This is a wonderful place to breathe in some fresh and cool air. I bought a cup of brew coffee and the staff here were friendly. It was said that bears regularly visit the trash bin nearby every morning. read more

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Very good hot dogs. Wow the size and quality of the franks rock. Value and quality. Totally worth it.

Wanted to bring my family here for a snowy lunch day after the storm. Called in the morning to ask about weather conditions and if there was still a lot of snow. The guy who answered said "there's still a lot of snow and it's beautiful, still cold, we're open. Just bring your money". My family was super excited since we had a great experience last time. Well... when we got up there, everything was mostly dry, with scattered areas of melting snow. Very disappointed since we trusted their words. read more

Came up in search looking for snow -- there's still a bit left. I stopped in to buy an Adventure Pass, and the owner was very nice and helped me with directions on where to find the snow. It's a charming little store and restaurant with very reasonable prices on food like hamburgers. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Exterior - American Near Me - Azusa, California

I saw this place on IG and saved it on my bookmarks a few months ago. It looked unbelievably amazing and cozy. The drive up here was beautiful and we enjoyed it much. But once we got here I still Can't believe what I walked into. How is this place even operating. It's so messy and flooded with things and no space to move around. One side is a shop selling snacks and I don't even know what cause I couldn't stay inside much and the other side is the cafe supposedly. It's basically a window, you place your order and go outside where there are picnic tables that's where you eat. ..... I just can't understand how this place is a cafe ????? Anyway we ordered a chicken sandwich which didn't taste like anything and a breakfast burrito that was actually good so my husband and I shared it. Apparently it's been in business for over 30 years. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - American Near Me - Azusa, California

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Amazing place and good service they're very nice and friendly And good food especial tuna sandwich lovet read more

Friendly service, good food and great experience after a hike at Griffith park. Over all I would definitely recommend this cozy cafe, especially after a morning hike. read more

We drove up to ANF for hiking around the Crystal lake recreation area. Stopped here to get some information at the trading post since the information center was not open yet around 8am on a Sunday. The shop could do with some organizing but that had the woodsy charm to it. Definitely this shop is a blessing for someone who happened to hike or camp here and forgot to carry some essentials. There's a kitchen inside with the menu of hot meals available. There was no crowd around that time. Plenty of parking available in front of the cafe as well as nearby areas. The nice man offered us a map and briefed us on the nearby trails. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - American Near Me - Azusa, California

Beautiful Place, Good food, good coffee Excellent customer service. Definitely I highly recommend this place. read more

The view here is amazing! The worker is really nice and efficient. Ordered the chili dog and grilled cheese. It was some good eats. Chili dog is packed with ingredients so had to eat with a fork. Bf loved the grilled cheese came with pickles and small salad. Also got two coke cans but they were flat. There is a couple of seating in the front with log tables. Several spaces of parking by the store and a few more a short walk away. I would come here again but try something else. read more

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The food was okay but the atmosphere was amazing! Felt like i was a million miles away from Los Angeles. Warning, very shotty cell service up here. read more

Don't let the three stars deter you, you should absolutely visit this place. I've had the grilled cheese, the hot dog, and the frito pie. Every item slaps, though the frito pie is hardly a pie, more like nachos. I just wished this place had more items suitable for the cold mountain environment. No soup or anything spicy? Also could use more umbrellas in the eating area, considering it snows and rains often. Just some suggestions. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Frito pie - American Near Me - Azusa, California

Rode bikes up there with friends and honestly I wasnt expecting much, just some bad concession type food but I was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted by a nice older gentleman in an Indian Jones hat. He had a welcoming, friendly demeanor. It was a cold ride up for us, and I wanted something hot and heavy. I had the Frito Pie, which I've always wanted to try, and that just hit the spot. The chili was sweet and tangy, the cheese gooey, which all went well with the crunchy Fritos. I also added some ketchup to it because I like ketchup on everything. Highly recommend this as a stop on your way up the snowcapped peaks! read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Crystal Lake Cafe Frito Pie - American Near Me - Azusa, California

Ok. So this place on IG looks beautiful and welcoming. I couldn't even think about going in to see the cafe itself. I know it's nature and the restroom will not be 5 stars, but campsites have some decent restrooms. This is literally a hole straight down. Flies everywhere and it's so disgusting. Floors are not swept. So if you're thinking of eating here, this might be the restroom for the cafe. I only looked from the outside and it seems although there is no seatings inside. There was a snack rack and it's really small. The hike to the lake was short and beautiful. Remember, out in nature, there is a lot of bugs. The hike was just down the hill. Bring your own food and enjoy with a picnic. read more

Adam is awesome. He is a staple at the site. He is very friendly to everyone. The cheeseburger really hit the spot, tasted like a perfect backyard burger with all the fixins. I'm normally up there on motorcycle although I had business down the mountain so I had to take my car. I will always come up here when I'm in the area to support Crystal Lake Cafe and the site. read more

Friendly owner, outdoor seating only, NO CELL SERVICE OR WiFi which is why this is a review and not a check in. Limited menu but the surroundings are BEAUTIFUL. Chili is homemade and quite "mild" good and fresh pinto beans and big chunks of tomatoes. For those with greater tolerance for "spice" you can "spice it up" with the available hot sauces read more

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In the middle of the Angeles National Forest, you don't get many amenities. With Newcomb's Ranch gone, we're lucky to still have Crystal Lake Cafe. Even if you just come for a day visit, please support this little shop. You can get trinkets, snacks, and everything you need for camping and glamping, including hot food. There are picnic tables for patrons of the business so pop in, look around, say hello, and have some Frito Pie! read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - The Frito Pie is everything you could hope for. - American Near Me - Azusa, California

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Great food. Nice to be away from crowds and smell the forest. Walked down to lake. Beautiful setting.

Convenient little cafe for anyone stopping by Crystal lake or to stay at the campgrounds. I loved the hanging screen tv playing nature music. The nature sounds made it so pleasant while u waited in the long line. We just needed a pass for the day. We went on a perfect gloomy day. The lake was so beautiful hadn't been there in years. We actually didn't want to leave. We almost decided to stay and acquire about the cabins next to the cafe but we knew that it would be a bad idea since we were not prepared. Will definitely come again and actually stay in the cabins. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Crystal Lake on a foggy day - American Near Me - Azusa, California

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This is a great little place to come eat, but unfortunately it always runs out of burgers and other popular items.

Good sized portion, friendly service, and surprisingly good when you're high up in the mountains and it's cold out. If you're looking for a quick bite and you're a fan of breakfast burritos, you won't be disappointed. Breakfast with a view! read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Breakfast burrito with sausage - American Near Me - Azusa, California

BUSY, busy busy! This is a gathering spot, much like Newcomb's Ranch up Hwy 2, where you will see a lot of different people out doing a lot of different activities, from bicyclist, motorcyclists, hikers, families, etc. Only problem here is that the place is teeny tiny and the crunch begins when you open the door. Had to grab some grub and take it outside, but the staff was pleasant and the food was good and reasonably priced, especially since they literally have a captive clientele. The ranger station is next door and it's be a great spot for a store as well, and even though I saw the word store, I never saw an actual store. Check it out if you're in the area! read more

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Staff are very nice. They're very professional. Good food! My friend forgot to bring cash and they gave him free coffee. My friend came back the following day and paid for the coffee. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - My first time to climb crystal lake from encanto park (Duarte). - American Near Me - Azusa, California

Although the store is rustic, the kitchen area is not clean. We ate there this past weekend against my better judgement and my family and I all got sick. I will be reporting them to the health department so no one else experiences what we went through. read more

Amazing gateway nice cabin to enjoy and friendly service from ADAM god bless you and family. Food is good read more

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The Cafe has everything, food, snacks, camping equipment and awesome vibes. Convenient and amazingly located to everything. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - American Near Me - Azusa, California

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Its not a cafe. Its a supervised vending machine. If you go up remember to bring your own food. This is a only option if you get desperate.

First of all this is a hidden gem in southern California. I just hope that we keep supporting Adam, AJ, and Zack. They were the best. Professional, attentive and very safe during Covid. My family and I stayed 4 days there and we didn't have to worry about anything. They had all of the information about the creek hikes, Crystal Lake hikes etc. I cant wait to come back again to enjoy the great views and quiet time with my family again, and oh yeah if you want to be off the grid, this is the perfect place to do so!! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING ADAM!! read more

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Had not been up there in almost 40 years since we pitched the Forest Service on a plan to restore Crystal Lake was rejected by the FS because it would attract too many people. Drove all the way up for Sunday breakfast. No tables indoors or outside. The only option was to eat a breakfast burrito on a bench or in the car. Drove back to Glendora to eat. read more

This little gem is amazing. The owner and his little )boy run the cafe. Super nice people specially the boy who is very attentive and helpful. I got a pb n j sandwich and the next day I got a breakfast burrito. They offer other freshly made hot foods and coffee with a large variety of creamers. They have a beautiful peaceful outdoor dining are and a few cabins to rent. I recommend this place if come to crystal lake. read more

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Always enjoy driving up here mainly for their coffee , burritos and banana bread. All the food is great and the family is very kind , highly recommend!! read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Winter updates - American Near Me - Azusa, California

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This place is awesome, tasty, and has everything you need for outdoors fun! Adam the owner is always gracious and man he makes the best breakfast burritos around! We usually will go for a early morning hike then show up at 7 am to get a chorizo burrito! It is huge cheesy and tasty and come with a delicious little salsa. They also make an incredible brownie topped with ice cream. I love this place. great people, food a scenery! read more

Recently camped at Crystal Lake and after a lengthy hike we decided to indulge in an ice cream Sundae. It only comes with vanilla ice cream but had plenty of whipped cream and chocolate syrup. It's big enough for a family of 4 to share. It was so yummy we bought another one at the end of our camping trip. The cafe itself is attached to their store. Which had just about everything you could have forgotten to pack for your camping trip. Plus some extras. The store itself is small and packed. There's plenty of seating outside, next to the store. There's access to the day use area as well as camping sites and even trail heads. The only reasons I didn't give 5 starts were: 1)Every time I went in the cashier was no where to be found. So I had to wait around for someone from the back to show up. At one point an older gentleman, who I'm still not sure is an employee, walked in (employee side) rang me up then walked back out to the front of the store, while a woman prepared my sundae then she rang me up again. I explained the older gentleman had already rang me up. It seems like she knew who I was talking about. 2)There's no window for food pick up. You order and pick up at the same counter and if there's ever more than 2 people trying to order, it gets crowded awfully fast. And the order window is next to the door so there really no place to wait for your food, where you aren't in the way of other shoppers. 3) the store ha so much merchandise. It's on the floor, racks, shelves, display cases, tables, baskets, hung on the walls and even from the ceiling. There's also very little daylight shining in so as soon as you walk in your eyes have to adjust to the dim lighting & then the claustrophobic feeling hits you. If they cleaned up, and reorganized & got rid of outdated items it would really open up the store. read more

Adam is amazing and such a great host!! Recommend anytime! My family and I have rented a cabin and was pleased.

Best food you can buy, for miles around... truth. Actually, it's simple counter fare on styrofoam plates, but unless a bear is cooking, you bring your own, or you happen to stop by someones campsite... it's the only chow in the area, when it's open. My girlfriend and I jumped in my car for a drive, and by chance, instead of going where we thought we might, I took one fun turn after another, to explore new ground, and WHAMMO.... there we were. It feels as if it's in the middle of nowhere, because it is, and when the road is closed just above it, it really is the last stop in the middle of the woods. They sell a bunch of things, probably for campers who forgot to pack warm enough, or forget snacks, or flashlights... Surprise surprise, I even saw one jacket in my size XXLT... They were very friendly and super helpful, and even the resident cat came over and greeted us on the outdoor patio. Go for the drive, the views, the air, camping, whatever... JUST TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR A FEW HOURS... and while you're there, grab a sandwich or a bowl of chili, a water, or a new hat, because it's always nice to have something new to Yelp about. read more

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Where else could one escape the city and drive just one hour from LA (a little further from OC) and be in a the most amazing mountain small town. The drive up to Crystal Lake is a nice scenic route. With many jaw dropping views along the way. The San Gabriel Dam is one of them. We rented a cabin here at Crystal Lake Cafe. One thing is if you are glued to your phone or computer this will be a challenge. There is no cell reception here and if you get some bars it's pretty spotty. So, it's perfect to come up and disconnect from everything and enjoy nature and each others company. The cabins are clean and cozy. They also have small kitchens so bring some food up to cook or make it easy on yourself and eat at the cafe. It's simple food nothing fancy but delicious! The tuna sandwich was awesome and the fries were sinfully tasty! The cafe is small.. Reminds me somewhat of a general store with a cafe. Our cabin had the amenities to make life comfortable IE. coffee pot but bring you coffee and such. They do not supply the coffee. However there is hot coco, coffee and tea available at the cafe. SNOW PLAY! Bring your snow sleds. You can also phone the cafe before you plan a trip to check the weather and such. We spent the day playing in the snow and relaxing by our pot belly stove in the evening! Staff is friendly and helpful. We are planning our next trip now! TRY THE HOMEMADE BROWNIES! They do not sell any booze at the store so bring your own.. Credit cards are not taken. So bring cash. https://www.facebook.com/crystallakecafe?group_id=0 read more

Great burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, banana bread, burritos, fries, and chili. We always come here for lunch when we ride up Hwy 2 and it's a "gathering spot ". Lots of cyclists and motorcyclists here, family run business, very good! read more

Very cozy little joint in the forest! About 30-40 minute drive from the foot of Azusa Canyon, located in Crystal Lake recreation area of Angeles National Forest. We stopped by here because we found a sign while our canyon cruise. Because we went there on a weekday, it wasn't crowded with camping folks like weekends. It was very quite and peaceful. I was able to hear the sound of the creek which was very relaxing. This place is more like a mini mart plus a small cafe than a cafe you think of. They sell lots of hiking and camping gears along with necessities like medications. Owner guy was really nice. We ordered a chili cheese fries but he said fries are available only on weekend so we got chili cheese nachos instead. It was a movie theater type of nachos but with lots of chili and tasty beans on it, and there were jalapeños and onions available for toppings. It was good and the relaxing nature scenery from outside seating made it taste even better! I definitely wanna go back there in winter! Mountains, trees and wooden cabins covered with snow....oh boy..I'm excited just by imagining the winter scenery of this place in winter! read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Tasty chili cheese nachos! $6.25 - American Near Me - Azusa, California

The Crystal Lake Cafe is an end of the road destination. Adam is a trained chef. He is able to serve simple food that tastes good and at a reasonable price. His tuna salad is simple and very good. Frito Pie is made with is own chili. His brownies are great and they are never on the menu. The best part are the cabins. If Glamping is your thing, this is the place. Cabins start at $110 a night. Come up during the weekdays for the deals. read more

Crystal Lake Cafe - Here is the number - American Near Me - Azusa, California

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Super expensive(depending on what you're buying) but it's doable, since there's no other options to pick and choose from in the mountains lol.. read more