow of locals, while weekends bring in families looking for generous breakfast plates in a no-fuss setting.

For those passing through Lake View Terrace or seeking a casual meal with an uncommon twist, Ranch Side Cafe offers a grounded, community-rooted experience that’s less about style and more about substance and friendly faces.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

468 Reviews
Jerome Palacios Myerson

15 Dec 2025

Just ate the veggie plate and it was truly delicious!! And my wife ordered the BBQ tri tip sandwich with coleslaw and she said it was quite flavorful. Thank you so much, we'll be back ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Emma Joss

14 Dec 2025

Stopped here after a visit to the discovery cube with our toddler and immediately fell in love with the place. Full of regulars, such kind owners and the food was delicious. Will be returning!

Ambar B Capoor

10 Dec 2025

Incredibly good food tucked away in a very unassuming little Cafe. This little hidden gem is a sleeper up in the Angeles Canyon. The unexpected Ethiopian menu was absolutely delicious, we ordered the sambusa, the chicken and the anjeera with beef stew. This is such a great little place, filled with halt regulars and staff. Definitely worth a trip if you're anywhere in the area, they're Mexican and American menu are pretty good as well. Highly recommend. If you liked my review please give me a thumbs up to let me know! Follow me for more fun reviews.

Chris Maloney

08 Dec 2025

Classic Diner videos with Ethiopian and Mexican influences. Wonderful vegetarian dish. Veggie plate with Injera /Teff bread. Right off the freeway with easy parking. Great stop!

Marc

19 Nov 2025

Great place. It seems like a family business and the people there were so nice and the service was great. I decided to try the Ethiopian food and it was delicious. I ate the Awaze Tibs. They also make Mexican food and traditional diner style food. Quite an amazing variety of choices. Highly recommended.

Karla Zamora

14 Nov 2025

We celebrated Mother's Day at this restaurant after a nice walk at the Mile Run in the Hansen Dam Park. When you walk in you'll be transported to the golden age of Hollywood cowboys with their murals. We were seated immediately and our order was taken quickly after. The restaurant was a bit busy so it took some time to receive out order but not much. The food and coffee were great. I got french toast, hash browns, and a side of Ethiopian veggies. The service we got was amazing because the owners are their working with smiles on. Come to the Valley and checkout this small and quaint family owned restaurant.

Jose Espinoza

19 Oct 2025

Stopped by for a quick breakfast before getting back on the road. Ordered the french toast with sausage. Good food, decent prices. Small comfortable atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

Anngela Boutelle

28 Sep 2025

Stopped for the first time for lunch. Great atmosphere! Indoor and outdoor seating. Great selection!! Husband had a delicious hamburger with fries and I had a chicken, bacon, avocado, jack cheese lettuce wrapped with fruit cup. Delicious!! Fruit was ripe and perfect!! Love that they offer a variety of beer and sangria Service and quality of food is outstanding!!

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